House Democrats balance budget without tax hike
Feb 21, 2012, 1:32 PM | Updated: 3:15 pm
The House Democrats' budget makes almost $300 million in cuts to higher education, health care and human services. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
House Democrats have unveiled a supplemental budget plan that puts $500 million in reserves.
Key to the budget proposal is delaying about $400 million in state payments to schools until the next two-year budget cycle, which starts in the summer of 2013.
The House Democrats’ budget makes almost $300 million in cuts to higher education, health care and human services.
One Republican House lawmaker calls the Democrats’ plan heavy on fees and unfriendly to employers. Barbara Bailey of Oak Harbor also criticizes the authorization of more local government tax increases.
The House Democrats’ plan does not include the temporary sales tax hike suggested by the governor.
The state Legislature initially faced an almost $2 billion budget shortfall, but closed some of that gap during a special session last fall. About $340 million in savings was realized because of a reduction in demand for state services. A slight jump in forecast revenue also helped lawmakers balance the budget.
Senate Democrats are expected to unveil their budget proposal next week. The 60-day legislative session ends March 8.
