Senate Republicans release budget framework proposal, pro-business orgs release joint statement
In response to the Senate Republicans' budget framework proposal announced March 11, the Association of Washington Business, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Washington Roundtable issued this joint statement:
"We have been vocal about our support for Gov. Bob Ferguson’s approach to tackling the spending-caused deficit, and we also appreciate the Senate Republican Caucus for putting forward a budget framework that prioritizes programs essential to Washingtonians without proposing new business taxes that will ultimately impact consumers who are already struggling under the third-highest cost of living in the nation.
In contrast, over the past several weeks, some in Olympia have been amplifying a previously developed, all-cuts proposal from the former Governor. That proposal is unrealistic and creates false choices between raising taxes and cutting important programs. Furthermore, it does not address previous spending choices by the legislature that created the state’s projected budget shortfall. New policy spending grew by almost $14 billion during the last two biennia, driven by things like expansion of programs and eligibility, increased salary and reimbursement rates, and the creation of new initiatives that have yet to begin. Instead of addressing those cost drivers, the former Governor’s all-cuts proposal suggests cutting core services that Washingtonians have relied on for years.
These are scare tactics and the reality is that we are not here because of a recession. We are here because of overspending. The challenge now is to ensure fiscal discipline while protecting vital services and Washingtonians' cost of living.
Not everyone will agree with every aspect of the framework put forward by Republicans. But, as with the budget approach Gov. Ferguson recently released, the Senate Republicans’ proposal offers a valuable contribution to the debate. We appreciate the willingness of Senate Republicans to think creatively about this budget challenge."