WA Senate releases bipartisan budget plan
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The Washington Senate has released a bipartisan budget plan for the next two years, a $32.1 billion proposal that closes a multibillion-dollar spending gap with a broad array of spending cuts and freezes, but no new general taxes.
For the first time in memory, the proposal was rolled out by both the majority budget chairman, Democrat Ed Murray of Seattle, and the ranking minority budget leader, Republican Joe Zarelli of Ridgefield. They said it reflects views of a majority of the Senate and includes many reforms sought by both parties over the years.
The plan is the Senate's answer to the House version that passed last Saturday, House Bill 1087. After the Senate version clears committee and the full Senate, negotiators, legislative leadership and the governor's office will race the clock to try to strike a compromise by the conclusion of the 105-day regular session, April 24. Murray said he's dubious that lawmakers will meet the deadline, given the dozens of implementing bills that are needed, and the policy differences that divide the two chambers.
The Senate plan includes over $4 billion in cuts and freezes, including a 3 percent pay reduction for teachers, and cuts in nearly every area of the budget, including social and health programs and higher education. It authorizes early release of nonviolent inmates and reduces both the Basic Health insurance program for the working poor and the Disability Lifeline. It allows a 16 percent annual tuition hike at UW, WSU and Western, 14 percent for Central and Evergreen, 11 for Eastern and 12 for community colleges.
The proposal trims the Office of Secretary of State by 6.4 percent, including $10 million through suspending the presidential primary for 2012. It would eliminate the State Productivity Board. It would leave intact the funds accumulating for the new Heritage Center planned for the Capitol Campus.
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Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs
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