Washington House Democrats

House, Senate announce Capital and Operating budget compromises

Pierce and Kitsap Counties secure many victories

April 21, 2007

OLYMPIA—The House and Senate unveiled two agreed upon budgets on Saturday and lawmakers from the 26th legislative district were pleased with the results.

“We were able to keep all of our capital projects from the original proposals with two additions,” said Rep. Patricia Lantz (D-Gig Harbor).

Added to the original project list was $1.5 million to place lights on the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge, $1.1 million for Kitsap SEED, a local green energy startup located on the Peninsula, and $5 million for the creation of the Washington Youth Academy in Bremerton.

“We fought hard to get the SEED funding in the final proposal,” said Rep. Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor). This project is a great opportunity to promote sustainable economic development for the future of Kitsap.”

Included in the agreed Operating budget was additional funding for child health care, Puget Sound clean-up efforts, increased higher education slots, class-size reduction, and $11 million to ease Department of Corrections prison overcrowding. Funding was also included for Rep. Lantz’s geoduck farming legislation that would limit the number of geoduck farms on public lands.

“I am extremely proud of these budgets,” Lantz said. “They make great investments in our communities and will ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”

Locally projects include:

Community Building

· $600,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Gig Harbor HOPE Center for Youth

· $800,000 for YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County, Gig Harbor Family YMCA

· $5 million for City of Gig Harbor Burnham/Borgen Interchange Improvements

· $5 million for Bremerton Downtown Economic Revitalization Projects

· $900,000 for the KCR Bremerton Community Services Center

· $1 million for a Historic Barn Preservation program (Funds may be allocated to assist with Wilkinson Barn project)

Local Parks

· $300,000 for Evergreen Park Expansion/Shoreline Restoration

· $500,000 for Harbor Family Park Acquisition

· $300,000 for the Westside Neighborhood Park

· $2 million for the Bremerton Boardwalk Trail

Veterans

· $4.6 million in funding to upgrade heating systems at Retsil Retired Veterans Home

Colleges & Universities

· $39.7 million for facility upgrades and maintenance at Olympic College

· $6.15 million for UW-Tacoma Phase 3 project

· $2.7 million in funding for Tacoma Community College

New additions to budget

· $1.5 million for lights on the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge

· $1.1 million for Kitsap SEED

– Rainy Day Fund –

Included as part of the House and Senate compromise was the creation of a constitutional rainy-day fund.

House budget leaders were reluctant to create the constitutional savings account for fear of limiting budget flexibility. Both the Senate and the Governor included the provision in their budget proposals. As part of the agreed upon proposal, House members passed legislation to create a constitutionally protected account that would require a 60 percent supermajority to access.

“I was very pleased that the House and Senate were able to include this provision that will help us save for the future,” Seaquist said. “We always need to have a prudent eye toward the future when times are good. This is fiscally prudent and I was glad to give it my support.”

Lantz spoke of her experience in tight budgeting times.

“In my time in the legislature I have seen many ups and downs in the budget process. This proposal will help us plan for the future. We saved over $1 billion last year to dedicate to future pension and education related costs. This legislation builds on that and is a positive step forward for Washington.”

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For interview:

Rep. Patricia Lantz (360) 786-7964

Rep. Larry Seaquist (360) 786-7802

For more information: Derek Baker, (360) 786-7697

Link to Rep. Patricia Lantz’s website:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/lantz/

Link to Rep. Larry Seaquist’s website:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/seaquist/

Link to budget documents:

http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/proposals.asp

click on any of the Conference links