Zeiger statement on supplemental operating budget passed by House
Rep. Hans Zeiger, R-Puyallup, voted today against the operating budget passed by House of Representatives.
“This budget fails to prioritize government spending. It severely reduces or delays some of the core responsibilities of state government. I find three things about the budget especially objectionable.
1. This budget would delay more than $400 million in payments to school districts to the next biennium, placing a huge burden on future Legislatures and avoiding our paramount duty to fund education as our first priority.
2. This budget would make severe cuts to local governments, tasking cities and counties with finding new revenue and allowing local tax hikes.
3. This budget would make deep cuts to the most vulnerable, including programs for people with disabilities and mental illness. These cuts are simply unacceptable.
“I did support amendments to the budget that would have restored funding for mental health, seniors and people with disabilities. All of these amendments were rejected on the floor.
“I hope that the final version of the budget is one that establishes clear priorities, lives within our means, and avoids burdening future Legislatures with the problems of today.”
The budget passed now goes to the Senate for further consideration. The 60-day session is scheduled to adjourn March 8.
For more information, contact: Kurt Hammond, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7794
