April 21, 2007

OLYMPIA…Following final negotiations with the House of Representatives, the Senate today approved a $4.3 billion capital budget on a 46-0 vote.   

Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County and ranking member on the Senate Ways and Means Committee’s capital budget subcommittee, said the 2007-2009 construction budget retains its focus on education.  

“When the Senate presented its capital budget proposal, we made significant investments for our major universities and community colleges and technical institutions, as well as our K-12 public schools,” Brandland said.  “After meeting with the House, the two chambers came to an agreed budget that maintains its commitment to higher education and K-12 funding.”  

Education makes up nearly 50 percent of the proposal, with $1.066 billion slated for higher education, and $965 million for K-12 education, both slight increases from the Senate’s original proposal. 
“The capital budget is a nonpartisan process that depends on the good working relationship between the Democrat chair and me, as the ranking member,” Brandland said.  “The success of the final negotiations depended largely on Senator Fraser and me working together to advocate each other’s priorities.”   

Funds from the capital budget are used to build, repair and improve state-owned buildings, public schools, public lands and parks. This budget is separate from the operating budget (general fund).  Brandland said the capital budget is the “bricks and mortar” budget that “puts people to work,” and is an important economic development tool.   

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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