Lowry Taps Fund, Saves Area Program

Gov. Mike Lowry on Monday dipped into his emergency fund to pay for two substance-abuse projects the Legislature had turned down.

The price: $480,000.

The appropriation depleted more than half of the money available to the chief executive for emergencies. The discretionary fund now has $370,000 left.

The governor has broad discretion on how such dollars are spent, said spokeswoman Kris Betker. Lowry said it would have been “absolutely negligent” for the state to let the programs die.

Lowry will use $380,000 to continue “Birth-to-Three” projects in Seattle and Spokane, providing outreach and intensive services to mothers who have drug or alcohol problems. He also earmarked $100,000 to begin a new substance-abuse program for Washington’s Indian tribes.

Both appropriations were included in the governor’s 1996 budget request, but were turned down by the Democratic Senate and Republican House.