WA State Poised to Cut 40-Percent of Drug Treatment Beds SEATTLE, WA (KPLU) - The Governor and lawmakers face a six billion dollar (and growing) shortfall in the next two year budget cycle. But some cuts are already being made to keep the current budget in the black. As a result, Washington State is about to lose nearly half of its taxpayer-funded drug treatment beds. Lawmakers are scrambling to head off the crisis. But as KPLU's Austin Jenkins reports, one drug treatment center is preparing to shut its doors in a week (January 20th).

UPDATE 1/16/09-4PM: Washington State has reversed a decision to drastically cut funding for low-income drug treatment programs and detox centers. A hue and cry from the treatment providers and concern among some lawmakers seems to have made the difference. Jim Stevenson with the Department of Social and Health Services says funding will be restored - for now. That means the state won't lose nearly half of its 400 treatment beds for low-income drug addicts. Also, detox centers in local communities will be able to stay open. But the reprieve may only be temporary. © Copyright 2010, KPLU