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Ericksen says proposed
deficit spending puts state economy at risk
State spending will grow 33 percent – $8.2 billion
– since
Gregoire and Democrats given control of budget process
Deputy Republican
Leader Doug Ericksen voted no today on a House Democrat state
operating budget that he believes could lead to an economic downturn and
put taxpayers at greater risk.
“We all hope that our economy will continue with strong growth in the
coming years. But even with solid economic growth, this budget will lead
to a multi-billion shortfall in a few years. If our economy should slow,
the economic impacts of this budget would be devastating,” said
Ericksen, R-Ferndale. “I’m optimistic about the future. And I
believe in the people of our state. But I am not willing to bet the
people’s money on a risky budget that leaves no room for economic
cycles.”
The 42nd District lawmaker is concerned about spending $2.2
billion on new policy additions, including hiring 3,800 new state
employees, while Democrats fail to find any efficiency or cuts in
existing state government programs. Ericksen also pointed out the
state operating budget will grow 33 percent – $8.2 billion – since Gov.
Chris Gregoire and Democrats took control of the process in 2005.
“The era of big government is here – and it’s been placed squarely on
the backs of families and small businesses,” said Ericksen.
“We’ve abandoned the priorities of government approach that Dino Rossi
led in 2003. What we have this year is the priorities of bigger
government – a budget that attempts to be all things to all people
because of the surplus.”
“The individual taxpayer in Whatcom County is not seeing any tangible
benefits, or even a trickle-down effect, from the increased spending and
growth in state government,” said Whatcom County Council Member
Sam Crawford. “The taxpayer needs to ask, ‘What is this
expanding bureaucracy accomplishing?’”
In a letter to all state representatives, the Coalition of Washington
Business Organizations said: “We know the consequences of roller-coaster
budgeting. Surges in spending are followed by shortfalls, spending cuts
and tax hikes. Some blame the tax system for the problem. That’s
misplaced. With responsible spending and a Constitutionally-protected
rainy day fund, state government can manage the inevitable peaks and
valleys of the economic cycle. That is what we ask you to do now.”
The House Democrat budget does not include a constitutional rainy day
fund that would set money aside and protect the state during economic
downturns. The concept originated with Republicans, and Ericksen
supports it.
“In my time as a state representative, I’ve learned it’s as important to
be fiscally responsible in good economic times as it is during tough
times,” said Ericksen. “If we are not, it could have serious
ramifications on our economy and taxpayers.”
House Bill 1128 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
For more information on Ericksen visit:
http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Ericksen/
House budget by the numbers:
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State spending will
grow by 33 percent – $8.2 billion – since Gov. Gregoire and
Democrats took control of the process in 2005
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Spends $33.5 billion
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Spends $1.3 billion
more than the state is taking in through revenues
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$2.2 billion in new
policy additions
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No significant cuts to
any state government programs
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No constitutional
rainy day fund
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K-12 public education
ranks third in new spending
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Spends over $5,000
more per family of four (since 2005)
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Provides raises for
union-represented state employees in July, while
non-union-represented state employees must wait until September
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