Rep. Chandler issues statement on passage of House Democrat budget

'At a time of record revenue collections…this budget relies on tax increases and borrowing from the future,' says Chandler

House Republican budget leader, Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, released the following statement today regarding the passage of the House Democrat budget proposal on a party-line vote:

“I am grateful for the bipartisan cooperation from the majority party in accepting amendments from House Republicans. I believe we have made this a better, more balanced supplemental budget.

“However, I still have serious concerns that this budget increases the rate of state spending much faster than the growth rate for household incomes. It is unsustainable.

“At a time of record revenue collections, with another $1.3 billion expected to come in over the next four years, this budget relies on tax increases and borrowing from the future via an apportionment shift.

“I cannot support this budget in its current form, but look forward to working across the aisle and rotunda as we strive to finish our work in the constitutionally allotted 60 days.

“There is still time to craft a supplemental budget that funds public safety, meets our education obligations, and protects the most vulnerable while leaving healthy reserves for the inevitable downturn in the economy.”

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov