Just after 7:00 p.m. this evening, the House passed the 2010 supplemental operating budget  (SB 6444) with a vote of 54-43.

The 2010 supplemental operating budget implements a multi-pronged approach to remedying the $2.8 billion state budget shortfall this biennium. The Legislature reduced funding for state programs and services by $755 million and incorporated approximately $618 million of approved/anticipated additional federal relief to Washington state.  In addition, the budget transfers $461 million from various funds to increase General Fund-State resources. Finally, the Legislature is expected to pass legislation that will raise $794 million in new revenues.

The House passed a single amendment on the floor. The House agreed to increase the amount provided to restore administrative reductions in the 2009-11 budget from $16. 8 million general fund to $19.1 million general funds to respond to recent job losses at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Specifically,the increase in funding is directed towards the Department of Social and Health Services to attempt to maintain current employment levels and achieve savings through vacancies and attrition, implement efficiencies as soon as possible to minimize reductions in force, and implement a management strategy that minimizes disruption of service and negative impacts on employees.

The impact of the 2010 supplemental budget passed by the House on Evergreen is both positive and negative. The budget secures funding for student aid while at the same time reducing the College’s budget by over $1.2 million in addition to reductions to be achieved through compensation reduction related-actions.

The 2010 supplemental operating budget now goes to the Senate for concurrence.