Rep. Farrell says she’s disappointed with proposed cuts in Senate Budget

Rep. Jessyn Farrell, D-46

Democratic 46th District State Rep. Jessyn Farrell says that she is disappointed with proposed cuts to human services in the budget proposed in the State Senate Wednesday.

Farrell said after Senate Republicans released a proposed budget Wednesday that she is particularly disappointed that the proposed Senate budget cuts over $180 million from Working Connections Child Care and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, “both of which help Washington families out of hard times and into productive jobs.”

She added that the proposed Senate budget cuts the Working Connections Child Care program, which she said, “helps Washington families find or keep their jobs while improving access to early learning. We have a bill from the Senate that would reform Working Connections to make this program work better. With the proposed reductions, parents who could have benefited will be forced to choose between taking care of their kids and working to provide for them.

“These programs boost our economy and our education system, and have been a lifeline for families across Washington who have been hit hard by the recession. I support fully funding these programs, and I believe these cuts are out of line with Washington values.”

The proposed budget came from the coalition of 23 Republicans and two conservative Democrats that controls the Senate.

Majority Democrats in the House of Representatives plan to release their proposed budget next week, 

Farrell’s 46th Legislative District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.