Rep. David Taylor votes ‘no’ on state budget
June 28, 2013, 2013
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Rep. David Taylor votes 'no' on state budget
'This budget failed to embrace the true reforms needed to ensure budget stability moving forward. It is a Band-Aid at best,' says Taylor
Rep. David Taylor, R-Moxee, released the following statement explaining why he voted “no” on the state's 2013-15 operating budget:
“While I can appreciate the hard work that has gone into drafting this compromise budget by my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle, I cannot support a spending plan that compromises my priorities of less government, lower taxes and more freedom.
“Despite an estimated $2 billion increase in state tax collections in the next budget cycle, this budget compromise relies on increased taxes: an increase in the state death tax and an increase on residential phone services. It also relies on over $500 million in fund transfers, including $354 million from the Public Works Assistance Account.
“This budget also embraces the dangerous practice of expanding Medicaid. This assumes the federal government will come through on its financial obligations in future years, something other states, and many economists, doubt. In fact, this budget includes about $2.3 billion more in federal tax dollars at a time when the federal government's budget situation is questionable at best.
“Finally, this budget compromise includes the practice of publicly-funding abortions. I'm not going to debate the abortion issue with my colleagues at this time, but I strongly object to the use of public funds for abortions. This is something I cannot support.
“In the end, this budget failed to embrace the true reforms needed to ensure budget stability moving forward. It is a Band-Aid at best. For these reasons, I voted 'no' on the 2013-15 operating budget.”
