Rep. Liz Pike shares her concerns on House Democrats’ new operating budget proposal
Rep. Liz Pike shares her concerns on House Democrats' new operating budget proposal
18th District lawmaker votes “no” on House Bill 1057
CONTACT: Ashley Wilson, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7761
The Washington State House of Representatives passed a new operating budget proposal, House Bill 1057, last night. Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, joined every House Republican in voting “no” on the state spending plan. She outlined the following reasons for her opposition to the House Democrats' plan that now heads to the Washington State Senate for consideration:
- The operating budget proposal would sweep all of the cash out of the Public Works Trust Fund – a financial lifeline for our cities and counties. This fund provides low-interest loans for important public works infrastructure, including primary water and sewer upgrades, that otherwise would be financially impossible to build. Cities and counties repay the money, so it's a reliable revolving fund. The House Democrats who voted for this proposal turned their backs on Washougal, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Amboy, Yacolt, and every other city in the state.
- It would spend the least amount on K-12 public education compared to other operating budget proposals. It would use an apportionment gimmick and not go far enough to meet our state's paramount duty to fully fund education – including not making a large enough down payment on our state Supreme Court McCleary decision.
- It would raise taxes on our hardworking citizens and employers at a time of high unemployment and fragile economic recovery.
- It would kill Southwest Washington businesses that rely on a large percentage of Portland shoppers because their sales tax exemption would go away. Why would they continue to shop here when they could stay home to make purchases and not pay sales tax?
- It would continue to deny cities of their rightful portion of local liquor taxes to fund important public safety efforts.
Pike is encouraging people to contact their state lawmakers in opposition to the House Democrats' new operating budget proposal.
The Washington State House of Representatives and Washington State Senate must pass a 2013-15 operating budget. The last day of the 30-day special session is June 11.
For more information about Rep. Pike, visit: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/liz-pike/.
