Republican response to the House capital budget

Here’s what Rep. Judy Warnick has to say about the capital budget, released earlier today:

“There are many worthwhile projects in this budget that will improve our infrastructure and be beneficial for our economy.

“While I appreciate being a part of the capital budget discussions, I disagree with some of the funding decisions. Several projects spend dollars to purchase and protect lands. Though I am a huge advocate of protecting our natural resources, this is not the year to be buying land. We are looking at closing state parks, but at the same time in this budget we are buying more land for parks and wildlife.

“As I gave input on the budget, my priority was projects that create jobs, expand higher education or are crucial for infrastructure. In order to get our economy moving again, we have to focus on projects that will create jobs and make our state more attractive to future employers.

“The operating budget proposal would transfer $780 million of designated fund accounts normally used by the capital budget to fill part of the massive hole in the operating budget. Raiding these funds are not a wise use of our resources in my opinion. The capital budget provides dollars for the construction and preservation of hospitals, affordable housing, jails, higher education facilities and schools in communities and districts around the state. We could leave many of these worthwhile projects behind.

“However, a proposal to raise the bonding authority would increase the dollars in the capital budget, while having the same effect as raising a credit limit. I have said from the beginning that just because we can borrow more, doesn’t mean we should.

“I hope the House and Senate capital budget committees will continue to work together and make responsible choices with our limited spending capacity.”

Tags: capital budget