Tag Archives: budget

Senate budget moves state forward with no new taxes

The Senate Majority Coalition’s budget proposal makes education the top priority and delivers tax relief and college affordability to families across Washington without raising taxes. Senate budget leaders released their 2015-17 state operating budget proposal today committed to capturing savings and keeping the state’s economy moving with more investments in education.

“Our state is projected $3 billion more in revenue over the next two years without raising taxes. I have been committed to spending tax-payer resources effectively and responsibly. The additional $3 billion is more than enough to meet our constitutional requirements to fund education and continue to provide essential services that protect the vulnerable,” said Braun.

Braun, R- Centralia, notes the Senate’s 2015-17 spending proposal invests an additional $1.3 billion toward basic education, cuts college tuition by 25 percent, and adds over $70 million for mental health services, all without raising taxes on working families and small businesses.

Braun said the Senate proposal is the best path forward compared to the House majority’s plan, which would raise state spending by 15 percent and require a $1.5 billion in tax increases.

“I believe middle class families and small businesses would be thrilled with an 8 percent increase in their income. It is disappointing to me that the House majority is saying that an 8 percent increase is not enough for the state,” said Braun.

Braun believes the people he serves in the 20th Legislative District will see the Senate budget as a better way to move the state forward: protecting taxpayers, family budgets and vital services.

“We are putting forth a strong budget that is balanced, sustainable and best of all, it doesn’t need new taxes. We aren’t making unnecessary cuts or slashing the social safety net; we are prioritizing our state’s resources to invest in education and protect the vulnerable, not grow government for special interests.”

Budget negotiators need to reach agreement no later than Sunday, April 26 for the Legislature to conclude its 105-day session on schedule.

Legislative Update – Jan. 14, 2015

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January 14, 2015

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,

The 2015 legislative session began Monday. Considerable work will go into building a sustainable budget that prioritizes education. I believe that we can do this without significantly altering our state’s tax structure as Governor Inslee is proposing. Raising taxes should be a last resort.

The state is projected to have $3 billion more for the 2015-17 budget than we did in the 2013-15 budget. My colleague and the Senate’s lead budget writer, Sen. Andy Hill, recently published a policy piece called Windows into the Budget that gives a realistic insight into our state’s budget situation. Please click here to read this brief newsletter. You can also see a highlight below.

It is an honor to serve as your state senator.

John Braun,

20th District Senator

Windows into the Budget

2015 Budget Preview: The Deficit Myth

By: Sen. Andy Hill

There is a myth, propagated by the Governor and others, that Washington faces a massive budget deficit, meaning that the state has insufficient revenues to continue existing services.

This myth began in the summer with a Governor – initiated exercise asking agencies to propose 15% budget cuts, continued in the fall with a presentation around the state by the Governor’s budget director, and was repeated during the Governor’s December budget release.

This deficit assertion is meant to mislead, directing people to the erroneous conclusion that Washington has insufficient revenues to continue its current service levels and that significant cuts (see the Governor’s 15% reduction exercise) or tax increases (see the Governor’s actual budget) are needed.

Let’s look at the facts, rather than misleading hyperbole:

Fact #1

Washington can afford to continue all existing services, including increased caseloads and related costs, plus fund required enhancements that emerged since enactment of the previous budget…

Please click here to read the rest of Windows into the Budget

Contact Me

Email:

John.Braun@leg.wa.gov

Olympia Office:

407 Legislative Building

PO Box 40420

Olympia, WA 98504-0420

Phone:

(360) 786-7638

Website:

www.SenatorJohnBraun.com

Committee Assignments

This year, in addition to serving on the Environment, Energy and Telecommunications committee, I will serve as vice-chair of three committees: Trade and Economic Development, Commerce and Labor, and Ways and Means. I also have the honor of serving as the Senate Deputy Majority Leader.

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Braun denounces Senate-minority tax plan but says it deserves fair hearing

While Sen. John Braun has no interest in tax increases, he is interested in bringing more cooperation and bipartisanship to the state Capitol – and that’s why the 20th District lawmaker will spend part of Valentine’s Day listening to proposals from the Senate minority that would raise taxes on Washingtonians by more than $38 billion.

“The voters sent a strong no-new-taxes message in November. Still, several of my colleagues in the Senate minority think this would be a great time to go for everything from new income taxes to a tax on plastic bags,” said Braun, R-Centralia.

“Those of us from the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus who serve on the Senate budget committee are going to let them make their case Thursday – and frankly, I suspect the public will be shocked and disappointed to realize how eager some legislators are to add to the tax burden on job creators and working families.” Continue reading →