Spokane7
67°
October 20, 2011 in City
Crowd decries social, health services cuts
Department secretary says budget continues to shrink
Debbie Wright holds a sign supporting Sally’s House on Wednesday on Indiana Avenue, as Salvation Army officials hold a rally in the background. State funding cuts are threatening to close the emergency shelter, which can house 18 children at a time.
(Full-size photo)
Saying the state government now faces “one of its hardest moments since the Great Depression,” the head of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services brought bad news Wednesday night to the region’s most vulnerable citizens and those who serve them.
Despite making more than $2.2 billion in cuts to social services in the past two years, Susan Dreyfus told an emotional crowd of about 400 people overflowing the DSHS office in Spokane Valley, “Additional reductions are inevitable.”
Even if the Legislature voted to approve revenue enhancements, which appears unlikely, they could not come fast enough to balance the 2012-’13 budget without cuts, Dreyfus said.
The September state revenue forecast projected an additional $1.4 billion shortfall in the next two years, after nearly $10 billion in reductions since 2008. Next month’s forecast is expected to be worse.
Gov. Chris Gregoire has asked department heads to submit proposals to reduce the budget an additional 10 percent. For DSHS, that means a reduction of $573 million in state money and the resulting loss of more than $300 million in federal funds from the department’s two-year, $11 billion budget.
“This has fundamentally changed us as a government,” said Dreyfus, who will resign as DSHS secretary to take a job in the private sector in Wisconsin after this fall’s legislative session on the latest financial crisis.
As she will in town hall meetings throughout the state, Dreyfus spelled out three tiers of cuts targeting programs for reduction or elimination that once seemed unthinkable. The cuts would include:
• The strategic, such as reducing the number of regional support networks providing mental health services.
• The difficult but doable, such as suspending individual and family services for clients with developmental disabilities.
• The necessary to reach a 10 percent target, such as major eligibility and program changes for mental health, long-term care and aid for the developmentally disabled.
Among the Spokane cuts is funding for Sally’s House, the only emergency foster program in the state for abused and neglected children.
The Salvation Army program would lose its entire state funding of $750,000 by July 1.
“Where are the children to go?” asked Salvation Army business administrator Sheila Geraghty.
Other crowd reaction ranged from concerned to distraught.
“I think it is a shame our state balances the budget on the backs of its most vulnerable,” Spokane County District Court Judge Debra Hayes said.
Lisa Worley drove three hours to defend the vocational program she runs in Wenatchee. But after hearing others in the audience testify, she said, “As an employed person, I am willing to pay more taxes to prevent cutting these programs.”
In addition to DSHS cuts, Dreyfus told the crowd that the now separate Health Care Authority projected as much as $446 million in cuts from its $10.5 billion budget.
Because most of Medicaid coverage is mandated by federal law, the agency must target state-only-funded programs or “optional” benefits. Among the proposals for a 10-percent cut are elimination of the state’s landmark Basic Health Plan, which covers 36,000 of Washington’s working poor, and an 18-month suspension of all adult pharmaceutical benefits to 500,000 clients.
“People will die,” said Sandi Ando of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for Washington and Spokane.
Rights panel poorly understood 
mikeln on October 20 at 4:39 a.m.
There will, however, be enough to house these people in for profit, private prisons.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 20 at 5:13 a.m.
These cuts and earlier cuts are obscene on several levels… at House of Charity in the mornings there is a palpable “difference” in the throng of people that line up for donuts and coffee… we have just instituted a “hot food” program in the morning to supplement what is available at Shalom… The most important and first drug every morning should be some solid food…
The cuts in drug rehab, needle exchange, housing and basic human services have already changed the tenor of our downtown core… and will soon begin to affect the close by residential areas as well.
Property crimes which are no longer investigated will be on a sharp rise. Sad sorry state of affairs… and our “Leaders” do not have the necessary steadiness to just raise taxes for these specific funding needs.
Community Colleges are being gutted as well, so the training and work force interventions after education is going out the door as well. History will point to our continued spending on War and War Machinery and disregarding our basic social and physical infrastructure as the downfall of this “Roman Empire”… 90 dollars a gallon for fuel to be delivered to a Hum Vee … and no pre school meals for our children…. May God Have Mercy.., May Christ Have Mercy…. John
Scoutster on October 20 at 7:15 a.m.
We’re at the bone now, folks.
No more to cut without compromising our current values for different ones.
empyrius on October 20 at 7:35 a.m.
Trillions for war;
prisons and the street for the widowed, orphaned, and poor!
Some things never change.
The rich man still yet has time to stand down peacefully, but as we all know Scripture states their fall shall be quite a horrendously violent affair . . .
Let’s get ready to rumble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
terryalan on October 20 at 8:02 a.m.
And services/assistance to job seekers is about to be slashed…
WorkSource layoff notices going out tomorrow…
philipgregory on October 20 at 8:50 a.m.
And tax breaks for corporations continue!
The governor, senators and representatives all don’t give a lick for the politically weak poor and working class.
Albert on October 20 at 9:20 a.m.
“But…there’s no money…” Really? How much will we spend for only 1 day in Afghanistan? How much do we spend for “Foreign Aid”? Mr. Obamation continues to literally give multi-millions of dollars away…some on a moments notice to various countries, and we can no longer take care of the hungry in Spokane. I’m talking into the proverbial wind of course and reality is standing on the downtown street corner without a meal, clothing, medical care, and no hope for any to come.
Sorry Chef…the lines are only going to increase and the food stores will decrease because we are all broke. It’s got to be heart breaking to see - every day.
93bird on October 20 at 9:43 a.m.
What is it you people want? More than half the state’s revenue comes from state taxes, licenses, permits and fees, while two thirds of the total state budget is spent on higher education, public schools, and human services. Human services accounts for more than one third of the total state budget all by itself. I know this is going to come as a shock, but the people who were paying all the taxes can’t anymore. See, they either don’t have jobs anymore, or have had to cut their own spending. So instead of blaming the rich, or accusing the war machine of taking food from children’s mouths, how about addressing reality and coming up with a solution?
johnclarke on October 20 at 10:23 a.m.
What is it you people want?
To show a little humanity, I think.
“but the people who were paying all the taxes can’t anymore”
So, while I appeciate you making my point for me, I will just underscore that cutting programs that help people become educated and join the workforce and PAY TAXES seems to be counter productive, no?
Chef Gus - as always I appreciate your view from the trenches.
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on October 20 at 10:33 a.m.
I think “I don’t know what the solution is, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t it” is a legitimate opinion to express.
But of course that’s just my opinion.
The_Seer on October 20 at 10:37 a.m.
93: Why shouldn’t the two main drivers of the federal deficit (The Bush tax cuts and two wars) be on the table for discussion? It’s where we should start, right?
The people in Washington who can pay taxes to avoid these cuts won’t. And they’ve convinced the other 99% of you that they shouldn’t.
Dazzeetrader11 on October 20 at 10:45 a.m.
Must be Bush’s fault.
We are NOT at the bone yet.
I hope you all understand most of what’s being cut ( none of you know what’s being cut) shouldn’t have been in existence anyway.
Nice idea to throw your cash at all of this but I suggest if you feel bad enough, each of you should send your money to Christine. It’s your right to do so.
When a government is broke because of overspending, time to stop the spending. Tell the million union parasites and their locals who have gotten rich off you that they should send $ 2 billion back.
Might be an inducement to get America off the taxpayer’s teat. $10 dollar jobs don’t look so bad do they? When the libs have run these programs at the expense of function, time to unload em. Everyone feels bad but it’s life these days. Unwind the programs. No fun but necessary.
BlondeSquawker on October 20 at 11:04 a.m.
You’re right there, Dazee. It is mostly Bush’s fault.
johnclarke on October 20 at 11:30 a.m.
Daisy, you are not a very nice person. Yes, this is Bush’s fault and Reagans and yours. Although I’m sure you are enjoying your money, that you most likely did nothing to get - your attitude sucks. Programs to help people get off of public assistance and into the workforce are just so obviously beneficial to society; well obvious to everyone except greedy ignorant conservatives.
Keep it up, watch the protests grow. Invest in pitchforks and torches.
bpackley on October 20 at 11:56 a.m.
It sucks that these vital services have to be cut!! In reality, they shouldn’t have to be! The elected thieves that sit high and mighty on their thrown in Olympia are NOT cutting their pay and allowances for everything from food to housing and even vacations!! The elected crooks are NOT leaning out THEIR staff and getting rid of redundancies!! The elected morons are NOT going through the state programs and eliminating waste and going after fraudulent claims!! Oh no, just cut cut cut, and intimidate The People into paying higher taxes!! Sorry, but if I were governor, I WOULD cut my salary first, then the other elected officials’ salaries, then lean out government offices, and even sign executive orders either suspending or eliminating Union Benefits!! Also, no more tax breaks for corporations that continue to post record profits at the backs of the rest of us!!!
Once these cuts are made and there still isn’t enough cash to fund the budget, THEN AND ONLY THEN would be the time to cut these vital services to the poor and disadvantaged!!
But no, the biggest crook of all will continue to drive the state of Washington into the ground; your beloved governor, Christine Gregoire!!!
And don’t think for a second that Idaho is really any better! That crook Butch Otter is obtaining the same goals as Christine, running Idaho into the ground!
WHS on October 20 at 12:23 p.m.
You know johnclarke, the more I read dazzee’s posts, the more I realize you are absolutely correct. She is a self absorbed, selfish, uncompassionate, evil person.
This post will get flagged I am sure. But, after reading your latest post dazzee, I will never interact with you again… As the Bible says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
WHS
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on October 20 at 1:09 p.m.
^ ^ ^ Hear hear
2Sanguine on October 20 at 2:06 p.m.
The proposed cuts will virtually eliminate adult substance abuse funding. This will inevitably (and fairly quickly) cost the state two to seven times more dollars in other ways. Amazingly shortsighted.
But we have to remember that this process which will cause death to some poor folks and increase the financial and social crises was initiated by the voters who tried to save a little money on taxes.
WHS on October 20 at 2:23 p.m.
Yeah, good thing we don’t have pay that extra nickel for our bottled water and all those candy bars! It was worth it dontcha think.
WHS
WHS on October 20 at 2:26 p.m.
Oops, I forgot the “wink wink” at end of my last sentence… ;) ;)
DickAdams on October 20 at 2:56 p.m.
Lets not forget, that Gregoire is responsible for the huge deficit. The utter waste of taxpayer money by this woman is something to behold. Heck, Gregoire couldn`t wait to get her hands on the cigarette corporations settlement money, so she took a cash settlement as she could not wait for the full amount, costing the state tens of millions of dollars in revenue. Even when Gregoire was state attorney general for cry out loud, her carelessness cost the state $23.million and she sacrificed an underling as a scapegoat (statute of limitation screw up). Gregoire has no shame what so ever. But I expect the liberals will blame, who ever, rather than Gregoire. If the state social system weeds out the free loaders, maybe the truly needy shall be served?
johnclarke on October 20 at 3:57 p.m.
WHS, if Daisy is what she claims to be I picture your classic inheritance type, brain shot from old fashioned’s. Probably does senior swimming exercise at the Spokane Club, and then hits happy hour somewhere with internet access. Basically a person that thinks two classes of people, the owners and the serfs are the way things should be.
johnclarke on October 20 at 4:01 p.m.
Dick, the shortfall for 2010 is 12 billion dollars. I would assume that helps put it in perspective, but I the normal language in your post. “liberals” and “free loaders” so I guess there nothing to discuss.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 21 at 9:14 a.m.
Greetings this morning…. It is clear that there are several here that do not have any “working experience” with the mentally ill, the low income, the mentally and physically disabled, the drug and alcohol affected, and addicted, the unemployed and on and on… and are likely speaking their opinions that are not based in any real life experience.
I have spent 25 years and more while working a full time job as a medical staff member as an optometrist at Group Health, and as such was able to volunteer as a “homeless shelter” cook years ago. SO those are my “chops” here…..
What I see occurring with the folks “in the trenches”.. is simply that their stress levels and needs for services have exponentially increased over the past year or two of budget cuts… and will be dramatically altered by the current process. The trenches do have a potential to become the barricades outside the Bastille… as in our Occupy Spokane movement. My efforts are all aimed at moderating and mediating that process with food and shelter for those that need it. Meal counts at House of Charity, my current daily venue went up 17% last year and are up another 20% this year so far…. the lines of people being fed, while they do not equate with those of the depression are pretty darned impressive.
We do have the resources and money and talent to make the world a better place, and it begins with stopping the Wars, and aggression that has been the United States Hall mark all of my entire life…. Trillions spent on undeclared and unfunded war and military industrial complex, while our roads crumble and our children lack education and are starving. Get a clue folks… your own little “Roman Empire” is collapsing right around your ears.. just the same way… with the same modus opperendi. The “terrorists” you must fear are actually likely living with you, or next door to you…. John Olsen
D Statler on October 21 at 10:07 a.m.
There was some action to stop welfare fraud come out of Olympia last session. Senator Baxter managed to get this important legislation signed into law. It is very important to elect like minded people willing to look at our state’s budget line by line. There is definately more areas to cut or projects to delay that would relieve these horrendous cuts to the needy.
Lets not forget the millions being spent for a over priced medical research facility right down the street from the Mission. Our city’s leaders pushed to get this built.This project could have been shelved till better times. Important utility reserves were squandered causing higher rates. Police continue to fund the corrupt drug and gang task force while property crimes go unanswered. NEW JAIL ?
Please review your voters ballots with care. The boxes you check this week will set the stage for needed changes in Spokane friends.
CarlyMathews on October 24 at 12:16 p.m.
The “options” proposed by DSHS and the Health Care Authority will have a devasting effect on, and place the financial burden on disabled, mentally ill and/or elderly citizens….
These proposed cuts come down to two things, Lives and Dollars, neilther of which will be saved if cuts to vital services are implemented.
People will die either becasue they themselves have had vital services cut or at the hands of those whose services have been cut. Costs will skyrocket as folks who used to have in home caregiver’s, medications, mental health services flock to our emergency rooms, call 911, are arrested, etc
Save our Services (SOS) has one common belief; to protect Washington’s low-income vulnerable adults from being harmed due to decreases in the vital services they receive. We do NOT support cuts which endanger our most vulnerable citizens & place their health, safety & lives in jeopardy while also placing the lives, & safety of the entire community at risk .
www.saveourservices.ning.com
Links :
Powerpoint presentation outlining the planned cuts directly from DSHS.
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ppt/ea/092211SupOpt.pptx
A more detailed account of the budget cuts being proposed by DSHS
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/budget/decisionpkgs.shtml
See also www.hca.wa.gov for a list of cuts proposed by the Health Care Authority.
shanep on October 24 at 1:26 p.m.
The cuts described in the article are only the tip of the iceburg. Here is a site that outlines more and gives direct links to back everything up
http://saveourservices.ning.com/page/upcoming-cut-proposals