Union-Bulletin

Don and I read in the Union-Bulletin the other day that DSHS has decided to cut 380 jobs and do additional unpaid furlough days to try to be in alignment with the executive order signed by the governor to cut most state agencies spending across the board by 6.3 percent and other agencies were to do the same and turn it in to the governor by Oct. 1.

What we would like to know is since our governor has signed off on this order, should it not also apply to her office and staff and our state Legislature, etc., located there in Olympia?

I understand there may have been a couple or so willing, but apparently told that would not be allowed/possible. Really? Why?

I know several state employees and some from the Washington State Penitentiary who are already struggling to make ends meet with the already cuts/and furloughs enforced and with the increased living expenses. Now they are going to be required to have more unpaid furlough days. Why?

We would like to know how many furlough days our governor will take as well as her staff and our state officials located in Olympia?

Why not let our state start with these cuts as the "top" first to include our governor and Legislature, etc., to show the people they are willing to do this to help with the expenses and to feel the crunch a little themselves along with the people.

Ione Talbott
Walla Walla