The supplemental budget we’ve passed in the House tonight (by a vote of 53-45) maintains a good portion of the Basic Health program for working families. 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.
Washington state law demands that we adopt a balanced budget. At the same time, I’m committed to launching structural budget-changes that endure over the long haul — while making short-term cuts that stay consistent with my values.
The Senate Democrats have introduced their own budget ideas. We must now reconcile our differences, work to finish our business and get out of town by midnight, March 8th. Ultimately, I’m committed to voting for a new 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.