Schools & Kids Benefit Most By State Capital Budget – Dave’s Diary

A press release from 15^th State Senator Jim Honeyford says $3.9 billion capital budget passed by lawmakers last night mirrors the budget priorities that have defined the 2015 legislative session: strong reforms, accountability and providing maximum return to taxpayers for every dollar. Honeyford led the Senate team that negotiated the 2015-17 list of capital investments.

“Folks in central and eastern Washington who need a reliable source of water for farming or industry can sleep better because of the funding we dedicated to the Yakima Basin Integrated Project and the Columbia River Basin Program and toward drought relief,” said Honeyford.

A $200 million appropriation will build roughly 500 new K-3 classrooms. Not only will this give students in Washington’s poorest and most crowded classrooms more breathing space, but the funding further bolsters the Legislature’s commitment to building a 21^st-century educational system.

“If there is a real winner this session, I have to say it’s our schools and our kids. Not only did the operating budget dedicate a historic amount toward education, it became a bit of challenge to see how much more our capital budget could add to that number. We also made significant investments in our skills centers and higher education,” said Honeyford.

Engrossed House Bill 1115 will take effect tomorrow.