Rep. Norma Smith issues statement on passage of state operating budget
The Washington State House of Representatives today passed the state operating budget for the 2011-13 biennium by a vote of 54-42. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, issued the following statement:
“I cannot support this budget because of the deep cuts to education and public safety despite the $4 billion increase in state revenue. Our budget document should cast a vision for Washington state that will foster our economic recovery and reflect our priorities. Instead, this budget is not sustainable and does not reflect the strategic reform of state government the people of our state have demanded. It relies on dedicated fund transfers, substantial reductions to education, significant fee increases in multiple areas of government and budget maneuvers.
“The lack of systemic reform does not give us an opportunity for long-term budget stability, which is critical for job creation in our state. We must create certainty by insisting on reform, making improvements to disadvantages that hinder job growth, and strengthening existing core competencies to move our state forward.”
House Bill 1087 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
