Statement from Rep. Norma Smith on passage of 2015-17 operating budget

Statement from Rep. Norma Smith on passage of 2015-17 operating budget

Monday evening, the Washington State House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a $38 billion two-year operating budget, which goes into effect July 1.

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, voted for the spending plan and issued the following statement:

“The 2015-17 operating budget moves us further in the direction of serious reform and sustainability, which is why I cast a 'yes' vote on the strong bipartisan spending plan. The budget is a product of compromise, and a testament to how much we can accomplish when we work together on behalf of all Washingtonians. It makes record investments in K-12 education, while cutting tuition for the first time since the 1970s. It also funds cost-of-living adjustments for our teachers, who are working heroically to give our students the best possible education. What is not in the spending plan should also be recognized – the approximate $1.5 billion in tax increases initially proposed by House majority leadership. With our economy still recovering, a budget free of any major tax increases is a big win for the taxpayers of Washington state.

"As with every budget, there are a number of policies with which I have concerns. I will continue to look for ways to address those concerns going forward, but I do believe this is a good, bipartisan budget the Legislature can be proud of. I commend the House Republican leadership team for their role in negotiations to protect taxpayers and produce a budget that fully funds education, protects our most vulnerable, and keeps our economy on a steady foot by not raising taxes.”

Senate Bill 6052, passed the Senate, 38-10, and the House, 90-8. It now goes to the governor for his signature.

For more information about Rep. Smith, visit: www.representativenormasmith.com.

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