WA GOP Budget Plan

In Olympia this afternoon, Senate Republicans released their budget proposal for 2015-2017.  Among the key features of the Senate plan, as outlined by Republican Senate Leader Mark Schoesler and budget chair Senator Andy Hill: The Senate plan balances the budget, and covers human services, without raising taxes, and without any new taxes.  Revenue is projected to increase by $3 billion over the next two years, so there is no need to raise taxes. The Senate budget satisfies McCleary and fully funds education. The Senate plan helps working families by reducing college tuition, making our state’s college students a priority. This Republican plan is a sharp contrast to the plan unveiled by House Democrats last week.  The Democrats propose to increase spending by 15% - a total of $5.2 billion!  And they propose a huge tax increase - $1.5 billion in new and increased taxes.  Moreover, the Democrats propose elimination of the state spending limit, creating an unsustainable budget. Respectfully, Susan Hutchison Chairman, Washington State Republican Party