Jauch Says Waiting Is More Expensive
Responding to Rep. Robin Vos' argument that the Capital Budget loads debt on future generation through borrowing, Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, said waiting will cost more in the long run.
Jauch used as an example the state Capitol renovation project. With Building Commission secretary Rob Cramer's help, he was able to estimate that the cost of restoring the Capitol building would have ballooned by a third if started today, from the estimated $160 million that was spent to an estimated $240 million if the project was undertaken now.
Jauch also argued that the building program could generate as many as 30,000 construction jobs.
Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbottsford, said he agreed with Jauch that the Capitol renovation was a good investment.
"You may want to frame that," Rep. Kitty Rhoades, R-Hudson, quipped.
"Someone call a doctor I think I'm having a heart attack," Jauch said.
However, Suder added, while the projects are worthy, taxpayers cannot afford them, and the list must be prioritized.
Labels: Capital_Budget, Jauch, Suder
