Joint Statement
In response to the Senate Republicans’ budget framework proposal announced March 11, the Association of Washington Business, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Washington Roundtable issued this joint statement:
“We have been vocal about our support for Gov. Bob Ferguson’s approach to tackling the spending-caused deficit, and we also appreciate the Senate Republican Caucus for putting forward a budget framework that prioritizes programs essential to Washingtonians without proposing new business taxes that will ultimately impact consumers who are already struggling under the third-highest cost of living in the nation.
In contrast, over the past several weeks, some in Olympia have been amplifying a previously developed, all-cuts proposal from the former Governor. That proposal is unrealistic and creates false choices between raising taxes and cutting important programs. Furthermore, it does not address previous spending choices by the legislature that created the state’s projected budget shortfall. New policy spending grew by almost $14 billion during the last two biennia, driven by things like expansion of programs and eligibility, increased salary and reimbursement rates, and the creation of new initiatives that have yet to begin. Instead of addressing those cost drivers, the former Governor’s all-cuts proposal suggests cutting core services that Washingtonians have relied on for years.
These are scare tactics and the reality is that we are not here because of a recession. We are here because of overspending. The challenge now is to ensure fiscal discipline while protecting vital services and Washingtonians’ cost of living.
Not everyone will agree with every aspect of the framework put forward by Republicans. But, as with the budget approach Gov. Ferguson recently released, the Senate Republicans’ proposal offers a valuable contribution to the debate. We appreciate the willingness of Senate Republicans to think creatively about this budget challenge.”
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About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit seattlechamber.com.
About Washington Roundtable
Washington Roundtable is a nonprofit organization comprised of senior executives of major private sector employers in Washington state. Roundtable members work together to effect positive change on public policy issues that they believe are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. For more information, visit waroundtable.com.
About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association representing all sectors of business. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturers association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing and Microsoft, 90% of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit awb.org.
About the Bellevue Chamber
With hundreds of members representing tens of thousands of employees, the Bellevue Chamber is the relationship, policy, and business development hub for organizations throughout the Puget Sound region. We connect businesses with potential employees, sales opportunities, and social engagement, and provide our members access to industry experts and real-time information impacting our city and the Eastside. Learn more at bellevuechamber.org.
Media contact: Jillian Henze, APR
Cell: 425-785-6731
jillianh@seattlechamber.com