Walsh Supports Washington State House Capital and Transportation Budgets, Votes Against State Operating Budget

16th District lawmaker: “Even with a strong economy, the operating budget sets the state up for a future deficit”

Three major pieces of legislation – the state operating, capital and transportation budgets – passed off the House floor today with mixed reviews from 16th District lawmaker Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla. Walsh expressed concern with the state operating budget, while supporting the capital and transportation budgets. Walsh voted against the state operating budget, saying that although it offers some help for families and children in need, it spends too much and sets the state up for a future deficit.

“The state operating budget does some good things for families and children. But I have serious concerns about whether we can sustain this rate of state growth without raising taxes, and what this will ultimately mean for taxpayers,” said Walsh. “I’m optimistic about our state economy, but even our best case scenario will likely lead to a budget deficit because we would be spending 1.3 billion dollars more than we are taking in for revenues. This is an irresponsible approach and puts us in the position of giving and then having to take away. It is great to have a surplus like we have this year – but it is never a good idea to fund programs and then have to un-fund them because we’ve set ourselves up for a future deficit situation.”

The state operating budget funds K-12 public schools, human services, higher education, debt services, prisons/corrections, natural resources, special appropriations, and legislative, judicial and government operations.

“Since one-party control of the state operating budget began in 2005, we are on track to grow state government by 8.2 billion dollars – an increase of 33 percent. My concern is that family and small business incomes are not growing this fast, yet they will be responsible for paying for larger state government,” said Walsh. “I believe in good economic times, which we are experiencing now, we should be just as frugal as if we were going through tough times and not be caught off-guard should our economy experience a downturn. We should budget based on worst-case scenarios – and this includes creating a constitutional rainy-day fund.”

Walsh voted for the House capital budget, noting it supports several important initiatives in the 16th District. The capital budget pays for construction and repair of public buildings and other long-term investments – such as land acquisitions and transfers.

“The 16th District benefits greatly from the House capital budget. It includes funding for the Fort Walla Walla Museum, a Highway 395/Court Street pedestrian overpass, bed expansion and improvements to the Washington State Penitentiary, a Port of Walla Walla wine incubator, and several projects for Walla Walla and Columbia Basin colleges,” said Walsh. “A lot of people have worked hard at the local level to help make these projects viable. I’m glad I could play a role at the state level to ensure these projects move forward.”

Walsh also voted for the House transportation budget, saying that it funds vital projects in the area. The transportation budget pays for projects around the state, including roads, bridges, railways, ferries, and transit systems. “Our area is receiving funding for several important projects that will lead to safer and more efficient roadways for our families and economy,” said Walsh. “If my constituents were able to see the local project list, I think they would be satisfied. I encourage them to contact my office if they are interested.” House Bill 1128now heads to the Senate for consideration.

For more information on Walsh visit: http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Walsh/  John Handy, Assistant Director – (360) 786-5758 or handy.john@leg.wa.gov Visit http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/ for more news from House Republicans

Related Resources:

• Washington State Real Estate News
• Washington State Government
• Washington State History
• Tri Cities Washington State

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