House operating budget debate: a sampler…

“This is a strong proposal for a strong Washington.”
— Rep. Helen Sommers, D-Seattle.

“We are the largest state we’ve ever been in history…More people — more things — more stuff.”
— Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish.

“This budget is an act of optimism. We are betting on the families of the state of Washington…It’s about brighter futures.”
— also Dunshee

“I think we’ve got a whole lot of betting going on here.”
— Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla

“We are standing up today against a superior force that is going to drive this budget down our throats, and we’re going to lose…You didn’t bet on our kids. You gambled away their future.”
— House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis.

“All the discussions and posturing that go on at this stage are very interesting…It’s a yes for me. It’s going to deal with the essential human needs of the people of this state.
“I’ve heard it over and over again. `The skies are falling.’ Well, it’s been two years since I heard that speech. The walls are up. The sky is blue.”
— Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Roy, the sole Republican voting for it.