CALLS NEEDED ON “OPT OUT” FUNDING TO SAVE STATE PARKS, CUTS TO DSHS FRS, AND WMS BILL

We have gotten word that the proviso to save state parks in both the House and Senate budgets may be in trouble.

The proviso creates a new “opt out” funding option where drivers renewing license tabs would voluntarily pay $5 to the parks fund unless they checked a box to opt out of the payment.

That would raise the $23 million necessary to keep all parks open. Without it, up to 50 state parks would close.

So, call your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 and urge them to support the “opt out” funding plan in both SB 5600 and HB 1244 to keep state parks open.

OTHER CALLS TO ACTION

With so many cuts, there’s another one we want to make you aware of.

The House budget cuts half the staff in the DSHS Family Reconciliation Services (FRS). That means the loss of some 29 jobs. Staff there provides voluntary services to youth ages 13 to 17 who are in crisis.

So, call 1-800-562-6000 and urge your two House members to oppose the cuts in Family Reconciliation Services in the House budget, HB 1244.

ALSO:

• ESHB 2049, the Federation-initiated bill bringing accountability and transparency to the Washington Management Service, has moved from the Senate Rules Committee to the full Senate. Continue to get your calls into your senator at 1-800-562-6000 urging him or her to support ESHB 2049.

• Also moving out of Senate Rules was SHB 1953, the Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers service credit transfer bill.

• Still in Senate Rules: ESHB 1792, the Community Corrections search and arrest authority bill.