Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted for the Democratic budget proposal and announced his intention to vote no on the Republican budget proposal tomorrow.

“My top priority in Congress is to invest in the foundation of long-term economic growth that creates jobs and opportunity in the Pacific Northwest. We need to start with a budget that makes investments in transportation, education and innovation that let our economy grow.

“The Democratic plan uses a balanced approach to reach a balanced budget and create jobs. By cutting spending, slowing the rate of spending growth, and generating new revenue, the budget sets the United States on a path to job creation and long-term fiscal health.

“The Democratic budget replaces the dangerous automatic spending cuts known as the sequester with a balanced deficit reduction plan. Northwest Washington is already feeling the consequences of the sequester. Teachers in Everett, Oak Harbor and Bellingham are soon going to have larger classes and fewer textbooks. Domestic violence shelters will not have the resources they need to help victims of domestic abuse. Seniors in Snohomish County will face longer waiting lists for Meals on Wheels.

“The Republican budget is sequester on steroids. Deep and arbitrary cuts that are already hurting the middle class in Northwest Washington would multiply under the Republican plan, slashing the investments that will rebuild the middle class.

“Democrats have put forward a serious plan that meets our fiscal challenge and will grow the economy by creating jobs. Republicans have put forward their tired ideology that Americans have soundly rejected in election after election.”