HDC reactions to Governor Inslee's budget proposal -- it's all about the kids

Governor Inslee released his operating budget proposal today, which included $1.26 billion in new spending for K-12 education.

"I feel deeply that my number one priority is to help rebuild our economy, get people working again and take important steps toward building a workforce for the future," Inslee said. "And that begins with education."

House Democratic leaders agree. 

Said House Speaker Frank Chopp: “Taking meaningful steps toward better-funding of our public schools is a top priority, and many of our members have long argued for giving tax breaks serious scrutiny.  So we are heartened to see the governor call for closing some tax loopholes to fund the education of our kids."

Appropriations Chair Ross Hunter added: “Governor Inslee’s proposal focuses on funding education and responsible budgeting – these are the right priorities for Washington."

And House Finance Committee Chair Reuven Carlyle said: "We strongly agree that fully funding public education is a higher priority than continuing tax exemptions that may not provide a reasonable return on investment for the future of our state.”

Read this story in Spanish.

The Affordable Care Act turns three

Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of President Obama signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. At President Obama's side was Seattle-native Marcelas Owens - a tireless advocate for health reform. Like thousands of Americans year, the 11-year-old boy’s mother died of a treatable disease.

Last year, Governor Gregoire signed into law House Bill 2319 – legislation to ensure that our state was ready to fully implement health care reform. The measure was introduced and championed by HealthCare and Wellness Chair Eileen Cody.

Speaking at the time of passage, Rep. Cody said “Health coverage for all has been a value of our state for years. So we have historically been in the lead – whether it’s covering all kids, establishing the Basic Health Plan or passing consumer protections for patients. This is the next step.”

Governor Gregoire signs HB 2319 into law. She is joined by House Democrats
Eileen Cody, Laurie Jinkins and Speaker Frank Chopp

The ACA has already made critical improvements to our health care system. However, the best is still yet to come.

Beginning next year, the ACA offers us the chance to cover 385,000 Washingtonians making less than $15,000/year through the expansion of the Medicaid program. Over the next two years, Medicaid Expansion is estimated to save our state about $275 million. The caveat being that the legislature has to accept the federal dollars to do this.

Speaking to Medicaid Expansion earlier this session, Rep. Dawn Morrell said "I think we have to get past the rhetoric and to the plain facts... It's the right thing to do."

Also coming in 2014, all Washingtonians will be able to utilize the health benefits exchange to shop for insurance. While shopping for coverage, you will have access to a web-based system and professional advisors trained to help you select the plan that is right for you.

A few additional ACA improvements already in effect or coming soon:

• Young adults who may be looking for work during these tough economic times can stay on their parents’ plan until they find a job or reach the age of 26 – whichever comes first.
• Our health care system finally incentivizes preventative care by doing away with out-of-pocket costs for preventative care. Treating folks before their condition worsens isn’t only the right thing to do, it saves us money.
• Starting in 2014, no one can be denied health care coverage if they’re sick. The ACA also removes any caps on lifetime benefits that may have been in place – common sense safeguards that will prevent a Washingtonian from losing everything when they get sick.
• Also coming in 2014, all health plans will be required to cover essential benefits. These essential benefits include maternity care, mental health treatment, prescriptions and pediatric care.

Going on a hike? There’s an app for that

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission turned 100 yesterday, and to celebrate the occasion, it launched a smartphone app with information on more than 100 state parks, historic sites and campgrounds.

The free Pocket Ranger ® Smartphone App is available for both iPhone and Android phones. It'll help outdoor enthusiasts plan their trips to any of the parks and also provides these useful features:

• educational information, amenities, maps and directions
• real-time calendar of events
• news, advisories and weather alerts
• social networking and photo sharing
• potentially life-saving alert service
• advanced GPS mapping

On March 19, 1913, the eighth governor of Washington, Ernest Lister, signed House Bill 509 into law, creating the State Board of Park Commissioners. The law gave the board authority to accept donations of lands for state parks purposes.

Click on the image for a larger picture

In 1919, State Parks had 26 acres, and by 1929, it had grown to 8,000 acres. The state park system currently includes 117 developed parks and other properties, altogether totaling more than 110,000 acres.

According to the Commission's news release, most Washingtonians live within a one-hour drive from a state park. The new app will make finding and visiting our state parks easier and will support our parks system by attracting more visitors:
 

The new app is part of a Commission strategy to expand the use of technology to provide   meaningful visitor services and to market the park system. Technology advancement is one component of a larger Transformation Strategy being considered by the Commission to guide the park system in the next few years. The strategy includes exploration of new revenue sources to respond to a dramatic, recession-driven change in State Parks funding. State Parks financing is shifting away from primary reliance on general fund and toward greater reliance on revenues from use fees such as the Discover Pass. The new app is an example of State Parks working to ensure people continue to choose state parks for their recreation. Meanwhile, the Commission also is advocating for the park system to receive a "right mix" of funding that includes use fees, donations and general tax dollars so that the park system can meet its broad mission and ensure a legacy of parks for the future.  

Honoring the centennial, the House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 4630 sponsored by Rep. Frank Chopp, the Speaker of the House.

Read this story in Spanish.

More scenes from opening day in Olympia

It's been about 24 hours since legislators took the oath of office yesterday. Here are just a few of our favorite shots from opening day action...

Reps. Roger Freeman and Dawn Morrell rise for the the oath of office (photo by Linda Barnfather)

Rep. Jamie Pedersen discusses gun control legislation with KIRO's Essex Porter

Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon (l) and Marcus Riccelli gather in the rotunda prior to taking the oath of office (photo by Linda Barnfather)

Speaker Chopp makes a few last-minute updates to his opening day speech

(L to R) Seatmates Reps. Kevin Van De Wege and Steve Tharinger, along with Rep. Derek Stanford following opening day ceremonies (photo by Linda Barnfather)


Read this story in Spanish here.

Opening Day!

Speaker Frank Chopp gives his Opening Day speech

No, we don't mean baseball is back. But your legislature is!

The gavel fell at noon today in the House of Representatives, calling into session the 63rd Washington State Legislature. All 98 members took the oath of office, administered by Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Madsen.

Frank Chopp was re-elected Speaker of the House and delivered his traditional opening day speech. Also re-elected were Speaker Pro-Tem Jim Moeller and Chief Clerk Barbara Baker.  Tina Orwall was elected Deputy Speaker Pro-Tem, as well.

House committees began their schedule of meetings at 1:30, and the agendas were not easy, first-day-of-school stuff: the new Finance Committee receiving an update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council and the Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on Governor Gregoire's budget proposal.

*** UPDATE *** Our website is currently down, so the link to the Speaker's opening day speech won't work. We'll update this post when the service provider has our site back online. You can also watch the speech on TVW below.


*** UPDATE 5:54 p.m. *** We're back up. Thanks for your patience.




Read this story in Spanish here.

"We're all in this together...."

The House Democratic Caucus elected the remaining members of their leadership this morning, finalizing a team that represents urban, suburban, and rural Washington. 

"After all," said Speaker Frank Chopp, "we're all in this together.  We want a team that reflects that."

Elected today were:
• Jim Moeller (Vancouver): Speaker pro tem-designate
• Tina Orwall (Des Moines): Deputy Speaker pro tem-designate
• Marcie Maxwell (Renton): Deputy Majority Leader for Education and Opportunity
• Larry Springer (Kirkland): Deputy Majority Leader for Jobs and Economic Development
• Joe Fitzgibbon (Burien): Deputy Majority Whip
• Kris Lytton (Anacortes): Deputy Majority Floor Leader

They join the core group of leaders elected a couple weeks ago.

To read this story in Spanish, click here.

Democrats choose key leaders

There were no surprises today when the House Democrats gathered to begin selecting their leadership team for the next two years. 

House Speaker Frank Chopp

Re-elected without opposition were:
• Frank Chopp (Seattle): House Speaker-designate
• Pat Sullivan (Covington): Majority Leader 
• Eric Pettigrew (Seattle): Majority Caucus Chair
• Kevin Van De Wege (Sequim): Majority Whip
• Tami Green (Lakewood): Majority Floor Leader

The remaining members of the HDC Leadership team, including the Speaker pro tem-designate, will be elected at a future date. 

The Speaker-designate and Speaker pro tem-designate must be elected by the entire House on the first day of the 2013 session.

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.

Statements from Speaker Chopp, Majority Leader Sullivan and Chair Dunshee

House Speaker Frank Chopp, Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, and Capital Budget Chair Hans Dunshee issued the following statements regarding the completion of the 2012 Legislative Session.

Speaker Frank Chopp:

“Our caucus’s two highest goals for this session were:

• A budget that funds education with no cuts and saves the safety net, and

• The Jobs Now package that will put tens of thousands of people back to work.

“We succeeded! And this morning we share that success with school kids heading off to class, with people who rely on the Disability Lifeline to keep a roof over their heads, and with unemployed people all across our state who can look forward to going back   to work.”

Majority Leader Pat Sullivan:
“A strong public education system that supports the academic achievement of all Washington students is not only a key to good jobs, but also to Washington’s thriving future. We fought for education in our budget, and not only will our kids benefit, but so will our economy.”


Chair Hans Dunshee:
“Jobs was our number one priority, and we did it.  People all across the state will now go back to work, and they’ll have the pride and the security of a regular paycheck.”

To read this post in Spanish, click here.

Speaker Frank Chopp talks session

Wonder what the Speaker of the House thinks about the 2012 session?  Well, here you go!  Frank Chopp sat down with TVW’s Austin Jenkins on Thursday’s episode of Inside Olympia: 

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.

Statement from Speaker Frank Chopp on the actions of the Senate Republicans today

“The Senate Republicans have exercised the worst abuse of power I have ever witnessed in the legislature. It says something about them that the minute they gained power, they abused it.

“They immediately moved to run over the minority on the floor by denying them the right to even see the budget bill before asking them to vote on it.

“They immediately turned their backs on the rights of the people by dismissing all calls for public testimony. Yes, the party that regularly decries the lack of transparency in the legislature cut the public out of the process completely.

“As for their budget proposal, from what little we’ve heard, it shreds the safety net, eliminates state food assistance, housing and medical care for the disabled, and continues the Republican war on women by eliminating family planning grants.” 

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.

Veteran Seattle lawmaker Gutiérrez Kenney announces retirement

Upon announcing that she will not seek re-election this November, State Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney released the following statement: 
 

“I feel truly honored that the people of North Seattle have allowed me to represent them all these years. It has been a wonderful experience. Every decision I have made has been with their best interests in mind; I hope they feel that I have served them well.

I have enormous faith in the people of Washington state. They can be tough on their elected officials, but that’s because they believe that we, as a state, can and will be better. I share that belief.

By the end of this term, I will have served 16 years in the Washington State House of Representatives. The House is an institution that I hold very dear to my heart, and I count many of my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – among my friends.

We may not see eye to eye on some issues, but I believe all of us, Democrats and Republicans, come to Olympia with a true commitment to the people we represent and a true desire to make our One Washington a better place for all.

I thank my husband Larry and all my kids for their love and support, but also for putting up with my absence three or four months out of the year, for many years.

And lastly, I am grateful for the trust, partnership and support of North Seattle residents, for making my service in the House so tremendously rewarding. While I will be out of elective office in 2013 for the first time in 16 years, I hope to continue my involvement and find new opportunities to serve our community and our state.”

House Speaker Frank Chopp issued this statement:          

“To me, Phyllis’s story is the embodiment of the American Dream. Born to migrant workers, she spent her early years working in the fields. But she believed in the promise of this country and in the value of education and look at what she achieved!

However, she never forgot her roots. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of the underrepresented in our state, improving conditions for farm workers, fighting for educational opportunities for lower-income students, and providing shelter for the homeless.

We are going to miss her.”

For Rep. Gutiérrez Kenney's biography, please click here. 

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.
  

2012 Legislative Session is open

Speaker Frank Chopp gaveled the session to order at noon today, laying out the House Democratic Caucus agenda for the upcoming year:

• Create jobs now

• Fund basic education

• Save the safety net

• Ensure equality

• Provide opportunity

You can ready his opening comments here.

To read this story in Spanish, click here.

Governor calls on legislators to approve marriage equality

Governor Chris Gregoire made a historic call for marriage equality this morning in Olympia. Joined by Reps. Jamie Pedersen, Marko Liias, and Laurie Jinkins, Gregoire called on the legislature to deliver her a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by the conclusion of the regular legislative session.

“Today, I’m announcing my support for a law that gives same-sex couples in our state the right to receive a marriage license in Washington- the same right given to heterosexual couples,” said Gregoire.

In the past few years alone, House Democrats have taken significant steps to ensure equal protection under the law for gay and lesbians across Washington.  Just two years ago, the legislature passed and voters OK’ed Referendum 71, which expanded rights for same-sex couples but fell short of marriage equality.

Following the governor’s announcement, House Speaker Frank Chopp said “Our caucus has a proud history of supporting equality for all people in Washington. Every family should have the same rights and responsibilities under the law, and I appreciate Governor Gregoire’s support of marriage equality.”

“It’s good for families, it’s good for the state, and it’s the right thing to do,” added Speaker Chopp. 

If signed into law, Washington would be the seventh state in the country to expand full marriage rights to same-sex couples.

You can find the full text of the governor’s speech here, as well as the video here.

To read this story in Spanish, click here.

Frank Chopp talks protests, budget, Boeing and more

TVW’s Inside Olympia sat down with House Speaker Frank Chopp to run through current state issues.  They touched on a lot, and I bet you can guess what subject Chopp is “ecstatic” about.

(Note:  If the video below doesn't play, you can also see it at this link)

To read this blog post in Spanish, click here.

Statement from Speaker Chopp on Governor Gregoire's budget proposal

As we mentioned earlier, Governor Gregoire released her 2011 supplemental budget proposal today.  House Speaker Frank Chopp released this statement about that proposal:

“This recession has had an unprecedented impact on our state’s economy, and after three straight years of deep budget cuts, we have very few options left.  I understand just how difficult it was for the Governor to write this budget – we are facing the same bleak numbers in the Legislature. 

“I am very heartened that she included a revenue package in her proposal.  The service reductions and program eliminations that will result from cutting $2 billion more in the current biennium will be devastating for people in communities all over the state.  We owe it to our school children, to our citizens with disabilities, and, frankly, to the future of our state to have a discussion about alternatives.” 

To read this blog post in Spanish, click here.

Statement from Speaker Frank Chopp on the sudden passing of Sen. Scott White

"My family and I are shocked and saddened by Scott's death. He was a bright young leader and an intelligent, energetic public servant. But above all, he was a dedicated husband and father. The loss we feel at losing a friend and fine legislator is nothing compared to the loss felt by his wife and two children. All our thoughts and sympathies are with them."

Statement from Speaker of the House Frank Chopp on the workers’ compensation reform

“Decisions about the workers’ compensation system should always focus on the injured workers of our state. Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for people who get hurt at work. We refuse to put any of them in a position where they can be taken advantage of. This proposal is a fair deal for injured workers – in fact, for all workers.

“It’s fair for every worker in this state who pays into the workers’ comp system.

“The creation of the Rainy Day Fund is a very significant reform to ensure the integrity of the system.

“It’s fair to help the vast majority of workers who suffer workplace injuries get back to work as soon as possible by providing them the highest quality medical care and vocational rehabilitation, and by offering their employers assistance for giving them transitional or light-duty work.

“It’s fair to keep workers from getting hurt in the first place by offering grants for injury prevention programs and punishing employers who leave workplace hazards uncorrected.

“And it’s a fair deal for the 73% of injured workers over age 55 who cannot go back to work to be offered more options while keeping important safeguards in place. The structured disability settlements in this proposal are a much better alternative for these workers than lump sum compromise and release. It allows them some flexibility in the amount and timing of their payments while providing certainty that they will not be pressured or intimidated into accepting a one-time check and then left on their own for the rest of their lives.

“This was not a “go-home” issue for our caucus. But we were absolutely never going to go home with any deal that was harmful to those the workers’ comp system was created to protect. I’m proud of the House Democratic Caucus who held firm for injured workers and protected the integrity of our state’s workers’ comp system.”

To read this blog post in Spanish, go here.

Washington’s clean energy future began today

In front of hundreds of people including representatives from the business, labor, and environmental communities, as well as legislators from both sides of the aisle and local elected officials, Governor Gregoire put her signature on Senate Bill 5769, setting a timetable to transition our state away from coal.

There was no better place to take this historic action than at the Trans Alta power plant in Centralia, with the company's CEO and employees present. In fact, Trans Alta President & CEO Steve Snyder declared it was the beginning of "…a new energy future."

Senate Bill 5769, sponsored by state Sen. Phil Rockefeller and shepherded through the House by Environment Committee Chairman Rep. Dave Upthegrove, is the culmination of several years of hard work to find a win/win solution that benefits both family-wage jobs and the environment. In remarks before the bill signing, Sen. Rockefeller said, "I've never seen such collaborative work evolve in this fashion."

Making a special guest appearance at the bill signing was House Speaker Frank Chopp, who came to show his support for the bipartisan measure. It was Speaker Chopp who put the idea for the bill on the table several years ago, and whose behind-the-scenes support helped it pass its final hurdles in the House.

The bill will make the plant in Centralia one of the cleanest coal-fired plants in the nation within just two years. By 2025, it will have transitioned away from coal, and toward new, cleaner energy technology. The timetable allows for both the necessary time and resources for an orderly shift to a greener future, and gives the local community greater economic certainty during this shift.

(Photo: Governor Gregoire with House Speaker Frank Chopp and Thurston-Lewis-Mason Labor Council president Bob Guenther after signing SB 5769 in Centralia today - courtesy Washington State Senate)

To read this blog post in Spanish, go here.

House reaches cut-off, Democrats maintain focus on budget, key priorities

Yesterday's 5 p.m. cut-off deadline to get House bills out of the House narrowed down the amount of live legislation. However, House Democrats successfully got out several key measures that balance our near-term economic challenges with long-term priorities in education, jobs and the environment.

House Speaker Frank Chopp:

Managing our way to economic recovery and responsibly balancing the budget is our most urgent challenge this session. But we are also protecting those things that have made Washington a state where families want to live and businesses want to grow – a state with strong schools, good jobs, safe communities, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Read more here: House Democrats maintain focus on budget, key priorities.

Here's a list of all the bills passed out of the House and Senate so far.

Speaker Chopp's opening day remarks

Today, the House re-elected Rep. Frank Chopp to serve as Speaker of the House. Here are his remarks:

Thank you Christine [Rolfes], for your kind remarks.

Congratulations Pat [Sullivan], on your new post as Majority Leader.

Congratulations Richard [DeBolt], on your election as Republican Leader.

And congratulations to all the new and returning members.

WELCOME TO THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE!

As we represent the people, let’s remember the best traditions of our nation.

In America, we honor those who have gone before us, who sacrificed for us, and who faced far greater hardships than we do today.

Years ago, sitting at the kitchen table with my parents, hearing their stories of living through the Great Depression, I never thought that this nation would ever again see such financial hard times.

While times are indeed tough, we need to remember that we are very fortunate compared to those who went before us.

In America, we embrace change… and innovation…. and reform….. and energy….. and action!

Democracy is designed to continually re-generate and re-new our government.

Given our financial challenges, that renewal must move faster.

For every important challenge we face, we must find a real solution.

We can be inspired by positive ideals, but we must also be prepared with creative ideas, and ready for sustained, hard work over time.

In America, ---- we care for one another. We recognize our common humanity.

The notion of people looking out for one another is fundamental to being American.

If we carelessly decimate the safety and security of our most vulnerable citizens, we make all of us less safe ---- less secure.

Instead, we must thoughtfully dedicate ourselves to reform and recharge the lifelines, for those among us who need our help.

In America, we mobilize to meet the challenges before us ----- to get the job done.

At our core, we are an optimistic people.

In America, we believe in a better future for our kids.

We cannot let the excess of Wall Street become an excuse for not making sure that every child is healthy, ready to learn, and has the opportunity to get a great education.

It is the best hope for their future, and for our future.

We, the representatives of the people, can be part of these American traditions.

And so, every one of us must do our part to help create a better future for all.

We must do our part to help turn the Great Recession into the Great Recovery.

We can do this ---- if we work together -----and look beyond the current state of affairs ---- if we stay focused on the possibilities of new ways to solve old problems.

We can rise to the occasion.

We owe it to our parents, and to our children.

This is America after all!

Thank you.