Buck said that bringing relief to congested roads and highways is a critical priority, but not without cost-saving reforms proposed by House Republicans that would help get the job done and save billions of dollars in the process.

"Governor Locke has proposed increasing gas taxes up to 7 cents a gallon an additional tax burden of $185 for the average family of four. House Democrats have a plan to increase those taxes even more, to about $272 a year," Buck said. "I don t think we should be considering burdening the citizens of Washington with higher taxes until we ve done everything we can to rein in wasteful spending and eliminate costly bureaucratic delays."

House Republicans have been pressing a four-point package of efficiencies and reforms to ensure accountability, maximize the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and rebuild the public s trust in state government. The first element of the GOP transportation efficiency package streamlining the project permitting process was signed by the governor May 29. So far, there has been no agreement on prevailing wage reforms or legislation to contract out more work to the private sector using competitive bidding practices.

"The bottom line is that when Governor Locke comes to the 24th District and convinces my constituents that a tax increase is necessary, then that ll be the day I ll support it. In the meantime, I intend to stand by my principles and do everything within my power to protect the interests of my constituents," Buck concluded.