Republicans call for end to new tax talk in Olympia
Jun 20, 2013, 9:50 AM | Updated: 10:16 am
New projections showing $231 million more in state revenues might give Republicans the upper hand in budget talks in Olympia. (AP Photo/file)
(AP Photo/file)
New projections showing $231 million more in state revenues might give Republicans the upper hand in budget talks in Olympia.
Democrats have argued all year that new taxes are needed to expand funding for education.
“That’s the biggest lie in Olympia,” said Majority Coalition Caucus leader Rodney Tom, D-Medina. “If you want new taxes for other programs, let’s have that conversation.”
Tom, who is voting with Republicans, tells KIRO Radio that new, higher revenue projections support the majority caucus stance against new taxes to balance the budget.
“The public is tired of us every time that we need additional revenue, that we always go after education, the elderly, the disabled,” said Tom. “We have plenty of money to fund those programs.”
The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council said Tuesday that an improving housing market is helping draw in extra cash. The council now anticipates that state government will raise about $32.66 billion in the next two-year budget cycle, giving lawmakers more money to work with as they seek an agreement on how to balance the budget.
Tom said the state has almost $3 billion more to spend compared to the last two-year budget.
State lawmakers, now in a second special session, have until June 30 to pass an operating budget and avoid a partial government shutdown.
