Statement from Rep. Kevin Parker regarding today’s House vote on state spending plan
6th District lawmaker votes for alternative solution that would preserve more education funding
The state operating budget is facing nearly a $600 million shortfall for the two-year cycle that runs through June 30, 2011. The state House of Representatives voted on legislation today that attempts to reduce this deficit. Substitute House Bill 1086 was approved, but still leaves a sizeable spending gap for the remaining budget cycle. Rep. Kevin Parker, R-Spokane, voted against this measure and for an alternative solution that was rejected by the majority party. He issued the following statement:
“I'm disappointed with the vote on the House floor today. The bill that passed makes deep cuts to our education system and retroactively takes money back that was promised to our schools. I think this sends a bad message to our children and is the wrong approach.
“I thought the Republican solution, which I voted for, set priorities and was a step toward state government reform. We cannot keep chipping away at priorities like education while still preserving funding for programs that we know our state cannot afford in the next two-year budget cycle. It's time for state lawmakers to face the same economic realities as families, individuals and employers, and budget accordingly.
“I'm hoping the process for our 2011-13 budget is bipartisan and resembles what took place in the special session last month. We must come up with a spending plan that is sustainable and fair.”
Contact: John Handy, Deputy Communications Director, (360) 786-5758
