Politics
(2010-03-01)
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Some budget proposals would cut child dental programs for low-income kids.
AP Photo.
State Schools Superintendent Randy Dorn says there's really no good news for K-12 education in the budget plans. All seek big cuts. Still, he says one is worse than the other.
"If we went by the Senate budget, we are going to lose about 2,500 teachers and school support personnel," says Dorn. He's supporting the House Democrats plan, one he says also stings.
"The House budget still cuts $125 million out of K-12. If you look out of a two year period, that would be $500 million cut out of K-12 on state responsibility."
Dorn says budget writers did their best to lighten the blow to education. So, what gets pinched? The superintendent says he expects higher class sizes in kindergarten through 4th grade and cuts to all day Kindergarten. As Dorn works for the house budget, some child advocates are working against parts of it. Jon Gould is with the advocacy group Children's Alliance. They're fighting cuts they say would eliminate daycare funding for 7,000 low income parents.
"That is going to force more families out of the work force. It could actually force some child care providers to close their doors, particularly in low-income communities. So we would be hurting businesses and potentially losing jobs in the state," Gould says.
Gould is happy with the House Democrats latest plan to raise revenues by taxing candy. That plan could save a dental care program and restore money to child welfare programs, such as youth shelters.
"We have seen some proven effective programs offered up for cuts that we never thought would be offered up," he adds.
Gould says the tax plans need to go farther and tax sugar-sweetened drinks. That proposal is one of many ideas that will get heard - or tabled - as the budget dealing heats up. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn March 11th. Gary Davis, KPLU News.
Washington State Office of Financial Management's Legislative Budget web page, with links to bills.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction's website
Children's Alliance website
The Washington Ledge - Austin Jenkins' Legislature Blog
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