Feb. 2, 2009

Statement from Rep. Doug Ericksen on Substitute House Bill 1694 (2009 supplemental operating budget bill)

“Today I voted ‘no’ on House Bill 1694 – the first 2009 supplemental operating budget. Due to the circumstances surrounding this bill, this was an easy ‘no’ vote. I believe it is important for my constituents to understand why I voted this way:
 
          • Budget cuts, in isolation from policy solutions, are not in the best long-term interest of our state;
          • The Legislature has refused to make it clear that taxes will not be raised. Once we make the decision not to raise taxes, we can focus on real solutions; and
          • The Legislature must set a spending limit and allow people to vote on a constitutionally protected spending limit.

“The most recent tax forecast for our state shows a projected 5 percent increase in total taxes that will be sent to Olympia over the next two years, compared to the current two-year budget. That equals more than $1.5 billion in additional tax dollars for legislators to spend. This is on top of record spending increases in the previous four years.

“There is nothing compassionate about a mismanaged state budget. Now is the time to fix the structural budget problems that face our state and to set priorities. The budget voted on today fails to address structural budget problems, fails to provide long-term policy corrections and fails to offer the people of Washington the assurances that taxes will not be raised.

“The argument made by some that our state faces a $6 billion budget deficit assumes state government will continue to grow at record rates and that bigger government is the solution to every problem. I do not agree with this argument and will be working to provide real solutions for a better Washington that empower people and limit state government growth.”

State operating budget facts:
 
          • The state will have 5 percent more money to spend in the 2009-11 budget cycle compared to the current budget cycle (2007-09).
          • The 2007-09 operating budget has a spending growth rate more than twice its revenue growth rate, including $1.7 billion in deficit spending.
          • State spending has increased by 33 percent, more than $8 billion, since 2005.
          • The state had a $1.8 billion surplus in the 2005-07 budget cycle.

# # #

For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758