House Republican leaders issue statement on passage of House Democrat budget
'The House Democrat budget is unsustainable and continues to rely on one-time money for ongoing programs,' says Alexander
As House Democrats passed their budget proposal today, House Republican leaders issued the following statements:
Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, and House Republican Leader:
“We continue to be frustrated by a process governed by one party unwilling to consider bipartisan solutions aimed at controlling government spending. Now more than ever we need a responsible, sustainable budget plan to protect critical services while alleviating the burden of this recession on taxpayers. Our Republican budget team, led by Representative Alexander, has shown a path to protecting education, public safety and services for the most vulnerable without raising taxes. This is the approach we need to speed up our economic recovery and get Washington working again. But as long as the same people in conjunction with the same special interests keep spending more than we can afford, we will end up with the same results.”
Rep. Gary Alexander, R-Olympia, and ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee:
“While I have appreciated the opportunity to work with the majority party's budget writers and have spent countless hours in negotiations with them, today's budget falls short of several key priorities and principles held in high regard by myself and my House Republican colleagues.
“The House Democrat budget is unsustainable and continues to rely on one-time money for ongoing programs. In fact, it relies on more than a-half-billion dollars of one-time money, including a $300 million credit card loan that securitizes our liquor warehouse distribution operations and significantly lowers our revenues for the next 20 years.
“Instead of following through with the tried and true priorities of government, this budget continues trying to be 'all things to all people.' Low-priority programs limp along on life-support to the point of being ineffective as funds are spread across a wide range of areas. We should be focusing our efforts and our resources on supporting our constitutional responsibilities to education with emphasis on the most at-risk. We should not sacrifice the safety of our communities and families by letting criminals out of jail early. And, we should prioritize health care support to our most vulnerable citizens – children, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, and elderly who have historically qualified for full Medicaid and Medicare coverage in both Washingtons.
“I know this is not the end of the 'budget road,' and am still hopeful we can balance this and future budgets in a sustainable fashion. I'll be working now with leaders in the state Senate to convey our concerns and our priorities.”
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