Rep. Kevin Parker issues statement on House Democrat budget proposal
Washington State House Democrats released their 2015-17 operating budget proposal today, which includes nearly $1.5 billion in new and increased taxes.
Rep. Kevin Parker, R-Spokane and assistant ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement:
“With $1.5 billion in new taxes, this budget would mean less take-home pay for workers and families. Our state is expecting over $3 billion more in revenues during the next budget cycle, a nearly 9 percent increase. I know most families in my district have not seen that kind of increase in their own budgets.
“I'm also concerned with the very small ending fund balance projected by the required four-year outlook. The 2017-19 biennium ending fund balance is only $4 million on a budget expected to spend around $43 billion. This potentially sets us up for more budget problems down the road.
“This proposal by House Democrats represents the starting point in serious budget negotiations. I anticipate further debate, with input from Senate Republicans, will lead us to a tenable budget solution so that the Legislature can adjourn on time without spending more of our taxpayers' hard-earned money.”
