News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Statement from Gov. Gary Locke on the proposed joint-House supplemental capital budget

Gov. Gary Locke said Monday he was disappointed that the compromise House Capital Budget does not provide sufficient funding to meet federal court requirements for the post-prison housing and treatment of violent sex offenders.

The governor noted that House's joint proposed Supplemental Capital Budget provides only $4.8 million to expand and improve the Department of Social and Health Service's Special Commitment Center at McNeil Island. It would provide only enough funding for design and site work for a 258-bed secure facility.

Locke proposed $14 million, which provides funding for much of the design- and site-work for the facility, as well as money to construct the project's first-phase, a 48-bed wing.

"The U.S. District Court has been fairly clear as to what we are expected to do to ensure the proper housing and treatment of these dangerous individuals. I do not believe the House proposal meets the court's expectations," Locke said.

"I intend to work with the House and the Senate to craft a plan that will meet the court's mandates and keep our communities safe," he said. "We can't afford to wait. For the law to work, we must have the facilities required by the federal court."

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