House Republican floor speeches on Senate Bill 5187 (operating budget) | April 3, 2023

On April 3, 2023, the Washington State House of Representatives debated Senate Bill 5187. A striking amendment to this legislation included the House Democrats’ 2023-25 operating budget. House Republicans offered several amendments to Senate Bill 5187, with only a few being adopted. Some of the rejected amendments would have funded special education at a higher level, helped students recover from learning loss, provided two one-time payments of $500 to families eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit, strengthened the Budget Stabilization Account, repealed the state long-term care program and payroll tax, assisted farmers who were improperly taxed under the Climate Commitment Act, and supported law enforcement and auto theft prevention efforts. You can watch House Republican floor speeches on these rejected amendments in this video. This video also includes a floor speech from Rep. Drew Stokesbary, ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, who outlines his concerns with the House Democrats’ operating budget and highlights House Republican priorities. Senate Bill 5187 passed on a 57-40, party-line vote.

Learn more about Senate Bill 5187 and House Republican amendments here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5187&Year=2023&Initiative=false