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Friends and Neighbors,
The House voted on the majority party’s supplemental operating budget last Saturday. This is the largest of the three state budgets and funds K-12 education, higher education, social services, corrections, and other state agencies. After a 6.5-hour debate, I voted against the legislation, which passed with bipartisan opposition on a 52-41 vote.
I’d like to explain my vote. This budget would increase state spending by $2 billion, growing the budget this two-year cycle to almost $80 billion. For reference, spending in the 2019-21 budget cycle was $52 billion. This explosion in spending is not sustainable. In fact, this budget would spend $4.6 billion more than the state expects to collect in tax revenue. This has been a pattern in recent years.
To increase spending, this budget raids the state’s rainy-day fund — even though revenues continue to grow — as well as other dedicated accounts and the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension (LEOFF Plan 1). It also relies on questionable budgeting practices. This approach is irresponsible. At the same time, the budget reduces funding for K–12 education and Medicaid — core services that should be among our state’s highest priorities. These programs should be funded first, not cut.
My caucus offered 20 amendments, but only one was accepted. We tried to help schools, restore Medicaid, protect SNAP benefits, stop fraud, and provide some sales tax and property tax relief — all of which were rejected. This is disappointing.
House and Senate Democrats will now negotiate behind closed doors and likely unveil their final proposal during the last few days of the legislative session. This gives the public and state lawmakers very little time to understand what’s in it. And, at that point, there is no longer an ability to make needed adjustments.
The processes for the transportation and capital budgets have been much different, with Democrats working with Republicans in good faith.
Transportation budget
I voted for the bipartisan House supplemental transportation budget, which passed on a 93-0 vote. I sit on the House Transportation Committee and have been involved with the development of this budget in the past. So I know both sides are included in the development and negotiations of this budget.
This year’s version would spend $16.5 billion and provide an additional $335 million for maintenance and preservation for the construction season this summer. Maintaining our roadways and bridges must be a priority moving forward so they are no longer neglected like they have been in the past.
There is also no new bonding in this proposal, which differs from the Senate’s approach. The two chambers will now negotiate the final supplemental transportation budget.
Capital budget
While the House supplemental capital budget has not come up for a vote yet, I support that proposal as well. I sent out a news release with my seatmate, Rep. Peter Abbarno, expressing my support for the priorities of what is often called the state’s construction budget. Some of the local community projects for the 20th District in this proposal include:
- $6 million for Green Mountain School District construction.
- $1.5 million for the Lewis County public health building upgrades.
- $772,000 for the Yacolt Community Center.
- $150,000 for a detox and inpatient substance use disorder building in Chehalis operated by Cascade Community Healthcare.
- $100,000 for the Port of Ridgefield waterfront park.
- $100,000 for the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds 4-H barn roof replacement.
- $50,000 for Bob Oke Game Farm relocation and remediation efforts.
- $48,000 for Napavine School District construction planning grant.
- $45,000 for the Forest Grange renovations and revitalization project.
All totaled, this represents $16.4 million of investments in our communities. On whole, the House supplemental capital budget would spend $910.6 million — with $399.4 million from previously authorized bonds. Statewide priorities for this proposal include investments in schools, behavioral health facilities, affordable housing, water systems, and public buildings. I look forward to voting for this negotiated budget when it comes to the House floor next week.
The last six days
As of tomorrow, there will be six days left in the legislative session. While several important bills will be considered over those days, the biggest storyline is the state income tax legislation — Senate Bill 6346 — which is being pushed by the Democrats and Gov. Bob Ferguson. This bill could reach the House floor as soon as Monday. When it does, as the ranking member on the House Finance Committee, I will lead the debate in opposition to it.
That’s all I have for now. In my next email update, I will recap the legislative session. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can answer any questions or assist you with state government.
Sincerely,
Ed Orcutt
