You read the news. You know the state is facing enormous challenges. You have opinions and you want to share them with people who can use them, right? Many of our legislators are hosting meetings in the next week and they'd love to hear from you.
Tonight
Town Hall at 6:30 with the 48th LD delegation (Senator Rodney Tom and Reps. Ross Hunter and Deb Eddy) at Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Avenue)
Town Hall at 6:30 with Rep. Tim Probst of the 17th LD at the Creekside Estates Clubhouse (5101 NE 121st Ave, Vancouver)
Tele-town hall at 6 with Rep. Marko Liias from the 21st LD
Saturday
Town Hall at 10 a.m. with the 49th LD delegation (Senator Craig Pridemore and Reps. Jim Moeller and Jim Jacks) at the Public Service Center, 6th floor commissioners hearing room (1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver)
Coffee hour at 10 a.m. with Rep. Bob Hasegawa from the 11th LD at Renton Village Starbucks (601 S. Grady Way, Renton)
Town Hall at 11 a.m. with Rep. Deb Wallace from the 17th LD at Fisher's Landing Transit Center (3510 SE 164th Ave, Vancouver)
Town Hall at 10 a.m. with Rep. Steve Conway from the 29th LD at Bates Community College South Campus (2201 S 178th St., Tacoma)
Tuesday, January 12
Tele-town hall at 6:30 with Rep. Pat Sullivan from the 47th LD
Thursday, January 14
Tele-town hall at 6:30 with Rep. Ruth Kagi from the 32nd LD
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Our economic recovery, and those who would hinder it.
As reported today by the Everett Herald, our state’s economic recovery will be less hare and more tortoise. What solace we can take however, is that Washington is better off than other states.
The analysis was completed by the state Employment Security Department, in their 2009 Labor Market and Economic Report.
While ESD predicts a better 2010 than 2009, the report outlines a couple of obstructions to our recovery, and one curious one. From the Herald:
It’s well documented Washington has one of the highest business-friendly rankings of any state, as many publications have reported, from U.S. News and World Report to Forbes. We’ve pointed out why a few times here, here, and here.
Forbes Magazine ranks us the second best state to do business, up from third the year before. U.S. News and World Report says if you’re looking to start business, Washington is number one. According to the Tax Foundation, the non-partisan tax research organization, Washington ranked ninth, up from 14th the year before in their annual report on the business-friendliness of state tax systems. And the nonpartisan public policy think tank, The Kauffman Foundation, ranks our business climate us Number Two. Quoting from their report, the 2008 State New Economy Index:
We believe we should always remain vigilant, and strive always to improve the business climate in our state, helping business flourish and working families achieve economic security. We invite the constructive policy ideas that have helped our state’s industries succeed and make our state a hotbed of innovation.
But, as the ESD report points out, despite numerous business-minded periodicals and business leaders pronouncing Washington a national leader in business-friendliness and economic recovery, it appears our economy will suffer from naysayers willing our economy into slowdown with words of discouragement.
The analysis was completed by the state Employment Security Department, in their 2009 Labor Market and Economic Report.
While ESD predicts a better 2010 than 2009, the report outlines a couple of obstructions to our recovery, and one curious one. From the Herald:
State revenue is dependent on sales tax, meaning budgets will still be cut to the bone going forward. Infrastructure problems such as traffic congestion could hamper growth, and the report authors speculate that Washington’s reputed “negative business climate” could make it difficult for the state to attract new companies and retain old ones.The first two conditions are legitimate and quantifiable. The third, however, left us scratching our heads a bit, and wondering which part of the dog is leading and which is following.
It’s well documented Washington has one of the highest business-friendly rankings of any state, as many publications have reported, from U.S. News and World Report to Forbes. We’ve pointed out why a few times here, here, and here.
Forbes Magazine ranks us the second best state to do business, up from third the year before. U.S. News and World Report says if you’re looking to start business, Washington is number one. According to the Tax Foundation, the non-partisan tax research organization, Washington ranked ninth, up from 14th the year before in their annual report on the business-friendliness of state tax systems. And the nonpartisan public policy think tank, The Kauffman Foundation, ranks our business climate us Number Two. Quoting from their report, the 2008 State New Economy Index:
“Washington state ranked fourth in 2007 and 2002, and has moved to second place. Washington scores high due to its strength in software (in no small part due to Microsoft) and aviation (Boeing), but also because of the entrepreneurial hotbed of activity that has developed in the Puget Sound region and very strong use of digital technologies by all sectors.”Just take it from Don Brunell, the President of the Association of Washington Business, who released a statement on September 24, 2009:
“It is key to Washington’s economic recovery to have our state’s business advantages nationally recognized. When you step back and look at Washington in relation to the rest of the country, we are doing well. Neighboring states like Oregon and California are struggling right now, raising fees and taxes to balance their budgets."Brunell went on to say: “Washington state is a great place to do business, and we must do everything we can to protect — and enhance—that competitive advantage.”
We believe we should always remain vigilant, and strive always to improve the business climate in our state, helping business flourish and working families achieve economic security. We invite the constructive policy ideas that have helped our state’s industries succeed and make our state a hotbed of innovation.
But, as the ESD report points out, despite numerous business-minded periodicals and business leaders pronouncing Washington a national leader in business-friendliness and economic recovery, it appears our economy will suffer from naysayers willing our economy into slowdown with words of discouragement.
Monday, January 4, 2010
We're back
After a brief holiday hiatus of sorts, your HDC bloggers are back.
Next Monday is the start of the 60-day 2010 session. As the pace picks up here in Olympia, so will our activity on this blog and Twitter so be sure to check in often. This will be our second session bringing you news this way. We want our blog to be a valuable legislative news source so if you have feedback on what you think we're doing well or what we could be doing better, please let us know.
In the meantime, your legislators would love some feedback about their work too. Though session hasn't started yet, members are prefiling bills and you can check out the full list here. In addition, bills that were introduced last session but didn't come to a vote on the House floor are still "alive" and could be considered this time around. If there are specific bills you're interested in tracking, we highly recommend you check out this handy "bill tracking" app.
Next Monday is the start of the 60-day 2010 session. As the pace picks up here in Olympia, so will our activity on this blog and Twitter so be sure to check in often. This will be our second session bringing you news this way. We want our blog to be a valuable legislative news source so if you have feedback on what you think we're doing well or what we could be doing better, please let us know.
In the meantime, your legislators would love some feedback about their work too. Though session hasn't started yet, members are prefiling bills and you can check out the full list here. In addition, bills that were introduced last session but didn't come to a vote on the House floor are still "alive" and could be considered this time around. If there are specific bills you're interested in tracking, we highly recommend you check out this handy "bill tracking" app.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
We're here, but not here...
We'll post an occasional bit of news during the next couple weeks but your faithful HDC bloggers are rotating between holiday time off, furlough time off, a pre-session office shuffle, and other not-so-blogworthy distractions.
In essence, we're just like George. Here, but not here. Unlike George, we're not trying to avoid you.
In essence, we're just like George. Here, but not here. Unlike George, we're not trying to avoid you.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Coming Soon: Virtual Town Halls
Want to learn more about the upcoming legislative session and the budget challenges facing our state but can't make it to Olympia? Well, here's your chance to do so from the comfort of your own home or coffee shop or wi-fi hotspot - pretty much anywhere you sit and stare at a computer screen.
In conjunction with the upcoming tele-town halls for Reps. Brendan Williams and Ross Hunter, we'll be liveblogging the events right here. So follow along, submit questions or comments, and bask in the electric glow of Democracy's future...
Monday, December 14th: Brendan Williams
Watch the replay here
Tuesday, December 15th: Ross Hunter
Or follow along on Twitter:
@hdccomm
#hdccomm
#brendanwilliams
#williamstownhall
@rosshunter
#huntertownhall
In conjunction with the upcoming tele-town halls for Reps. Brendan Williams and Ross Hunter, we'll be liveblogging the events right here. So follow along, submit questions or comments, and bask in the electric glow of Democracy's future...
Monday, December 14th: Brendan Williams
Watch the replay here
Tuesday, December 15th: Ross Hunter
Or follow along on Twitter:
@hdccomm
#hdccomm
#brendanwilliams
#williamstownhall
@rosshunter
#huntertownhall
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Budget balanced, but "unjust"
No more Basic Health. No more maternity services. No more levy equalization. No more prescription drug assistance for low-income seniors. No more GAU.
Those were just a sample of the cuts Gregoire laid out in her press conference that ended just moments ago. In presenting her budget she said, "Let me be very clear: I do not support this budget. As required by law, it is balanced. For me, it is unjust.”
This budget is called "Book I" by insiders, as it is considered the first budget, required to be balanced with no new revenue.
Here's a breakdown of how Gregoire proposes to bridge the $2.6 billion shortfall without new revenue.
Use of $904 million from "other" revenue - This includes $229 million from the Budget Stabilization Account (Rainy Day Fund), $110 million from the Savings Incentive/Education Savings Accounts (funds agencies didn’t spend in the previous year), $52 million from PEBB Reserve (state health benefits) and lowering the Ending Fund Balance to $310.5 million.
$1.7 billion in program cuts:
K-12 - $375 million including the elimination of levy equalization funding, all-day kindergarten, I-728 (classroom size initiative) and K-4 staffing enhancements.
Higher Education - $370 million including reducing the State Need Grant, across-the-board reductions, and suspending the Work Study program and eliminating other smaller financial aid programs.
Other Education - $13.8 million including eliminating ECEAP (early learning) for 3- year-olds, eliminating the Career and Wage Ladder, and reducing funding for the Arts Commission.
Health and Human Services - $850 million including eliminating the Basic Health Plan and the General Assistance program, suspending Maternity Support Services, and reducing Apple Health Eligibility to less than 205% of Federal Poverty.
Natural Resources - $25 million including eliminating funding for watershed planning, reducing funding for water resource activities, and reducing Fair Funding.
General Government - $41 million including reductions in growth management grants, state library services, and the Crime Victims Benefits program.
FTEs: Decrease state employees by an additional 1,500 FTEs. From Fiscal Year 2009 (last year of the prior biennium) through Fiscal Year 2011 (second year of this biennium), it is anticipated that state FTEs will decrease by 4,500.
Mandatory Spending: This budget spends an additional $760 million for caseload increases and other mandatory costs like forest fires, increased utilization of medical services, etc.
Additional Spending: There is about $86.5 million in additional spending in the budget that is not related to mandatory increases. It includes restoring $12 million for Juvenile Rehabilitation, $11.5 million for worker retraining in the community/technical colleges, and $50.7 million for state employee health insurance to address a shortfall in the PEBB funds.
The Governor stated she will introduce another budget in January in which she will "buy back" or restore some of these cuts using increased revenue. This will be her "Book II" budget.
She did not announce which revenue sources she will endorse but expressed that she is very conscious of not wanting any new revenue source to interfere with or slow down our state's economic recovery. When asked for an example of such a source, she cited an increase in the B&O tax.
Gregoire's list of buybacks would cost about $700 million. Her list includes:
You can read the Governor's press release and related budget materials here.
Those were just a sample of the cuts Gregoire laid out in her press conference that ended just moments ago. In presenting her budget she said, "Let me be very clear: I do not support this budget. As required by law, it is balanced. For me, it is unjust.”
This budget is called "Book I" by insiders, as it is considered the first budget, required to be balanced with no new revenue.
Here's a breakdown of how Gregoire proposes to bridge the $2.6 billion shortfall without new revenue.
Use of $904 million from "other" revenue - This includes $229 million from the Budget Stabilization Account (Rainy Day Fund), $110 million from the Savings Incentive/Education Savings Accounts (funds agencies didn’t spend in the previous year), $52 million from PEBB Reserve (state health benefits) and lowering the Ending Fund Balance to $310.5 million.
$1.7 billion in program cuts:
K-12 - $375 million including the elimination of levy equalization funding, all-day kindergarten, I-728 (classroom size initiative) and K-4 staffing enhancements.
Higher Education - $370 million including reducing the State Need Grant, across-the-board reductions, and suspending the Work Study program and eliminating other smaller financial aid programs.
Other Education - $13.8 million including eliminating ECEAP (early learning) for 3- year-olds, eliminating the Career and Wage Ladder, and reducing funding for the Arts Commission.
Health and Human Services - $850 million including eliminating the Basic Health Plan and the General Assistance program, suspending Maternity Support Services, and reducing Apple Health Eligibility to less than 205% of Federal Poverty.
Natural Resources - $25 million including eliminating funding for watershed planning, reducing funding for water resource activities, and reducing Fair Funding.
General Government - $41 million including reductions in growth management grants, state library services, and the Crime Victims Benefits program.
FTEs: Decrease state employees by an additional 1,500 FTEs. From Fiscal Year 2009 (last year of the prior biennium) through Fiscal Year 2011 (second year of this biennium), it is anticipated that state FTEs will decrease by 4,500.
Mandatory Spending: This budget spends an additional $760 million for caseload increases and other mandatory costs like forest fires, increased utilization of medical services, etc.
Additional Spending: There is about $86.5 million in additional spending in the budget that is not related to mandatory increases. It includes restoring $12 million for Juvenile Rehabilitation, $11.5 million for worker retraining in the community/technical colleges, and $50.7 million for state employee health insurance to address a shortfall in the PEBB funds.
The Governor stated she will introduce another budget in January in which she will "buy back" or restore some of these cuts using increased revenue. This will be her "Book II" budget.
She did not announce which revenue sources she will endorse but expressed that she is very conscious of not wanting any new revenue source to interfere with or slow down our state's economic recovery. When asked for an example of such a source, she cited an increase in the B&O tax.
Gregoire's list of buybacks would cost about $700 million. Her list includes:
- Basic Health Plan
- Apple Health for children
- A scaled-back version of General Assistance (6 month eligibility with $250/month grants)
- Levy equalization
- State Need Grant (financial aid for college)
- ECEAP slots and all-day kindergarten
- Adult medical, dental, vision and hospice programs
- Developmental disability and long-term care services
- Local Government Finance: She would like to give local governments more flexibility in how they use their revenues.
- Levies: She suggests allowing school districts to raise their levy lids up to 36 percent.
- Hospitals: She endorses the proposal from the Washington Hospital Association to set up a hospital assessment fee, which allows the state to capture additional federal funding.
- Juvenile Rehabilitation: None will be closed, however there will be downsizing at Maple Lane, Green Hill and Naselle, with additional community placements instead.
- Corrections: Several institutions will close – Pine Lodge, Larch and Ahtanum; McNeil will be converted to minimum security; and the stacks at the Walla Walla penitentiary will be closed and rebuilt. Additional beds will be opened at the new prison at Connell, where costs are lower.
- Developmental Disabilities: Frances Haddon Morgan Center would close in 2011 and Rainier School in 2014.
You can read the Governor's press release and related budget materials here.
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