Governor releases 2010 budget Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Governor Christine Gregoire is scheduled to release her budget December 9 at 9:00 a.m. You can view the press conference at http://www.tvw.org/index.cfm?bhcp=1. With the state facing a projected $2.6 billion shortfall in the coming fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2010), it will be a “cuts only” budget requiring elimination of entire programs and services unless new revenue sources are identified. Details of the Governor’s budget will be available after 9:00 am at http://www.ofm.wa.gov.
The programs most at risk are those that are state-only funded, such as General Assistance Unemployable (GAU), Basic Health Plan and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). Those programs that were most recently funded, including home visiting for young children and their families, may also see cutbacks.
These cuts would disproportionately and severely affect some of our most vulnerable populations–including those experiencing homelessness and at-risk, low income families and children. United Way of King County will advocate to maintain GAU and the Housing Trust Fund, as well as protect state investments in children.
The Governor plans to release two budgets, Book 1 (with cuts and no new revenue) and Book 2 (with cuts and proposed new revenue).
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