Dear Friends,
The regular session of the Legislature adjourned on Sunday, April 28, yet we still have much work to do. The Legislature will reconvene on May 13 for special session to negotiate a budget deal and tie up some other loose legislative ends.
Budget Battle Sparks Special Session
Due to substantial differences between the Democrats leading the House and the Majority Coalition Caucus leading the Senate, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on how to fund the state’s operating budget before the scheduled end of session.
In an earlier newsletter I highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan budget that would increase funding for K-12 and higher education, protect the vulnerable and preserve the state’s “rainy day fund”—all without increasing taxes or extending those taxes that are scheduled to expire.
Government Must Live within its Means
This is where the Legislature needs to be focused—making priorities, living within our means, and not continuing to fund an ever-increasing state budget by simply taxing citizens more. I strongly believe that more and higher taxes on Washingtonians and on our businesses will further cripple the state economy and, consequently, decrease revenue down the road.
The House’s spending plan, on the other hand, relies on about $900 million in tax increases. Despite strong Republican opposition, the partisan measure passed by a vote of 50-47. Not one Republican supported it and five Democrats voted against it.
In fact, House Republicans worked hard to hang two amendments on the bill that would have allowed the tax package to go before voters on the November ballot. Unfortunately, the amendments were struck down by the majority party and didn’t make it into the bill as passed. So, if these tax increases make it through the final budget negotiations, voters will have no opportunity to have their say on the matter.
But despite where we have been, I am hopeful that we can come to a reasonable agreement during special session that cuts spending and does not raise taxes.
House Recognizes National Teacher, Principal of the Year
Before the Legislature got out of session I had the honor of co-sponsoring two House Resolutions. House Resolutions are bills that give recognition to, in this case, people who have achieved something significant. House Resolution 4652 honors Jeff Charbonneau who, as you know, was recently named National Teacher of the Year in a ceremony by President Obama. I also sponsored a resolution to recognize Trevor Greene, principal of Toppenish High School, who is the National Principal of the Year. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously by the House.
Congratulations to these two outstanding educators. They set the bar quite high, but I think their achievement shows the quality of educators in our area as a whole.
Toppenish Dairy Earns National Sustainability Award
And another thing the 15th District is known for—agriculture—is also making headlines again. Sunnyside’s Skyridge Farms was one of three dairies nationwide to receive the Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability award—out of 50,000. Owners Dan and Carolyn DeGroot received the national honor from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy in Washington D.C.
Congratulations!
Home Until Special Session
I’m enjoying being home in the beautiful Yakima Valley, where signs of summer are here. But the Legislature will reconvene on May 13 so I will continue to keep you updated on our progress. As always, thank you for your support and keep in touch.
Sincerely,
