Legislative Tracker

10th District lawmaker is assistant ranking Republican on House Ways and Means Committee

The following is a statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, on today’s passage of the House Democrats’ supplemental operating budget. The 10th District lawmaker voted “no” on Senate Bill 6444.
“This budget is asking more financially from families and individuals who are already struggling in these tough times, while making no meaningful reforms in state government. It raises taxes, but still gives state employees pay raises. This unsustainable approach is going to lead to even more serious budget problems down the road and slow our state economic recovery. The state must live within its means.
“Step one in addressing the budget problem is taking new tax increases off the table. From there, we should prioritize state government and reform our overall budget process. I have supported bills that would accomplish these goals, but they have been pushed aside. The ‘business as usual’ approach in Olympia is hurting taxpayers, killing jobs and providing uncertainty to those who truly rely on state government programs and services.”

Quick facts:

• The operating budget is on a two-year fiscal cycle, with midcourse adjustments made through a supplemental version. It is facing a $2.7 billion shortfall.
• The operating budget is the largest of the state’s three budgets, including the capital and transportation budgets, and funds K-12 schools, higher education, corrections and public safety programs, government and judicial operations, and health and human services.
• The House Democrats’ $30.678 billion supplemental operating budget has $857 million in new tax increases. It seeks to close the shortfall through:

1. new tax increases ($857 million);
2. federal funds ($641 million);
3. state fund transfers ($236 million)
4. spending cuts ($653 million); and
5. the state rainy day fund ($229 million).

• With the recent suspension of the Taxpayer Protection Act (Initiative 960) through Senate Bill 6130, Democrats only need a simple majority — 50 state representatives and 25 state senators — to increase taxes. No Republican in the House or Senate voted for Senate Bill 6130.
• The state had a $1.8 billion surplus in the 2005-07 budget cycle, driven by extraordinary real estate excise tax revenue. State spending grew by 33 percent, or more than $8 billion, from 2005 to 2008.
• The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.