Residents still cleaning up from this months floods and suffering from the economic down turn seem to think this new proposal is an obvious move. "I can't believe it's even a debate, if I am having a hard time providing for my family, why should the state be purchasing art" said William Hanson. He was at the Snohomish Station purchasing some repair supplies for his home.

The proposal that Hope and Hobbs are pushing would remove the requirement for art on public buildings. It's getting high marks from citizens that want a budget conscious state government.-ST

PR- Looking to save money in a year when the state must make up for a nearly $6 billion budget shortfall, Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, has sponsored a bill that would save money in the capital budget.

If passed, one-half of one percent of all new public buildings in the 2009-11 budget would not be required to put aside funds for art. The House bill is expected to be introduced Tuesday.
"Money is hard to find in Olympia, and even though the capital budget does not have a shortfall like the operating budget, we should try to make every dollar stretch a bit further. This is a great way to do that," said Hope.

Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, has already filed the companion Senate Bill 5163. It has bi-partisan support already.

"I'm excited to work with Steve to save taxpayer dollars and serve our district together," Hope said.

Hope sits on the Capital Budget Committee in the House and noted he has already heard many requests for funding construction projects around the state.

"This measure would free up more money to spend on worthwhile causes like a boys and girls club in Marysville, a sewer project in Snohomish, a senior center in Mill Creek, or the proposed interchange in Lake Stevens at State Route 204 and State Route 9," Hope said.