April 6, 2011

Calls needed as House committee votes on budget

We have a couple of key calls to action as the House Ways and Means Committee this afternoon is set to vote on HB 1087, the 2011-2013 Operating Budget Bill.

RHCs 

Call your two House members at 1-800-562-6000 and urge them to reject the privatization of residential habilitation centers in the House budget bill, HB 1087. This proposal will close Frances Haddon Morgan Center and Yakima Valley School with all but seven new community beds run by for-profit companies. 

MAPLE LANE SCHOOL 

We have not seen the Republican alternative, so we don’t know if they will propose a way to save Maple Lane School. But we can’t assume anything. So call 1-800-562-6000 and urge your two House members to oppose the fast-track closure of Maple Lane School in HB 1087. 

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES 

Please call 1-800-562-6000 and urge your two House members to reject the statewide privatization of DSHS Child Welfare Services in the House budget plan, HB 1087. 

SENATE PANEL TO VOTE ON NATURAL RESOURCES USER FEE BILLS 

The Senate Ways and Means Committee is set today to vote on two of the user fee bills to fund natural resource agencies and save vital services in Fish and Wildlife, state Parks and the Department of Natural Resources.

Please call 1-800-562-6000 and urge your senator to support SSB 5622, the Discover Pass bill, and SB 5385, to increase revenue for the state Wildlife Account. 

ALSO:
• The Senate yesterday passed two good Federation-backed bills: ESHB 1041, the bill allowing off-duty Community Corrections officers to carry firearms, passed 48-0; and HB 1179, allowing legislators and state employees to hold informational meetings at the worksite, passed 49-0.

• The House Labor and Workforce Development Committee is set to vote today on the three middle-ground workers’ comp bills (HB 2023, HB 2025 and HB 2026) to counter the bad bill (SB 5566) that passed the Senate.

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