House Democrats introduce Early Action Savings bill

Bill adds $640 million to bottom line; will have public hearing Tuesday

January 26, 2009

OLYMPIA – Responding to the unprecedented budget situation, the House today introduced legislation to immediately cut expenditures, make efficiencies, and maximize federal matching funds. The Early Action Savings Bill (PSHB 1694) will save $640 million before June 30, 2009.

“We know there is going to be significant pain as a result of actions we’re going to have to take,” said Ways and Means Chair Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham), prime sponsor of the bill. “So we started with ourselves, making cuts to the budgets of both the legislative and judicial branches.”

The Early Action Savings bill is not a budget, but rather a list of spending adjustments that can be taken as soon as the Governor signs it.

“These cuts shouldn’t wait,” said Mark Ericks (D-Bothell), Ways and Means vice-chair. “The earlier we take them, the more money we save.”

One major difference between the House plan and the Governor’s proposal is the retention of the children’s health care expansion.

“We made a pledge to the children of our state, and this is not the time to go back on our promise,” said Linville. “Healthy kids are a good investment in the future of our state.”

Highlights of the Early Action Savings bill include:
• Capturing unspent allocations from agencies and universities.
• Maximizing use of federal funds.
• Maintaining adult day health services.
• Reducing spending in areas like nursing homes, regional support networks, and hospitals.
• Continuing alcohol and drug treatment services for low-income people working to turn their lives around.

“We made a conscious decision not to make cuts that would endanger the lives or safety of Washington’s people,” said Ericks. “Everything else was on the table.”

The House Ways and Means committee will hold a public hearing on PSHB 1694 at 3:30 tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 27). Action by the whole House is planned for week’s end.

http://aor.leg.wa.lcl/billsummary/default.aspx?year=2009&bill=1694