We began this week at the Legislature by celebrating Children’s Day, a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives that usually coincides with the Presidents’ Day holiday. With many children out of school for the holiday, we invite them to join us as we recognize the special place children hold in our communities, and the hopes and dreams they symbolize for a better future. That future depends on the work we do here in the Legislature, and Children’s Day reminds us that every decision we make affects future generations.
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the photos from Children’s Day on our House Democrats blog and our Facebook page.
STEM means jobs
It’s a big deal when the Governor himself testifies in support of a bill. That’s what happened this week 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. As a member of the Education Committee, the Governor’s appearance showed his strong support for improving our state’s education opportunities.
The measure creates a STEM Education Innovation Alliance made up of leaders from business and education fields. The alliance will provide vision and guidance for STEM education initiatives in early learning, K-12, and postsecondary education.
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.
Connecting Washington: Transportation proposal unveiled this week
Speaking of jobs: Prominent business, labor, and environmental leaders from around the state joined members of the House Transportation Committee Wednesday to discuss details of the “Connecting Washington” transportation proposal.
The proposal would fund nearly $10 billion in transportation projects and maintenance across the state, and it has strong support from groups who agree that improving our transportation infrastructure is the key to growing our state’s economy. There are critical transportation needs across Washington that must be addressed, and in the words of Washington Roundtable president Steve Mullin, “We can’t afford to wait any longer.”
Details of the proposal, including a project breakdown, can be found on the House Democrats website. The main features of the plan include:
- Protecting existing infrastructure through maintenance and operation work, road repairs, and funding to city and county governments to address local needs
- Investing in new transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve safety in every corner of the state
- Improving freight mobility to help businesses move products to market more efficiently and affordably
- Fully funding the Washington State Patrol to ensure our highways are safe and well taken care of
- Providing transportation choices by empowering local and regional transit agencies, investing in bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements, and stabilizing the Washington State Ferry System
While providing funds to improve our state’s transportation infrastructure is important, it must be remembered that education is the paramount duty of the state. The state Supreme Court has ruled that K-12 education in our state is significantly underfunded. Therefore, I believe we must have a plan to fund our education needs before we consider raising taxes and fees to fund transportation needs.
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.
But all the changes can get a little confusing, especially those that affect small businesses (defined as businesses with less than 50 employees). The office of the state Insurance Commissioner has outlined what reforms have already gone into effect and what we can expect in coming years.
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.
Freedom to choose: a Washington value
Today the House passed the Reproductive Parity Act, which protects women’s freedom and privacy to make their own health care decisions. HB 1044 passed 53-43 with all but one Republican voting no; I joined the majority in voting for it. For me it is a matter of supporting the right to privacy, justice and freedom of choice.
The need for this bill came out of a change due to federal health care reform that could inadvertently roll back the choices women have in our state. This bill protects those options, essentially maintaining the status quo in terms of what coverage women already have under their health care plans.
No woman should make a life-changing health care decision based solely on whether she can afford care – or because of the religious or political views of her employer or her insurance company. Private medical decisions are between a woman and her doctor, a value that Washington voters have affirmed not one, not two, but THREE times at the ballot box.
Governor Inslee said, “Today’s vote in the House is a big step forward in guaranteeing women’s access to a full range of reproductive health care services. As I begin signing bills next week, I expect the Senate to follow the House’s lead so the RPA can be among those I have the honor of signing into law. The Senate should not shut the door of democracy when it comes to women’s health care.”