Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlach, issued the following statement today regarding his vote on a parliamentary procedure to pull the governor’s proposed operating budget to the Senate floor:

“My votes today and tonight were not partisan votes, they are votes for a responsible budget without accounting tricks or gimmicks.

“As a businessman and a local government official, I see a clear and urgent need for a balanced budget.

“I have read the proposed budget as amended. I don’t agree with everything in it, but it is a point to start negotiations with the House. There are many problems with the House budget. This action places a conservative budget proposal on the table.

“I firmly believe we need less government spending, more fiscal responsibility and better prioritization of spending, with education first and support for our seniors.”