Dr. Schaaf Proposes Balanced Budget

Dr. Rob Schaaf was the only member of the House Budget Committee to offer a balanced budget proposal during deliberations this week. He offered amendments trimming just under $200 million, the amount of the imbalance, but each one was voted down by a voice vote of the committee.

During the Appropriations Committee hearings leading up to the full Budget Committee hearings, Dr. Schaaf voted with other members to pass over $60 million in spending cuts. But the final budget passed by the Budget Committee included only $55 million in spending cuts.

“Having offered up $198 million worth of cuts personally, all of which were rejected, I will be able to vote against this budget with a clean conscience, “ Dr. Schaaf said.

The budget bills will now go on to the full House $145 million out of balance. Dr. Schaaf said he will offer further cuts in floor amendments if allowed, and will vote against the bills again if the House fails to act responsibly.