House passes bipartisan capital budget
The House of Representatives today passed a 2015-17 capital budget with the passage of House Bills 1115 and 1166. The budget bill passed 96-2, and the bond bill passed 96-2 as well.
Rep. Richard DeBolt, ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee, said he was pleased overall with the final product he worked on with Capital Budget Committee Chair Rep. Hans Dunshee.
“We prioritized mental health, veterans and classrooms in this budget, all of which represents the most vulnerable populations in our state,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “This is not a perfect budget, but it was good working with the chair on making sure we use the bulk of bond dollars for long-term projects that will truly benefit people in our state.”
The House capital budget includes $690 million for K-12 school construction, $70 million for the Public Works Assistance Account, $76 million for mental health facilities and beds within the community and institutions, and $58 million for the maintenance of existing state parks. Within $80 million in funding for public housing grants and loans, 500 units (beds or homes) are reserved for people with disabilities and veterans.
For the 20th District, the capital budget passed by the House includes $50 million for Chehalis River Basin flood projects and $32 million for Centralia Community College.
The capital budget now goes to the Senate for further consideration. The 2015 session is scheduled to adjourn April 26.
