"Democrats pass great budget for Washington families"

"Democrats in Olympia today passed a budget we can be proud of and did it a day early!

The budget passed by the legislature reflects our Democratic priorities; it will create jobs, improve education and help make healthcare more accessible.

This budget is fiscally responsible, creating a savings of over $935 million. It is good for all working families in Washington.

I commend Speaker Frank Chopp, Majority Leader Lisa Brown and all of our Democratic legislators for their efforts on behalf of all Washingtonians. They have proven what we’ve always known; Democrats are leading Washington State in the right direction.

At the same time, Republicans in the other Washington are attacking our values and the middle class. They inherited a budget surplus and have given us record deficits, now over $8 trillion. They attack our education system by making massive cuts and raising the cost of college. They have failed miserably to reduce the cost of healthcare, and under their watch less people are covered in America.

Today’s budget in Olympia is one that we can all be proud of as we work to elect more Democrats in 2006 and fight back against the Republican culture of corruption in DC.

Some highlights:

· $40 million to help students pass the WASL and help them with math and science

· $6 million for more enrollments in higher education

· A pay increase for teachers

· 6,500 more people will be covered by the Basic Health Plan

· 14,000 more children will be covered by the Children’s Health Program

· $50 million in tax relief for small businesses and farms, which will create jobs

· Our state parks are more accessible to everyone because of the elimination of the parking fee

· $14 million for affordable housing

· $50 million more for mental health programs and hospitals

· $935 million in reserve funds


To read more about the budget, click: here.

Couple this outstanding budget with Democratic successes in passing the anti-discrimination bill and investments we’re making in alternative energies such as bio-fuels; it’s clear our leaders are getting results that are helping Washington’s families.

Sincerely,



Dwight Pelz
Chair
Washington State Democrats"