Newly elected Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler says some Democrats will be starting session with a “preordained goal of raising taxes” to pay for education — something he says should only be a “last resort.”
The GOP-led Majority Coalition Caucus is focusing on “efficiencies and savings” to close the budget gap, Schoesler said. As an example of inefficient spending, he cited a $600,000 workshop in Tacoma for Department of Social and Health Services employees at the same time the agency was facing layoffs.
“The agency directors down through mid-management have to understand, we think lean management is a great idea,” he said. “They need to get it, or get out.”
Democratic House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan said that after five years of budget reductions, “finding additional room for cuts is more difficult than ever.”
Sullivan said Democrats are focused on funding education while also protecting services. “That’s got to be foremost goal,” he said. “Whether we pay for it in existing revenue is the debate we’ll have.”
Both leaders spoke on this week’s edition of “The Impact” – watch it below.