Representative Kagi's E-Newsletter December 3, 2009

Dear neighbors,

As legislators go to Olympia for Committee Days later this week, it’s a good time to update you on some state legislative issues. With the demise of the Enterprise in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, I will be emailing you more frequently with updates and issue analyses.

Operating Budget Update

As I am sure you are well aware, we are facing a continued budget crisis. Consumer confidence and spending remain low, which means revenues have continued to decline in Washington State. Based on the latest revenue forecast, we are looking at a $2.6 billion deficit. I thought the cuts we made last year were hard; I cannot begin to imagine what we will cut this year to balance the budget. I have heard from many constituents on the impacts of the cuts in education, health care, social services, parks and recreation and many other areas. As the economy continues to get worse, the number of people seeking help to meet basic needs is increasing.

Our challenge in balancing the budget is compounded by the fact that 70 percent of our $31 billion budget is “protected” and can’t be touched by budget writers. These categories include basic K-12 education, protected by the state constitution; debt service and pensions, protected by bond covenants and long-term funding obligations; federal entitlements such as Medicaid and foster care, for which the state is required to follow certain federal rules; and more. This means we have a rather small portion of the budget from which we can actually cut—roughly $9.3 billion.

I am hopeful we will find innovative and creative solutions to mitigate the growing $2.6 billion shortfall, but it truly will be a challenge. Your ideas and suggestions would be very welcome. To learn more about the budget situation, I recommend watching this informative video from Gov. Chris Gregoire and Budget Director Victor Moore.

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In the Community

Over the past month, and continuing through December, I am visiting schools in the district to talk with teachers about the impact of the budget cuts the Legislature made last session. So far I have visited Echo Lake Elementary, Kenmore Junior High and Inglemoor High School. In the next few weeks, I plan to visit Kenmore Elementary School, Shorecrest High School, Einstein Middle School, Edmonds-Woodway High School and Westgate Elementary School. By hearing directly from teachers, I hope to be well armed to defend against deep budget cuts in education when we go to Olympia in January. While “basic education” is protected, substantial k-12 funding, including the funding for I-728, is outside the definition of basic education and therefore subject to cuts.

Talking with teachers, it is clear that the budget cuts are hindering their ability to teach, with larger class sizes and fewer resources at their disposal. Many staff have been cut who previously assisted in the classroom to support children with learning disabilities and behavior issues. With larger class sizes and less help, many of our hard-working teachers are struggling to provide quality education in the classroom. Teachers also commented on the lack of resources such as textbooks. In spite of the challenges, several teachers commented that they love their jobs and want to keep teaching. The dedication of our hard working and resourceful teachers has been evident in every school I have visited.

I am also visiting DSHS child welfare offices this fall and winter to learn from social workers what services and supports are critical for keeping children safely in their homes, and for caring for children in out-of-home care. Last session, the Legislature made deep cuts in foster care and the services that support families to keep children out of care. We need to be careful and thoughtful as we look for additional budget cuts to services that support some of the most vulnerable children in our society.

I enjoy hearing from all of you. Please feel free to contact my office with questions, concerns or comments.

Best regards,
Ruth

Shoreline Office, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155,
206-368-4691

Olympia Office, 328 John L. O'Brien Building, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504
360-786-7910

EMAIL:  kagi.ruth@leg.wa.gov            WEBSITE

ASSISTANT Allison Krutsinger, 206-422-1060   Krutsinger.allsion@leg.wa.gov