Friends
Committee on Washington
State
Public Policy
A Quaker Organization
|
Friends
Committee on Washington
State |
WAC ADVOCACY ALERT
November 13, 2001
DSHS Proposes $470 Million in cuts to Vital Social services
Each year, the Governor and Legislature are tasked with crafting a budget that meets the needs of
our state within our available revenues. This year, the task will prove to be even more challenging
than usual. As a result of a slowing economy, and a forecast of lower than anticipated revenues, the
Governor asked large state agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS) to propose spending cuts of 15%. This amounts to about $470 million from DSHS (of the
$580 million in total cuts across all agencies).
DSHS released a detailed list of potential budget cuts to comply with Governor Locke's mandate that
social service spending be reduced. While the list describes "options for consideration," the scope
and depth of the cuts are staggering. Practically all services to adolescents and their families would
be eliminated. Other services, such as the Children's Health Insurance Program, would be frozen,
creating waiting lists for health care.
Some of the proposed cuts that we are most concerned about are:
The proposed elimination of:
General Assistance Unemployable program (which serves nearly 20,000 adults);
The Volunteer CHORE Service program
The Medically Indigent program
Medical coverage for legal immigrants
State funding for Refugee Assistance Program
Overnight Youth Shelter funding
Proposed reduction in funding for:
Adult Dental Program
Emergency Shelter Assistance Program
Emergency Food Assistance Program
State Children’s Health Insurance Program
Working Connections Childcare
The ECEAP program
State Legislators will face an unprecedented challenge this next legislative session as they attempt
to craft a balanced budget with significantly fewer dollars. Our state’s revenue base depends of
property, sales and business taxes, which bring in less money during economic hard times. Growing
unemployment makes it unlikely that this picture will improve much in the short-run. It is imperative
that we let Governor Locke and state legislators that we believe that these cuts are unacceptable. It
is also time that we ask our elected officials to begin to take leadership to craft a longer-time solution
to our budgetary woes. We must begin the discussion about crafting a public finance system that is
both fair and adequate to meet the needs of all in our communities.
The entire list of DSHS cuts is available at: http://www.wa.gov/dshs/budget/pdf/ofmred1.pdf
Thanks for your Help! Many of you may have received calls from our WAC Interns: Kris, Barbara
and Ursala. We are working hard to update and strengthen our Ecumenical Action Network so that
we can insure that the faith community has a strong voice for social justice. If you have not
received a phone call you may receive a letter in the next few days. We appreciate
your time and input.
Together we can make a real difference!
TAKE FIVE
ISSUE #1: DSHS proposed cuts of $470 million to vital social services.
ACTION: Contact Governor Gary Locke and your State Senator and State Representatives. Ask that
they not balance the budget on the backs of our state’s most vulnerable citizens. Please mention
any services or programs that is of particular concern to you. Also consider adding that you are
willing to support an increase in taxes, for those with the ability to pay, to prevent elimination or
reduction in vital social services.
Legislative Hotline: 800-562-6000.
Or e-mail: governor.locke@governor.wa.gov
ISSUE #2: Federal Economic Stimulus. Congress is currently debating an economic stimulus
package for America. The House recently passed a $100 billion bill, which focused mainly on tax
cuts for businesses. The Senate Finance Committee passed a $66.4 billion plan that provides $14.3
billion in Unemployment benefit extensions, $12.3 billion to help pay health care premiums for
laid-off workers, $19.4 billion in business tax breaks and in response to the National Governor’s
Assoc. and many advocates around the country, $1.4 Billion in increased matching funds for state’s
Medicaid program. This funding is critical as it would reduce pressure on states to cut medical and
long-term care services.
ACTION: Call Senators Murray and Cantwell and ask that they support at least $10 Billion for federal
Medicaid matching rate funds as part of the final Economic Stimulus Plan.
Capitol Swichboard: 1-202-224-3121.
E-Mail: senator_murray@murray.senate.gov;
maria@cantwell.senate.gov
Thanks!