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Deputy House Republican Leader
Joel Kretz
comments on state budget
Budget spends as much as
2007-09, structure for sustainability missing
The Washington State House of Representatives tonight passed the state operating budget.
Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, voted against the budget and issued the
following statement:
"We have people out of work and finding creative ways to stretch
their dollars to afford the basics, but with the budget passed today
it's clear Olympia doesn't operate the same way. The spending choices in
the budget set us up for what could be a $10 billion shortfall in the
next budget cycle.
"The budget doesn't prioritize spending. Budget writers cut levy
equalization by 16 percent, which hurts small, rural school districts.
The wealthy districts will be just fine under this 'reverse Robin Hood
scheme.' Ironically, the budget includes millions for the University of
Washington's Life Sciences Department. How can kids get to these
institutions if we don't fund our schools? What really upsets me is that
there's a grizzly bear study that will cost $150,000 and an expensive
sea lettuce eradication project in the budget, but the deep cuts come
out of school budgets and programs for the most vulnerable. I am in
total disbelief. Where are the Democrats' priorities?
"If you look at this budget, we were $9 billion in the red. Democrats
used $3 billion in one-time federal money, raided $777 million from the
capital budget, skipped a $449 million pension payment, took $445 from
the rainy-day fund and pilfered $160 million from other cash accounts to
fill in $5 billion of the shortfall. This money will not be available
again for the 2011 budget. Leaving the next Legislature with the mess
the current majority has created is not leadership - it's punting.
"I knew the budget situation was bad, but it hit me today when the
budget arrived at my office that this is far beyond 'bad' - it's insane.
The budget is completely irresponsible and will set up families and
employers for higher taxes. Washingtonians deserve leaders who make the
tough choices. I believe citizens will be sorely disappointed."
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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