Inslee forms group to examine possible cuts at Lewis-McChord

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee has announced the formation of a new state group to address possible personnel cuts at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Inslee said Thursday that the Subcabinet on Military Downsizing comprises leaders from 11 state agencies who will be directly involved in the state’s downsizing response plan.

The governor’s office said the number of active-duty Army personnel is expected to be cut from 570,000 troops to fewer than 440,000 nationally, and up to 11,000 active-duty soldiers and Department of Defense civilian employees at JBLM could be affected.

The focus of the subcommittee is to prepare a plan that would include workforce training and re-employment for those affected by the cuts.

The first meeting of the subcabinet will be June 17.