As upfront and straightforward as can be, our values are manifested in the 2011-2013 supplemental operating and capital budgets. Our line in the sand, our so-called go-home position exists in Three Benchmarks.
We have already advanced a supplemental operating budget that:
1) Supports a strong education for students in our K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities.
2) Defends the social safety net for the health, well-being, and peace-of-mind of our citizens.
Further, our supplemental operating budget maintains a good portion of the Basic Health program for working families, and we preserve the Disability Lifeline for unemployed workers and people struggling with mental illnesses. And we fund essential public-health programs and needed community services that assist developmentally disabled folks and other communities in need.
And soon this morning, I think and hope we will also advance a supplemental capital budget that:
3) Triggers a robust package for jobs and economic development. We’re talking about $1 billion in bonds to put men and women to work in good-paying jobs throughout our Washington communities and neighborhoods.