GOP: Washington Democrats Budget Proposal Unrealistic

Washington Republican senators are warning that the budget recently proposed by the majority party goes above and beyond what the state needs and will hurt rural Washingtonians.  State senator Ron Muzzall said the $17 billion tax increase in the Democrats budget is beyond belief.

“They're looking to increase property taxes, they were talking going from 1% to 3%. Our numbers are showing that they would have a yearly average as much as 5%," Muzzall said.  "This is completely unrealistic, and you know our budget which was out two weeks ago, from our caucus, it makes some cuts, increases zero taxes, and yet accomplishes what nonpartisan staff says is a $6.7 billion shortfall. It accomplishes taking care of that without increasing taxes.”

The Northwest Washington Republican added the budget proposal looks to raise much more than the $12-$15 billion shortfall the majority has been warning about for some time. 

"This new tax proposal of theirs would raise between $17-$20 billion over the next two biennia.  I am shocked. I'm shocked that they're appetite for taxes has merged into the fantastic.”

Both the House and Senate must negotiate and agree on a final budget and revenue plan, which will be passed by the end of the legislative session on April 27th and signed by Governor Bob Ferguson.

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