Councilmember Okamoto Statement Regarding Potential State Shutdown

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/24/2015

Councilmember Okamoto Statement Regarding Potential State Shutdown

SEATTLECouncilmember John Okamoto issued the following statement following a Committee briefing regarding the potential impacts of a State shutdown on the City of Seattle and King County:

“In the absence of a budget agreement, the State is on the verge of a shutdown will halt services to over 28,000 individuals throughout the county – including 10,000 Seattle residents – who receive State-funded family caregiver support, congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation and a host of other services. In addition, 11,000 elderly and individuals with disabilities are at risk of losing services that allow them to remain safely in their homes. 

“Along with service disruptions, over 100 staff members at Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) will face layoffs. HSD will also be forced to delay University District Food Bank improvements and some park department and affordable housing projects.

“Despite its best efforts to mitigate these impacts, HSD will not be able to effectively operate these programs without a finalized state budget.

“I urge the State to finalize a biennial budget by July 1.  A shutdown will have very serious consequences for our most vulnerable communities in Seattle and King County, and we must ensure they do not experience a break in services that puts their safety at risk.”

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