WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

VIDEO: Compromise budget highlights

Sen. Jim Hargrove, Rep. Ross Hunger, Rep. Reuven Carlyle, Rep. Ross Hunter, 2013 Legislative Session Compromise Budget Rollout
Sen. Jim Hargrove speaking in support of the House compromise budget proposal.
With six days until the end of special session, House and Senate budget leaders rolled out a modest, compromise budget plan that will complete the work of the 2013 legislative session and move our state forward. We have more details here, here, and here.

Our hope in January was a bold investment in education. This bill is more modest but does allow us to move forward in reducing class size, funding all day kindergarten, and supporting college students.

Our budget package includes:

  • Over $700 million in new funds into K-12 education.
  • Nearly $100 million more for public colleges and universities.
  • Expansion of early learning opportunities for young children so that they can get a quality jump start on their education.
  • Enhancing child care programs so working moms can earn a paycheck instead of going on welfare.
  • Protecting the state’s safety net for seniors, disabled, children, and the homeless.

Here are a few highlights from yesterday’s press conference featuring House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, House Appropriations Chair Ross Hunter, and House Finance Chair Rep. Reuven Carlyle.