Throughout the fall we heard about the Republican “War on Women” and the middle class. On Wednesday that battle continued with the roll out of the Republican Senate’s proposed $33.2 billion operating budget. Though there were some highlights, thanks to the work of Sen. Jim Hargrove and Sen. Sharon Nelson, the proposal still cuts millions from vital state services while protecting loopholes for powerful corporate interests.
Touted as a “no new taxes” budget, Republican budget writer Sen. Andy Hill (R-Kirkland) unveiled a proposal that relied on over $330 million in budget gimmicks and cuts to services that benefit working class families, children and the most vulnerable.
“Instead of following the Governor’s balanced approach of investing in schools while protecting women and children, Senate Republicans have prioritized loopholes and lobbyists,” said Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma). “The Senate continues to rig the system against essential services such as childcare, housing for the elderly and disabled and even job placement programs in favor of special interests whose lobby in their offices every day.”
Since 2011 state services and schools have been cut by over $11 billion dollars – a third of the current $33 billion operating budget. Meanwhile state spending per capita has decreased while K-12 enrollment, caseloads and health care costs have all increased.
Despite the sobering facts, Senate Republicans proposed a budget that did not eliminate a single tax loophole, instead creating 25 new tax measures.
“Twenty-seven thousand children in our K-12 system are homeless,” said Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-Lake Forest Park). “The cuts and policy changes during the deep recession eliminated support for many families. The Senate budget cuts further reduce support for these families and their ability to become self-sufficient.”
Cuts to essential programs would include:
- Childcare support for more than 4,500 families through Working Connections Childcare;
- TANF Services – A temporary lifeline to struggling families used for the most basic of needs like rent assistance, school supplies and basic hygiene items;
- Funding for career services and educational certification programs for the poor;
- Required health care cost-sharing for low-income individuals, limiting access;
- Transitional housing services for seniors and reduced access to shelters for homeless families;
- Cuts to corrections leading to early release of offenders;
- Funding to home care services which keep seniors and the disabled from going into nursing homes;
- Grandparents caring for their grandchildren – keeping them out of foster care;
- Legal services for low-income persons – who need help to keep their homes.
“This is an assault on hard working middle class families and we felt we had to shine a light on this ‘cuts for kids’ budget,” said Tami Green (D-Lakewood). “When you put tax loopholes for big out-of-state oil companies before kids, schools and families, your priorities are out of whack.”
The Senate moved their budget out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee less than 36 hours after introducing the 401 page budget and is expected to consider floor action Friday.
Click here for statements from HDC lawmakers and working family advocates on the Senate Republican budget proposal.