Rep. Condotta says budget bigger problem than expected

January 18, 2016

After a record breaking legislative session in 2015, voters and lawmakers alike are hoping this year's short session will remain just that: short.  But several on the appropriations committee say there are sticking points with the budget that mean this session may not be easy sailing.  Ruth Johnson reports from Olympia.

Johnson:  The key concern:  The governor’s budget doesn’t balance.  Lawmakers are now saddled with 5-700 million dollars worth of adjustments to make.

Condotta: “We’ve got to be very cautious.”

Republican Representative Cary Condotta of East Wenatchee.

Condotta: “I think we are going to have to be very conservative on this supplemental budget, and I’m not sure our friends on the other side of the aisle are going to like that too well.”

Condotta, who left a recent 2 hour budget meeting saying, “It wasn’t real rosy,” is concerned about the governor’s plan to dip into the rainy day fund, which could eliminate spending limits going forward, and has long-term budgeting implications.

Condotta: “It creates a ripple effect.  There are some real questions about whether this is a smart thing to do.”

With lawmakers just recovering from a record breaking session in 2015, there are new concerns about dealing with the governor’s demands as the time left to make crucial decisions continues to shrink.

Ruth Johnson, Olympia.