Child Welfare Services privatization bill clears committee--but not without controversy; calls needed to oppose fish hatchery privatization bill

The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Monday night passed out the Child Welfare Services privatization bill. But it was not unanimous and committee members like Sen. Karen Fraser contended it amounted to huge privatization put into law without really studying it. The fight to oppose it continues--call your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 to oppose SSB 5943.

Video will be posted when available at www.wfse.org > State Budget and You > Session Archives.

SSB 5943 (1st Substitute)

PANEL PASSES CHILD WELFARE PRIVATIZATION BILL—BUT NOT WITHOUT CONTROVERSY

The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Monday night passed out the Child Welfare Services privatization bill. But it was not unanimous and committee members like Sen. Karen Fraser contended it amounted to huge privatization put into law without really studying it.

“I’m not convinced we’ll see any substantial savings,” said Fraser of the 22nd District.

So the fight to oppose it continues. Call your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 to oppose SSB 5943.

In the committee’s public hearing Monday afternoon, the Federation’s Dennis Eagle, director of legislative and political action, said SSB 5943 is “fatally flawed” and a “slap in the face” at the dedicated DSHS social workers the bill would eliminate in favor of lower-paid private workers.

“Hiring trained social workers is not like turning on a faucet,” Eagle said.

SSB 5943 “simply exchanges one set of problems for another,” he added.

SSB 5943 now goes to the Senate Rules Committee. So it’s no guarantee it will pass. It must first get to the full Senate and then to the House.