Republican leader says House GOP budget will create a stir

Published 9:45 am Wednesday, April 6, 2011

How would Republicans in the state House of Representatives eliminate the projected $5.1 billion deficit in the next two-year budget?

We’ll find out at 11:30 a.m. today when caucus leaders put forth an alternative two-year spending plan to one released Monday by majority Democrats.

Rep

. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, who is chairman of the caucus, didn’t reveal many details in a conversation this morning but said he thinks “it will create a little bit of a stir” among members in both chambers.

“There is definitely an ideological difference in how we are approaching the budget,” he said, noting it will stand out most among all the budget plans getting written.

He said it will have $800 million in reserves plus $100 million in a rainy day fund. There will be more money spent education and the Department of Corrections and less on the operation of the Basic Health Plan and Disability Lifeline.

“Ours is a go home and not have to come back budget,” he said.

The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to debate and vote on the budget bills in its 3:30 p.m. meeting today.

Meanwhile, Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said he is looking to release the Senate spending plan next Tuesday.