Welcome to Policy Watch 2002

WEEK 1

Every POLICY WATCH has three parts. (1) Information: on contacting legislators, learning more about issues, etc. This section was up-front the first week; it has been moved to the end. (2) A description of what is happening week by week in Olympia. (3) Brief items about specific bills, arranged by category.

This bulletin focuses primarily on health, social welfare, and low-income issues. And while it attempts to give readers enough information to guide actions (calls, letters, visits), it will not take positions or urge a particular action. That is up to you.

Go to Part III Issues

WEEK ONE IN OLYMPIA

There's still scaffolding high up on the Capitol, still cracks in some of the building walls, but it is January, and the business of government must go on. Once again our citizen legislature is meeting: people with other lives and other jobs, who come from across the state to try and do the public's bidding. Over nine weeks, 147 men and women -- 49 in the Senate, 98 in the House of Representatives - will sort through all the many and conflicting demands we make of them, and attempt to forge a common weal. It is heady stuff.

Every year there are some changes, large and small. This year, for example, small changes include fewer spaces for cars, more spaces for buses; re-configured hearing rooms; and several new automatic doors. There are also post-9/11 security measures and a new Select Committee on Community Security.

The big difference this year is the pace. Some years the first days and weeks are devoted to "work sessions" (like seminars, or extended briefings, where Committee members get to study broad topics in some depth) and Committee meetings focused on just one or two issues. This year there are fewer work sessions, and many Committees were already listing 6 or 7 bills to be considered - right from day one.

Committee and other schedules are already so full that time for anything else is scarce. The head of one state-wide professional association tried to get a few minutes with a legislator. Here's how the exchange went (all of it polite, with the legislator's office eager to try and make something work). ...Not possible this week; not next week on the days she could come. Perhaps she could walk with the legislator from one Committee meeting to the next? They tried... turned out that was the only time the legislator could talk with one of the Committee staff.... They both agreed to try again.

There is a sense of needing to clear the decks, get the action on bills out of the way, and get on to the real business: those 800 pound gorillas in the middle of the room - a $1.25 billion deficit in the state's General Fund, and the need to act on Transportation.

BRIEF SNAPSHOTS FROM WEEK ONE

** People from vastly different perspectives greeting one another in the halls like old friends - legislators, citizens, lobbyists, staff - though they had not seen one another since the 2001 Session ended. Going through a Session is "...a real bonding experience," said one.

** In the Capitol cafeteria, space limitations make for still other interesting combinations. This week it was possible to spot energy lobbyists sharing a table with social workers, while a nearby table found hospital workers making room for motorcycle "bikers."

** The Legislative Information Service (formerly known as the Bill Room) on the first floor of the Capitol is back in full swing: shelves full of helpful handouts, computers for checking the status of bills, and friendly staff willing to help find any bill, any document, any piece of information, no matter how arcane.

** Citizens were much in evidence from day one: state workers, child care providers, motorcycle club members, anti-tax advocates, foster care advocates, and more....

** One businessman who came to advocate on behalf of foster children was a newcomer to the process just a year or two ago. This year he's also a local elected official - the great experiences he had as a citizen-lobbyist on behalf of children were part of what motivated him to run for office.

** Seven new members have joined the club - two women, five men - elected or appointed to fill vacated seats. They include: a forester, a software designer, two environmental activists, a former mayor, a Congressional staffer, & a woman who was politicized when a teacher said she couldn't run for student president because she wasn't a boy.

** The Secretary of State's office on the second floor of the Capitol has interesting figures from last year's elections. Despite the post-9/11 surge in patriotic fervor, only 44.5% of Washington's registered voters bothered to vote on November 6. That means critical issues were decided by a handful of voters - like Initiative 747, which passed with a positive vote from just 25% of the registered voters. (An interesting statistic for legislators considering whether to put the transportation package to a public vote.)

Today's Sermon. POLICY WATCH readers will want to read this bulletin with three things in mind. First, there is a vast array of topics considered by the legislature (many more than just those highlighted in PW). We ask a lot of the men and women we elect to serve. We don't have to like everything they do, but they deserve our respect.
Second, every activity, every program, every issue threatened by a budget cut has its champions; legislators will be pressured from all sides on every item in the state budget. Third, as citizens, it is our privilege to help our citizen-legislators as they sort among competing needs and make the difficult choices. If they are to represent us, they need to know how we wish to be represented.

In a representative democracy, speaking up offers no guarantee of success; but there is an absolute guarantee that if you don't speak up... you/your issue/the people you care about ... don't stand a chance.

The BUDGET.

The prospect of budget cuts and other budget matters will dominate the Session. The legislature must find ways to plug a $1.25 billion hole in a $22.5 billion operating budget (though almost $10 billion of that - 43.5% -- is committed to K-12 and cannot be cut).

Because our state requires that the budget be balanced, the Governor and Legislature must fill that gap. To that end they can: find new revenues, make cuts in spending, or agree on some combination of the two. The Governor released his approach to solving the budget crisis in mid-December (it is available on the Office of Financial Management website: www.ofm.wa.gov/); now it is the Legislature's turn. In our system, the Executive proposes, but the Legislature disposes.

To achieve $1.25 billion in savings, the Governor would get:
§ $566 million from program cuts and reductions
($235 million of that amount comes from human services)
§ $166 million from revenue-raising activities and fees (e.g., joining the "Big Game" lottery, increasing taxes on gambling, "use taxes" related to shipping, etc.)
§ $329 million from various transfers (including from federal sources)
§ Additional savings from eliminating state jobs, increasing employee co-pays, etc.

Thirty programs would be eliminated entirely (including the State Library, the State Film office, several health and social service programs), state employees and vendors would get a delayed cost-of-living, and 835 jobs would be eliminated. Hundreds of state activities would be reduced.

Most see the Governor's budget proposals as a starting point - the Legislature gets to decide which elements it wishes to accept, which to reject, or whether to start over from scratch. Other approaches are also being considered.

Some legislators feel the budget deficit represents an opportunity to drastically reduce the size of government - they would "privatize" and/or eliminate a variety of health and social service programs, and grant more business tax breaks as a way to stimulate the economy. At the other end of the spectrum are those who are working to identify ways to bring in new revenues, in order to minimize the need for cuts in health and social services. But whichever route they choose, every citizen, every activity of state government, will be affected.

Budget-Related Hearings in Week One:

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE - presentation by the office of Financial Management on the Governor's 2002 Supplemental Budget; a public hearing - with public comment - on the human services portion of the budget one day (DSHS, DOS, Corrections), and remaining portions the next (Education, Higher Education, General Government, Community, Trade, and Economic Development).

HOUSE CAPITAL BUDGET COMMITTEE - overview of the 2001-2003 Capital Budget, and presentation of the Governor's 2002 Supplemental Capital Budget and economic stimulus package.

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE - revenue effects of voter approved initiatives; a review of economic development tax incentive programs.

SENATE WAYS & MEANS - Budget and Taxes 101, Second Edition (much of this material is available on the Committee's website); and a review of the Governor's Supplemental Budget and revenue proposals.

BUDGET-RELATED HEARINGS IN WEEK TWO

On Tuesday, 1/22 at 3:30 pm, the House Finance Committee will hold a Work Session on the Governor's proposal for the 2002 Supplemental Budget.

On Wednesday, 1/23, at 3:30 pm, there will be a Joint session of the House Finance Committee and the Senate Ways & Means Committee,
Senate Hearing Rm 4, John A. Cherberg Building. Scheduled is a
Work Session on the WA state Tax structure.
a. The basics of Washington's tax system.
b. Tax exemptions and incentives.
c. Panel discussion: Perspectives in Washington's tax system.
d. Update on Tax Structure Committee Study, Bill Gates Sr.,

PART III - SOME ISSUES

This section notes upcoming hearings, plus categories of bills, including:

Aging/Long-Term Care
Child Care
Child Welfare
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
Disabilities
Health Care
Housing/Homelessness
Hunger and Nutrition
Juveniles/Youth
Mental Health
Sexual Abuse/Domestic Violence
Substance Abuse
Welfare
Miscellaneous

Fair warning: This bulletin only comes out weekly, and does not pretend to be comprehensive. If there is an issue category you care about, use the legislative website to monitor (www.leg.wa.gov) because the action changes daily.

REMINDER: House Bill numbers begin with 1 or 2; Senate Bill
numbers begin with 5 or 6. Thus a bill identified as SB 6264 is the 1,264th Senate Bill introduced in the session; HB 1058 would be the 58th bill introduced in the House. More recent bills have higher numbers.

AGING/LONG-TERM CARE

SB 5026, SB 6201, SB 6286 - DEALING WITH COST and AVAILABILITY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
These bills were heard in a Public Hearing during Week One, before the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care.
These bills would consolidate prescription drug purchasing for state health care programs, and allow portions of the general public
to participate in the cost savings. Advocates for health care providers,
pharmacists, and senior citizens are joined in pressing for some version of this legislation. At this point the pharmaceutical industry is opposed to this approach.
On Tuesday, 1/22 at 11:00 am there will be a "public briefing,"
(not a regularly-scheduled hearing) on the topic at the Sundial between the John L. O'Brien and the J.A. Cherberg Buildings.

HB 2431(a House version of the bill) to create a PRESCRIPTION DRUG EDUCATION AND UTILIZATION SYSTEM
On Tuesday, 1/22 at 1:30 p.m. a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, House Hearing Room C, of the J.L. O'Brien Building. .

SB 6289 - SPECIFIES QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADULT FAMILY HOME PROVIDERS AND RESIDENT MANAGERS.
On Thursday, 1/24 at 3:30 pm there will be a hearing before the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee; Senate Hearing Room 4, in the John A. Cherberg Building.

SB 6443 - REGULATION OF ADULT FAMILY HOMES
This bill would create an advisory board to the Department of Social
and Health Services that formalizes a stable process for discussing and
considering adult family home issues among residents and their advocates, regulatory officials, and adult family home providers.

Budget Items.
Advocates for nursing homes point out that almost one-third of cuts to social services in the Governor's proposed budget come from payments to nursing homes ($70 million - half from state funds, half from federal matching funds). If adopted, advocates fear this could wipe out gains achieved last year. Nursing homes are reimbursed for specific items: (e.g., food, mortgage payments, patient care). The Governor's proposal would reduce payments for most items except patient care. Result: nursing home payments could be reduced by $14/day for each Medicaid patient.

Assisted Living cuts would total about $2.6 million in combined state and federal funds.

The Governor would also eliminate more than $7 million in funding
appropriated for long-term caregiver wage increases. It is feared that would result in the loss of more than 3,300 nursing home worker jobs and in the quality of care provided.

HIV/AIDS funding for prevention and care services - currently allocated throughout the six AIDSNets regions - would be reduced by $1 million. This could affect the state's ability to retain many of the
programs and services funded by the AIDS Omnibus Act.

The Governor has also proposed transferring administrative authority over the Evergreen Health Insurance Program (EHIP), which provides insurance continuation coverage to more than 700 clients statewide, from the Department of Social and Health Services over to the Department of Health. This is not being opposed by HIV/AIDS advocates, but will be closely watched.

IMPLEMENTATION OF I-775, the HOMECARE QUALITY INITIATIVE. This Initiatives was passed by the voters, and provides for small hourly wage increases (.50/hour) to help promote stability in homecare worker services Most homecare workers earn less than $8.00/hour. Funds were allocated for the 2001 increase, but no funds have been allocated for the 2002 increase. Advocates for better home care for elderly, disabled, and chronically ill individuals will be pressing this issue.

CHILD CARE

A number of child care bills were carried over from last year, but thus far none has been scheduled for public hearings. The big child care issue this year concerns funding.

Budget items
ECEAP - the state-funded EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, would see its funding reduced ($2.1 million) under the Governor's proposed budget. ECEAP has a record of proven effectiveness; it helps both parents and children in participating families. It prepares low-income children for school, conveys good parenting skills to young parents, and provides the comprehensive services needed to get pre-schoolers off to a good start. ECEAP was already cut in 2001, and the number of participating children was reduced.

HEAD START would also see its state funding reduced under the Governor's budget ($470,220). Like ECEAP, it is a program of proven success, which aids low income parents and children, and helps prepare low-income children for school. In the case of HEAD START, eliminating the state funds would also result in a loss of federal matching funds. As a result, fewer children will be served.

WORKING CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE. This is the name given to the program of expanded child care subsidies instituted as part of the state's "WorkFirst" program. With passage of welfare reform, the state recognized that if single parents of young children were going to be required to go to work full-time, some provision must be made for affordable, accessible child care. In the years that followed, the state tripled its spending on child care subsidies for low-income, working parents. That program now faces a $36 million short-fall.

Options for meeting the shortfall all have negative outcomes. E.g., Limiting eligibility to families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty line (it is now at 225%) would affect 13,000 low-earning, working families. Other options would whittle away at partnerships with businesses and other community-based efforts. Everything from Resource & Referral services to training for child care providers would be affected, as would everyone from working community college students to struggling-first-job parents to all the businesses hiring workers at low wages.

Legislators will be asked to address this shortfall in the midst of the state's overall budget crisis - not a happy thought.

CHILD WELFARE/CHILDRENS' SERVICES

HB1397/SB 5480 - KINSHIP CARE
This bill was introduced last year. It would increase the "child only" (where only the child in state care, and not the whole family, is eligible for state aid) grant by $100/month for relatives who are caring for multiple children. The first child in the family would continue to receive the current level of $349/month. It is expected to be amended and quickly scheduled for a Public Hearing the House Children and Families Committee during Week TWO or Week Three.
No hearing has been scheduled for the Senate companion bill.

HB 2322 - REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO NONPARENT VISITATION
This bill attempts to balance the rights of parents to raise their children, with a child's interest in maintaining significant relationships with nonparents, and standards for governing visitation by nonparents.
On Tuesday, 1/22 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing before the House Committee on the Judiciary, in House Hearing Room B of the J.L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2324 - MAKING IT A CRIME TO FAIL TO PROTECT CHILDREN AND DEPENDENT PERSONS (known as the Jennifer Kell Act). This bill provides that a parent, stepparent, foster parent or others entrusted with the custody of a child or dependnet person has a duty to aid them if physically assaulted or being subjected to abuse or neglect.
On Friday, 1/25 at 8:00 a.m., a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the House Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee, in House Hearing Room E of the John L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2356 - PROVIDING STABLE EDUCATION FOR FOSTER CHILDREN.
Requires that school age foster children attend the same school after placement in foster care, to avoid the instability that comes from moving from school to school as well as from one home to another. About 70% of foster children are school age, and their rates of school achievement and high school completion are lower, while rates of behavioral and learning problems are higher. Advocates for foster children argue that minimizing moves from school to school would be one positive step in the right direction.
On Monday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm, a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the House Children & Family Services Committee, in House Hearing Room D, of the John L. O'Brien Building.
If time permits, this bill will also be taken up in Executive Session at the same time.

On Monday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm, the House Children & Family Services Committee will hold a Work Session on the Educational Attainment of Foster Youth.

HB 2459 - CHANGING CHILDRENS SERVICES AND PROGRAMS AS A RESULT OF BUDGET REDUCTIONS.
This deceptively simple title tops a 41-page bill that would significantly scale back programs for children and youth - particularly those providing early intervention services to youth and families. The bill was introduced at the request of the Office of Financial Management and was referred directly to the Appropriations Committee. It would effectively legislate the program cuts recommended in the Governor's proposed budget.

Advocates are concerned because these programs represent investments which assist families in crisis, and keep young people out of the costly Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice systems.
No hearings scheduled yet.

On Wednesday, 1/23 at 8:00 am, the House Children & Family Services Committee will hold a Work Session on Foster Care, and on the status of Accreditation of Children's Administration programs.

Bills are expected on behalf of children suffering Chronic Neglect, Children with High Need, and children in "Kinship Care."

Budget Items.
The Governor's Budget proposals include a total of $14 million in cuts in a variety of programs that offer prevention and/or early intervention for children at risk. Among them are elimination of:
-- the ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE SERVICES ($1.2 million),
-- the PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE PROGRAM ($1.1 million),
-- the CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM ($1.7 million - early intervention for low risk families in 4 counties),
-- FAMILY RECONCILIATION SERVICES ($3 million), and
-- FAMILY RECONCILIATION SERVICES PHASE II ($1.7 million, for families with youth ages 12 -17).

CIVIL RIGHTS/CIVIL LIBERTIES

HB 1444 - REQUIRING POLICIES PROHIBITING HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS AND AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
The legislature declares that a safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behavior, is conduct that disrupts both a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment.
This bill results in part from a study by the Attorney General's office. (Information on the bill is available at the AG's web site.)
On Monday, 1/21 a public hearing on this bill was scheduled before the House Education Committee - 1:30 pm in House Hearing Rm A of the John L. O'Brien Building. However that appears to have been postponed; check with the Committee (360-786-7111).

HB 1663 - AUTHORIZING AN EXCEPTIONAL SENTENCE WHEN A CRIME IS MOTIVATED BY HATE.
On Wednesday, 1/23, at 1:30 pm, a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections, in House Hearing Room E of the John L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2381/SB 6407 -TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS.
This bill would provide a coordinated, humane response for victims of human trafficking; creates a WA state task force against the trafficking of persons.
Referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. No hearing scheduled yet.

DISABILITIES

HB 2439 SPECI FYING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
This bill would direct the Department of Social & Health Services to
provide appropriate services and supports to an eligible child with
developmental disabilities at a level comparable to that provided in the
voluntary placement program, excluding the room and board component of that program. These services are intended to assist families in keeping the child in the family home until it is appropriate and feasible for the child to live elsewhere.

SB 5739/ HB 2155 ADDRESSING TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS.
This bill recognizes that the state has a responsibility to address transportation needs of persons with special transportation needs. It will improve transportation efficiency and effectiveness to maximize the use of community resources so that more people can be served within available funding levels.
The Senate Bill could be taken up on the Senate Floor at the next available opportunity - scheduled for Third Reading.

Budget Items
The Governor would impose a hiring freeze on Developmental Disability case managers. Last year legislators agreed to hire desperately needed new case managers; the funding for 2002 hires could be stopped. This jeopardizes federal funding for the Home and
Community-Based waiver (also known as the CAP waiver), and affects quality of life for those who rely on help from their case managers.

Two month delay in provider wage increase. This is partf a proposed two-month delay in cost-of-living increases for vendors and state employees. In this case, it would "save" $307,000 by delaying the second year of raises from July 1 til September 1, 2002.
(instead of July 1, 2002).

HEALTH CARE

BUDGET REVIEW - SENATE COMMITTEE on HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
On Monday, 1/21, at 1:30 in Senate Hearing Rm 4, John A. Cherberg Building. Work Session: Health care components of the Governor's proposed 2002 supplemental operating budget for the Department of Social and Health Services.
1. The Medical Assistance Administration.
2. The Aging and Adult Services Administration.
3. The Division of Developmental Disabilities.

HB 1328 - REQUIRES THE REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN SCHOOL HEALTH PERSONNEL.
On Friday, 1/25 at !:30 pm, a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, in House Hearing Room C of the John L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2430 - CONCERNING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
This bill would establish pilot projects to determine whether it is appropriate to sue Basic Health Plan and Medical Assistance funds to subsidize employer-sponsored health insurance premiums, and set requirements for five standard health plans offered to small employer groups.
On Thursday, 1/24 at 8:00 a.m. a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, in House Hearing Room C, John L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2431/SB 6368 - DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE PRESCRIP-TION DRUG EDUCATION AND UTILIZATION SYSTEM. This bill will be heard twice in Week Two.
On Tuesday, 1/22, at 1:30 pm there will be a public hearing; House Hearing Room C John L. O'Brien Building
On Thursday, 1/24, at 3:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing before the Senate Health & Long-Term Care, in Senate Hearing Room 4, of the John A Cherberg Building.

HB 2364 - ALLOWING SICK LEAVE TO CARE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS.
This bill provides that an employr shall not in any way discriminate against an employee because an employee excises the right to use sick leave to care for family members.
On Wednesday, 1/23, at 8:00 am, a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the House Commerce & Labor Committee, in House Hearing Room B, John L. O'Brien Building

HB 2461 - REQUIRING LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL OF FEDERAL WAIVERS TO THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Requires the Department to consult with the House and Senate Committees before requesting any federal demonstration waivers modifying the Medical Assistance Program, and makes this provision retroactive.
On Tuesday, 1/22 at 1:30 pm a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, in House Hearing Room C of the John L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2462 - SETS TERMS FOR CHILDREN WITH LIFE-THREATENING CONDITIONS TO ATTEND SCHOOL.
This bill would require a physician's medication or treatment order as a
condition for children with life-threatening conditions to attend public
school.
On Friday, 1/25 at !:30 pm, a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, in House Hearing Room C of the John L. O'Brien Building.

Budget Items:
The Governor's budget would eliminate state funding for MEDICAL INTERPRETER SERVICES ($6.6 million), thus putting Medical Assistance patients with limited English competency at risk. There are an estimated 157,000 people with limited English proficiency or sensory impairments who need interpreter services to use medical care. (In King County alone, a rough estimate puts the number of Interpreter services provided at about 10,000/week.)

There is a Federal requirement that Interpreter Services be available, but hospitals, clinics, and private physicians would be hard-pressed to replace state funds if they are eliminated. Private health care providers are likely to stop seeing Medical Assistance patients entirely, thus increasing the number/costs to public providers, and raising the cost of contracts for spoken and sign language interpretation.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

HB 2060/SB 5936 - TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR HOUSING PROJECTS
Would require a $10 fee for each real property document recorded, with the proceeds to be added to the Housing Trust Fund to provide for low-income housing projects and other housing development. This bill is the 2002 legislative priority for low-income housing advocates. It is moving quickly.

A Public Hearing was held in Week One.
On Thursday, 1/24 at 1:30 pm, this bill is scheduled as one of 11 bills set for possible Executive Session before the House Committee on Local Government & Housing. House Hearing Room E, John L. O'Brien Building. (Five bills are also scheduled for a Public Hearing that same day.)
On Tuesday, 1/22 at 8:00 am, the bill is scheduled for Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions, Senate Hearing Room 4, J.A. Cherberg Blding.

Budget Items: the Governor's Proposed Supplemental Budget, would cut funds for Emergency Shelter Assistance by $1.9 million, and funds for Overnight Youth Shelter by $120,00.

Housing advocates will also be watching to insure that the Housing Trust Fund is not "raided" to offset cuts.

HUNGER AND NUTRITION

Budget Items
TEFAP - the EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - would be cut $656,000 in the Governor's proposed Budget.
These are funds used to purchase equipment and contract for food distribution in the emergency food network.

The FARMER'S MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM would be cut by $263,000 in the Governor's proposed budget. These are funds that enable high-risk, low-income women and children have access to fresh produce at farmers' markets, using their WIC benefits.

WIC - Women Infants and Childrens health and nutrition program for high risk women and children - this would be cut $423,000 in the Governor's proposed budget. WIC has a proven record of reducing low-birth weight, infant mortality, and lifetime disabilities; it saves over $3 in health care costs for every $1 in food/nutrition services.

JUVENILES/YOUTH

HB 1549/ SB 5296 - LIMITING MINORS'ACCESS TO TOBACCO.
This bill would prohibit self-service tobacco product displays in establishments that serve youth (it would not apply in places where youth are not allowed). Locked cabinets or behind-the-counter arrangements would be the only ones allowed. This bill was considered last year. It would build on progress made in recent years in limiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.
On Thursday, 1/24, at 8:00 am, a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, in House Hearing Room C of the John L. O'Brien Building.

Budget Items
The Governor's proposed budget would eliminate:
-- $120,000 for the state's five licensed youth shelters (each gets about $22,000);
-- $750,000 for the Juvenile Violence Prevention Grant.

The Governor's budget would eliminate THE COMMUNITY HEALTH & SAFETY NETWORKS. Begun in 1992, the Networks are under the jurisdiction of the Community Trade and Economic Development Department; he would also eliminate the Family Policy Council.

The Networks consist of community people who identify local needs and provide funding to programs that prevent youth violence and other negative outcomes for children. The Networks have served as incubators for innovative new approaches from the local level, on such issues as teen pregnancy, youth violence, and child abuse.

MENTAL HEALTH

HB 2367 - AUTHORIZING ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.
This bill assumes that a person has the ability to control decisions relating to mental health care even when the ability to declare these choices is impaired due to mental illness. An advance directed created under this Act should be respected by medical and mental health professionals and others.
On Friday, 1/25 at 1:30 pm this bill is scheduled for a Public Hearing before the House Committee on the Judiciary, in House Hearing Room B, of the J.L. O'Brien Building.

HB 2461 - REQUIRING LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL OF FEDERAL WAIVERS TO THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Also known as the "Bureaucracy Accountability Act," this bill requires the Department to consult with the House and Senate Committees before requesting any federal demonstration waivers modifying the Medical Assistance Program, and makes this provision retroactive.
Advocates for persons with mental illness are among those supporting this bill, because of the potential any Medicaid waiver would have to eliminate benefits, alter eligibility, and/or require co-pays for people with mental health issues.
On Tuesday, 1/22 at 1:30 pm a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, in House Hearing Room C of the John L. O'Brien Building.

Budget Item
The Governor's proposed budget would cut funding for the Regional Support Networks by $4.6 million, effectively reducing rates paid to RSNs by 3%. The reductions would come from both inpatient and outpatient care. Since the Mental Health system is currently under-funded, with little in the way of prevention/early intervention or services for any but the most critically ill, these cuts are regarded as far more serious than the dollar amounts may imply.

SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

May be revived: HB 1248/ SB 5189 - TO ALLOW VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR STALKING TO RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS.
This bill recognizes that people being stalked or followed by abusers may miss work through no fault of their own, and thus should be eligible for UI.
No hearing scheduled.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT

SB 6361 - REVISING SENTENCES FOR DRUG OFFENSES.
This bill would increase the use of substance abuse treatment for defendants and offenders in order to reduce recidivism and increase th elikelihood that they will become law-abiding persons.
The bill also intends that sentences for drug offenses accurately reflect the impact of substance abuse and addiction on public safety, that the public be proected from violent offenders, and that sentences be based on research, and on public policy goals established by the legislature.
On Thursday, 1/24 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, in Senate Hearing Room 1, J.A. Cherberg Building.

Coming: additional bills based on recommended changes in the state's sentencing guidelines, and general sentencing reform. Non-violent drug offenses, and/or shifting funds currently used for long sentences into programs for drug treatment are among likely topics.

Budget item
The Governor's proposed budget would eliminate funding for the TASC program ($3.5 million). TASC is a 20-year old program working to reduce drug abuse and criminal activity, and to connect the criminal justice and chemical dependency systems.

WELFARE

HB 1145 - ALLOWING LANDLORDS TO RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS OF RENT FOR PEOPLE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
Landlords have sought this; welfare advocates are concerned that it takes one more bit of autonomy from low-income people, and eliminates their ability to shift funds in times of emergencies.
On Thursday, 1/24 at 1:30 pm, this bill is the first of eleven scheduled for Executive Session in the House Committee on Local Government & Housing, House Hearing Room E, J.L. O'Brien Blding.

On Thursday, 1/24 at 10:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Full-Time Higher Education Under TANF, before the Senate Committee on Higher Education, Senate Hearing Room 3 of the J.A. Cherberg Building.

Coming: Advocates for low-income families in the TANF program (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) expect to see a bill introduced to provide for expanded education opportunities in the form of a "G.I." - Gaining Independence - bill.

Budget Items.
The "Welfare Box" faces a $35 million short-fall. Advocates are watching closely, and are concerned that funds intended to help families transitioning from welfare to work could be in jeopardy.

SSI STATE SUPPLEMENT - low-income individuals who are old, and/or have mental or physical disabilities, and are unemployable - but have too little work history to qualify for federal Social Security Disability benefits - get SSI - Supplemental Security Income benefits of about $500/month for all their living expenses. The state of Washington provides an additional supplement of $5 - 50/month - an amount that often makes the difference between being able to pay rent or being homeless, being able to pay for medication or remain in pain. That state supplement is marked for elimination in the Governor's proposed budget, for a "savings" of $30.9 million. Advocates for low-income adults argue that it would be a false savings, because of predictable higher costs in shelter/hospital/institutional and other emergency needs.

MISCELLANEOUS

HB 2403 - WOULD PROVIDE FOR COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AT FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS
OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
This bill is of interest to Teaching Assistants across the state.
On Monday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm there will be a Public Hearing on the bill before the House Commerce & Labor Committee, in House Hearing Room B of the J.L. O'Brien building.

HB 2413/SB 6532 - TO REQUIRE BUSINESS SUBSIDY
DISCLOSURE.
On Tuesday, January 22, at 1:30 pm, a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Committee on Trade & Economic Development, in House Hearing Room E, of the John L. O'Brien Building.
On Tuesday, January 22, at 8:00 am, the same bill will be considered by the Senate Committee on Labor , Commerce & financial Institutes, in Senate hearing room 4 of the John A. Cherberg Building.

SB 5833 - PERMITTING LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS ON
INITIATIVES AND REFERENDUMS.
On Monday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm there will be a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on State & Local Government, in Senate Hearing Room 3 of the J.A. Cherberg Building.

Other government-process bills slated for Public Hearings would:
-- Authorize Public Financing of Local Political Campaigns (HB 2030), and
-- Change the Date on which Primary Elections are held in Washington (SHB 1230).
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