Reps. Mike Sells and Hans Dunshee op-ed in the Everett Herald
May 11, 2013 - Reps. Mike Sells & Hans Dunshee
Funding education: Closing tax loopholes is not increasing taxes Corporate tax breaks or your children’s and grandchildren’s future. The ability to grow jobs and compete economically with a well-trained and educated workforce, or continuing outdated tax loopholes to special interests … Continue reading
The Internet Sales Tax and Washington State: A Primer
May 9, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
On Tuesday the United States Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would expand the internet sales tax to cover the majority of online sales. It’s an important policy with state-level implications, but many don’t understand exactly what it would … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update for April 28, 2013
April 28, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
The Legislative Session ends today, but we will be going into overtime to continue budget negotiations and reach consensus between the House, Senate and Governor Inslee. As we move through special session, I’ll continue to fight for a responsible budget … Continue reading
Rep.Mike Sells Legislative Update for April 26,2013
April 26, 2013 - Rep. Mike Sells
The session is scheduled to adjourn on Sunday, April 28. However, we will be going into overtime to continue budget negotiations and reach consensus between the House, Senate and Governor Inslee. Are certain tax exemptions more important than educating our … Continue reading
Statement from Rep. Sharon Wylie on her amendment to the Revenue Package
April 24, 2013 - Rep. Sharon Wylie
“This is a critical amendment to a critical bill. The House revenue package produces the money we need to fund the services we promised we’d protect. It invests in education, it preserves our safety net, and we make sure it … Continue reading
Rep. Tina Orwall’s e-newsletter for April 18, 2013
April 18, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Dear Neighbors, Yesterday marked the final cutoff – the last day to consider opposite house bills. With less than two weeks remaining in the session, much of the year’s committee work is done. But there is still much work to … Continue reading
Greetings From Olympia: An Update from Representative Marcus Riccelli
April 17, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
House Budget Proposals Released There are only 11 days left in the legislative session, and we have a lot to accomplish before we can head back home. At the top of that list is finalizing the three budgets that keep … Continue reading
Rep. Sam Hunt’s Electronic Newsletter – April 12, 2013
April 15, 2013 - Rep. Sam HuntIn this edition: House Operating Budget proposal House Capital Budget proposal Tax reform and tax fairness Mental health services Olympia Office 438B Legislative Building PO Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504 Phone (360) 786-7992 1-800-562-6000 toll free hotline Email … Continue reading
Week 12 Legislative Update from Rep. Farrell
April 10, 2013 - Rep. Jessyn Farrell
Greetings from Olympia! Week 12 of the 2013 legislative session is behind us, and what a week it was! The Senate released a budget proposal, following Governor Inslee’s roll-out of his plan the week before. With these two budgets out, … Continue reading
House budget proposal best for schools
April 10, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
The state will step up to its responsibility to educate public-school students and will make sure college graduates are ready for high-demand jobs under the budget proposal released by the House Democratic majority on Wednesday. The budget proposal authored by … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – April 9, 2013
April 9, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
We passed the final policy cutoff last Wednesday – the last day thay bills not related to the budgets were considered in committee. Also, the Senate released a budget proposal, following Governor Inslee’s rollout of his plan last week. With … Continue reading
To invest in kids, summon courage to cut tax loopholes
April 8, 2013 - Rep. Chris Reykdal
Rep. Chris Reykdal of Olympia lays out the argument for a smarter tax policy on the Stand web site.
Senate Budget: Bad for Kids, Families, and Our Future
April 8, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Top 10 Reasons the Senate Budget is bad for Kids, Middle Class Families and Our Future 15 NEW tax loopholes; zero eliminated – The Senate plans to add 15 new tax breaks while not eliminating even one existing corporate giveaway.
War on middle class families continues in Senate budget proposal
April 5, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Throughout the fall we heard about the Republican “War on Women” and the middle class. On Wednesday that battle continued with the roll out of the Republican Senate’s proposed $33.2 billion operating budget. Though there were some highlights, thanks to … Continue reading
The truth about taxes in Washington
April 4, 2013 - Rep. Larry Springer
Urban legends abound about any number of things, like the idea there is more nutritional value in the wrapper then there actually is in the Twinkie it wrapped. While that myth is an amusing relic of our folklore, myths about … Continue reading
House Appropriations Chair Ross Hunter on the Senate Republican budget
April 3, 2013 - Rep. Ross Hunter
“While it is nice that the Senate Republicans have acknowledged our responsibility to fund the McCleary decision, they have done so with a budget proposal that relies on assumptions that are unconstitutional or unsustainable. The Supreme Court has been pretty … Continue reading
Budget and Health Care: Legislative Update
April 2, 2013 - Rep. Jake Fey
Thursday, Governor Inslee released his proposal for the 2013-15 operating budget. We expect that the Senate will follow with their own plan early next week, and the House will roll out our plan soon after. Then, budget writers in both … Continue reading
Let’s tell the truth: taxes are low — and education creates jobs
April 2, 2013 - Rep. Tami Green
by Rep. Tami Green Some myths never die. Unlike urban legends about what happens when you put a Twinkie in a microwave, myths about government and taxes actually do real damage to real people. There’s a good post here (The … Continue reading
Rep. Mike Sells – Legislative Update, March 29, 2013
March 29, 2013 - Rep. Mike Sells
Governor Inslee released his proposal for the 2013-15 operating budget yesterday. We expect that the Senate will follow with their own plan early next week, and the House will roll out our plan soon after. Then, budget writers in both … Continue reading
Rep. Jim Moeller’s statements on the operating-budget proposal released this morning by Gov. Jay Inslee:
March 28, 2013 - Rep. Jim MoellerGov. Inslee’s budget essentially follows priorities my House Democratic colleagues and I have advanced the past several months. Specifically, his proposal reflects my commitment to our major obligations in: Meeting our constitutional duty to adequately fund basic education, including closing … Continue reading
Statement from Speaker Frank Chopp on Governor Inslee’s budget and revenue proposal
March 28, 2013 - Speaker Frank Chopp
Speaker Frank Chopp issued the following statement on Governor Inslee’s budget and revenue proposal: “Governor Inslee made a strong commitment to education in his proposal – one that we agree with. And he did so without sacrificing vital state services … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
The 2013 Legislative Session is getting closer to the end. The last official day of the regular session is April 28, and in these final weeks you will be hearing a lot about the state budget. Legislators must pass a … Continue reading
Rep. Tina Orwall’s e-newsletter for March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Dear Neighbors, House policy committees did not meet last week, but legislators were busy hearing bills in the House fiscal committees. Bills were required to pass out of these committees by Friday, March 1, if they were to remain in … Continue reading
Town hall update, I-1053 ruling & sequestration
March 7, 2013 - Rep. Jake Fey
27th Legislative District Delegation Town Hall Please make sure to save the date for a joint town hall hosted by Senator Jeannie Darneille, Representative Laurie Jinkins, and myself. We’ll be discussing issues that are important to the 27th Legislative District, … Continue reading
Kids to get “early start” on school success under Senate-bound bill
March 7, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Already a leader in the field of early learning, Washington state would take a giant step toward preparing all kids for success in kindergarten and beyond under far-reaching legislation headed for the state Senate. House Bill 1723, by Rep. Ruth … Continue reading
House passes Riccelli’s taxpayer transparency bill
March 5, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
A measure to increase transparency for taxpayers and ensure government accountability in how state dollars are spent cleared the state House today on a 96-0 unanimous vote. It was a top priority for state Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane), … Continue reading
Rep. Mike Sells – Legislative Update, Mar. 1, 2013
March 1, 2013 - Rep. Mike Sells
House policy committees did not meet this week, but legislators have been busy hearing bills in the House fiscal committees. Bills must pass out of these committees by Friday, March 1, if they are to remain in play this year … Continue reading
Washington’s flawed revenue system
February 26, 2013 - bergstromgAn interesting look at structural problems in our state’s revenue system Washington’s Flawed Revenue System from Remy Trupin
It’s your money – you earned it
February 12, 2013 - bergstromg
The IRS may owe you money. That isn’t a misprint. Many hard-working citizens back home in the 11th District, along with people from Bellingham to Spokane, may be owed money by the IRS. If you worked during 2012, you may … Continue reading
Opportunity for all
February 11, 2013 - Rep. Steve Bergquist
by Rep. Steve Bergquist As a teacher in our public schools, I know that money doesn’t solve every problem – but a severe lack of funding for Washington schools is standing in the way of what our students need. Wealthy … Continue reading
Riccelli wants taxpayers to know where their money goes
February 7, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
Each year, millions of dollars flow from state coffers to fund capital and transportation projects in every single county. These projects create jobs while improving the infrastructure of Washington’s communities. But these public investments aren’t always easily visible to the … Continue reading
Rep. Wylie’s e-newsletter for Feb 5, 2013
February 5, 2013 - Rep. Sharon Wylie
Dear neighbors, This is the fourth week of session and things are happening very quickly. As you know, our focus is on balancing the budget as well as fully funding education, as required by the courts. I hope you find … Continue reading
Rep. Riccelli talks jobs on TVW’s “Inside Olympia”
February 1, 2013 - Rep. Marcus RiccelliRep. Marcus Riccelli, the freshman representative from the 3rd Legislative District, was featured this week on TVW’s show “Inside Olympia.” In the following two-minute clip, he talks about one of his top priorities for the 2013 session, which is job … Continue reading
Hudgins named chair of Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government
December 19, 2012 - bergstromg
Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila) will serve as the chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. “Citizens need services that work for them and their families,” said Hudgins. “My job, as a citizen-lawmaker, is to be an advocate for … Continue reading
Pettigrew receives committee assignments, retains leadership position
December 11, 2012 - toyrab
The House Democratic Caucus has approved the committee structure for the upcoming legislative session. State Representative Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) has once again been appointed to several key committees. Rep. Pettigrew will serve on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Public Safety, … Continue reading
Rep. Timm Ormsby elected vice chair of House Appropriations Committee
December 11, 2012 - frizzelldRep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) will serve as vice chair of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 14. His election to that position by his fellow majority House Democrats comes as lawmakers prepare for … Continue reading
Dunshee picked to lead jobs effort again
December 11, 2012 - Rep. Hans DunsheeWill chair committee that controls state construction budget After creating 20,000 jobs statewide – including 1,700 in Snohomish County – House Democrats elected Rep. Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish) once again to continue that effort as chair the Capital Budget Committee. “We’re … Continue reading
Hunter leads House budget writers again
December 10, 2012 - robertsgRep. Ross Hunter of Medina will again head the key budget-writing efforts of the majority House Democrats in the 2013 Legislature, serving as chair of the Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee considers the state operating budget bill, which details most … Continue reading
House plans to move budget-related bills forward this week
April 3, 2012 - Rep. Pat SullivanThe House is moving forward Wednesday with a short list of bills that will be necessary to implement (NTIB) the supplemental operating budget. Although an agreement on the final budget has not yet been reached, the House Democratic negotiating team … Continue reading
Haigh saves vital funding for small high schools in House budget
February 27, 2012 - mcvicaraOLYMPIA – Earlier this week, it seemed a done-deal; high schools with less than 300 students would have their budget cuts to a point that many of them would be unable to provide students the credits needed to meet state … Continue reading
House construction budget creates 22,000 jobs
February 21, 2012 - bergstromg
Jobs Now, Jobs Tomorrow OLYMPIA – The construction budget unveiled by the House of Representatives would use innovative methods to create an estimated 22,297 jobs. “This is about putting people back to work in a hurry,” said Rep. Hans Dunshee … Continue reading
Rep. Hansen’s floor speech on HB 2502 removing a tax barrier to create jobs
February 10, 2012 - mcvicaraRep. Hunter describes his plan to reform basic education financing in a presentation at Educational Service District 113
January 11, 2012 - mcvicaraEverett Herald: Suggestion to cut length of school year gaining grudging support
November 23, 2011 - mcvicaraThe Legislature will convene for a special session on November 28 to address the looming $2 billion budget shortfall. Earlier this week, Governor Gregoire announced her 2012 supplemental budget proposal that included both spending cuts and new revenue options. One … Continue reading
Op-ed: Looking for solutions to Washington state budget
November 14, 2011 - waldrefjHow would you overcome our state’s budget challenges? Washington, like nearly every other state in the country, is still feeling the economic drag that’s resulted from the worst recession our nation has seen since the 1930’s. Heading into the 2011 … Continue reading
Statement from House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan regarding Governor Gregoire’s list of possible budget actions
October 27, 2011 - waldrefjHere’s House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan on Governor Gregoire’s list of possible budget actions: “Ways and Means Chair Ross Hunter and the rest of our budget team have been going through the same process the Governor and her staff have, … Continue reading
Statement by Mary Lou Dickerson on Budget-Reduction Alternatives
October 27, 2011 - boyesrGov. Chris Gregoire announced a set of budget-reduction alternatives on Thursday to respond to the continuing shortfall of state revenues. As a result of declining revenues, the state of Washington has already reduced per capita spending to its lowest level … Continue reading
Statement from House Speaker Frank Chopp regarding today’s revenue forecast council report
September 15, 2011 - waldrefj“The effects of this recession on our state’s economy are unlike anything we’ve seen since the Great Depression. Today’s forecast shows we have still not turned the corner toward a full recovery and once again we are facing a significant … Continue reading
State Rep. Jim Moeller’s statements on today’s (Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011) state-revenue forecast
September 15, 2011 - nietol“Families and businesses in Southwest Washington communities are just like fellow citizens and business folks across the rest of our state. We’re battling this Great Recession as best as we know how. “It’s maddening that our economy isn’t steering … Continue reading
Moscoso secures funding for Bothell Crossroads Project
May 25, 2011 - nietolOLYMPIA –On the last day of the special session, the House of Representatives passed HB 1497, the 2011-13 capital budget, which provides funding for infrastructure projects such as parks, wastewater treatment plants, community centers and school construction. The capital budget, … Continue reading
Reykdal joins freshman Democrats to propose ending tax breaks to fund education
April 11, 2011 - paribellojFor the freshman legislator from Tumwater, the choice was simple: help fund the state’s paramount duty or defend out-of-state tax breaks. Rep. Chris Reykdal (D) chose K-3 Education, joining 48 other House Democrats, including the eleven caucus freshmen, to introduce … Continue reading
“Responsible decisions for tough times” in House budget
April 4, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – House budget-writers today released a trimmed-down budget proposal that makes substantial cuts to every part of the state budget while preserving services and programs that help educate our children, care for those not able to care for themselves, … Continue reading
House unveils bipartisan construction budget
April 4, 2011 - waldrefjFunding for schools, parks and jobs OLYMPIA — Lawmakers in the House proposed a bipartisan $3.1 billion construction budget that focuses on job creation and fully funds $390 million in statewide K-12 construction needs. “At a time when our people … Continue reading
Ormsby and Billig back potential MAC funding solution
March 24, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – A bill introduced today in the state House of Representatives provides a ray of hope for Spokane’s Museum of Arts and Culture and its supporters. Known locally as “the MAC,” the museum is facing an uncertain future as … Continue reading
Op-ed:More than 500 tax breaks cost state treasury at least $6.5 billion each year
March 24, 2011 - paribellojBy Rep. Chris Reykdal, as appeared in The Olympian. The Great Recession has hit our state hard. In the past two years, we cut over $5 billion for schools, health care, and services that protect our public health and safety. … Continue reading
House early action budget bill cuts shortfall; preserves basic ed, kids’ healthcare
January 18, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – The House unveiled a plan today that takes another $340 million bite out of the current budget shortfall while maintaining current funding levels for basic education and Apple Health for Kids. “One of our goals going into this … Continue reading
