OFM letter raises important questions about the proposed highway budget but fails to see the main source of Washington’s transportation problems
Key Findings
In an unusual move, the state Office of Financial Management (OFM) has sent a sharply-worded letter to the legislature regarding the new transportation budget.
The OFM letter raises valid questions, but it completely overlooks the many budget problems that were created by the Governor’s own Executive Orders.
A further problem is that state officials have not updated the Highway System Plan since 2007.
Repealing wasteful mandates, ending the diversion of transportation funds to non-highway programs, and increasing the cost-effectiveness will deliver the best value to the public.
A further benefit will be to re-build public trust in how our state’s Department of Transportation is funded and managed.
Introduction
The state Office of Financial Management (OFM), which reports to Governor Inslee, has sent a sharply-worded letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the Legislature’s Transportation Committees. In the letter state officials express “significant concerns with the House and Senate transportation budgets” that are now under consideration.
The letter is noteworthy because it is surprising that OFM would speak out so critically so late in the legislative session considering the House and Senate transportation budget proposals are largely in alignment as to size and the cost of major line items. This Policy Note reviews the transportation budget proposals and presents OFM’s objections.
