Governor’s Budget-DOH Information 12/18/2020

1. DOH Summary of Governor’s Budget. 2021 Supplemental budget as well as 21-23 Biennial Budget.(see attached)

2. The governor’s biennial budget is proposing almost everything that DOH has asked for.

3. WA COVID-19 response and vaccination program will be funded primarily through state funds, unless Congress passes additional funds for local governments.

4. There are NO proposed reductions to public health in the Governor’s budget. Despite the Governor originally asking for 15% cuts from all state agency budgets.

5. There are proposed DOH staff salary items, 1 furlough day per month and no cost of living increases. 

6. Once the Legislature convenes (1/11/2021), the House and Senate will each propose their own version of a budget and then work toward common ground.

7. Sunday, 12/20/2020 will be the last official day for Secretary of Health, John Wiesman. On Monday the new Secretary of Health, Dr. Umair A. Shah MD MPH will officially take the reins of DOH.