WCMAC authorizes steering committee to draft high-level budget priorities letter to governor

The Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council on Sept. 23 authorized its steering committee to draft a high-level budget priorities letter to the governor and state appropriators, emphasizing science, conservation and support for coastal communities and fisheries.

The motion, introduced and discussed during the council's budget-item conversation, directed the steering committee to prepare a thematic letter now and to bring a more detailed submission back for a December vote once agencies can provide updated budget detail. "The WACMAC authorized the steering committee to send a letter to the governor's office that expresses WACMAC's general budget priorities," a council member stated when moving the motion. Chair Roger Schreck called the question and asked members for their vote: "All those in favor signify by saying aye." The motion passed; state agency representatives indicated they would abstain from the formal vote to avoid a conflict between advisory and executive roles.

Supporters said the two-step approach — a high-level letter now and a more specific follow-up in December — allows the council to put its priorities on record while avoiding premature numeric asks before the governor's budget is finalized. Several council members urged the steering committee to emphasize maintaining baseline programs that, while small in budget, are critical to rural coastal communities.

Next steps: the steering committee will assemble a draft by early October, solicit input from council members by Oct. 7, and present a finalized text for notice at the December meeting ahead of a December vote.