NEW BUDGET PROCESS FOR STATE
Governor Gregoire announces
plan to transform Washington's
budget
On June 24, 2010, Governor Chris Gregoire unveiled a
new budget-building process that features a series of critical questions state
agencies must answer to ensure spending is related to an essential function of
state government.
"We have been navigating our way through some very tough times while the
economy slowly improves," Gregoire said. "I am now looking ahead to the state's
next budget cycle and another sizable shortfall we must address in the 2011-13
budget. We are going to challenge every program in state government with a
series of tough questions to ensure we are getting the best value for the most
essential functions of state government."
The state Office of Financial Management released a report today showing a
projected $3 billion shortfall for the next budget period in 2011-13.
"We will continue to use the Priorities of Government budget process
as the framework for a new budget," said OFM Director Marty Brown.
"No state activity gets a free pass. We are asking a series of tough
questions to help us decide how to invest scarce dollars among so many
competing demands."
Gregoire also announced the appointment of a panel of leaders from outside
government to provide input on state spending. That panel will help involve the public in the budget process. Representative Kelli Linville will be on the Governor's Committee.
A series of hearings will be held across the state to receive
citizen input on the difficult choices facing the state. Hearings will be scheduled in late July, with the first taking place in Tacoma July 19.
Additional dates and locations will be announced soon.
For more information on the Governor's new budget process, please visit http://governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp. |
MEDICAID BILL STALLS
US Senate votes down aid Washington needs
It's looking increasingly unlikely that Washington
will get the $480 million in federal aid it's been counting on to help balance
the current budget that runs through June 2011. The U.S. Senate failed to pass legislation that included billions in additional Medicaid funds. Thirty states including Washington hoped to use that funding to balance their budgets. There have
been multiple failed attempts to pass the bill and Senator Patty Murray,
D-Wash, was doubtful about the prospect of Congress acting before its August
recess. "Grim is the word I'd use," she said in a phone interview.
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20 YEARS OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Anniversary of the ADA
This July is the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The
ADA was signed
into law in 1990, and remains a comprehensive piece of civil
rights legislation for people with disabilities. The law guarantees
equal access to the economic, social, educational
and environmental resources of American society.
Visit the ADA website for the full
text of the act.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Disability is a natural part of the human experience that in no way
diminishes the right of individuals to: - Live
independently
- Enjoy
self-determination
- Make
choices
- Contribute
to society
- Pursue
meaningful careers
- Enjoy
full inclusion and integration
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ABOUT US
The Arc of Whatcom County provides information and referrals,
educational programs, and funding for people with developmental
disabilities, their families, and the organizations that serve them.
This E-Alert is made possible by funding from the Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities program.
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