House fiscal committees to review seven state agency budgets

Facing an anticipated $6 billion shortfall, members of the House fiscal committees must ensure that state government remains financially sound while providing appropriate services to all Washingtonians. That will require the chairs of these committees to make tough decisions every day.

The Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Eric Pettigrew, is tasked with increasing government efficiency while providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable populations in the state.

At 6 p.m. today, the Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee will review the base budgets for the Health Care Authority, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation (DSHS), and Labor & Industries. The meeting will be held in the John L. O’Brien Building, Hearing Room B (Olympia).

The Government Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Jeannie Darneille, will also convene at 6 p.m. today to review Gov. Gregoire’s biennial and supplemental budget proposals for the Department of the Military, Liquor Control Board, and Department of Revenue. The meeting will be held in the John L. O’Brien Building, Hearing Room C (Olympia).

Both committees will continue to hold public hearings to address opportunities for increasing efficiency and effectiveness while providing appropriate services statewide.