Nothing to do Wednesday????

What: Public Hearing on Proposed Budget Cuts
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, City Hall, 600 4th Avenue. 2nd floor

City Council schedules 2nd budget hearing this Wednesday, April 22nd
The good news is that Mayor Nickels' plan to balance the 2009 budget includes NO CUTS TO HUMAN SERVICES! This is recognition of the critical reality that there are more and more Seattle residents in need of these services.
But we cannot just let this process ride out, thinking the decision has been made, because it turns out that City Council is viewing the budget hearing on Wednesday as a way to educate themselves for the 2010 budget cuts.This quote from Councilmember Jean Godden, "Comments will help inform councilmembers as they begin to develop their annual budget priorities resolution. The resolution will offer Mayor Nickels guidance on areas of interest to the Council as he works to prepare a revised 2010 budget over the summer. The Council will review and ultimately adopt a revised 2010 budget later this year in November."
And more cuts will be needed to balance the 2010 budget. The total deficit for 2010 is now projected at $51.7 million. If they repeat the cuts made in order to balance the 2009 budget this reduces the deficit by $12.9 million, leaving $38.8 million of additional cuts that the mayor and council must make in 2010.

Human service advocates must also be there telling our stories, so that Councilmembers and the Mayor keep these realities in mind.

Testify at Wednesday's hearing. Make these points in 2 minutes or less:
Economic downturn has increased the needs of Seattle residents: Give examples from your experience of increased numbers of people who need services, or increased stress that families are under, making them less resilient and in need of more depth of services, however it is showing up for you.
We commend Mayor Nickels' plan to make no cuts in human services in order to balance the 2009 budget. At least maintaining this funding is absolutely crucial as we try to address these unprecedented needs. In fact, more funding is needed to help Seattle residents get through this deepening crisis.
Thank you, Councilmembers, for your leadership and commitment to making the services needed for the basic safety, health and well being of Seattle residents your top priority.

Show up early to get an earlier testimony spot, some get there by 4:30. Sign up sheets will be available at 5pm outside the door to Council Chambers. There will be a long line by then. Hearings can go on until 9:30 or 10pm, but this may be a shorter one. Reduced rate parking is available in SeaPark garage between Cherry and James Streets for $3.00 - just tell the cashier that you were there for the public hearing as you exit.

If you absolutely can't be there Wednesday it is better to send Councilmembers an email than not to raise your voice at all. Scroll down to the bottom of this page.