Hinkle, Warnick reject budget

OLYMPIA - Thirteenth district representatives voted against the recent 2009-2011 budget proposal.

The House passed the budget in a 55-43 vote, aimed at balancing a $588 million budget shortfall by June 30.

The current budget proposal includes $222 million in reductions and $58.6 million in fund transfers. Even if the first part of the budget is accepted by the Legislature, it still leaves the state with an additional $260 million budget shortfall to balance before June 30.

Some of the cuts in the preliminary 2009-2011 budget include:

* Eliminating state funding of kindergarten through fourth-grade class size reduction efforts, saving the state $42.1 million.

* Reducing levy equalization payments, saving the state $18 million.

* Eliminating the "highly capable or gifted" program in public schools, saving the state $7.1 million.

* Eliminating the Basic Health Plan starting on March 1, which would save the state a total of $48 million.

Representative Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, stated the budget proposed does not allow for discussion.

"We need a serious discussion on the role and size of state government. The bill passed today avoids this discussion. It makes cuts, but fails to eliminate programs. It continues to pay for things today that we know our state will not able to afford tomorrow ... I find this approach very irresponsible," stated Hinkle.

House Republicans wanted to readjust the proposal to protect education while promoting long-term solutions by eliminating entire programs like the General Assistance Unemployable program.

In a budget amendment, Republicans suggested cutting the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) funds by 68 percent, reducing public school cuts to 7.5 percent as opposed to the 46.2 percent DSHS cut and 27 percent public school funds cut currently being considered.

"House Republicans offered an alternative solution and I'm proud to have voted for it. We would prioritize education, eliminate certain programs and make greater overall reductions in state spending," stated Hinkle.

Representative Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, had similar sentiments.

"I'm really disappointed in the majority's proposal to try to solve our supplemental budget shortfall. I was proud to support a Republican alternative that illustrated our priorities. Our proposal saves $45 million in education cuts and nearly $5 million in funding for long-term care, developmentally disabled and mental health," she stated. "We are ready and willing to make difficult decisions and eliminate large, ineffective programs to prioritize what is important: education and the most vulnerable."

The budget will now go to the Senate for further consideration.

The 2011-2013 budget forecast is projected to be announced in March.