As we enter the sixth week of session, the Legislature continues to ponder ways to balance our next two-year budget. Clearly, there will be no avoiding spending cuts. 

What Will a No Tax Budget Look Like?
Governor Bill Ferguson and his staff are now reviewing budget cut proposals submitted by state agencies as requested by direction of the Office of Financial Management last month. Most agencies were asked to design a six percent reduction for the biennial budget (two-year period) while colleges and universities were asked to propose three percent reductions. In dollars, this would result, for example, in a $700 million reduction by the Department of Social and Health Services and a $300 million reduction by the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Ferguson is expected to release details of the proposed spending cuts soon so that they can be incorporated into the legislative budget proposal. According to Gov. Ferguson's budget statement, the $1.8 billion in savings through this process will be in addition to the spending reduction of $2 billion recommended in former Governor Inslee's proposed budget.

Legislature Moving Toward Delaying Implementing Key Parts of Fair Start Act
Last week, the House Committee on Appropriations approved H.B. 1489 which will delay expansions of the Early Childhood Education Assistance program and the Working Connections Child Care program by four years. Meanwhile Senator Claire Wilson introduced S.B. 5752 which would implement similar delays. Former Governor Inslee recommended these delays in his budget and Governor Ferguson has endorsed Inslee's spending cuts and budget savings. 

Community Investment Project Underwrites Free Tax Filing Service
United Ways of the Pacific Northwest is spreading the word about its tax assistance website MyFreeTaxesWA.org, which provides connections to free online tax filing, language assistance, in-person and virtual professional tax assistance and our Benefit Kitchen tool. This program is made possible through a Community Reinvestment Project grant, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The project needs new funding for it to continue its work supporting vulnerable communities with its multi-prong approach. If you haven't already, please indicate your support for this program using our action button below.