Rep. Harmsworth votes to pass bipartisan 2015-17 operating budget

Rep. Mark Harmsworth, R-Mill Creek, voted in favor of the 2015-17 operating budget Monday. It passed the House 90-8 and the Senate 38-10.

"While I am disappointed it took lawmakers going into triple overtime to come to a budget agreement, I am pleased with the final result," said Harmsworth. "The budget invests $1.3 billion in K-12 education, including class size reductions, full-day kindergarten expansion and MSOC funding, as well as addresses court mandates to improve the state's mental health system. It will also reduce college tuition at four-year and two-year institutions and make important investments in early learning.

"Perhaps what is in the budget is equally as important as what is not in the budget. Despite attempts from the governor and House majority to pass $1.5 billion in new and increased taxes, the final spending plan did not include any broad-based tax increases. With $3.2 billion in more revenues for this budget cycle, it's clear tax increases are unnecessary. This budget is an example of how Olympia can live within its means without reaching deeper into the pockets of taxpayers."

The budget now advances to the governor's desk for consideration.

For more information about Rep. Harmsworth, visit: www.representativemarkharmsworth.com.