On December 17, Governor Inslee released his supplemental budget proposal, which includes $5.1 million for the opening of the 256-bed medium security unit at WSP to meet the demands of a rising male offender caseload and to reduce overcrowding. 

In the supplemental capital budget, Inslee proposes $1.8 million to complete redesign studies on capacity issues for male and female prison populations.  

Both levels of appropriation are necessary in order to ensure the safety, security, and well being of our state's correctional employees.

Your Lobbyist, Teresita Torres, has been making the rounds in Olympia prior to session, meeting with key decision makers in both the House and the Senate to shore up support for the Governor's supplemental budget proposals.

Negotiations over the supplemental budget will likely take place some time in the middle of session.  We need to be prepared to 1) push legislators to pass a supplemental budget; and 2) make sure that the Governor's appropriation items are included in the final budget.

This will be one of the topics that we discuss with lawmakers on our Teamsters Lobby Day on January 28. You can RSVP for Lobby Day here.  Remember that this is a short, 60-day session, so things will be moving quickly in Olympia and we need to be ready!

Legislative session begins on Monday, January 13.