As a state employee, I am appalled at the apparent lack of respect shown to Washingtonians by our legislative body. Now in the second special session, our elected spokespersons — those who are responsible to effect the will of the people — are not getting the job done.
In particular, I wish to address the budget proposals for parks and recreation. For the 20-plus years I have been involved with or employed by state parks, the biannual begging contest repeats on an endless cycle. Each year, with the brief exception of the Gregoire years, the amount of funding granted to parks steadily decreased, resulting in release and/or closure of specific state parks; the loss of rangers and other staff; years of desperately needed maintenance to historic structures again put on the deferred list; and the trust of the public to wane.
Of the two proposals currently before our Legislature is the Senate Republican budget which again slashes the funding to $16 million. $16 million to run our parks will require the loss of another 100 full time (or equivalent) living wage jobs. The House Democratic proposal is for $29 million, and operations may remain near the status quo.
If you believe in parks, in “your” park — the one(s) you choose to use the most, it is imperative you contact your representative leaders. Use your voice. Be heard. Make a difference. In this case, caring is yelling!
Debra Bell
Stanwood
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