Tax and Spend is Back Again in Dem Budget

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Dear Friends,

For some politicians in Olympia, enough is just never enough.

Despite all predictions to the contrary, we have continued to see revenue come into the state. In the largest positive quarterly forecast change on record, the March forecast released earlier this month increased revenue projections by $3.3 billion through the upcoming 2021-23 biennia, and $5.2 billion over the four-year outlook time frame.

Since the budget must balance over four years, legislative budget writers now have roughly $5 billion more available in state funds than what was forecast in November.

Since that time, an extraordinary amount of federal dollars have also poured into state coffers -- including an additional $15 billion more with the signing of the latest COVID-19 relief and stimulus bill. 

Clearly, there is no reason for tax increases, yet this week Democrats introduced an operating budget plan that spends the entire rainy day fund and still relies on the creation of a new and most-likely unconstitutional income tax on capital gains.

A no tax, no cuts budget I helped write earlier in this session proved that we could fund all of our state needs without new taxes. The majority's insatiable desire for more of your money is nothing short of government greed. 

You can trust that I will continue to be a voice to protect you, your wallet and your rights in these final days of the 105-day legislative session.

Thank you, as always, for the opportunity to serve you in the state Senate.

Sincerely,

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Sharon Brown
State Senator
8th District

This Week's Video Update:

Senate Republicans say there's no need for new taxes

It's not rocket science!

It's not rocket science! Click on the image above to watch a Senate Republican short video explaining why new, unconstitutional income taxes are not needed, and should be rejected.

Legislative Update:

Senate unanimously approves our bill to protect domestic violence victims

Sen. Brown

The Senate has unanimously approved our measure to alert domestic-violence victims when their abusers are paroled, furloughed or otherwise released back into the public.

This is a commonsense reform that would result in greater protection for the victims of domestic violence, who are often subject to long histories of repeated abuses and whose abusers are among the most likely for recidivism. It’s a simple tweak that could do a lot of good for victim safety.

Under Substitute Senate Bill 5245, the list of those notified of offender releases would be expanded to include victims of domestic violence, assault in the third degree, unlawful imprisonment, vehicular homicide by disregard for the safety of others, or controlled substance homicide.

The bill is now in the House Rules Committee, the final step before a full vote in that chamber. 

To learn more, click here to read my full press release.

Budget Update:

Bipartisan capital budget delivers for Tri-Cities priorities

Brown

In addition to introducing a highly irresponsible and partisan operating budget, the majority also rolled out this week the the two-year, bipartisan capital (or construction) budget.

The $6.2 billion proposal makes an unprecedented investment of nearly $500 million to expand broadband internet access around the state. 

I was able to ensure that it also includes a number of priority projects in our community.  Among the projects funded are:

  • $2.75 million for the Three Rivers Behavioral Health Recovery Center (Kennewick);
  • $2 million for Columbia River water supply development in Quad Cities (City of West Richland/Pasco);
  • $1 million for Esther’s House for trafficking victims;
  • $1 million for dental services at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (Kennewick); and,
  • $900,000 to replace the Hospice House (Richland).

Also, our request for funding for the Reimann Industrial Center Project was combined with that of other local lawmakers for a total appropriation of $7.5 million.

This important project at the Port of Pasco is expected to generate 2,300 jobs and $15 million annually in property taxes for our region.

In the News:

How virtual school is straining the mental health of WA students

Are the kids all right? Counselors and legislators want to know. 

Youth mental Health

by Agueda Pacheco Flores, Crosscut | Mar. 5, 2021
Melissa Santos contributed to this article.

Schools in Washington state were among the first in the country to pivot to virtual learning at the beginning of the pandemic last March. Alongside that disruption also came widespread economic uncertainty and major social isolation, as well as the coronavirus’ rising death toll. School counselors say the shift into pandemic life created an immediate call to arms, both because of the stress of virtual school and everything else young people are dealing with right now, at home and out in the world.

...On Feb. 25, a bill concerning teens and mental health unanimously passed the Senate. SB 5327 would establish a suicide and school shooting tip line. A press release from the bill sponsor, Sen. Sharon Brown, R- Kennewick, points to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which shows in November of last year, mental health emergency room visits increased between 24% and 31% among youth ages 5 to 17.

Click here to read the full article.

Help

From the District:

Thanks for sharing your views and questions!

Virtual THseatmates

Wow! I am always so proud of our Mighty 8th Legislative District. My seatmates Reps. Brad Klippert and Matt Boehnke, and I were pleased to host our virtual 8th District Town hall last Saturday, and the turnout and engagement were more than we ever could have anticipated. 

Nearly 200 people preregistered for the town hall, with 60% or 116 attending during the one-and-a-half-hour event. 

It has never been harder for citizens to make their voices heard than it is this year. With the legislative buildings closed to the public, we legislators need to hear directly from the men and women we represent as much as possible. 

So thanks again to everyone who participated. And if you were not able to join us, it's not too late to make your voice heard. Please contact my office at any time you have questions, concerns or ideas for better government. 

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PLEASE NOTE: Any email or documents you provide to this office may be subject to disclosure under RCW 42.56. If you would prefer to communicate by phone, please contact Sen. Brown's office at (360) 786-7614.

March 27, 2021

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