Peninsula Daily News news sources
OLYMPIA — This year’s second widespread shutdown of Washington state agencies is set for Friday.
The closure includes the state driver’s license offices in Port Townsend, Port Angeles and Forks.
In response to $70 million in budget shortfalls, the Legislature earlier this year passed a bill requiring that state agencies close on specified days — with employees taking an unpaid furlough — or submit alternate compensation reduction plans such as reduced work hours or a reduction in staff.
Washington State Patrol offices will be among those closing, but troopers will still patrol the highways and 9-1-1 operators will be answering emergency calls.
DSHS and Employment Security offices also will be closed, but local WorkSource offices, district tax offices and the unemployment claims call center will remain open.
Online services for state agencies will also be available.
But staff will not be available to answer calls, respond to e-mail or process applications or complaints.
The first agency closure was July 12.
Additional closures this year are set for Sept. 7, Oct. 11 and Dec. 27. More one-day closures are planned in 2011
For a complete list of agencies scheduled for closures on Friday, go to http://ofm.wa.gov/layoff
/agency_list.pdf.
