NEW BILLS being debated by the Washington State Legislature could help to save your job.
Here’s why: The measures, if approved, will free up money that now is allocated to projects that might take years to complete. That money can instead be used to ensure funding for jobs and services that might otherwise run out of cash.
Before the economic crisis hit, it was understandable that money would be allocated by the Washington State Legislature to certain projects, such as a new building. Now that there is less money to go around those dollars would be better used to maintain facilities and fix problems. And who better to decide how the money will be spent than local elected officials?
To achieve this, however, requires a change in the law. So Council 2 is working with The Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties to push for legislation that would provide the flexibility and local control to best deal with the crisis.
“Most money usually has restrictions on its use,” explains Council 2 Deputy Director Pat Thompson. “Those restrictions might have made sense at the time the authority was granted, but during the economic crisis local governments should be allowed to redirect their revenue and put their resources where they are most needed.
“It does not make sense to try to build new capital projects when we don’t have the money to maintain current ones. We can use it for other things.
“For example, we are running out of money for mental health counseling. The result will be that our jails will have to deal with the mental health problems.
“We need money to fix the problem, which is to deal with the mental-health issues.
“The economic crisis changed the game.”
Gov. Chris Gregoire recognizes the need for the issue to be addressed, Thompson adds.
“There is going to be a healthy discussion on this issue, but I am confident there is going to be movement on it, too.”
