Update from Olympia – week 7

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Greetings! With the end of the 2020 legislative session less than two weeks away, I want to update you on what’s been happening in Olympia.

It’s raining money… again

As a fiscal conservative I’m glad that the Senate supplemental operating budget will be funded within current revenue, without raising taxes. However, while there are many excellent services funded in this budget (such as mental health, special education, levy equalization and emergency services), my colleagues in the majority still are putting government first, taxpayers second.

Since the Legislature adjourned in April last year the amount of anticipated state revenue has grown by $1.5 billion. How often does state government have $1.5 billion free and clear, above what’s needed to maintain services and programs? At least some of those tax dollars should be going back to you, the taxpayer. You deserve property-tax relief and the $30 car-tabs Washington voters want. Instead, the majority Democrats want to spend this additional income without offering any major tax relief or reform whatsoever. Additionally, at the end of four years, this budget spends down our entire $2.4 billion surplus.

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