Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Legislature is now in its second special session. It is frustrating our work is not done. Unfortunately, House Democrats continue to believe we need more revenue - new and increased taxes - to pass an operating budget despite more than a 9 percent increase in revenue. You can watch my latest video by clicking 2nd Special Session Video Update.
As I stated in the video, House Democrats insist on raising taxes while Republicans believe we can make significant funding increases to K-12 education, increase teacher and state employee compensation, reduce college tuition, and maintain our social safety net within existing revenue.
As I mentioned in my previous update, the May 18 economic revenue forecast indicated Washington state is looking at an increase of $106 million for the ongoing 2013-15 budget cycle and an increase of $309 million for the upcoming 2015-17 budget cycle. That is approximately $3.2 billion more in tax revenue for the next budget cycle. A perfect reason to NOT raise taxes. A recent Seattle Times column, How a more moderate GOP dominated the legislative session, also lays out the argument for no new taxes.
I hope to be providing you a session wrap up in the near future. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Cary Condotta
12th Legislative District
Web site: www.representativecarycondotta.com
| Olympia Office (January-April) 425B Legislative Building - P.O. Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600 (360) 786-7954 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000 |
District Office (April-December) 3024 G.S. Center Rd. Suite "C" Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 664-1274 |
