In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Jay Inslee was forced to cut $445 million to the state supplemental operating budget last week by making line-item vetoes to 147 programs.
Because Washington’s budget is unusually reliant on sales tax revenue,
many budget experts are anticipating that the current economic downturn will significantly impact tax collection in our state — potentially worse than the Great Recession of 2008. Economic downturns are particularly trying times for relationships between coalition partners, advocates, and lawmakers as the engagement model becomes about protecting priorities rather than growing them.
As detailed below, the governor’s vetoes unfortunately included a few of the policies our community supported and testified in favor of during the legislative session earlier this year.
Advocacy becomes even more important during recessionary times, but, of course, also becomes much more difficult. As we all adapt to this new reality, the Foundation for Tacoma Students is committed to providing you with up to date information on how government decisions will impact our community and how we can collaborate to fill the gaps that will undoubtedly continue to be revealed.
Together, we can hold onto the progress we’ve achieved and be ready to build upon our efforts when we all come out on the other side of this crisis.
SAFE
- Increased rates for Working Connections Child Care providers | $31.904 million
- Continuity of care for families experiencing homelessness | $1.909 million
- Access to professional development for providers | $4.023 million
- Special needs enhancement for ECEAP | $2.2 million
- Investments in Early Learning Facilities Fund | $7.296
VETOED
- ECEAP rate increase | $21.8 million
- Working Connections Child Care co-pay reduction | $18.1 million
- Early Learning Dual Language Grant Program | $618K
SAFE
- LASER funding | $500K
VETOED
- Career Connect SW | $330K
- WSAC Dual Credit Taskforce | $50K
- Career Connected Learning marketing and communications | $500K
SAFE
- Special education safety net | $1.9 million
VETOED
- Paraeducator training | $35 million
- Developing comprehensive school counseling programs | $116 million
