Gregoire lists options for cuts

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire on Tuesday laid out options to cut more than $1 billion from the state budget that runs through June.

The list of proposed cuts sent to lawmakers included the state's basic health program, an insurance program for the working poor; and Disability Lifeline (formerly known as General Assistance-Unemployable), which provides a temporary safety net for people unable to work because of mental or physical disabilities.

Many items would require legislative action by Dec. 12, but it's not clear yet if the governor will call a special session.

Gregoire has said she wants to make sure legislative leaders agree on a solution before deciding whether to call lawmakers back.

She has given lawmakers until Monday to submit their own budget ideas.

The proposal comes after a new revenue forecast last week showed tax collections falling below projections. Overall, the state expects to bring in around $900 million less in revenue this fiscal year.

In addition, costs of state programs — primarily health care for the poor — have risen, bringing the shortfall for this fiscal year to $1.1 billion.

"I now need your help. Another round of across-the-board cuts will not get it done," Gregoire wrote in a letter to legislative leaders. "There are only seven months left in the biennium, and delay will result in deeper cuts and additional harm. Frankly, we all have run out of time."

In addition to this year's budget gap, the shortfall for the next two-year budget is around $5.7 billion.

Andrew Garber: 206-360-8266 or agarber@seattletimes.com.