The last couple of years have been really tough, fiscally speaking. Washington faced an over $11.5 billion deficit during the last two year budget cycle. And after using every federal recovery dollar and fund transfer available, plus raising a small amount revenue – the Legislature still had to make deep cuts in education and social services to make up the budget shortfall.
And while the economy may be in a slow recovery, state revenues continue to be down. According to the June budget forecast, we are looking at a possible $3 billion deficit in the upcoming biennium.
So this means there are more tough days, tough discussions, and tough fights ahead. But, the good news is that we can make sure the Governor and the Legislature hear us loud and clear. BEGINNING TONIGHT!
As part of a new biennial budget process, Governor Gregoire is holding four public hearings to “present information on the governor’s priorities and to solicit input from citizens, who are invited to attend and testify.” You can share your thoughts by attending the meetings, submitting written comments, or sending a message through the Children’s Alliance Kids Are Essential Storybook.
Hearing Dates, Times, and Locations:
Monday, July 19 – Tacoma, 7-9 PM, (UWT-William W. Phillip Hall, Milgard Assembly Room, 1900 Commerce Street)
Wednesday, July 21 – Everett, 7-9 PM, (Everett Community College, Parks Building, Multi Purpose Room, 2000 Tower Street)
Tuesday, July 27—Vancouver, 7-9 PM, (WSU-Vancouver, Administration Building Room 110, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver)
Thursday, July 29—Spokane, Time TBA, (Spokane City Hall, City Council Chambers, 808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard)
