Funding for schools, parks and jobs
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers in the House proposed a bipartisan $3.1 billion construction budget that focuses on job creation and fully funds $390 million in statewide K-12 construction needs.
“At a time when our people need jobs most, this budget employs 51,780 people in every corner of Washington,” said Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, chair of the Capital Budget Committee.
Dunshee said the plan was the result of teamwork by lawmakers from both parties and every corner of the state. He praised his Republican counterpart on the committee, Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, for her work in crafting the construction budget.
“Judy proved we can work together to get things done and put people back to work,” Dunshee said.
“I’m happy we could come together to craft a responsible budget that aims to put people back to work in our state,” Warnick said. “I’m also pleased we were able to preserve most of the funding for the Public Works Assistance Account Program. This is an important component for our local governments to provide much-needed infrastructure for communities across the state.”
While it’s well-known that the state builds schools, universities, parks and prisons, Dunshee said few people understand how much the state aids the $3 billion in economic activity and jobs related to hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing, with 60,250 jobs related to those industries.
“This construction budget gives us the opportunity to maintain our existing brick and mortar investments, while minimizing non-essential programs, to reflect this struggling economy and operating budget shortfall,” Warnick said. “We prioritized according to the greatest needs, and on what we had to work with.”
To see a complete project list by legislative district, visit: https://leapwebmapspublic/FRLegviewerCap.aspx .