Swecker to introduce budget amendment to keep Green Hill open

April 16, 2009

OLYMPIA… Encouraged by a recent report from Gov. Christine Gregoire’s budget office regarding the continued operation of Green Hill School in Chehalis, Sen. Dan Swecker plans to offer an amendment to the Senate’s 2009-11 operating budget which reflects the report’s findings. 

Swecker , R-Rochester, cited a memo to lead Democrats on the Senate Ways and Means Committee from Victor Moore, director of the Office of Financial Management. In regards to Green Hill and Naselle Youth Camp, another juvenile facility operated by the Department of Social and Health Services, the report reads: 

“The House budget and the Governor’s budget both proposed closure of Naselle Youth Camp. The Senate’s proposed closure of Green Hill School on July 1, 2010, was predicated on an estimated savings of $14 million. The timeframe for closing Green Hill is not feasible, and capital funding of $7 million is insufficient compared to the estimated need of $19 million this biennium (or a total of $31 million over the next four years). DSHS has identified an alternative to closing either Green Hill School or Naselle. This proposal would save $7.3 million by closing four state community facilities, eliminating two cottages from institutions, and moving the basic training camp to another Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration institution.” 

Swecker agrees with the concerns of OFM and believes this option is the best for both Lewis County and the community of Naselle, in neighboring Pacific County. 

“Governor Gregoire’s office and I are on the same page when it comes to Green Hill. The facility needs to stay open for the good of not only the young men housed there, but also for the more than 200 people that are employed at Green Hill.” 

But Swecker is concerned that Democrat leaders may not go along with the governor’s recommendations. 

“It seems as though there is a fixation on closing Green Hill. How can we ignore this solution that seems to satisfy the desire to keep both juvenile rehabilitation centers open? I intend to introduce a budget amendment that would echo the governor’s recommendations to keep Green Hill and Naselle open. I am glad the governor supports this much-needed solution; I hope budget writers will do so as well.” 

The Senate operating budget was passed Wednesday night by the Ways and Means Committee and could be considered by the entire Senate at any time. 

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For more information contact
Ashley Forsyth
 (360) 786-7037