PROTEC17 members from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) descended on capitol grounds in Olympia on Tues., March 25 for Transportation Lobby Day. This day was organized for PROTEC17 members to send lawmakers three primary messages as they attempt to create a budget amidst a multi-billion dollar State deficit: 1) to fund the 2025-2027 State contract, 2) to find a solution to the State budget deficit that avoids furloughs for State employees, and 3) to fund transportation projects that are desperately needed across our State.
In March, both the House and Senate released their transportation- and operating-budget proposals. While the House budget proposal excluded furloughs, the Senate budget proposed 13 furlough days for State employeess over the next biennium.
During Lobby Day, members discussed their transportation projects, like road and bridge maintenance and fish passage, with over 20 lawmakers in individual meetings throughout the day. Members also discussed our legislative priorities, like progressive taxation, which would be a step toward filling the deep hole in the budget.
While PROTEC17 staff will be in Olympia through the end of session on April 27 lobbying for these priorities, legislators will have the ultimate say on all budgetary matters, including furloughs. In the event furloughs do end up in the budget, we will negotiate the impacts. The last time widespread furloughs were implemented back in the great recession, we were able to negotiate additional time off as well as retirement protections.
If you weren’t able to attend Lobby Day, you can still make your voice heard and hold your lawmakers accountable. You can access our pre-written letter campaign to send a message to Gov. Ferguson and your State Legislators at: actionnetwork.org/letters/dont-balance-the-budget-on-the-backs-of-state-employees. Tell them that they cannot balance the budget on the backs of State employees!
You can also contact PROTEC17 Political Director Mark Watson, at mark@protec17.org or 800-783-0017 ext. 133 to get more involved in future efforts down in Olympia, including possibly sharing your story through virtual or in-person testimony about how furloughs will impact you and your family.