Washington State Budget Cutting 12.7.08

Two Google Groups messages that we all should take a look at:

1. GAU- General Assistance to the Unemployed

One of the tools that our governor can use to balance the budget is to cut vital human services. GAU is the socially-stigmatized way that individuals who are disabled (for a myriad) of reasons temporarily are able to receive financial assistance until they can get back on their feet, and a service that will be lost come January 1st unless we do something about it:

http://groups.google.com/group/wsch_news/browse_thread/thread/54aaf6f7b1888a6e?hl=en


2. Homeless Person's Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil December 19th (Tacoma) although a Spokane Vigil would be more than excellent:

http://groups.google.com/group/wsch_news/browse_thread/thread/992949aa939db0cc?hl=en

"Life on the streets can quickly lead to death on the streets; shelter can literally mean the difference between life and death. The average age of death for homeless persons is about 50, non- homeless Americans can expect to live to age 78. People experiencing homelessness are three to four times more likely to die prematurely than their housed counterparts, according the
National Health Care for the Homeless Council."