Dear Stakeholder:
You likely remember the headlines from a few weeks ago that announced the recession was over. Mathematically that may be accurate, but we know we still have a long way to go to rebuild our economy.
In the wake of reduced spending and hiring, there is still more to be done to balance our state budget. I want to take a moment to explain the need for across-the-board cuts, and what will happen next.
As the economy continues to sag and spending remains at a low level, state revenue continues to decline. At the same time, caseloads are increasing for public education and health care services. It is a cycle that is devastating to the people who rely on state services and difficult for state workers to endure. The supplemental budget passed this year left a $453 million ending fund balance, or surplus, in the state budget. However, the two revenue forecasts since May have been well below expectations. The state lost $203 million in the June forecast and $770 million in September. These reductions turned our $453 million surplus into a $520 million shortfall.
When a shortfall is projected, the law requires that I take action to balance the budget — either through spending reductions referred to as “across-the-board cuts,” or by calling a special session of the Legislature. Legislative leaders could not reach consensus on a special session. Thus, I had to direct agencies to reduce spending by 6.3% starting October 1. Agencies have submitted their reduction plans, which you can view at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/reductions/default.asp.
By law, across-the-board reductions leave no discretion to a governor. They apply to all branches of state government and to all agencies headed by elected officials that receive appropriations from the General Fund.
Though across-the-board cuts do not allow us to pick and choose the reductions we must make, we can use the supplemental budget to address some of the most compelling concerns these cuts raise, but the same level of cuts must be made. That supplemental budget will be presented to the Legislature, and legislators have the opportunity to take swift action when they return to Olympia.
Let me be clear: 1) cuts at this level in a fiscal year are a real challenge, and 2) balancing the budget through across-the-board reductions is difficult. The services we have to reduce are often the very ones we want to protect. These are hard times, and they are hard for me and for the state family I have known for the past 30 years of my career.
For me and my administration, this presents an unprecedented challenge in historic times. We have to do what we could never have imagined.
Simply put, we will emerge from this recession a much different state than when we started. We will still focus on the things we are proud of: protecting our most vulnerable citizens, keeping the public safe, stewarding our natural resources, educating our children, and creating the jobs of the future (lots of them!). But the way state government delivers on our promise will, by necessity, change. We are in that transformation now and I know it has created uncertainty and unfamiliarity.
When the Legislature returns, it will need to pass the supplemental budget and the added challenge of an operating budget that addresses a projected nearly $4.5 billion shortfall for the 2011–13 biennium. We all have a very tough job ahead of us. I welcome ideas from you, and citizens across the state, to transform our budget, prepare for the future and live up to our values.
Even in these hard times, I see hope. This is a time for us to work together and to support one another as we handle these difficult times. As partners, we will make our state an even better place to live and work.
Sincerely, Chris
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
The President Signs Rosa’s Law
The President Signs Rosa’s Law
E-Newsletter Issue Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
On Friday afternoon, President Barack Obama put his pen to work signing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 into law, delivering brief remarks on the impact of the law on people with disabilities and celebrating Rosa’s Law. The law, which was enacted by the President on Tuesday, substitutes the term “intellectual disabilities” for “mental retardation” in many federal laws.
Self-advocates William Washington (The Arc’s national office receptionist), Jill Egle (Co-Executive Director, The Arc of Northern Virginia) and Jeremy Jacobson (son of The Arc’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer Trudy Jacobson) joined Paul Marchand, Director of the Disability Policy Collaboration to represent the intellectual and developmental disability community whose advocacy resulted in this bill.
Nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino, for whom the law was named was in attendance with her family and received a hug from the President. Also in attendance were the bill’s sponsors, key policy leaders and musician Stevie Wonder.
Rosa’s Law was passed by the Senate earlier this year and passed the House in September. Self-advocates and The Arc have led the effort to get the bill enacted as part of a nationwide effort to remove the stigma of the “r-word.” The majority of states have altered their terminology by replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in state laws and in the names of state agencies that serve this population.
Changes in terminology are another stepping stone toward realizing a more inclusive society. The Arc was instrumental in the passage of Rosa’s Law by galvanizing support across the nation and through vigorous advocacy. “We have achieved another historic milestone in our movement. We understand that language plays a crucial role in how people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and treated in society. Changing how we talk about people with disabilities is a critical step in promoting and protecting their basic civil and human rights,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act increases accessibility for people with sensory disabilities to modern communications, such as internet access over smart phones. The Arc also advocated strongly for this legislation and celebrates its enactment.
E-Newsletter Issue Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
On Friday afternoon, President Barack Obama put his pen to work signing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 into law, delivering brief remarks on the impact of the law on people with disabilities and celebrating Rosa’s Law. The law, which was enacted by the President on Tuesday, substitutes the term “intellectual disabilities” for “mental retardation” in many federal laws.
Self-advocates William Washington (The Arc’s national office receptionist), Jill Egle (Co-Executive Director, The Arc of Northern Virginia) and Jeremy Jacobson (son of The Arc’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer Trudy Jacobson) joined Paul Marchand, Director of the Disability Policy Collaboration to represent the intellectual and developmental disability community whose advocacy resulted in this bill.
Nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino, for whom the law was named was in attendance with her family and received a hug from the President. Also in attendance were the bill’s sponsors, key policy leaders and musician Stevie Wonder.
Rosa’s Law was passed by the Senate earlier this year and passed the House in September. Self-advocates and The Arc have led the effort to get the bill enacted as part of a nationwide effort to remove the stigma of the “r-word.” The majority of states have altered their terminology by replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in state laws and in the names of state agencies that serve this population.
Changes in terminology are another stepping stone toward realizing a more inclusive society. The Arc was instrumental in the passage of Rosa’s Law by galvanizing support across the nation and through vigorous advocacy. “We have achieved another historic milestone in our movement. We understand that language plays a crucial role in how people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and treated in society. Changing how we talk about people with disabilities is a critical step in promoting and protecting their basic civil and human rights,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act increases accessibility for people with sensory disabilities to modern communications, such as internet access over smart phones. The Arc also advocated strongly for this legislation and celebrates its enactment.
on behalf of DSHS Secretary Susan N. Dreyfus
This message is sent on behalf of DSHS Secretary Susan N. Dreyfus
October 5, 2010
Dear Stakeholders, Partners, Community Leaders and Colleagues:
As I said last week in my message and in our videoconference on Thursday, the 6.3 percent across-the-board spending reductions we announced would not be the end of budget reductions the Department will face in the short term. Given the revenue forecasts for the 2011-13 biennium, which begins July 1, 2011, the Governor’s Office of Financial Management has asked all Executive Cabinet agencies to submit additional reductions totaling 10 percent (Details are now posted on the DSHS Budget Web page).
Unlike the 6.3 percent, the 10 percent reductions we have developed for the next biennium are not going into effect now. We, along with other agencies, we will be working with OFM throughout the fall to refine the spending reduction options as the Governor’s 2011-13 biennial budget proposal is developed. The Governor’s budget proposal will be submitted to the Legislature in December for consideration during the 2011 legislative session, scheduled to begin January 10. The Legislature will adopt a budget for the 2011-13 biennium that we will begin to implement in July of 2011.
Beginning this week, OFM will start reviewing the spending reduction options submitted by all Cabinet agencies. This 10 percent reduction is not in addition to the 6.3 percent reductions. We carry forward into the biennial budget proposal many of the 6.3 percent reductions announced earlier this week, but the biennial budget process allows us to be more strategic in regard to our approach. It provides an opportunity to reinvest a portion of some of the reductions to help build stronger home- and community-based services. While these investments may be short-term in nature, these investments are intended to allow our community partners some flexibility and increased capacity to address expanded areas of social service needs in their communities.
We believe a thoughtful, strategic budget is one way we will bring to life our Framework for the Future. These reductions are not just about reducing, but about resetting in a sustainable way for our future. We must re-examine the work we do -- in light of the Governor’s eight budget development questions and our Department-wide efforts to:
strengthen and expand home- and-community-based service delivery systems
provide integrated case management services to high-need/high-cost individuals and families
and control General Funds-State expenditures while preserving services for our most vulnerable citizens.
I welcome your comments and questions at StakeholdersFeedback@dshs.wa.gov.
Thank you for the great work you do every day and your leadership.
Susan N. Dreyfus, Secretary
Department of Social and Health Services
Kelly Church
Parent/Family Coalition Co-Coordinator
425-258-2459 x 107
The Arc Of Snohomish County
kelly@arcsno.org
October 5, 2010
Dear Stakeholders, Partners, Community Leaders and Colleagues:
As I said last week in my message and in our videoconference on Thursday, the 6.3 percent across-the-board spending reductions we announced would not be the end of budget reductions the Department will face in the short term. Given the revenue forecasts for the 2011-13 biennium, which begins July 1, 2011, the Governor’s Office of Financial Management has asked all Executive Cabinet agencies to submit additional reductions totaling 10 percent (Details are now posted on the DSHS Budget Web page).
Unlike the 6.3 percent, the 10 percent reductions we have developed for the next biennium are not going into effect now. We, along with other agencies, we will be working with OFM throughout the fall to refine the spending reduction options as the Governor’s 2011-13 biennial budget proposal is developed. The Governor’s budget proposal will be submitted to the Legislature in December for consideration during the 2011 legislative session, scheduled to begin January 10. The Legislature will adopt a budget for the 2011-13 biennium that we will begin to implement in July of 2011.
Beginning this week, OFM will start reviewing the spending reduction options submitted by all Cabinet agencies. This 10 percent reduction is not in addition to the 6.3 percent reductions. We carry forward into the biennial budget proposal many of the 6.3 percent reductions announced earlier this week, but the biennial budget process allows us to be more strategic in regard to our approach. It provides an opportunity to reinvest a portion of some of the reductions to help build stronger home- and community-based services. While these investments may be short-term in nature, these investments are intended to allow our community partners some flexibility and increased capacity to address expanded areas of social service needs in their communities.
We believe a thoughtful, strategic budget is one way we will bring to life our Framework for the Future. These reductions are not just about reducing, but about resetting in a sustainable way for our future. We must re-examine the work we do -- in light of the Governor’s eight budget development questions and our Department-wide efforts to:
strengthen and expand home- and-community-based service delivery systems
provide integrated case management services to high-need/high-cost individuals and families
and control General Funds-State expenditures while preserving services for our most vulnerable citizens.
I welcome your comments and questions at StakeholdersFeedback@dshs.wa.gov.
Thank you for the great work you do every day and your leadership.
Susan N. Dreyfus, Secretary
Department of Social and Health Services
Kelly Church
Parent/Family Coalition Co-Coordinator
425-258-2459 x 107
The Arc Of Snohomish County
kelly@arcsno.org
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
House Approves Bill Removing ‘Mental Retardation’ From Law
House Approves Bill Removing ‘Mental Retardation’ From Law
By Michelle Diament
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/author/michelle-diament/
September 23, 2010
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill Wednesday evening paving the way for the term “mental retardation” to be replaced with “intellectual disability” in many areas of federal law.
The legislation known as Rosa’s Law now goes to President Barack Obama who White House officials say intends to sign the measure.
Under the bill, the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” would be stripped from federal health, education and labor policy. “Intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” would be inserted in their place.
The changes would occur as laws and documents come up for revision over the next several years. Since the alterations would be implemented gradually, the legislation is not expected to incur any cost.
“For far too long we have used hurtful words like ‘mental retardation’ or ‘MR’ in our federal statutes to refer to those living with intellectual disabilities,” said the bill’s sponsor Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., in a statement Wednesday. “Rosa’s Law will make a greatly-needed change that should have been made well before today — and it will encourage us to treat people the way they would like to be treated.”
The language swap would not alter the rights that individuals with disabilities have, but would merely bring the federal government more in line with a trend toward using the term “intellectual disability.” Already the term is used by most states and some federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Rosa’s Law is named for Rosa Marcellino, a Maryland girl with Down syndrome.
By Michelle Diament
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/author/michelle-diament/
September 23, 2010
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill Wednesday evening paving the way for the term “mental retardation” to be replaced with “intellectual disability” in many areas of federal law.
The legislation known as Rosa’s Law now goes to President Barack Obama who White House officials say intends to sign the measure.
Under the bill, the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” would be stripped from federal health, education and labor policy. “Intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” would be inserted in their place.
The changes would occur as laws and documents come up for revision over the next several years. Since the alterations would be implemented gradually, the legislation is not expected to incur any cost.
“For far too long we have used hurtful words like ‘mental retardation’ or ‘MR’ in our federal statutes to refer to those living with intellectual disabilities,” said the bill’s sponsor Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., in a statement Wednesday. “Rosa’s Law will make a greatly-needed change that should have been made well before today — and it will encourage us to treat people the way they would like to be treated.”
The language swap would not alter the rights that individuals with disabilities have, but would merely bring the federal government more in line with a trend toward using the term “intellectual disability.” Already the term is used by most states and some federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Rosa’s Law is named for Rosa Marcellino, a Maryland girl with Down syndrome.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Gov. Gregoire responds to budget ideas posted on website
Gov. Gregoire responds to budget ideas posted on website
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2010
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today began posting video responses to the most popular budget suggestions offered recently on her budget ideas web site.
“As I said when we unveiled this web site, I want staff at the Office of Financial Management as well as members of the executive budget panel to review each and every idea,” Gregoire said. “I’ve been taking a look at them as well, and want those who have participated to know that we’re taking those ideas seriously.”
Visitors of the website submitted nearly 2,000 ideas, posted nearly 5,600 comments and cast 137,000 votes to weigh in on the suggestions.
Gregoire’s responses can be found on the state’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/washingtongovernment, as well as on the governor’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/govgregoire. Responses will be posted periodically, with the first response posted this morning.
OFM will also begin providing written comments to many of the suggestions receiving the most votes. The feedback will be shared on the governor’s budget webpage at http://governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp.
Facing a $3 billion deficit for the 2011-2013 biennium, Gregoire has initiated a process to transform Washington’s budget – which included soliciting ideas from Washingtonians. Along with the interactive website, more than 1,200 citizens attended a series of public hearings around the state to learn more about the budget process and share input and individual strategies.
Although the interactive website is now closed, the public can still share their ideas for transforming the budget through the governor’s website at http://governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp.
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2010
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today began posting video responses to the most popular budget suggestions offered recently on her budget ideas web site.
“As I said when we unveiled this web site, I want staff at the Office of Financial Management as well as members of the executive budget panel to review each and every idea,” Gregoire said. “I’ve been taking a look at them as well, and want those who have participated to know that we’re taking those ideas seriously.”
Visitors of the website submitted nearly 2,000 ideas, posted nearly 5,600 comments and cast 137,000 votes to weigh in on the suggestions.
Gregoire’s responses can be found on the state’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/washingtongovernment, as well as on the governor’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/govgregoire. Responses will be posted periodically, with the first response posted this morning.
OFM will also begin providing written comments to many of the suggestions receiving the most votes. The feedback will be shared on the governor’s budget webpage at http://governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp.
Facing a $3 billion deficit for the 2011-2013 biennium, Gregoire has initiated a process to transform Washington’s budget – which included soliciting ideas from Washingtonians. Along with the interactive website, more than 1,200 citizens attended a series of public hearings around the state to learn more about the budget process and share input and individual strategies.
Although the interactive website is now closed, the public can still share their ideas for transforming the budget through the governor’s website at http://governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp.
County seeks advocates to protect vulnerable adults
There is a critical need for volunteer ombudsmen throughout Snohomish County to assist the elderly living in adult family homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
As a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, individuals can make a difference by being an advocate, educator, investigator and problem solver. Volunteer ombudsmen come from all walks of life, various age groups and educational levels. The common thread is an interest in serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
Volunteers receive four days of free training to become certified ombudsmen. They are asked to volunteer four hours a week, attend monthly meetings and submit a monthly activity report. Expenses such as mileage are reimbursable.
The next four-day volunteer training will be held Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29.
The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the interests, well-being and rights of vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities. It is part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act.
For more information and an application packet, contact Michal Glauner at 425-388-7393 or michal.glauner@snoco.org
As a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman, individuals can make a difference by being an advocate, educator, investigator and problem solver. Volunteer ombudsmen come from all walks of life, various age groups and educational levels. The common thread is an interest in serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
Volunteers receive four days of free training to become certified ombudsmen. They are asked to volunteer four hours a week, attend monthly meetings and submit a monthly activity report. Expenses such as mileage are reimbursable.
The next four-day volunteer training will be held Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29.
The Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program protects and promotes the interests, well-being and rights of vulnerable adults living in long-term care facilities. It is part of the Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman program, a federally mandated program created by the Older Americans Act.
For more information and an application packet, contact Michal Glauner at 425-388-7393 or michal.glauner@snoco.org
Friday, August 13, 2010
Gov. Gregoire announces next steps for state budget
Gov. Gregoire announces next steps for state budget
For Immediate Release: August 12, 2010
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced steps to address a potential shortfall in the current state budget and directed agencies to prepare for the expected budget gap in the 2011-13 biennium.
“Thanks to the incredible hard work of Washington state’s delegation, especially Sen. Murray, we dodged a bullet and have avoided across the board cuts for now,” said Gregoire. “But our state budget remains under stress. To be fiscally responsible, we must transform the way we provide services and take action now to prepare for potential shortfalls.”
Due to legislation passed by Congress this week to send emergency state aid to states, including Washington, the need for any drastic cuts to be taken immediately was narrowly averted. In addition, agency and department savings from across all of state government implemented last year has yielded $89 million in savings to the state budget. Over the last three years, the state has cut $5.1 billion in state spending. This has come in the form of service reductions, facility closures and the laying off of thousands of public employees.
Over the last two months however, revenue collections have been $125 million below expected amounts and the state today has an ending fund balance of $72 million for the 2009-11 biennium. If the upcoming September forecast or a later revenue report comes in less than expected, the state could be faced with a shortfall that eliminates the ending fund balance, which would necessitate further action, likely across the board cuts.
The state is also currently projected to face a $3 billion deficit for the next two year budget.
To prepare for the upcoming two-year budget and be ready for any immediate action that needs to be taken to correct the current budget, Gregoire today announced that she would direct state agencies to:
• Prepare reductions of 4-7 percent for the possibility of across the board cuts starting October 1st if the next forecast or revenue receipts are lower than expected.
• Prepare budget reductions for a supplemental budget for the last six months of the current biennium equal to $500 million statewide to be passed in January.
• Draft 2011-2013 budgets to prepare for the expected $3 billion shortfall which will require a 10 percent reduction in the expected general fund budget.
“By necessity, government must be smaller. We must make a dramatic shift in what can be expected of state government,” said Gregoire. “Essential services for those most in need must continue, but it must be done as efficiently as possible. As we put together a budget that reflects our values, we will demand performance out of every program. The recovery will be long and bumpy, but we will survive this crisis and we will emerge stronger.”
For more information on the Governor’s budget process, please visit http://governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp.
For Immediate Release: August 12, 2010
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced steps to address a potential shortfall in the current state budget and directed agencies to prepare for the expected budget gap in the 2011-13 biennium.
“Thanks to the incredible hard work of Washington state’s delegation, especially Sen. Murray, we dodged a bullet and have avoided across the board cuts for now,” said Gregoire. “But our state budget remains under stress. To be fiscally responsible, we must transform the way we provide services and take action now to prepare for potential shortfalls.”
Due to legislation passed by Congress this week to send emergency state aid to states, including Washington, the need for any drastic cuts to be taken immediately was narrowly averted. In addition, agency and department savings from across all of state government implemented last year has yielded $89 million in savings to the state budget. Over the last three years, the state has cut $5.1 billion in state spending. This has come in the form of service reductions, facility closures and the laying off of thousands of public employees.
Over the last two months however, revenue collections have been $125 million below expected amounts and the state today has an ending fund balance of $72 million for the 2009-11 biennium. If the upcoming September forecast or a later revenue report comes in less than expected, the state could be faced with a shortfall that eliminates the ending fund balance, which would necessitate further action, likely across the board cuts.
The state is also currently projected to face a $3 billion deficit for the next two year budget.
To prepare for the upcoming two-year budget and be ready for any immediate action that needs to be taken to correct the current budget, Gregoire today announced that she would direct state agencies to:
• Prepare reductions of 4-7 percent for the possibility of across the board cuts starting October 1st if the next forecast or revenue receipts are lower than expected.
• Prepare budget reductions for a supplemental budget for the last six months of the current biennium equal to $500 million statewide to be passed in January.
• Draft 2011-2013 budgets to prepare for the expected $3 billion shortfall which will require a 10 percent reduction in the expected general fund budget.
“By necessity, government must be smaller. We must make a dramatic shift in what can be expected of state government,” said Gregoire. “Essential services for those most in need must continue, but it must be done as efficiently as possible. As we put together a budget that reflects our values, we will demand performance out of every program. The recovery will be long and bumpy, but we will survive this crisis and we will emerge stronger.”
For more information on the Governor’s budget process, please visit http://governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp.
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