Brandland votes in favor of capital and transportation budgets, says operating budget is to expensive

March 31, 2007

OLYMPIA…The state Senate today passed its version of the capital (ESHB 1092), transportation (ESHB 1094) and operating (SHB 1128) budgets.  Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County and ranking member of the Senate capital budget subcommittee, said the capital budget was a collaborative process that reflects the priorities of the Senate.   

“The capital budget came to about $4.2 billion, and nearly half of that is dedicated to education, both K-12 education and higher education,” Brandland said.  “In Whatcom County, we set aside important funding for the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club, the Bellingham Food Bank and the Brigid Collins Family Support Center.” 

The Senate proposes $860,000 for the Boys and Girls Club, $400,000 for the food bank and $400,000 for the Brigid Collins Center.   

Within the $8.1 billion transportation budget, Brandland noted that over $3 million is dedicated to critical projects related to the Washington state and British Columbia border crossing.   

“I’m pleased to see the transportation budget includes funds for the continuation of several projects at the border,” Brandland.  “There are five border crossings in this district, and the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce is a priority, especially as we come closer to the 2010 Olympics.”   

While Brandland supported the capital and transportation budgets, he said he was concerned about the spending in the operating budget, which he did not support.   

“I think that education and health care are the right focus, but I do think we need to be careful as to the overall size of the budget,” Brandland said.  “Even with a surplus, I’m concerned with the level of spending, especially as we look ahead.  With the level of spending we have here, the Legislature is expected to face a $1.2 billion deficit the next time we go to write a budget in 2009-2011.”

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Sen. Brandland is Republican caucus whip and represents Washington’s 42^nd District, which includes Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine. 

Additional contact: Catherine Trinh at 360-786-7503 or trinh.catherine@leg.wa.gov