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Protected rainy day fund is
good first step,
now let’s see truth in budgeting
Alexander
encouraged by governor’s proposal, hopes for adoption of more Republican
ideas
Rep. Gary
Alexander,
R-Olympia, chief budget negotiator for the House Republican Caucus,
today called on Gov. Christine Gregoire to incorporate the House
Republican Truth in Budgeting plan into her proposed 2007-09 state
operating budget.
"I'm encouraged that the governor now agrees with us about the wisdom of
a constitutionally protected rainy-day fund, and has built that into her
budget proposal. I hope she will work hard to convince the Democrats who
control the Legislature to let the voters weigh in next November. It
would help if she would also commit to moving the money from the
unprotected accounts created this past session into the new rainy-day
fund, assuming the people say yes to amending the constitution.
"I hope the governor seriously considers the rest of our Truth in
Budgeting plan, because it would help her address two important
realities: the state economy is cooling, and simply maintaining today’s
level of state-funded services, plus anticipated state employee salary
increases, is expected to use up all but $78 million of the general fund
revenue projected for the next two years.
“Another budget like the one that the Democrat Legislature produced in
March, which increased spending by 17 percent, would be a mistake. It’s
time for a transparent budget that not only includes a protected reserve
but respects the spirit of the I-601 spending limit, reflects the real
'Priorities of Government', limits tax increases to a supermajority
vote, puts true restraints on excessive spending, and clearly shows
Washington families and businesses what's happening to the money they
send to Olympia -- without the gimmicks we've seen in past Democrat
budgets.
"Truth in budgeting begins with the governor, and the House Republican
Truth in Budgeting plan is an easy road map for her to offer the real
fiscal responsibility our families deserve.”
# # #
House Republican Truth in Budgeting Proposals
Constitutional Spending Limit: Provide true restraints on
spending as voters intended with the approval of I-601. A constitutional
spending limit would prevent budget writers from gaming the system to
meet their spending desires.
Constitutionally Secure Reserve Fund: Democrat budgets have
repeatedly reflected a lack of spending restraint. Money in reserve is
as good as spent. A constitutionally secure reserve would ensure savings
for a rainy day and require a two-thirds majority to spend.
A Constitutional 60 Percent Vote Requirement to Raise Taxes:
Democrats have twice amended I-601 to skirt voter-approved limits on tax
increases to pay for their spending increases. A 60 percent vote
requirement would virtually assure bipartisan approval.
Sunshine Law for Budget: Require a seven-day sunshine period
from the time a budget is proposed to the time it can be passed out of
the chamber of origin. The public deserves a chance to know what’s in
the biggest bill of every session.
Stop the Pork Politics: In 1995, when House Republicans had
the majority in the House, the capital budget had one local project
(Pacific Science Center Funding). The 2005-07 supplemental capital
budget proposed by House Democrats contained 107 local projects at a
cost of $108 million.
End the Budget Shell Games: Eliminate dedicated funds that are
used as hiding places for more spending and make budgets understandable
only to Olympia insiders. Let the public see how its money is being
spent.
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