Governor Gregoire released her Proposed 2012 Supplemental Budget this morning. She proposed more than $2 billion in spending cuts, reductions to local revenue sharing and fund transfers to leave a $600 million reserve.
There are several items that directly link to anti-hunger efforts in Washington:
- Support state food banks - $1.5 million
Increases funding for state food banks that serve 1.5 million clients annually. Funding will provide 4.5 million meals annually.
- Eliminate State Food Assistance program - $13.9 million
Halts food assistance to an estimated 11,400 individuals each month who are not eligible for federal
food assistance or who have not provided documentation of citizenship.
- More than 1,300 low-income individuals with developmental disabilities or in long-term care will lose eligibility for personal care services; 1,000 will lose adult day health services; and 1,000 of their families will lose respite services.
- More than 16,600 offenders will be under community supervision for a shorter period.
- Colleges and universities will see their state support reduced by another $160 million.
- School districts will lose part or all of their levy equalization support.
- The school year will be shortened by four days.
The Governor also proposed a revenue alternative to be sent to the public as a referendum to 'buy back' some of these services that were cut. This referendum would be sent to the voters for a temporary one-half cent increase in the state
sales tax to:
- Preserve services to people with developmental disabilities and those who need long-term care
- Prevent further reductions to our kindergarten-through-12th grade and higher education systems
- Ensure that offenders are kept behind bars or under community supervision
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