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WASHINGTON STATE Wire

Budget

GOP’s proposed budget heard in House, Democrats’ proposed budget to be considered in the House

Erin Fenner   March 30, 2017  

Both proposed budgets are getting a moment in the House this week.

The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus’ proposed budget, which would rework property taxes to increase taxing rates in property-rich districts while reducing rates in property-poor districts, was read for the first time in the House Wednesday and lawmakers expect further negotiations on the bill.

Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, praised the bill’s investment in education.

“This budget makes an unprecedented investment of nearly $1.1 billion in the K-12 system, which will result in new schools and classrooms around the state in both urban and rural areas,” said Frockt in a statement. “This is several hundred million dollars more than any recent budget and the highest amount invested in K-12 school construction since the McCleary decision came down.”

The Democrats’ budget is also under review in the House. Lawmakers are considering the suggested amendments on the bill and debate is expected to go through Friday morning, according to a press release from the Washington House Democrats. According to the release:

The House operating budget proposal will be considered on the House floor this evening (Thursday, March 30), not tomorrow as previously noted.
Caucus will begin at 1:30 p.m. to review the 61 floor amendments submitted. Leadership anticipates floor action will run late tonight, and the House will pick up the budget debate again Friday morning.

Their budget uses a capital gains tax and modifies the business and operations tax code to bring in more revenue to fund education.

 

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