The Washington State legislature has cut more than $10.5 billion since 2009, and is facing yet another $2 billion shortfall. Governor Gregoire called the legislature into special session starting November 28th, and released a set of “budget alternatives” including cuts she plans to include in her supplemental budget. So what is she proposing?
Compensation Reduce PEBB monthly payments per-employee funding rate from $850 to $825: This would draw down PEBB reserves by reducing PEBB payments. This would, theoretically, not impact compensation and not require renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements.
DNR Capture fire suppression savings: We had a lower-than-expected wildland firefighting costs for the 2011 season, and DNR can book $2 million in savings.
Switch correctional camp work to state trust lands: This would redirect the work of correctional camp crews to silviculture activities rather than recreational or local government uses. This would save/generate $300,000.
Eliminate additional state funding for Agriculture College Trust management: Agriculture College Trust lands will be managed from the existing fund balance, not from the General Fund, saving the state $270,000.
Military Department
Close selected armories and reduce administration: This would close the Everett, Prosser, Pullman, and Tacoma armories, to save $1.6 million.
Department of Revenue
3.5% cut to non-revenue generating activities: This would cut funding for telephone assistance, customer service, and support for tax policy, fiscal analysis, and rule making. This would cut $7.3 million.
School for the Blind and Center for Childhood Deafness
& Hearing Loss
Reduce budget by 5%: his would cut $711,000. According to the decision packages provided by the two schools, this would not result in layoffs of currently filled positions.
Higher Education
15% cuts to higher education: This would cut state support for colleges and universities, a total cut of $166 million.
UPDATE: By a margin of 58 to 42%, members at FVRL voted to ratify the salary opener for 2012 compensation. The salary opener includes a 2% pay increase for members if all milestones are met in the transition to performance-based pay system.
In the ballot count on September 29, 88% of members ratified the Higher Education contract and 83% ratified the General Government contract, which both go into effect July 1, 2012. Next spring, the bargaining teams return to the table to start negotiating the 2013-2015 contracts.
On September 13, the election committee counted ballots for the election of WPEA officers. The following officers were elected for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2012:
