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Ericksen wants truth in
budgeting, to prevent
largest spending increase in state history
Rep. Doug Ericksen,
R-Ferndale, is concerned about Democrat budget proposals that would
result in the largest state spending increase in Washington’s history.
“We’re heading down a dangerous path that all taxpayers should be
concerned about. We’re seeing an unprecedented amount of government
spending that could have a devastating impact on our state’s future,”
said Ericksen, House Republican Floor Leader. “I am not optimistic we
will be able to derail this Democrat spending express – that is why we
need to pass a ‘Truth in Budgeting’ package. We need a process that
ensures spending limits, requires a healthy reserve fund and allows
enough time for the public to be engaged.”
The supplemental budget has traditionally been a minor, midcourse
adjustment to the state’s two-year operating budget and for areas such
as education enrollment, wildfire suppression and state pension
commitments, but Republican lawmakers feel Democrats are taking the
process beyond its intended purpose.
“The budget process has been completely redefined this year,” said
Ericksen. “Call it ‘group think’ or the power of the complete majority –
whatever the reason, we’re seeing a new process emerge that is shutting
out the minority party and hard-working taxpayers.”
Senate Democrats are proposing to spend $1.3 billion – $200 million more
than the governor’s supplemental budget proposal – which would increase
state spending by 17.4 percent.
“The majority party is failing to contemplate an important economic
reality – our state cannot keep outspending its revenue,” said Ericksen.
“It’s simple math – our state economic growth of nine or 10 percent, at
best, is much less than the increase in state spending of 16 or 17
percent.”
House Democrats are proposing to allocate an additional $1.32 billion
from the state’s general fund, topping the Senate’s proposal. New
spending driven by policy changes would total around $425 million.
Continued increased state spending since last year has led Republicans
to call for a restoration of voter-approved state spending limits – a
centerpiece to a comprehensive Republican plan called the “Commitment to
Washington.”
“Democrats have pushed aside and manipulated voter-approved spending
limits that were set by Initiative 601 in 1993. For years, this
voter-driven plan led to disciplined budget decisions, efficient
government, dependable reserves, and limited tax increases,” said
Ericksen. “It’s time to give the people a voice again and restore these
spending limits.”
A recent state revenue forecast estimates Washington will collect $107
million more than anticipated when the 2005-07 budget was written, but
warns the state’s construction and real estate activities are slowing
down and could have an adverse affect on coffers.
“Just because we have a little extra money now doesn’t mean we have to
spend it – or that it will be there in the future,” said Ericksen. “We
should be putting this money aside in a prudent reserve by creating a
constitutional ‘rainy day’ fund. By doing so, we protect ourselves from
future economic downturns.”
House Democrats are proposing to leave an ending balance of $238 million
– less than 1 percent, which Ericksen described as “irresponsible and
short-sighted.”
For more information on “Commitment to Washington,” visit:
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/priorities.htm.
For more information on Ericksen, visit: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/ericksen.
The legislative session began January 9 and is scheduled to run 60 days.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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