AWB statement on proposed Senate budget

Kris Johnson, president of the Association of Washington Business, issued the following statement Tuesday regarding the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus’ proposed 2015-17 state operating budget:

“No budget is perfect, but this proposal is an encouraging step for Washington families and employers. It prioritizes education spending, both for K-12 students and college and university students, and it manages to do so without raising taxes on families or employers.

“By avoiding tax increases, Senate leaders have demonstrated they understand that Washington’s economy is still fragile and that many parts of the state are still struggling to emerge from years of recession. In 37 of 39 counties, Washington’s unemployment rate remains higher than the national average. They also proved that it’s possible for the state to live within its means, something that voters have made clear they want.

“We recognize this budget is very different from the one that House leaders proposed, but we are hopeful that lawmakers in the Senate will quickly approve it so legislators in both chambers can begin the hard work of finding a bipartisan compromise that works for all Washingtonians.”

About the Association of Washington Business

Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 8,300 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.