Haler says ‘early savings’ bill was a missed opportunity
‘I was hoping we would have the opportunity to make a difference in our budget shortfall. Instead, we’re stuck on the same path as last year, waiting until the last minute to implement true savings,” says Haler
Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, issued the following statement today following the House of Representative’s approval of House Bill 2921, dubbed by sponsors as the “early savings” bill:
“I was hoping we would have the opportunity to make a difference in our budget shortfall. Instead, we’re stuck on the same path as last year, waiting until the last minute to implement true savings.
“This bill simply rubber-stamps about $45 million in agency reductions that have already been ordered by the executive branch. If we passed this bill next week or next month, it wouldn’t make one iota of difference. It’s a feel-good, do-nothing bill, and I think the people want more than that.
“I can’t vote for a bill that just ‘sends a message.’ It’s disingenuous to the citizens and further perpetuates the mistrust between government and the people we’re elected to serve.”
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