|
Statement from Rep. Barbara
Bailey
on governor's supplemental operating budget
"Republicans have
advocated that the supplemental operating budget be a tool to adjust
caseloads, address unavoidable expenditures and respond to emergencies.
The governor’s budget is just beyond this approach, and does not find
significant savings in the existing $33 billion state budget.
"We must also understand the larger context. The governor’s own budget
office forecasts a $621 million shortfall by the end of the next budget
cycle. This number does not account for extensive promises the governor
has made over the past few years. There is still no clear plan on how to
pay for these promises.
"We all know the direction this budget takes us over the next two years.
We cannot continue to spend at a rate nearly double what we are taking
in for revenue. Washington taxpayers deserve and expect the Legislature
to act responsibly. The governor’s budget fails this test."
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bailey is assistant ranking Republican on the
House Appropriations Committee. She can be contacted at (360) 786-7914
or bailey.barbara@leg.wa.gov.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|