OLYMPIA… The senators behind the no-new-taxes, no-cuts operating “$ave Washington” budget proposed by Senate Republicans offered this reaction to comments made today by Gov. Bob Ferguson about the operating budgets adopted by the Senate and House of Representatives in the past few days.

From Sen. Chris Gildon of Puyallup, who is Senate Republican budget leader:

“The governor is absolutely right to say the budgets from the Senate and House Democrats propose ‘far too much’ in new taxes. Tens of thousands of people have told us as much in the course of opposing the Senate Democrats’ record-breaking $21 billion tax package. We’re glad the governor seems to be hearing them as well.

“The Senate Republicans’ $ave Washington budget supports the priorities of our state, without new taxes or service cuts. We appreciate hearing the governor explain exactly what’s needed in a budget he will sign, and frankly, our plan seems much closer to his standards than what the Senate and House Democrats passed. We remain ready to help deliver a budget that meets the needs of students, families and employers.”

From Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco, who is assistant budget leader:

“Governor Ferguson has brought more clarity to the budget conversation at just the right time. We appreciate his defense of the rainy-day fund, because there may be rainy days ahead but they aren’t here now. And although his opposition to the so-called ‘wealth tax’ is based more on constitutional concerns than the job-related concerns Republicans have, that’s enough for today. I wish he had also pushed back against the Democrats’ property-tax increase, as that will take billions upon billions from families of all income levels – but maybe it will be next.

“Our state needs a budget that won’t drive employers and innovators out of Washington and doesn’t add to the tax burden that is already causing so many families to struggle financially. With less than a month to go in the regular session, I hope the governor’s words correct the course our Democratic colleagues are on. That last thing the people of our state need is for lawmakers to be forced into overtime simply because the majority is fighting over which taxes to raise, and how high.”