Council Meeting Hears 103 Testimonies On King County Budget
Posted: 12:08 pm PST November 10, 2008Updated: 6:25 pm PST November 10, 2008
SEATTLE -- King County council members heard testimony from 103 people Monday on the 2009 county budget.The meeting marked the last day of input on the King County Executive's proposed budget cuts.A long line of people arrived before the 11 a.m. meeting to sign up and speak out against the across-the-board cuts.Those who spoke urged council members to support a number of programs including: funding for human services, domestic violence prevention, the King County Fair, and public health services to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.The county is facing a $93 million shortfall for the 2009 budget, and King County Executive Ron Sims proposed major cuts.Under Sims' plan, social service programs would be cut, including programs for children, the elderly, the homeless, domestic violence victims and more.Karen Cooper, director of Pro-Choice Washington, said she is extremely concerned about cuts to her program. Cooper is giving the county council more than 550 letters from people who share her fear, and said she particularly does not want to see funding for family planning services cut.Cooper said that while the cuts may save money now, a possible increase in the number of unintended childbirths would cost the county more in the long run.Representatives from other social service programs also made their case before the county council Monday.Typically, the county approves a budget before Thanksgiving.
Copyright 2008 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.














Click here to WIN prizes!
Looking for Holiday Gift Ideas? Click here
Stars Converge At Latin Grammy Awards
10 Ways To Boost Your Confidence
Tips For Stress-Free Travel With Kids
Which Sesame Street Character Are You?
Who Do You Trust?


