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Dear Community Partner,
Governor Inslee released his proposed supplemental operating budget yesterday. We are grateful to the Governor and recognize that his budget priorities support clients, providers and families. We were heartened to see one of our decision packages included in the Governor’s proposal.
Caseload Ratio Reduction, Year 1 – (Corrected) Eighteen FTE positions will begin to reduce case manager to client caseload ratios from the current 1:75 to better provide person-centered customer service by offering more help identifying services and resources to meet clients’ goals. ($5.1M total funds; $2.9M general fund-state)
Parent Support Programs – Parent support groups, including the Parent-to-Parent Coalition and the Informing Parents program, are given additional resources to increase information and referrals to community resources, use trained “helping parents” who are matched with other parents, and public awareness and outreach for parents with a child who has special needs. ($400,000 general fund-state)
DDA DCYF 1188 Adjustment – The estimated caseload for a new waiver beginning in December 2025 established by House Bill 1188 in the 2023 session is funded. This waiver will supplement, and not replace, the child welfare services and supports already provided. ($1.8M total funds; $1.1M general fund-state)
Electronic Health Records – In the WaTech's agency budget, the statewide EHR project covering DSHS, the Health Care Authority, Department of Health and Department of Corrections received funding that will begin the work of bringing a modern integrated electronic health records system to the Residential Habilitation Centers and State Operated Living Alternative programs.
Please remember, this is only the first step in the budget process. The budget may change over time, and we appreciate the Governor’s support in this initial step. The 60-day legislative session begins on Jan. 8, 2024. During session, the House and Senate will each release a supplemental budget and from there a final conference budget will ultimately be passed by the Legislature. As we move through this process we will continue to meet with clients, advocates, families, and community partners. I will keep you updated on the budget status.
More detail can be found at the OFM Budget website.
Thank you for your partnership as we focus on providing the most appropriate care possible to the clients we serve.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Tonik Joseph, Ph.D., CDE
DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration Assistant Secretary
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