Today's committee lineup includes legalization of marijuana, Governor's testimony on her budget proposal, and more...
8:00 HHR C Community & Economic Trade & Development
Public Hearing: HB 2420 - Promoting industries that rely on the state's working land base (defines forest products industry as a green industry).
Work Session: Washington Council on Aerospace Report to the Governor and Legislature.
8:00 HHR E Local Government & Housing
Public Hearing: HB 2494 - Concerning the purchase or construction of public facilities in one hundred year floodplains (Relates to the Howard Hanson Dam issue, and county buildings that were built in the floodplain and then subsequently moved at public expense)
8:00 HHR A Judiciary
Public Hearing: HB 2421 - Concerning third-party visitation.
1:30 HHR D Higher Education
Work Session: Discussion of tuition policy and the Governor's proposed supplemental higher education budget
1:30 HHR B Commerce & Labor
Work Session: Update on unemployment compensation system
Public Hearing (these two bills would allow certain workers searching for part-time work to receive UI benefits):
HB 2553 - Addressing unemployment benefits for certain eligible individuals.
HB 2647 - Allowing certain individuals to seek part-time employment while maintaining eligibility for unemployment insurance in order to qualify for the unemployment insurance modernization incentive provisions of the American recovery and reinvestment act of 2009.
1:30 HHR C Capital Budget
Public Hearing: HB 2561 - Funding construction of energy cost saving improvements to public facilities (Rep. Hans Dunshee’s Jobs Act proposal).
1:30 HHR E Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Public Hearing AND Executive Session:
HB 1177 - Reclassifying possession of forty grams or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a class 2 civil infraction.
HB 2401 - Legalizing marijuana.
3:30 HHR A Ways & Means
Work session and public hearing: Presentation of Governor’s proposed 2010-2011 supplemental budget. Governor Gregoire to testify before the committee.
6:00 HHR D Financial Institutions & Insurance
Public Hearing: HB 2560 - Regulating joint underwriting associations (legislation is of particular interest to those living or working in the Green River valley area)
6:00 HHR B Health & Human Services Appropriations
Work session and public hearing: Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental budget with focus on health and human services items.
6:00 HHR C General Government Appropriations
Work session and public hearing: Presentation of the Governor's budget proposals by the Office of Financial Management.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Today's hot list
8:00 HHR C General Government Appropriations
Work Session: Overview of selected topics from the State Auditor's Office State Government Performance Review including liquor sales and distribution (the idea of privatizing it). A copy of the Auditor's presentation to the committee is here.
10:00 HHR D Higher Education
Public Hearing: HB 2479 - Exempting payment of fees at institutions of higher learning for children of certain law enforcement officers or firefighters (Rep. Troy Kelley’s bill in honor of recent officer deaths)
10:00 HHR A Ecology & Parks
Public Hearing: HB 2545 - Directing the department of ecology to adopt rules requiring entities to report the emissions of greenhouse gases (Aligns Washington state with federal reporting requirements, effectively streamlining the process for businesses)
Noon on the House Floor
Joint session with the Senate for State of the State Address with Governor Gregoire.
3:30 HHR D State Government & Tribal Affairs
Public Hearing:
HB 2418 - Making the names and addresses of persons signing initiative or referendum petitions public records
HB 2496 - Modifying ballot design provisions (bill sponsored by Rep. Scott White to address placement of I-1033 on King County ballot)
Work Session: Overview of selected topics from the State Auditor's Office State Government Performance Review including liquor sales and distribution (the idea of privatizing it). A copy of the Auditor's presentation to the committee is here.
10:00 HHR D Higher Education
Public Hearing: HB 2479 - Exempting payment of fees at institutions of higher learning for children of certain law enforcement officers or firefighters (Rep. Troy Kelley’s bill in honor of recent officer deaths)
10:00 HHR A Ecology & Parks
Public Hearing: HB 2545 - Directing the department of ecology to adopt rules requiring entities to report the emissions of greenhouse gases (Aligns Washington state with federal reporting requirements, effectively streamlining the process for businesses)
Noon on the House Floor
Joint session with the Senate for State of the State Address with Governor Gregoire.
3:30 HHR D State Government & Tribal Affairs
Public Hearing:
HB 2418 - Making the names and addresses of persons signing initiative or referendum petitions public records
HB 2496 - Modifying ballot design provisions (bill sponsored by Rep. Scott White to address placement of I-1033 on King County ballot)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Speaker Chopp's opening day speech
This morning, Speaker Frank Chopp took up the gavel on the opening day of what promises to be an extremely tough session.
The Speaker challenged legislators to balance the budget in a balanced way, and he reminded House members that the budget is more than just a table of numbers, but a moral statement about our concern for the struggling people of our state.
Speaker Frank Chopp's opening day speech (as written):
As we begin this session, I would like to offer a perspective on the work at hand.
For weeks now, many people have been saying to me: “What a tough session this will be. What a tough job you must have.”
I understand this will be a challenging session.
And I appreciate the hard work each of you will do to represent the people in the people’s House.
As legislators, we have many decisions to make, and there are many demands on our time, but let’s put our work in perspective.
We all understand that our job is not as tough as an emergency room nurse, acting quickly when a life hangs in the balance…
A construction worker, tying rebar in the driving rain…
A child protective services worker, balancing the needs of too many children…
A veteran, returning home with wounds to heal…
Or a police officer…
This became painfully clear when we heard the shocking news on Halloween night
And then again…
And again…
Soon, this legislature will formally honor our officers. But for now let us have a moment of silence to remember their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families.
As we go forward, we need to remember the daily struggles of people across our state.
Those who have lost their jobs, spent down their savings, and are relying on unemployment checks and food stamps to make ends meet.
The young parents losing sleep, worrying about a sick child, and the bills that will follow.
The homeless veteran, coping with a mental illness.
To help meet the challenges facing our people, we must make choices that fuel a smart recovery. To do that, we must build on what we have already achieved.
In national, independent surveys, Washington ranks at or near the top as the best state for starting a business and for doing business. We have the best prospects for future growth and we have the most productive workforce in the nation!
What can we do in this economy to build upon that record?
We can best position our people for the recovery by providing opportunities in education.
We will focus on student success, by beginning to restore resources to our classrooms.
Despite our difficult budget, we need to bring reality, not just rhetoric, to our constitutional duty!
We will re-define basic education to include early learning, the best investment we can make by providing a smart start for our kids.
Early learning is the basis for educational success and we should consider it
a fundamental part of basic education.
Through Opportunity Pathways, we will provide students at our colleges and universities, with the tools to join in the economic recovery.
Now is not the time to make cuts in the state need grants or Opportunity Grants or apprenticeships for our students.
This economic challenge can be turned into an Opportunity Express by giving unemployed workers the training for good paying jobs in clean energy, nursing, advanced manufacturing, and other jobs in high demand.
The doors to a better future must be kept open!
We can create tens of thousands of family wage jobs, while making our schools more energy efficient and productive. We can do this by approving the JOBS Act of 2010.
Jobs, Opportunities, Better Schools!
All of this will complement the investments we have made in transportation, which are already employing thousands of workers, and boosting our economic recovery, all across the state.
As we work to balance the budget, we cannot slash funding for education, health care, and public safety ----and then expect a better future for our people.
The people of this state have voted, through five initiatives, to mandate more spending for student achievement, the basic health plan, and care for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
We should also take note, that for many years now, when actions taken by this legislature were referred to the voters, the people sustained us.
Whether it was a revenue increase for the Education Legacy Trust Fund, or the largest investment in transportation in state history, or a civil rights law for domestic partners, the people agreed!
This session will challenge us to identify priorities and efficiencies.
We need a priorities of government process that applies not just to spending, but to our revenue as well.
A basic question should always be asked:
Is this particular tax incentive, exemption, or loophole more important than funding for schools, health care, and public safety for our people?
Our challenge is to balance the budget in a balanced way.
Responding to the immediate needs of our people but also investing in the long-term success of the economy and our future.
Through Apple Health for Kids, the best children’s health program in the nation, we are keeping our promise to make sure that all our children have health care by the end of this year.
In order to do well in school, students need to be healthy and ready to learn, every day.
Through a partnership with the federal government, we hope to have the opportunity for new health care remedies, to expand coverage to those without insurance, and prevent economic ruin for thousands of people facing bankruptcy from a health care catastrophe.
We will transform a strong thread of our safety net into the Disability Lifeline, to provide just that: a lifeline for tens of thousands of people with disabilities.
A majority are battling mental illness, many are homeless, and a large share are veterans who have served our country.
These reforms will save lives, save money, and make “general assistance” more understandable to the general public.
Many of the actions we will take in the next 2 months, will not receive much attention as the story of the budget is told.
But the budget is much more than a table of numbers.
It is a moral statement of our concern for those who are struggling ---- and our commitment to giving a fair shake to all people.
Despite the challenges before us, I am optimistic about the future, and I am honored to serve with you.
When I began my remarks, I mentioned those who have jobs much more difficult than ours. And we remembered those who have given their full measure for the people of our state.
The best way to honor them and the people we represent, is to give full measure to our duties.
Our job is to serve the people and to lead the way.
And we will do so.
Let’s get to work!
The Speaker challenged legislators to balance the budget in a balanced way, and he reminded House members that the budget is more than just a table of numbers, but a moral statement about our concern for the struggling people of our state.
Speaker Frank Chopp's opening day speech (as written):
As we begin this session, I would like to offer a perspective on the work at hand.
For weeks now, many people have been saying to me: “What a tough session this will be. What a tough job you must have.”
I understand this will be a challenging session.
And I appreciate the hard work each of you will do to represent the people in the people’s House.
As legislators, we have many decisions to make, and there are many demands on our time, but let’s put our work in perspective.
We all understand that our job is not as tough as an emergency room nurse, acting quickly when a life hangs in the balance…
A construction worker, tying rebar in the driving rain…
A child protective services worker, balancing the needs of too many children…
A veteran, returning home with wounds to heal…
Or a police officer…
This became painfully clear when we heard the shocking news on Halloween night
And then again…
And again…
Soon, this legislature will formally honor our officers. But for now let us have a moment of silence to remember their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families.
As we go forward, we need to remember the daily struggles of people across our state.
Those who have lost their jobs, spent down their savings, and are relying on unemployment checks and food stamps to make ends meet.
The young parents losing sleep, worrying about a sick child, and the bills that will follow.
The homeless veteran, coping with a mental illness.
To help meet the challenges facing our people, we must make choices that fuel a smart recovery. To do that, we must build on what we have already achieved.
In national, independent surveys, Washington ranks at or near the top as the best state for starting a business and for doing business. We have the best prospects for future growth and we have the most productive workforce in the nation!
What can we do in this economy to build upon that record?
We can best position our people for the recovery by providing opportunities in education.
We will focus on student success, by beginning to restore resources to our classrooms.
Despite our difficult budget, we need to bring reality, not just rhetoric, to our constitutional duty!
We will re-define basic education to include early learning, the best investment we can make by providing a smart start for our kids.
Early learning is the basis for educational success and we should consider it
a fundamental part of basic education.
Through Opportunity Pathways, we will provide students at our colleges and universities, with the tools to join in the economic recovery.
Now is not the time to make cuts in the state need grants or Opportunity Grants or apprenticeships for our students.
This economic challenge can be turned into an Opportunity Express by giving unemployed workers the training for good paying jobs in clean energy, nursing, advanced manufacturing, and other jobs in high demand.
The doors to a better future must be kept open!
We can create tens of thousands of family wage jobs, while making our schools more energy efficient and productive. We can do this by approving the JOBS Act of 2010.
Jobs, Opportunities, Better Schools!
All of this will complement the investments we have made in transportation, which are already employing thousands of workers, and boosting our economic recovery, all across the state.
As we work to balance the budget, we cannot slash funding for education, health care, and public safety ----and then expect a better future for our people.
The people of this state have voted, through five initiatives, to mandate more spending for student achievement, the basic health plan, and care for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
We should also take note, that for many years now, when actions taken by this legislature were referred to the voters, the people sustained us.
Whether it was a revenue increase for the Education Legacy Trust Fund, or the largest investment in transportation in state history, or a civil rights law for domestic partners, the people agreed!
This session will challenge us to identify priorities and efficiencies.
We need a priorities of government process that applies not just to spending, but to our revenue as well.
A basic question should always be asked:
Is this particular tax incentive, exemption, or loophole more important than funding for schools, health care, and public safety for our people?
Our challenge is to balance the budget in a balanced way.
Responding to the immediate needs of our people but also investing in the long-term success of the economy and our future.
Through Apple Health for Kids, the best children’s health program in the nation, we are keeping our promise to make sure that all our children have health care by the end of this year.
In order to do well in school, students need to be healthy and ready to learn, every day.
Through a partnership with the federal government, we hope to have the opportunity for new health care remedies, to expand coverage to those without insurance, and prevent economic ruin for thousands of people facing bankruptcy from a health care catastrophe.
We will transform a strong thread of our safety net into the Disability Lifeline, to provide just that: a lifeline for tens of thousands of people with disabilities.
A majority are battling mental illness, many are homeless, and a large share are veterans who have served our country.
These reforms will save lives, save money, and make “general assistance” more understandable to the general public.
Many of the actions we will take in the next 2 months, will not receive much attention as the story of the budget is told.
But the budget is much more than a table of numbers.
It is a moral statement of our concern for those who are struggling ---- and our commitment to giving a fair shake to all people.
Despite the challenges before us, I am optimistic about the future, and I am honored to serve with you.
When I began my remarks, I mentioned those who have jobs much more difficult than ours. And we remembered those who have given their full measure for the people of our state.
The best way to honor them and the people we represent, is to give full measure to our duties.
Our job is to serve the people and to lead the way.
And we will do so.
Let’s get to work!
What's hot in the House this week?
It's the first week of session and just like last year, we'll post a weekly and daily preview of upcoming committee hearings and floor action that you might be interested in (including time, location and committee). Here's this week's lineup:
Monday 1/11
Noon House Chambers
House Convenes for Opening Day remarks from Speaker Frank Chopp
3:30 HHR C Capital Budget
Public Hearing: Governor Gregoire's 2010 Supplemental Capital Budget.
Tuesday 1/12
10:00 HHR D Higher Education
Public Hearing: HB 2479 - Exempting payment of fees at institutions of higher learning for children of certain law enforcement officers or firefighters (Rep. Troy Kelley’s bill in honor of recent officer deaths)
10:00 HHR A Ecology & Parks
Public Hearing: HB 2545 - Directing the department of ecology to adopt rules requiring entities to report the emissions of greenhouse gases (Aligns Washington state with federal reporting requirements, effectively streamlining the process for businesses)
Noon on the House Floor
Joint session with the Senate for State of the State Address with Governor Gregoire.
3:30 HHR D State Government & Tribal Affairs
Public Hearing:
HB 2418 - Making the names and addresses of persons signing initiative or referendum petitions public records
HB 2496 - Modifying ballot design provisions (bill sponsored by Rep. Scott White to address placement of I-1033 on King County ballot)
Wednesday 1/13
8:00 HHR E Local Government & Housing
Public Hearing: HB 2494 - Concerning the purchase or construction of public facilities in one hundred year floodplains (Relates to the Howard Hanson Dam issue, and county buildings that were built in the floodplain and then subsequently moved at public expense)
8:00 HHR A Judiciary
Public Hearing: HB 2421 - Concerning third-party visitation.
1:30 HHR D Higher Education
Work Session: Discussion of tuition policy and the Governor's proposed supplemental higher education budget
1:30 HHR B Commerce & Labor
Work Session: Update on unemployment compensation system
1:30 HHR C Capital Budget
Public Hearing: HB 2561 - Funding construction of energy cost saving improvements to public facilities (Rep. Hans Dunshee’s Jobs Act proposal).
1:30 HHR E Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Public Hearing AND Executive Session:
HB 1177 - Reclassifying possession of forty grams or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a class 2 civil infraction.
HB 2401 - Legalizing marijuana.
3:30 HHR A Ways & Means
Work session and public hearing: Presentation of Governor’s proposed 2010-2011 supplemental budget. Governor Gregoire to testify before the committee.
6:00 HHR D Financial Institutions & Insurance
Public Hearing: HB 2560 - Regulating joint underwriting associations (legislation is of particular interest to those living or working in the Green River valley area)
6:00 HHR B Health & Human Services Appropriations
Work session and public hearing: Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental budget with focus on health and human services items.
6:00 HHR C General Government Appropriations
Work session and public hearing: Presentation of the Governor's budget proposals by the Office of Financial Management.
Thursday 1/14
1:30 HHR B Health & Human Services Appropriations
Continuation of public hearing on Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental budget with focus on health and human services items.
Friday 1/15
8:00 HHR A Education
Work Session: Dropout prevention and re-engagement (3 proposals – Kagi, Probst, OSPI agency request)
Public Hearing: SHB 1418 - Establishing a statewide dropout reengagement system
1:30 HHR B Agriculture & Natural Resources
Public Hearing: HB 2591 - Recovering the actual cost of processing applications for water right permits (shifts cost of processing applications from the general fund to user fees)
Monday 1/11
Noon House Chambers
House Convenes for Opening Day remarks from Speaker Frank Chopp
3:30 HHR C Capital Budget
Public Hearing: Governor Gregoire's 2010 Supplemental Capital Budget.
Tuesday 1/12
10:00 HHR D Higher Education
Public Hearing: HB 2479 - Exempting payment of fees at institutions of higher learning for children of certain law enforcement officers or firefighters (Rep. Troy Kelley’s bill in honor of recent officer deaths)
10:00 HHR A Ecology & Parks
Public Hearing: HB 2545 - Directing the department of ecology to adopt rules requiring entities to report the emissions of greenhouse gases (Aligns Washington state with federal reporting requirements, effectively streamlining the process for businesses)
Noon on the House Floor
Joint session with the Senate for State of the State Address with Governor Gregoire.
3:30 HHR D State Government & Tribal Affairs
Public Hearing:
HB 2418 - Making the names and addresses of persons signing initiative or referendum petitions public records
HB 2496 - Modifying ballot design provisions (bill sponsored by Rep. Scott White to address placement of I-1033 on King County ballot)
Wednesday 1/13
8:00 HHR E Local Government & Housing
Public Hearing: HB 2494 - Concerning the purchase or construction of public facilities in one hundred year floodplains (Relates to the Howard Hanson Dam issue, and county buildings that were built in the floodplain and then subsequently moved at public expense)
8:00 HHR A Judiciary
Public Hearing: HB 2421 - Concerning third-party visitation.
1:30 HHR D Higher Education
Work Session: Discussion of tuition policy and the Governor's proposed supplemental higher education budget
1:30 HHR B Commerce & Labor
Work Session: Update on unemployment compensation system
1:30 HHR C Capital Budget
Public Hearing: HB 2561 - Funding construction of energy cost saving improvements to public facilities (Rep. Hans Dunshee’s Jobs Act proposal).
1:30 HHR E Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Public Hearing AND Executive Session:
HB 1177 - Reclassifying possession of forty grams or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a class 2 civil infraction.
HB 2401 - Legalizing marijuana.
3:30 HHR A Ways & Means
Work session and public hearing: Presentation of Governor’s proposed 2010-2011 supplemental budget. Governor Gregoire to testify before the committee.
6:00 HHR D Financial Institutions & Insurance
Public Hearing: HB 2560 - Regulating joint underwriting associations (legislation is of particular interest to those living or working in the Green River valley area)
6:00 HHR B Health & Human Services Appropriations
Work session and public hearing: Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental budget with focus on health and human services items.
6:00 HHR C General Government Appropriations
Work session and public hearing: Presentation of the Governor's budget proposals by the Office of Financial Management.
Thursday 1/14
1:30 HHR B Health & Human Services Appropriations
Continuation of public hearing on Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental budget with focus on health and human services items.
Friday 1/15
8:00 HHR A Education
Work Session: Dropout prevention and re-engagement (3 proposals – Kagi, Probst, OSPI agency request)
Public Hearing: SHB 1418 - Establishing a statewide dropout reengagement system
1:30 HHR B Agriculture & Natural Resources
Public Hearing: HB 2591 - Recovering the actual cost of processing applications for water right permits (shifts cost of processing applications from the general fund to user fees)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Want to give your legislators a piece of your mind?
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
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
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.
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