|
Ranking Republican on
House Capital Budget Committee comments on today's budget proposal
Rep. Judy
Warnick, R-Moses Lake, commented today on the
release of the House capital budget proposal:
"There are many worthwhile projects in this budget that will improve our
infrastructure and be beneficial for our economy.
"While I appreciate being a part of the capital budget discussions, I
disagree with some of the funding decisions. Several projects spend
dollars to purchase and protect lands. Though I am a huge advocate of
protecting our natural resources, this is not the year to be buying
land. We are looking at closing state parks, but at the same time in
this budget we are buying more land for parks and wildlife.
"As I gave input on the budget, my priority was projects that create
jobs, expand higher education or are crucial for infrastructure. In
order to get our economy moving again, we have to focus on projects that will create jobs and make our state more attractive to
future employers.
"The operating budget proposal would transfer $780 million of
designated fund accounts normally used by the capital budget to fill part of
the massive hole in the operating budget. Raiding these funds are not a
wise use of our resources in my opinion. The capital budget provides
dollars for the construction and preservation of hospitals, affordable
housing, jails, higher education
facilities and schools in communities and districts around the state. We
could leave many of these worthwhile projects behind.
"However, a proposal to raise the bonding authority would increase the
dollars in the capital budget, while having the same effect as raising a
credit limit. I have said from the beginning that just because we can
borrow more,
doesn't mean we should.
"I hope the House and Senate capital budget committees will continue to
work together and make responsible choices with our limited spending
capacity."
# # #
For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
|