The U.S. Air Force announced its decision today to site the main operating base for its new Boeing KC-46A air refueling tankers at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, rather than eastern Washington’s Fairchild Air Force Base. Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, who represents the district in which Fairchild resides, issued this response to the news: “I’m very disappointed in the Air Force’s decision and I sincerely hope that it is not politically motivated.
Led by Sen. Michael Baumgartner, the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus today unveiled a comprehensive plan that would bring down the costs of higher education for students, increase state spending on public universities and community colleges, and tie additional funding to higher-education institutions’ performance.
In a survey conducted last week, 96 percent of respondents found Washington’s Department of Commerce Director appointee to be unqualified for the job, according to Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane. In the poll, readers were asked to watch the Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee’s hearing on Commerce Director appointee, Brian Bonlender, before asking what action the Senate should take on the gubernatorial appointment.
Sen. Michael Baumgartner expressed disappointment in Governor Inslee’s proposal allowing a 10 percent increase in tuition rates over the next two years, stating it will pile more debt onto the backs of students and families and is a stark contrast to his own plan to reduce tuition for the first time in state history by three percent.
As our state struggles to meet its budget challenge, I believe it’s important to invest in our economy by investing in higher education. Take a look at this bold new proposal that will make it easier for families to afford college.
Over the past several years Washington has significantly increased the amount of money it borrows. Given this increasing debt it is important that we use the state “credit card” wisely to make good investments.
One of the big reasons that our state has a budget problem is because state spending has far outpaced the rate of inflation and population growth. Just from 2005-2008 the Legislature increased state spending 33 percent.
