WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – Feb. 25, 2013

What are you doing this Wednesday evening?

19thldwithphoneIf you’re home and have the time, I hope you will join our telephone town hall. Households across the 19th Legislative District will receive a phone call at around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27 from me, Representative Dean Takko and Senator Brian Hatfield, inviting you to join our one-hour town hall-style discussion. We held a similar one last year and 7,500 of you participated, so we decided to repeat the experience.

If you choose to stay on the line, you can simply listen to the discussion, or you can ask us a question by pressing *3 on your phone keypads.

We will discuss the 2013 legislative session and will take questions on any topic relating to issues before the legislature or of importance to our district, including jobs, the economy, education, and health care.

If you don’t automatically receive a phone call invite to participate, you can can still join in the discussion by calling toll-free 1-877-229-8493, and entering ID code 18646#.


Watch my latest video update:

Blake VUfeb25


Know Your Government, Honoring 4 – H

Last Tuesday, a group of Wahkiakum 4-H youth came to the Capitol as part of an annual 4-H Know Your Government Conference.  The 4-H event serves to strengthen the connection between youth and our political process through education, experience, application and inspiration. As Chair of the House Agriculture & Natural Resource Committee, I was happy to sponsor House Resolution 4606 honoring 4-H and their commitment to developing essential life skills. I am proud to have had the opportunity to present the House 4-H Resolution to our constituent group of Wahkiakum 4-H youth on the House floor, as well as, spend some time listening to what they learned during their experience in Olympia.

Reps. Blake, Takko, Sen. Hatfield with constituents


STEM means jobs

It’s a big deal when the Governor himself testifies in support of a bill. That’s what happened when Governor Jay Inslee came to the House Education Committee and spoke in support of House Bill 1872, which puts more focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in our state.

inslee

The measure creates a STEM Education Innovation Alliance that will provide vision and guidance for STEM education initiatives.

An estimated 30,000 Washington jobs will go unfilled in the next five years without increased investment in STEM education. If we don’t train Washington students for these jobs, employers will import talent from other states and countries instead.

In a recent survey by Washington STEM, 79 percent of respondents agreed that more companies will move to or expand to Washington if the state had a reputation for workers with great science and math skills. Nine out of ten agreed the next generation of Washingtonians will have more opportunities if they have strong STEM skills.


What the Affordable Care Act really means for our state’s small businesses

Change is on the way as our state takes the necessary steps to fully implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Getting our health care exchange approved so that it’s up and running on time is not only the fiscally responsible thing to do, it’s also the right thing to do for families, businesses and public health.

What’s already running and what’s still in the works for small businesses? Here’s what the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner is saying:

ACA reforms already in place:

– Tax credits of 35 percent if you offer health insurance, have fewer than 25 full-time workers, and you pay an average annual wage of $50,000.

– In 2014, that tax credit goes up to 50 percent.

What’s coming in 2014:

– If you have fewer than 50 employees, you’re not required to offer them health insurance. However, if you choose to offer health insurance, you could qualify for a tax rebate.

– All health plans must cover essential benefits.

– You can shop online for coverage through Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange and enjoy greater purchasing power, similar to large employers.

For a complete list of what health care reform means for individuals, families, seniors and large businesses, please visit Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s web page on health care reform.


Stay in touch with your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas. And remember to join our Telephone Town Hall this Wednesday night!

Until next time,

Blakesig