Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after majority Democrats pass $78 billion operating budget:
“The Democrats have just rammed through a bloated $78 billion budget that will hammer Washington families, cripple businesses, and trample the most vulnerable in our state. This isn’t just irresponsible. It’s destructive.
“Despite already driving us into a massive budget hole, Democrats chose to jack up spending by another $6 billion – an 8% explosion – without a care for the consequences. For the fourth time in a row, they’ve passed a budget that spends billions more than it takes in. This budget spends $3 billion more than the revenues it brings in, committing the same budget negligence that drove us into this deficit in the first place. We rely yet again on stealing from other state budgets and over 52 dedicated accounts. This is completely irresponsible and unsustainable.
“And how do they cover their reckless spree? By unleashing the biggest tax hike in Washington state history, $3.86 billion in just two years and over $9.5 billion in four years. Every Washingtonian will feel this pain.
“This budget is a gut punch to working people. Democrats are taxing everyday joys like hiking fees on hunting, fishing, liquor, and even access to our parks. No part of life is safe.
“And when it comes to helping those truly in need? Democrats turn their backs by cutting support for single parents, slashing aid to the aged, blind, and disabled, and crime victims. But somehow, they have millions ready to hand out for health care and legal services for undocumented immigrants and projects like a study on reparations.
“This isn’t leadership.
“Democrats are sacrificing Washington’s future, worsening our housing, affordability, and public safety crises, all while setting our state up for a fiscal collapse.
“This budget is a slap in the face to every hardworking, law-abiding citizen. Washington deserves a government that fights for its people, not against them.”