[Factc] Legilslative Update and Action Request

[Smith, Gerard]

Hello FACTC members.

Attached you will find a side-by-side comparison of the Senate and House Budget proposals, note the reductions in expenditures in the Senate budget which passed along party lines, and the increase in funding in the House budget.

Note the Senate budget does not fund Guided Pathways, does not expand MESA, or dedicated funding for I-Best, while House version does. Neither budget expands Opportunity Grant programs.  Note that the SB cuts 25milliion in Opportunity Grant Funding, and directs DSHS to provide WorkFirst dollars to cover the costs.

The State Needs Grant would be funded at current level under the Senate budget ; in contrast,  would increase by $73million under the House budget.

The House budget would freeze tuition while the Senate Bill continues the current policy that would allow adjustment for inflation., but no more than 2.2% in 2018 and 2.0% in 2019.
Overall the ramification of fully funding K-12 can be seen in the Senate budget which address the issue through cuts, whereas the House budget would address the issue of fully funding K-12 by tax reforms defined in HB 2186 which would increase revenue by $3billion.

HB 2186 - 2017-18<http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2186&Year=2017>

<http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2186&Year=2017>
Concerning investing in Washington families by improving the fairness of the state's excise tax system by narrowing or eliminating tax preferences, imposing a business and occupation tax surcharge while eliminating tax liability for small businesses, enacting an excise tax on capital gains, modifying the real estate excise tax, making administrative changes, and implementing marketplace fairness in Washington
.
A hearing on HB 2168 before the Finance Committee will be held on Monday, April  3 8:00 a.m. in the O’Brien Building, Hearing Room A

Please if you have a chance attend this hearing or call the members of the Finance Committee, especially if the member is form your district.  Here’s a link to the committee member list

http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/FIN/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

<http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/FIN/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx>

Other News


The Correction Education Bill in now in House Appropriations;

The Customized Education in in Ways and Means;

 HB 1913  Excise Tax concerning bookstores in   Ways and Means; and

Collective Bargaining for local dollars did not pass; however, Larry Springer added it back to the budget as a proviso which would be good for next two years.


Thanks to Arlen and Jennifer for our Legislative Meeting on 3/31/17 and for their continued work on our behalf.


Gerry

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