Dunn opposes all state budgets until Legislature
shows real fiscal responsibility

Olympia, WA - June 19, 2001 - State Representative Jim Dunn, R-Vancouver, announced today that he will vote against all of the state budget proposals until they are funded in
a responsible and sustainable manner.  The Vancouver Republican voted
against the state operating budget early Saturday morning and today voted
against the state capital budget.
"Our job is to pass a responsible budget that strengthens our state, not one
that bankrupts it," said Dunn, Vice Chair of the House Trade & Economic
Development Committee.  "Rather than limiting spending to what the people of
Washington can reasonably afford, the operating budget and now the capital
budget are time bombs that set the stage for a future tax increase and
economic recession."
The Democrat budget is irresponsible for several reasons according to the
Clark County lawmaker:
* New estimates show the Democrat budget would spend
$676 million more than projected revenues for the biennium.
* The state's chief economist told the state Revenue
Forecast Council last week that state revenues will be about $144 million
less than forecast in March.
* Projections estimate that the state could be $1.7
billion in the red with this budget.
* The budget spends $150 million in federal Medicaid
money that the state hasn't even applied for yet.
* Last Wednesday, the caseload forecast showed that
the operating budget would cost $32 million more than expected.
"These budgets are similar to bombs set in this chamber in the early 1990s,
crushing taxpayers with painful tax increases and sending our economy into a
tailspin," said Dunn.   "What is it they say about those who fail to learn
from history?  For the taxpayers' sake, let's not repeat it by continuing to
pass unstable budgets."
"Because the Democrat operating budget passed by the House does not
adequately fund the programs it authorizes, it puts the financial foundation
of the state on the brink of disaster," said Dunn.  "Until the operating
budget is made financially sound, I will continue to vote against all budget
proposals.  I voted against the capital budget today and I will vote against
the transportation budget whenever it comes around.
"The operating budget was like taking out a loan on a car we can't afford,"
explained Dunn.  "Now, the capital and transportation budgets are like going
back to the bank for a huge mortgage as well.  Our state financial affairs
are not in order, and until we fix the operating budget, we cannot
responsibly pass additional budgets.
"Washington taxpayers and voters have repeatedly shown through the
initiative process that they want to stop the uncontrolled growth in
government spending," noted Dunn.  "If the Legislature continues to behave
irresponsibly, then I-695 type-initiatives will look like childs-play
compared to the backlash coming our way now.
"Washington families and businesses are already struggling under one of the
highest tax and regulatory burdens out of all 50 states," finished Dunn.
"We don't need a budget that sets us up for a major tax increase or massive
cuts in services in two short years.  But that's exactly what this budget
does.  Our economy is already struggling and this budget will help send us
right over the recession cliff."

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