April 20, 2015 |
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Tag Archives: budget
After Sen. John Braun introduced legislation to cut tuition at state colleges and universities some questions arose regarding the bill’s effects on Washington State’s Guaranteed Education Tuition program. Opponents of the proposal have erroneously stated the measure would reduce the value of credits already purchased through the state GET program.
“I understand the concerns that have been raised but a close read of the bill puts those concerns to rest,” said Braun, R-Centralia. “The language is very clear that this legislation holds the value of GET for those who have already invested. The concept is similar to a stock split so that the reduction in tuition doesn’t adversely affect current GET holders. Our proposal holds these people harmless and is a long-term policy solution that ends the days of skyrocketing tuition.”
As a result of the tuition freeze instigated by the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus during the 2013-15 school years, the GET program went from an unfunded liability in the hundreds of millions of dollars to maintaining a significant surplus of over $160 million. Under the most recent Senate proposal to cut tuition by an average of 25 percent, the GET program will go from currently 106 percent funded to over 130 percent funded – a significant turnaround from a few short years ago, when there was talk in Olympia of doing away with the program.
“The bottom line is that this proposal is good for families that have purchased GET credits and the program as a whole,” said Braun. “Students and families will get more value under our proposal and it will mean more affordability for all students trying to pay for college.”
GET is a state-run 529 prepaid college-tuition plan which ‘is guaranteed to keep pace with tuition and state-mandated fees at Washington’s highest priced public university,’ according to the program’s website.
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.
January 14, 2015 |
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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