Pike introduces budget transparency legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 7, 2013CONTACT: Ashley Wilson, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7761
Rep. Liz Pike – (360) 786-7812
Pike introduces budget transparency legislation
Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, introduced legislation to shine a light on the budgeting process in Olympia.
House Bill 1721 would require a 72-hour notice of public and legislative review of budget and appropriations legislation.
“In past legislative sessions, the budget has been passed through both legislative chambers at a break-neck speed, allowing little to no time to examine the legislation or notify citizens about public hearing,” Pike said.
All three budgets considered in Olympia would be subject to the 3-day notice requirement. Opponents of the same legislation proposed have in the past argued that this requirement would keep lawmakers in Olympia even longer, sending the Legislature into overtime. But Pike argues it would be a small price to pay for transparency in state government.
“I ran for office because I believe government is by the people, for the people. We need to give Washingtonians every available avenue to have a say in their government, especially about budgets that affect every one of us,” Pike said.
HB 1721 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee, on which Pike is a member.
