HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1694

As Reported by House Committee On:

Ways & Means

Title: An act relating to fiscal matters for the 2007-2009 biennium.

Brief Description: Addressing fiscal matters for the 2007-2009 biennium.

Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Moeller, Hunter and Darneille.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Ways & Means: 1/27/09, 1/28/09 [DPS].

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 20 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Schmick, Seaquist and Sullivan.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Chandler and Ross.

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)

Background:

The state government operates on a fiscal biennium that begins July 1 of each odd-numbered year. The 2007-09 biennial operating budget appropriated $33.7 billion from the state General Fund and several other accounts, referred to as Near General Fund–State. The total budgeted amount, which includes state and federal funds, was $57.2 billion.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

Appropriations are modified for the 2007-09 biennium. This bill reduces Near General Fund–State appropriations by $636 million. Total budgeted funds are decreased by $334 million.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill identifies specific changes to the 2007-09 biennial operating budget.

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Appropriation: Please see the bill.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

Please refer to the January 27, 2009 hearing recording.

Persons Testifying:

(Supports) Amber Ulvenes, Group Health; Laurie Lippold, Children’s Home Society and Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Jennifer Allen, Planned Parenthood; Jeff Hall, Supreme Court and the Office of Legal Aid; Bill Stauffacher, Washington Public Broadcasting Association; Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs; Amber Carter, Association of Washington Business; Keith Cernak, Community Network Coalition; Tara Lee, Washington Dental Service; Teresa Mosqueda, Children's Alliance; Mia Wells, Washington State Coalition for the Homeless; Charlie Earl, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Misha Werschkul, SEIU Healthcare 775 NW; Jennifer Priddy, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; and Robin Zukoski, Columbia Legal Services.

(Opposed) Daniel Simnioniw, Washington State Residential Care Council Adult Family Homes; Sarah Cherin, Healthy Washington Coalition and UFCW 21; and Ellie Menzies, SEIU Health Care 1199 NW.

(Concerns) Kelly Fox, Washington State Council of Firefighters.

(Neutral) Terry Teale, Council of Presidents.

(Other) Jennifer Priddy, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Scott Sigmon, Aging Services of Washington; Susan Harrell, P2020, Rehabilitation Enterprises of Washington, and Washington Initiative for Supported Employment; Gary Weeks and Linda Hull, Providence Health Systems and Washington Health Care Association; Donna Patrick, Developmental Disability Council; Linda McDaniels, Parent Trust; Mo McBroom, Washington Environmental Council; Laura Wells, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids; Nick Federici, Washington United for Quality Nursing Home Care and Sound Mental Health; Amber Carter, Association of Washington Business; Len McComb, Washington State Hospital Association and Community Health Network of Washington; Peggy Quan, American Association of Retired Persons of Washington; and Sue Elliott, Arc of Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.