WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Kristine Lytton’s Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are now half way through our second special session. As negotiations have unfolded, competing priorities have been at the center of the budget debate. I believe that compromise is important. However, it should not come at the expense of cutting essential services to our most vulnerable.

Many legislators work hard to carefully use state resources to ensure opportunity for all Washington residents. For instance, some legislators propose carefully targeted investments in programs that help foster kids, abused children, and adults with developmental disabilities get the assistance they need.

Meanwhile, other legislators want to cut critical government services while spending massive amounts of our state’s money on tax breaks for the wealthiest earners. Unfortunately, it’s the kids and people with disabilities who feel the cuts.

The current House budget continues to invest in our foster care system and staffing for Child Protective Services. However, many in the Senate have refused to invest any money in fixing CPS, while also underfunding court-ordered improvements to the foster care program.

The House budget also restores cuts that were made to our state food banks, and it helps homeless kids and families get back on their feet. The Senate continues to make cuts to the “safety net” programs low-income families need most.

Sometimes the choices we have really are that stark. We should not choose to cut investments for the most vulnerable just to spend money in the form of tax cuts for those who don’t need them. We can make better choices than that. I encourage you to read more about the newest version of the House budget and the issues underlying the Senate’s budget proposal.

Out and About in the 40th

I have had a couple opportunities to return home in the last few weeks. I often remind my  fellow legislators that the 40th is one of the most beautiful districts in the state, and it felt great to be back even though it was for a short amount of time.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the dedication of Trail Tales Interpretive Signs.

The Friends of Skagit Beaches (FOSB) began the Trail Tales shoreline interpretive program in June 2012. The program offers recreational and educational opportunities for the local community and visitors to the area in partnership with the state Department of Ecology (DOE), Anacortes Parks & Recreation, Anacortes Museum, Port of Anacortes, and Samish Indian Nation.

 Additional details on the interpretive program are available at the FOSB website where you can download the Trail Tales Education & Outreach Interpretive Plan.

FOSB and its partners have done great work. The project is amazing, and I recommend taking a stroll to see the signs along the Tommy Thompson Trail.

As we continue to move through the second special session, please don’t hesitate to call (360.786.7800) or email (kristine.lytton@leg.wa.gov) with any questions, comments, or thoughts you may have.

All the Best,