Cuts in education, basic health care and transportation – these are just a few of the things we are facing as a result of the worst state budget crisis that most of us can remember.
The 2009-2011 budget cuts approximately $1.8 billion from education funding, so new programs and grants that were appropriated to education projects have been eliminated. This will mean, for many schools, larger classes sizes, fewer after-school programs, fewer sports teams and less professional development for teachers.
The state’s Basic Health Plan — which provides low-cost health coverage for the working poor — has been slashed by 42 percent. This means 40,000 people will have to be cut from the plan, which now serves 102,000.
And funding for public transportation and van pools is being cut just as ridership is on the rise.
But how, specifically, will Kitsap County be affected by the current budget woes?
Mark your calendar for a public meeting with our state legislators on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Kitsap, the event is called “Let’s Talk Dollars and Sense with our Legislators.”
It will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Eagles Nest, 1200 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton.
The following local legislators have confirmed that they will be there:
23rd District: Rep. Sherry Appleton, Rep. Christine Rolfes; 26th District: Sen. Derek Kilmer, Rep. Larry Seaquist, Rep. Jan. Angel (tentative); 35th District: Rep. Kathy Haigh, Rep. Fred Finn.
There will be coffee and social time from 9:30 to 10 a.m., followed by the forum from 10 to noon. Plan to come and bring your budgetary questions for our elected representatives.
For information about the forum call Loretta Payne at (360) 598-3267.

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