Proposed House and Senate Budgets...Not Pretty

Washington's House and Senate released their proposed 2010 supplemental budgets on Tuesday. While supplemental years of a biennium don't typically take up large budget issues, this supplemental year is different. The state's economic forecast shows an additional $2.8 billion shortfall that has forced the legislature to deal with significant budgetary issues. Both proposed supplemental budgets of the House and Senate make cuts to state services, including to education. 

Below are a few of the specific proposed cuts you should be aware of that, if passed, would begin to take place in the 2010 - 11 school year. 

National Board Bonuses:

• The House proposed budget includes changes to National Board Certification bonuses.

         >  Reduces the "challenging schools" bonus from $5,000 to

             $2,500 affecting about 25% of NBCTs.

         >  Removes the state's start-up costs for the conditional loan,

             using federal funding solely and if available. 

•  The Senate proposed budget leaves National Board Certification bonuses intact. 

Other Education Cuts: Both House and Senateproposed budgets include the following cuts. 

• Elimination of the Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) program (induction & mentoring).
• Elimination of the Learning Improvement Day.
• Elimination of I-728 funding. 

In these last two weeks of session, the House, Senate and Governor must work together to come to a compromise on one budget. If you have an opinion about the impacts andimplications of their proposed budgets, this is the time to let legislators know. Communication by email and phone are two effective and efficient ways to let your voice be heard.

• Email legislators'.
• Leave a brief phone message at 1-800-562-6000. 

Other CSTP resources for communicating with policymakers.