Spokane’s prime interests are met by Senate budgets

The Senate released its proposed capital, operating and transportation budgets this week, and I’m happy to say the spending choices address Spokane’s most pressing needs. Did we get everything on our wish list? No. But we received the money we need for our biggest priorities. And in an era when budgets are so lean and spending so tight, that’s more than a lot of districts can say. Of course, nothing is final until the Senate and the House of Representatives reconcile the differences in the conference report, although I don’t expect any big surprises when it comes to projects in our district. In the meantime, here are the highlights.

Staying on course — and on schedule — with the North-South Freeway

By far the biggest single item is the continuation of funding for the North-South Freeway. The Senate transportation budget largely follows the lead of the House transportation budget in this case, providing $190 million and $130 million for the two freeway projects from the 2003 Nickel package. Although the Senate approach differs on the timing for $28 million of the additional $151 million to purchase rights of way along the freeway, this variation is nothing that should affect the completion or timing of the freeway’s construction. The crucial thing is that these funds will keep the freeway projects on schedule, because study after study shows that one of the biggest contributors to a project’s overall cost is delay. By keeping this project on schedule, we save millions.

Spokane area in line for $117.6 from Senate capital and operating budgets

The Senate’s proposed capital and operating budgets fund a number of important local projects, plus significant support to colleges attended by many Spokane residents; Washington State University Pullman receives $58 million, Eastern Washington University $38 million, Spokane Falls Community College $8.7 million.

A joint project for the Spokane YMCA and YWCA is budgeted for $2.5 million. In line for $2 million apiece in funding are Fish Lake Trail, Fox Theater and Spokane Indians. The Spokane Northeast Community Center and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture each receive $1 million.

Other spending includes:

• • $800,000 for the YMCA of the Inland NW;
• $470,000 for the Spokane East Central Community Center;
• $375,000 for the NATIVE project;
• $275,000 for the Salvation Army;
• $260,000 for the Spokane Valley Community Center and Food Bank;
• $250,000 for the Nisei Veterans Committee; and
• $150,000 for the Spokane Emmanuel Center.

Overall, it’s a hard-working budget with no frills

The Senate worked hard to develop a budget that meets the state’s urgent needs without spending more than we can afford, and I think the results speak for themselves. Overall, the $33.3 billion statewide capital and operating budgets:

• Save $766.2 million, of which

• $607.5 million is left in an unrestricted ending fund balance; and
• $158.7 million is reserved in a constitutionally protected Rainy Day Fund (pending voter approval);

• Raise no new taxes or fees;
• Offer $56.4 million in tax cuts and diversions; and
• Are $443.3 million below the legal spending limit at the end of the biennium.

I consider the Rainy Day fund, which represents a new approach in our state budgeting practices, particularly valuable. By being fiscally prudent and setting money aside now, when we can afford it, we place ourselves in a much stronger position for those trying but inevitable times when regional, national or international events trigger an economic slowdown here in Washington.

Call or write anytime

I hope you find this update helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with questions or concerns, whether they involve bills before the Legislature or topics you feel are being overlooked. If you have a concern, I want to hear it. You can reach me by e-mail at marr.chris@leg.wa.gov or by phone at 360-786-7610.

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