Governor Gregoire is welcoming input as she considers the cuts that she is going to make in the state budget. This may be a good occasion to remind her of what NOT to cut, such as special ed services. If you have a few minutes, please drop her a line advocating for our kids at http://governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp

Here’s more info

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a message from the LWSD PTSA re Gregoire's desire for public input on budget priorities

"Here is a wonderful way to speak up for what you believe in. The governor is inviting the citizens of this state to visit her web site and tell her what you think should be cut in the state budget to deal with the pending deficit. This would also be an ideal time to let her know where you DO NOT want budget cuts.

What a rare opportunity to communicate directly with our executive. Don’t let this golden opportunity pass you by!

Wendy DeLong, LWSD PTSA President"

CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor

STATE OF WASHINGTON, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

P.O. Box 40002 . Olympia, Washington 98504-0002 . (360) 902-4111

For Release: Immediate Media Contact: Governor's Communications Office

Date: Nov. 14, 2008 Phone: 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire seeks public input on budget priorities

Gregoire adds new public input feature on website - www.governor.wa.gov/

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire today is urging Washingtonians to visit her website and offer suggestions as she works to fill a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall.

"Just like Washington families, state government is facing serious economic challenges," Gregoire said. "Unfortunately, we don't have the money to fund all of the many programs and projects we have supported in the past. We're all going to have to sacrifice, but it's also important to preserve core government services and to take full advantage of the strengths of our community organizations and the private sector."

All Washingtonians are encouraged to visit Gregoire's homepage at www.governor.wa.gov/ and submit their own cost-saving strategies. The governor is also looking for suggestions to reform state government and to provide services more efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition, the governor wants to know what government functions and programs might be better handled in the private sector or the nonprofit arena.

"If you know of an effective strategy to significantly trim costs, I want to hear from you," Gregoire said. "It is becoming clear that we will need to cut spending and rethink the way we provide services to responsibly balance the next budget."

Gregoire has already taken significant steps to cut the projected $3.2 billion dollar deficit nearly in half, including:

Placing a freeze on hiring, out-of-state travel, personal service contracts and equipment purchases.

Across-the-board cuts in state agencies, exempting certain programs in education, public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

Suspending the Family Leave program.

The governor plans to unveil the 2009-2011 budget next month. For more information, visit Gregoire's homepage at: http://www.governor.wa.gov/