Action Center Update: Thank Your Elected Officials This Session

Summer -- Seattle style -- has arrived. But, it was only a month ago that the Washington State Legislature was ensconced in Olympia, hammering out the final details of budget to cut billions from Washington's health, human service, education and capital budgets.

We began the session with a simple charge -- do as little harm as possible to Washington's neediest residents while preserving as much of our state's service infrastructure as possible. With the economic climate of the state bleak, deeps cuts were unavoidable. Make no mistake, thousands of Washingtonians will suffer with less and thousands will find it harder to rise out of poverty.

Yet, amidst the reductions and cuts were slivers of good news for our community.

Because of the combined efforts of Jewish House and Senate members -- Reuven Carlyle, David Frockt, Marcie Maxwell, Roger Goodman and Adam Kline -- Jewish Family Service will receive $2.3 million to help fund the construction of their new Seattle campus.

Because of the tireless work of House Speaker Frank Chopp and Representatives Jeannie Darnielle and Mary Lou Dickerson, Washington will continue to help temporarily disabled citizens return to health and go back to work by retaining health, housing and counseling supports for these people.

Because of Representatives Sharon Tomiko Santos and Eric Pettigrew, Washington will continue supporting refugees from every corner of the globe who have resettled in Washington State with critical employment and English language assistance.

Because of the dogged efforts of many House and Senate members, including Senator Scott White, King County's 4Culture program will continue to provide grants to local arts, culture and heritage organizations. Also, because of Senator White, judges and juries will be able to impose stiffer penalties for crimes committed against homeless people simply because of the victim's homeless status.

And finally, because of the determined leadership of Senators Ed Murray, Derek Kilmer, Lisa Brown, Joe Zarelli, and Mike Hewitt, and Representatives Ross Hunter, Hans Dunshee, and Judy Warnick, Washington was able to see its way through a deficit with bi-partisan solutions and a bi-partisan budget.

While there is certainly more work to be done, there is also plenty to be thankful for this year. Please take a moment to thank your own elected officials for their dedication and hard work this legislative session.