From Stark
State Rep. Vincent Buys has issued a press release explaining his “no” vote on the budget bill that is on its way to Gov. Chris Gregoire for signature.
Buys says the budget cut too much from education while protecting other programs, and still results in an overall increase in spending. Buys says the “cuts” are reductions in previously-planned spending, not an overall reduction in the amount the state will spend.
Here’s his press release with links:
The Legislature has passed the 2011-13 state operating budget. The bill passed on a 54–42 vote in the House of Representatives. Rep. Vincent Buys, R-Lynden, voted “no” and issued the following statement:
“It’s important people understand what is being considered a cut down here in Olympia. Our state will still have nearly $4 billion more to spend in the upcoming biennium compared to the last budget cycle. Yet, because we are not spending as much as we promised or planned in the last budget, some view this as a budget cut. It cannot be a cut, if we are spending more.
“Not only is this spending plan unsustainable, but its priorities are out of line. In this budget, 41 percent of the reductions come from education while other areas of the budget were reduced by much less. The salary cuts to school employees will be difficult to administer since each school district negotiates its own contract with teachers and administrators. They also use a budget gimmick to administer the school apportionment payments, by pushing the payment into the next budget. The hits to public safety are also reason for great concern, not only for communities and families with more criminals on the street, but there will now be fewer correctional officers in our criminal justice system.
“I just don’t see the real reforms in this measure we need to bring long-term stability to our budget.”
The Senate passed the budget by a vote of 34-13. The measure is now headed to the governor’s desk for her signature.
I do not agree with Mr. Buys on very much. But he is spot on the headache this budget will cause local school districts and the lack of real reform in the overall budget. A crises wasted, and the problem kicked down the road.
..thanks for doing your job Mr Buys…
Isn’t it rather “Orwellian” when we spend more but it is called a cut?
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
Yes, I’m sure all that math ‘n’ stuff really confuses Vincent.
SL are you saying we aren’t spending more actual real dollars?
You seem to be the confused one me friend.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
Because of the lack of transparency (in the rush to close the session public hearings on many important bills were no where to be found) methinks there will be many more negatives to come out about this budget once the light gets shined on the 400+ pages of it!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
Steve I always enjoy reading your insight. Could you expand more on your last post.