OLYMPIA – In response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s partial veto of the 2016 supplemental operating budget, effectively restoring a $154 million cut to the Public Works Trust Fund, Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, released the following statement:
“Gov. Inslee has saved the Public Works Trust Fund.
“This critical tool provides cities with low interest loans for local infrastructure projects. It is responsible for literally thousands of jobs, countless public works projects and increases the quality of life for every Washingtonian.
“Raiding this account received vocal opposition from both sides of the aisle. Despite this, Senate Republicans have developed a habit of emptying successful and sustainable programs, like the Public Works Trust Fund, in their effort to adhere to a 4-year budget based on projections that have, at best, been wildly inaccurate.
“Our cities and towns are facing new infrastructure challenges with each passing year and raiding the Public Works Trust Fund would have hung local governments out to dry as they try to address the needs of their communities.
“I thank Gov. Inslee for taking a stand to protect the programs that work.”
