Dear friends and neighbors,
We are now in the final days of the special session and are heading toward Wednesday’s midnight deadline. We worked through the weekend, passing many bills to address issues from ferry funding to higher education. There are still lots of details to be worked out, and dozens of bills left that will change current laws in order for us to cut the budget. These bills are considered “necessary to implement the budget” (NTIB) and can’t all be passed until the final operating budget is agreed to. All of this is very time-consuming, but it is our job to make the most responsible decisions we can in these tough times.
Latest economic numbers hint at continuing recovery
In the past couple of weeks, two bits of news came out that provided relatively good news about our economy.
This week the state Employment Security Department (ESD) released its latest jobs report which shows Washington is making slow but steady progress on the road to recovery. We added an estimated 5,800 jobs last month, while the unemployment rate dipped from 9.2 to 9.1 percent. That makes for a net gain of 41,500 jobs since April 2010.
While government continued to shrink by 2,500 more jobs, significant increases were seen in construction, up 2,400; professional and business services, up 1,700; manufacturing, up 1,200; retail trade, up 900; transportation, warehousing and utilities, up 900; information, up 900; education and health services, up 900; financial activities, up 500; and wholesale trade, up 200.
If you’re one of the people on the hunt for a job, ESD is an excellent resource and can provide free help with interviewing skills, résumés and job referrals. Visit their website or look through job listings here.
In the mixed news category, this month’s Economic & Revenue Update shows that our state economy is still growing, but a bit more slowly than the past couple months. Revenue for April came in $157.7 million higher than projected in March, but that was due to larger-than-expected tax amnesty receipts. Without that boost, we would have actually collected $26.6 million less than projected. Our chief economist also discussed how the country’s recovery has hit a “road bump” due largely to rising gas prices and slow GDP growth. You can read more here.
Key ferry bill passes
I am pleased to report that Senate Bill 5742 to preserve ferry service in our community and around the state. This bill takes steps to streamline the Washington State Ferry system and ensure funding and continued service into the future.
Senate Bill 5742 was passed on Sunday, May 22. It includes a range of measures to maximize efficiencies in WSF and it received broad support across the aisle and from stakeholder groups. It holds the 2.5% fare increase the same and avoids any reductions in service. It also ensures funding for fuel costs and construction of new ferries through a $.25 surcharge.
Bill to close tax loopholes keeps moving forward
I was extremely pleased when the House Ways and Means Committee gave its “due pass” recommendation to House Bill 2078. As I have previously mentioned, this legislation would close tax loopholes for large, out-of-state banks in order to fund class size reductions in grades K-3. There is strong evidence to show that smaller class sizes are particularly important for our youngest students, especially in their ability to learn to read. As my fellow freshmen members and I continue to work this bill, we remain hopeful that it will receive strong bipartisan support in prioritizing our children over corporate banks.
I look forward to the floor debate on this legislation as the special session wraps up.
Farm tour provides insight into local agriculture
I was grateful for the opportunity to take an agricultural tour of the Skagit Valley last week. With no floor action scheduled for last Friday, I was able to join the Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland as they toured various sites. The Skagit Valley is rich in its diversity, and our agriculture is something to be proud of. As a member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, I am working hard to understand the needs and values of this part of our community.
I am looking forward to being back in the 40th and having more opportunities to learn about the district. Please let me know if you’d like to meet to talk about the issues of the district or share exciting event opportunities.
These last few days are incredibly busy as we work to pass NTIB bills and finalize the budget agreement. I truly value the input that I receive from the district, and I hope you will continue to contact me with your thoughts and ideas as we wrap up the process.
Regards,
Kristine