Budget update from Lifelong's lobbyist, Carey Morris

To begin with this is my very first time writing anything for a blog. Be patient with me. I am a working Mom with two little kids I barely have time to check my email much less participate in the online world. That said, I am so excited to have the opportunity to thank everyone who came to Olympia in February to participate in A3D. It is one of my favorite days down here (that and potato day, no offense but they pass out free baked potatoes so they win). I loved seeing everyone come from around the State to talk about the importance of HIV/AIDS programs in their communities. It has such an impact with the Legislators. I cannot tell you how many people approached me after to say how impressed they were with the constituents who came in their offices. So thank you. I could not do what I do down here without YOU! Elected officials have to know that protecting HIV/AIDS programs is a priority to their districts.

We are beginning our fourth month of Legislative Session - the home stretch. The final gavel will come down no later then April 26th to indicate the end. It has been a very difficult session. In the next three weeks the Legislature has to figure out how to pass a budget with a $9 billion deficit. Nope, I didn't make a mistake that is billion with a big 'ol "B". It is a staggering task to try to put together a document that both protects the core functions of government and the safety net for vulnerable people. I do not envy them. The budget that the Legislators will vote on will not have any new revenue in it - that means that they have to find $9 billion to cut out of current programs. We are in uncharted territory.

This week the Senate and House released back to back budgets - both included some devastating cuts. For HIV/AIDS programs the Senate budget placed a cap on the EIP (Early Intervention Program) at 95% of current expenditures, about $3 million and reduced AIDSnet grants by 20% another $3 million. The House budget capped EIP at 98%, about $1 million and reduced the AIDSnets by $1.1 million BUT eliminated the administration of the regional AIDSnets and had the Department of Health assume the responsibility. Our goal is to limit the amount of direct client services that will get cut by the proposed budgets and although we are cautious about DOH's capacity to take on the additional workload of the AIDSnets, we see the House budget as a better option.

That being said I need your help - nope your involvement in this process did not end when you drove out of Olympia after A3D, sorry. I am encouraging you to contact your Legislators again. If you don't know who represents you go to www.leg.wa.gov and put in your address. Please email them the following message (feel free to put in your own words):

I am writing to you today as your constituent to ask you to support the House Proposed Budget for HIV/AIDS funding.While both the House and Senate budgets propose cuts to HIV/AIDS services, specifically the Early Intervention program and the regional AIDSNets, the cuts the HIV/AIDS community will face in the House budget will be less drastic to direct client services.During these challenging economic times, please do your part to preserve as much funding as possible for those most at risk in our state.Please remember to be polite. It has been a rough couple days (actually a rough couple months) down here for everyone. If you are writing a Representative say Thank You for their proposal and let them know you understand they had to make difficult decisions and you really appreciate what they have done. A few kind words go a long way. Also, include your address so they know you are a constituent.

Although it was a relief to see that neither proposed budget eliminated our core programs, we are a long way from the final document. In case you haven't heard it before - each day in Olympia is a like a month. We need to keep up the contact until Legislators are packing up their offices to leave town.

I am so very honored to be working on the HIV/AIDS issues with you in Olympia. Your voices are being heard and respected here. Thank you for taking the time to be part of the process. I know the political process can be frustrating and confusing - but each time you take the time to educate an elected official or come to the Capitol it gets a little easier to understand and get involved. Trust me it makes a difference. I could go on and on about this - seriously remember I talk for a living plus I love the political process - it is important.

Thank you,

Carey Morris

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