Washington State 8th District Lawmakers Vote Against Free-Spending House Budget

Haler, Hankins say problems include handling of surplus revenue.  The mishandling of the state's surplus revenue is one of the reasons State Reps. Larry Haler and Shirley Hankins today voted against the $33.4 billion operating budget put forth by the House of Representatives.

"It's bad enough that this budget would wipe out a huge revenue surplus now estimated at more than two billion dollars, and leave a budget deficit for the 2009 Legislature to address. But to spend this one-time money on programs that would be ongoing, without knowing how those programs will be funded down the line -- that's not responsible," said Haler, R-Richland.

"The idea that the state has a two-billion-dollar surplus is fantasy, especially when you take into account that our pension system is at least four billion dollars in the red, and climbing. And now that they're spending this so-called 'surplus' on a bunch of new programs, we're really going to be in serious trouble," said Hankins, R-Richland. "I understand the need to fund education, public safety and all of the other essential services of government. However, I'm really concerned that this budget pushes us off the cliff when it comes to spending."

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

"When you look closer at this budget the numbers are startling. An 18 percent jump in spending compared to the operating budget passed in 2005. An expenditure of 1.3 billion dollars more than the state takes in on the revenue side. And 2.2 billion dollars that would be spent on new policy additions, without any efficiencies or any cuts in existing state programs," said Haler, who is assistant Republican leader on the House budget committee.

The 8th District lawmakers also are disappointed that the House budget does not include a constitutional rainy day fund that would set a responsible amount of money aside and protect the state during economic downturns. The concept originated with Republicans, is supported by the governor and has already been approved by the Senate.

This operating budget, House Bill 1128, was adopted on a 62-35 vote. House members also approved a transportation budget (House Bill 1094) and a capital construction budget (House Bill 1092). All three budgets would cover the 2007-09 biennium.

The state Senate is expected to bring its own budget proposals forward later this week, and before the 2007 session ends, the House and Senate will have to work out their differences and agree on compromise budgets.

The 8th district includes the Southeast Washington area of Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco.  For real estate services in the Tri City Washington area, visit The Lane Real Estate Team.

Related Resources:

• Tri City Wa Real Estate
• Real Estate, Tri Cities
• Real Estate Resources
• Tri Cities Washington

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