OLYMPIA…  With the state facing a projected budget deficit that could exceed $7 billion in a matter of months, Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, is sponsoring a bill that would prevent any taxpayer money from being spent on works of art where the state houses offenders. 

Senate Bill 5217 would prevent the inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars by prohibiting art in the special commitment center on McNeil Island, halfway houses and community transition facilities operated by the Department of Social and Health Services and any Department of Corrections facilities. 

“I don’t think, as we’re all tightening our belts during this economic crisis, that taxpayers would feel comfortable knowing that the state is buying art to decorate the facilities that house violent sex predators and other offenders,” Carrell said.  “This bill has bipartisan support and I hope the committee sees fit to send it to the Senate floor for a vote.”