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House passes unsustainable,
risky budget
The Washington State House
of Representatives passed a 2005-07 state operating budget Friday night
despite concerns from House Republicans who say it’s unsustainable and
fiscally irresponsible.
The $26.09 billion budget,
an increase of over 12 percent in state spending, passed on a 55-41
vote.
Rep. Doug Ericksen,
R-Ferndale, is disappointed the budget relies on tax increases, one-time
spending and fund transfers, despite the fact the state has $1.7 billion
more in new revenue from the last budget cycle.
“We could have passed this budget without putting off payment
obligations, raiding dedicated accounts, shifting money around and
increasing taxes. Unfortunately, we didn’t do it,” said Ericksen. “Now,
families will be forced to tighten their belts because government
can’t.”
Ericksen also believes the
budget sets the state up for a significant shortfall in the next budget
cycle.
“This budget lacks sound
fiscal principles and is unsustainable. It increases state spending by
over 12 percent, which would be the largest increase in the state budget
in 14 years,” said Ericksen. “By conservative estimates, this budget
sets us up for at least a $1 billion shortfall next biennium. This is a
dangerous path.”
Ericksen offered an amendment that would have diverted some of the
increased funding for the Burke Museum in Seattle to the Readiness to
Learn program for children, which saw cuts in its budget. The amendment
narrowly failed, with some Democrats siding with Ericksen.
“It’s frustrating we’re
increasing funding to museums in Seattle when we’re cutting important
funding for successful reading programs for children statewide,” said
Ericksen.
Many believe the budget
also signals the death of Initiative 601 – a measure passed by citizens
in 1993 that gave them a say in state spending.
“I-601 was adopted in 1993
as a response to a $900 million dollar tax increase. It was citizens
wanting a voice in our budget process,’” said Ericksen. “I- 601 is the
law, yet we’re treating it like something dropped in a suggestion box at
a restaurant.”
The House budget proposes
$507 million in new taxes and revenues, the Senate budget $476 million,
and the governor’s budget $329 million. Their total spending is $26.09,
$26.03 and $25.8 billion, respectively.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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