Schmick says special session unfortunate and unnecessary

With majority Democrats in the state House and Senate unable to come up with a compromise operating budget to deal with the state's projected $5.1 billion shortfall, the Legislature is now heading into overtime.

Gov. Chris Gregoire called the Legislature back into special session on Tuesday, April 26.

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, said the Legislature had plenty of time during the 105-day regular session to pass a budget and expressed frustration at the lack of leadership being shown by the majority party in Olympia.

“A special session is not in the best interests of our state's taxpayers, families and employers.  It is unfortunate and unnecessary and, frankly, a direct result of the lack of leadership we've seen from the majority party here in Olympia,” Schmick said.  “We've known about the budget shortfall for months and yet Democrat budget writers delayed releasing their budget proposals for weeks.  A compromise should have been agreed upon early in session.  This is a sad day for taxpayers as they will be left paying up to $16,000 a day for a special session.  You would think that in 105 days, we could get our work done.”

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For more information, contact Brendon Wold, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7698

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov