House Republican leaders join Senate Majority Coalition Caucus in support of education-first budget
House Republicans joined with members of both parties and in both chambers of the state Legislature today to pass a bipartisan state operating budget for the 2013-15 biennium.
The compromise budget includes more than a billion dollars in increased K-12 education funding and takes a first step toward completing the state's education funding obligations. It protects the most vulnerable citizens, helps ensure public safety, and, for the first time in nearly three decades, contains no increase in higher education tuition.
Leaders in the House Republican Caucus who helped negotiate the final budget released the following statements:
“This operating budget is good for our schools and taxpayers. And, most importantly, it protects our most vulnerable citizens. All along the way, House Republicans have provided budget solutions and government reforms. We brought these ideas to the table and many of them are reflected in the operating budget. In the last month, my office has been a venue for all sides to share their views. I appreciate being a part of the process and final bipartisan agreement.” – House Republican Leader Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish
“I'm very pleased to have been part of the negotiating process. Our priorities and our solutions were embraced by both sides and are evident in the final outcome. House Republicans remained engaged, hopeful and composed throughout the back-and-forth process of negotiations. I believe our continued contributions – in both solutions and demeanor – helped get us to this point.” – Rep. Gary Alexander, R-Olympia and ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee
“This was a long and arduous process, and I think all parties learned some things about negotiating. I was very proud to be part of the House Republican team that put forward solutions and focused on consensus. This is the most sustainable budget we've seen in a while, and it closely resembles how House Republicans would balance the budget. We said from the beginning we would fight for fully funding education without doing so on the back of working people. I believe we've accomplished that.” – House Republican Floor Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm
