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November update from Rep. Laurie Jinkins
Dear friends and neighbors,
This is Committee Assembly week in Olympia, which is when House and Senate committees meet to discuss priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
The House Judiciary committee, which I chair, is holding a work session tomorrow on three topics:
- A review of firearms types and Washington firearms laws. As we consider legislation related to gun violence, It’s important that lawmakers understand both the difference between pistols, rifles, semi-automatic guns and other types of firearms, and the difference in the way each are currently regulated in the state of Washington.
- A discussion on civil property forfeiture, which is the seizure of private property (including cash, cars, homes, etc.) by law enforcement when it is believed the property is involved in a crime. Sometimes, law enforcement does not end up filing charges even though it has seized the property. The burden is then on the property owner to go before a judge to get the property back. This is difficult to do without hiring an attorney, but the fees for hiring an attorney can sometimes exceed the value of the property.
- A discussion of how we might move legal disputes relating to the release of public records in a way that is less costly, less complex, and less time-consuming.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the recent election put Democrats in control of the state Senate. With the House also under Democratic control, this opens up the possibility to pass previously stalled legislation. I will be meeting soon with the new chairs of Senate committees that share jurisdiction with the Judiciary committee to discuss priorities for the 2018 legislative session.
Speaking of the upcoming session, if you know someone ages 14-16 who would be interested in being a legislative page, read below for information on how to apply. There is also a new scholarship available this year to help students and their families afford the incidental expenses of paging in Olympia.
Finally, I will be holding a few more drop-in office hours in neighborhoods around Tacoma this year, as well as one more Community Conversation event with my seatmates, Rep. Fey and Sen. Darneille. See below for dates and times. I hope to see you at one of these events.
Sincerely,
Sexual harassment in the legislature: Women say “enough”
A couple of weeks ago, I helped spearhead a letter to legislative leadership and members about the problem of sexual harassment and sexual assault in our state capitol. This problem affects women from both sides of the aisle and from all four caucuses, as well as staff and lobbyists. Innuendo, inappropriate jokes, unwelcome advances, groping, and assault have occurred on both sides of the aisle and within all four caucuses, as well as to staff and lobbyists, for too long. It is time for us to stand together and demand a change in the culture that has not been successful in at ending sexual harassment in this workplace.
Over 170 women signed the letter initially, and more continue to add their names. As someone who helped collect signatures, I admit I was astounded by the number of women who wanted to sign on. So far, I have learned that we cannot end sexual harassment with just a change to policy. It will take policy change, culture change, involvement of both women and men, and listening to victims if we are going to end this pervasive problem, as we all want to do. The problem of sexual harassment is complex, and so are the solutions.
I am committed to both changing our culture and to building a safe process for reporting harassment and inappropriate behavior. This is an area where we must lead the way, not look the other way.
New scholarship makes legislative page program accessible to all
The legislative page program allows students ages 14 -16 the opportunity to participate in state government by becoming an employee for one 40-hour workweek. Pages earn a stipend of $35/day and for many, it’s their first job. Applications are selected by senators and representatives from their home districts. Page school supplements the hands-on learning experience with a classroom component geared toward understanding the mechanics of lawmaking and civic involvement.
Every student should have the opportunity to apply to the program, but unfortunately for students from low-income households, financial barriers to participation exist. These barriers include the cost of travel to and from Olympia, and incidental expenses related to staying in Olympia for a full week such as housing, food, and attire. To provide more access to students, the Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship was created in the 2017 legislative session. This scholarship honors the late Gina Grant Bull, who was a former page director for the House, and a longtime dedicated member of the legislative community. Gina valued every student in the page program and believed all youth should have the opportunity to serve. I believe this as well, and that’s why I’m pleased there is now a scholarship program to help those who would otherwise be unable to afford this unique educational experience.
If you know of a student who would be interested in applying for the Page Program, please share the application and scholarship form with them. Applications are being accepted now, and I invite you to send your application directly to me if you’re interested in serving this year.
Meet with me in your neighborhood
My final drop-in office hours for 2017 are scheduled for the following dates and times. Come meet with me in your neighborhood, no appointment necessary!
- Tuesday, 11/21 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Dolce Si, 5005 Main Street, Suite 105, Ruston
- Tuesday, 12/5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Olive Branch Cafe, 2501 East D Street (in Freighthouse Square)
- Tuesday, 12/19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Savor, 1916 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma
There is also one final “Community Conversation” scheduled. This is your chance to sit down with Rep. Fey, Sen. Darneille and me and talk about issues of importance to our district. All are welcome. Mark your calendars for:
- Tuesday, 12/12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Salishan (International Place Common Room), 1701 East 44th Street, Tacoma
October update from Rep. Laurie Jinkins
Dear friends and neighbors,
On Saturday, my 27th Legislative District seatmates and I held the first of three “Community Conversation Hours” in Tacoma.
Among the topics discussed were concerns over recent actions by President Trump detrimental to our health care system. I’m devoting this e-newsletter specifically to this issue, because it impacts so many of us.
If you couldn’t be there on Saturday, another Community Conversation is coming up this Thursday, October 19, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Red Elm Cafe, 1114 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma. We’ve reserved the meeting room in back.
Sen. Darneille, Rep. Fey and I will also be in the International Place Common Room at Salishan (1701 East 44th Street, Tacoma) on Tuesday, December 12, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
On my own, I’m continuing to hold informal, drop-in “office hours” in neighborhoods across the district. Upcoming dates, times, and locations are listed at the end of this newsletter. I hope to see you at one of these events, because now is the time to share your ideas about potential legislation with me.
Sincerely,
Trump’s assaults on health care hurt access, affordability
President Trump’s seemingly endless assaults on our nation’s health care system really kicked into overdrive last week. First, he announced new rules that threaten access to contraception (see below). Then, he signed an executive order that chips away at vital Affordable Care Act protections and threatens to collapse the health insurance market. Finally, he abruptly halted payment of health insurance subsidies, further destabilizing the market and guaranteeing premium hikes. These actions create stress and uncertainty for many individuals and families in our state.
While state legislators cannot prevent the President from taking these irresponsible actions, we can explore legislative solutions to minimize the harm and protect access to affordable health coverage for Washingtonians. For example, in the 2017 session, we took the important step of preserving access to the state’s high-risk insurance pool for non-Medicare plans. This ensures medically vulnerable populations will continue to have access to the care they need.
As a member of the House Health Care & Wellness committee, I am committed to working on ways to strengthen our state’s health care system, not undermine it.
Reproductive health access threatened
On October 6th, the Trump Administration took action that undermines access to contraception. Washington’s Attorney General moved quickly to sue to block the new rules from taking effect.
Protecting access to a full range of preventive care services, including reproductive health, is always a priority for me. I was proud to co-sponsor legislation this year requiring insurance plans to reimburse for a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs. This common-sense legislation passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support. However, another bill I supported that would have required preventive care services currently covered under the ACA to remain covered in our state died in the Senate.
Senate leadership has also repeatedly refused to let the Reproductive Health Act receive a floor vote in that chamber. This bill would require health insurers to cover contraceptives without cost-sharing, and to cover voluntary pregnancy termination services if maternity care or services are covered. It has passed the House four times now.
I am concerned about any federal action that threatens access to reproductive health care in our state. That’s why I support the Attorney General’s lawsuit, and will continue working with my legislative colleagues on measures to protect access to ALL preventive health care.
Speaking of preventive care…
The number of reported pertussis (whooping cough) cases in our state is up this year. Now is a good time to make sure you – and your children – are up to date on your vaccines.
Medicare open enrollment period begins
The open enrollment for Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans is currently underway. You have until December 7 to sign up or make changes to your existing coverage.
Free, in-person Medicare counseling is offered in Tacoma on Mondays by appointment at Sound Outreach, 1106 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. This service is through the state Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA). To make an appointment, call (253) 596-0918.
Meet me in your neighborhood
Much appreciation to the folks who took time out of their busy day to drop in and chat with me at Old Town Markee in North Tacoma on October 3rd. Here are my upcoming neighborhood office hours:
- Thursday, October 26th from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Erica Peace Love and Ice Cream, 4822 Pacific Ave (South End)
- Tuesday, October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Rhapsody in Bloom, 3709 6th Ave (Central Tacoma)
- Tuesday, November 7th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Coffee & Cream, 1100 Town Center NE (Browns Point)
September update from Rep. Laurie Jinkins
Dear friends and neighbors,
Fall is officially here as of tomorrow, but we’ve been bidding summer goodbye all week with the return of cooler temperatures and the arrival of (much-needed) rain in our region.
I am sorry to begin this newsletter on a tragic note, but last week every parent’s nightmare happened once again in our state when a student at Freeman High School in Spokane County brought two guns to school and successfully fired one of them, killing another student and wounding three others.
On the day of the shooting I happened to be in Spokane attending a health care conference. News of the shooting spread quickly in the community, and it hit all of us very hard. My heart immediately went out to the students, parents, and school employees affected by this horrible event. For me, when it comes to children dying from gun violence, thoughts and prayers alone are not enough. I remain committed to working together with my colleagues in the Legislature on solutions to help prevent these tragedies and keep ALL our children safe at school.
On a brighter note, fall brings with it a bounty of produce harvested from our local farms and gardens. I recently spent part of a Saturday touring some of the incredible community gardens and urban farms in our area. The beautiful flowers pictured above were in full bloom at the Tacoma Community College community garden. It was one of the most relaxing, rejuvenating, and inspiring days I’ve spent in a long time.
Sincerely,
Health tour: Successes and challenges in our rural communities
I recently participated in a two-day rural health tour with some of my House colleagues from both sides of the aisle, organized by the nonpartisan Office of Program Management. We visited hospitals and treatment centers in Kitsap and Mason counties and on the Olympic Peninsula. At each stop we were joined by community leaders, local public health officials and even members from the law enforcement community.
Three main themes emerged during this tour. One, our rural areas are really grappling with the opioid crisis, something which came up again and again. Two, delivery of mental health care remains a challenge. And three, there is a need for more primary care providers in our rural and underserved areas. My recent column in Tacoma Weekly discusses some of the steps taken this year by the Legislature to improve our mental health system so it serves patients and families better. I’m also very pleased we’ve increased funding in our state budget for mental health and public health, and we’ve accepted federal Medicaid funding that will go to help fight the opioid crisis, reduce homelessness rates, and integrate physical and behavioral health so we can treat the whole person.
We have more work to do, but the investments made this year are putting us on the right track.
My biggest takeaway from the tour was seeing how our rural communities are really pulling together, working across all sectors to address the health care challenges they face.
Projects around Tacoma anxiously await state capital budget dollars
Important construction and renovation projects in our district – from the Eastside Community Center to Tacoma Community House to our beautiful historic theater district – are still waiting for funding they’ve been promised from the state capital budget. Unfortunately, because Senate Republicans refused to pass that budget after multiple special sessions, these projects are now stalled or in danger of stalling. I continue to be hopeful that in the coming weeks we will be able to get this done. Click here or on the video image above to hear more info about what’s at stake in Tacoma without a state capital budget.
By the way, this Saturday, 9/23, a free community event celebrating construction of the new Eastside Community Center is happening from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This project is a recipient of state capital budget dollars through the state Department of Commerce’s Local and Community Projects grant program. It’s one of the many reasons I was proud to join 96 of my House colleagues from both sides of the aisle in voting YES on the capital budget.
Meet me in the community
I’m offering a number of informal “office hours” out in the community between now and the end of the year, as well as more structured “community conversation hours” with my seatmates, Rep, Jake Fey and Sen. Jeannie Darneille. These events provide an opportunity for me to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have about legislative topics and issues of importance to our district. Please come to one of the following events in October:
Drop-in office hours – come chat with me when I’m in your neighborhood!
- Tuesday, October 3rd, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Old Town Markee, 2312 N 30th St (North Tacoma)
- Thursday, October 26th, fro 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Erica Peace Love and Ice Cream, 4822 Pacific Ave (South End)
- Tuesday, October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Rhapsody in Bloom, 3709 6th Ave (Central Tacoma)
Community Conversation Hours – come meet with me, Rep. Fey and Sen. Darneille!
- Saturday, October 14th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Black Kettle Bites and Brew, 744 Market Street, Suite 102B
- Thursday, October 19th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Red Elm Café, 1114 MLK Jr Way (meeting room in back)
Additionally, TONIGHT, September 21st, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. is the NE Tacoma Neighborhood Council meeting at The Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave NE. I’ll provide a brief legislative update and take questions. The City of Tacoma will also be presenting on the proposed Tideflats Interim Regulations.
What I’ve been up to this summer
Dear friends and neighbors,
I’ve recently returned from attending the 2017 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit, which was held in Boston this year.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that has been around since 1975. Its mission is to help state legislators and staff succeed in their work and ensure they have a strong and unified voice within our federal government. They also conduct nonpartisan research on issues relevant to state governments. In 2015, our state hosted the NCSL Legislative Summit in Seattle.
For me, attending a conference with other state legislators from both parties – especially in Boston, a city steeped in the history of our nation’s founding – was a tremendous honor and felt particularly important this year. My family joined me and it was an incredible experience to walk the Freedom Trail with our 17-year-old son and discuss the actions ordinary citizens took to stand up for freedom and liberty during our nation’s founding.
Our final keynote speaker of the conference was one of my favorite presidential historians, Doris Kearns Goodwin. She talked about the qualities shared by some of our nation’s greatest presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. These qualities include the ability to learn from mistakes and change position as necessary, the ability to control temper and emotion, and the ability to stay connected to the people they served.
Read on for some of the takeaways I got from the sessions I attended at the conference. I’m also following up on my promise to provide details of some of the cuts and efficiencies made in order to balance our state budget this year.
The opioid crisis: A public health problem requiring a public health solution
At the NCSL summit in Boston, I attended several sessions on the opioid crisis, which affects every state in our nation, including ours. It became clear to me that treating this problem simply as a law enforcement issue will be a failure. Instead, we have to treat it like a public health challenge. Tackling this epidemic successfully will require efforts on prevention, treatment and enforcement.
That’s why I’m pleased the state budget we passed this year invests an additional $12 million in public health over the previous budget, and secures over $1.5 billion in federal Medicaid waiver dollars, part of which will be used to fight the opioid crisis here in our state.
Balancing the state budget: Cuts and efficiencies
In my last e-newsletter, I covered the bipartisan compromise to fully fund our K-12 public schools through an increase in the state property tax, as well as some small steps on tax reform we took this year.
But I’m sometimes asked whether cuts and/or efficiencies were also considered in balancing the state budget. The answer is yes, and I’ve listed a few examples below.
It’s important to note that the Great Recession resulted in very large program reductions across state government in order to close shortfalls in the state budget. Any program considered not necessary was already eliminated during those years. So our approach this time was to look at program restructuring or other efforts to generate savings, as well as continued suspension of certain programs put on hold during the recession:
- We’re saving $12.7 million this biennium through changes in K-12 assessment requirements – providing more flexibility in high school graduation requirements.
- We’re saving $11.1 million this biennium by continuing to suspend smaller financial aid programs that have been suspended since 2011. Examples include the Future Teachers Conditional Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program, Washington Scholars, and the Washington Awards for Vocational Excellence programs.
- We’re saving $13.1 million by reducing management positions across the majority of state agencies by 6%.
- We’re saving $23.6 million by assuming certain areas that underspent funds in the last biennium will continue to do so in this one.
Get Involved: Work parties at local parks this week
Metro Parks Tacoma sponsors work parties at parks across the city where volunteers can help clean and improve our parks. This coming weekend, work parties are taking place at Point Defiance Beach, Oak Tree Park, McKinley Park, and Swan Creek Park. All ages welcome. Click here for more info.
Community Event: McKinley Hill Street Fair 8/19
The Tacoma Arts Commission and Bates Technical College are two sponsors of this year’s McKinley Hill Street Fair, a free community event taking place this Saturday, August 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vendors, food trucks, chalk art, live music and more. Click here for more info.
At Risk: 75,000 Jobs
Unless the Senate votes, $4.17 billion in construction projects won’t happen
The House of Representatives passed a state capital budget on a 92-1 vote. But unless the Republican-controlled Senate acts, Washington State won’t have a construction budget this year.
That state construction budget (House Bill 1075) funds $4.17 billion in construction projects around the state. Those projects are vital to our schools, universities, parks, environment and economy.
Here’s what is at stake:
- 75,000 jobs in construction, engineering and natural resources.
- A record $1 billion to build new public schools, which would help satisfy the Supreme Court’s McCleary decision to fully fund our schools—you can’t hire new teachers without building new classrooms for our state’s 1.1 million school kids.
- $800 million in projects at our colleges and universities.
- Local construction projects in every corner of the state.
- Affordable housing funding when the housing crisis is reaching its peak.
- Projects to bring safe, clean water to communities throughout Washington.
Local projects at risk
Here are some of the local highlights of the capital budget that passed the House on June 30th:
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- $24.0 million for ASARCO Cleanup of the Tacoma Smelter Plume.
- $3.1 million for the new Bates Technical College Medical Mile Health Science Center. This new building will replace the West Annex building at the downtown Tacoma campus, providing space for Allied Health and STEM programs.
- Community Behavioral Health Capacity in communities across the state, including $3 million for the Multi-Care Franciscan joint venture psychiatric hospital to be built in Tacoma.
- Housing Trust Fund (funds construction and preservation of affordable housing statewide) including $3 million for the Tacoma Housing Authority Arlington Drive Youth Campus.
- $2.5 million for the Tacoma Community House.
- $2.5 million for the Eastside Community Center.
- $1.2 million for the Boys and Girls Club of South Puget Sound.
- $1.2 million for preservation at the Washington State Historical Society.
- $1.0 million for the Broadway Center.
- $1.0 million for the Tacoma Art Museum.
- $1.0 million for soil remediation at the UW Tacoma Campus.
- $330,000 for the Peace Community Center.
To see a map and description of local projects, click here: fiscal.wa.gov/CapitalMaps.aspx and choose your county or legislative district.
That list is only the beginning. It doesn’t show school projects, for example, because those are funded in coordination with school districts.
What’s next?
Lawmakers are now in triple-overtime, the third special session. The House of Representatives has worked in an open, bipartisan fashion to write and pass a capital budget that puts a history making amount of funding into building schools.
Failing to pass a construction budget at all would make history of a different sort. Unlike other states, Washington has always managed to pass all three budgets: operating, capital and transportation.
We’ve passed the operating and transportation budgets. All that’s left to finish our job is for the Senate to vote on the capital budget.
And time is slipping away. This is the middle of the construction season, and we needed to be building classrooms two months ago to make sure all of our kids had safe, warm classrooms to learn in when school starts up again this September.
If you care about this issue, please call the Legislative Hotline (800-562-6000) and ask your senator to vote for a capital budget that builds a better Washington for our kids.
A no-cost learning opportunity this weekend
Harvest Pierce County: Edible Gardens Workshop Series
July 15, 10 a.m. to noon, Metro Parks Tacoma | 4702 S 19th St
Perennial Edible Gardens: Grow a garden that returns year after year. Learn strategies for self-seeding plants and polycultures (variety). https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/4703/Edible-Gardens-Registration-Form
What would a state government shutdown mean?
Dear friends and neighbors,
As most of you know, the Legislature is in the middle of a second special session to pass a new two-year budget for our state.
Because control of the Legislature is divided (Republicans hold the Senate, Democrats hold the House), negotiation and compromise are necessary to come up with a budget that can pass both chambers.
Unfortunately, time is running out. The current fiscal period ends on June 30th, and if a budget agreement isn’t reached by then, state government will shut down. That’s because by law, the state can’t spend money without a budget in place.
A shutdown – even for a few days – would have very real, very harmful consequences for families, communities, and our economy. Nearly every state service would be impacted in some way.
When I’m not working as a legislator, my job is in the public health sector. For the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, a shutdown would be devastating. It would affect critical front-line staff like public health nurses.
Click the video below for specific examples of cuts.
Even if we avoid taking the state off this cliff – and I remain hopeful we can avoid it – a lot of agencies, vendors, and employees (and their families) are experiencing stress and uncertainty right now. The ripple effects of this uncertainty are harmful to our state.
The only way a budget passes is if everybody – Democrats and Republicans – shows up at the negotiating table, willing to work. We’ve had two months since the end of the regular session, and although the House Democratic negotiating team has been in Olympia every day and asked the Senate Republicans to sit down, dig in, and negotiate the full budget multiple times, the request has not yet been accepted.
To be clear, I don’t expect either the current House or Senate versions of the budget will pass. I do expect that we will sit down at the negotiating table, COMPROMISE, and come to agreement on a budget that provides Washingtonians the services we expect and deserve. And while compromise is necessary, I’m also committed to work 24/7 to ensure the budget represents our state’s values. This means fully funding our K-12 schools without harming the most vulnerable in our communities.
I still believe we can get this done. But the clock is ticking.
If you have concerns or questions about the state budget, or a potential government shutdown, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We’re all in this together.
Sincerely,
Special session begins
Special Session Update
On Sunday, April 23rd, the Legislature adjourned without passing a new two-year budget for our state. The governor issued notice of a 30-day special session the next day. This means we are now going into overtime in order to complete our work.
Negotiating a budget for the entire state is complicated. It involves both parties and both chambers of the Legislature, as well as the governor. Everyone must come to the table to hash out their differences and reach a compromise. That’s why I’m disappointed that Senate Republicans have not made a good faith effort to begin negotiating.
House Democrats are focused on the state’s paramount duty: passing a budget that fully funds our public schools. And we want to do this in a way that upholds our values: putting families first and funding the critical human services that protect and care for our most vulnerable Washingtonians, like mental health services, public health, and housing programs.
Both the House and Senate agree more revenue is needed in order to fulfill our constitutional duty to fund schools without cutting the critical services mentioned above. But there is disagreement on where this revenue should come from. House Democrats don’t think working families, seniors, and our most vulnerable should have to shoulder the burden of the Senate Republicans’ proposed $5.5 billion property tax hike and massive cuts to state services.
Instead, we’ve proposed reforms to make our state’s regressive tax system more fair. This includes a capital gains tax proposal (see below) that I’ve sponsored in previous years. I’m pleased this option continues to be an important part of the revenue conversation.
So here’s where things currently stand: Senate Republicans have publicly and repeatedly said they won’t negotiate with us. Until they agree to come to the table and work in good faith, the clock will continue ticking on this special session without a final budget.
House Democrats are ready to get the job done for the 1.1 million kids in our public schools. I’m hopeful Senate Republicans will join us at the table soon.
In the meantime, the Senate will hold a public hearing tomorrow, April 26th, at 3:00 p.m. on a bill (SB 5929) identical to the House Democrats’ revenue proposal (HB 2186). While their intentions for introducing the bill may not be as positive as ours, it’s important to make your voices heard. I urge you to attend the hearing f you can make it.
Sincerely,
How would a capital gains tax affect you? Chances are, it won’t.
In Washington state, the poorest among us to pay the highest percentage of income into funding our state. It’s time we ask the wealthiest individuals, who have been enjoying record Wall Street profits, to pay their fair share.
That’s why House Democrats are proposing we tax corporate profits, not paychecks. We can do that by ending tax breaks and unfair advantages that powerful interests have built into our system.
Our state is one of the few that doesn’t tax capital gains, which are corporate stocks, bonds, investment property, and other high-end financial assets.
A capital gains tax would impact only 48,000, or 1.5%, of tax payers in the entire state. Our proposal exempts exempts the sale of single-family homes, retirement accounts, and the sale of livestock, timber, and agricultural lands.
It cleans up our regressive tax code without hurting middle class families.
This will help us build a Washington that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
A capital gains tax is part of the House Democrats’ revenue package. Other parts of the package include small business tax relief, closing costly tax breaks, and reforming the real estate excise tax to help working families build wealth through homeownership.
Listening to You
Hello friends and neighbors,
Last week was House of Origin Cutoff. In order for a bill to survive this deadline, it must pass out of the chamber in which it was introduced (House or Senate). I’m pleased many bills promoting greater opportunity, stronger communities, and a better future for all Washingtonians passed the House and are now under consideration in the Senate.
With some exceptions – primarily, bills that are necessary to implement the budget – the House now turns its attention to legislation passed by our Senate colleagues. You can sign up for email updates from legislative committees, as well as look up specific legislation. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Town Hall Meeting Debrief
Last Saturday, over 300 residents of the 27th Legislative District attended a legislative town hall meeting with Sen. Jeannie Darneille, Rep. Jake Fey and me. More than half of those who showed up were attending this event for the first time. Click here to see the slides we presented on the state budget. Our primary objective, however, was listening to your questions and concerns. Here are some of the top issues we discussed:
Education – Washington’s constitution mandates the state provide public education for all kids in our state. While the legislature has added nearly $5 billion in new funding to our K-12 system over the last six years, the final piece is teacher compensation. Teachers from our district expressed concern over low salaries, underfunded cost-of-living increases, and inadequate support for new teachers, as well as class size and limited funding for things like more counselors and educational support for at-risk students. Questions were also raised around changed in education policy at the federal level. My seatmates and I are committed to ensuring all students receive a quality education in a welcoming environment.
Mental Health – As a public health professional, I understand the importance of access to mental health services. Too many Washingtonians with mental illness don’t get adequate treatment. Statistics show these individuals often end up in a cycle of homelessness, substance abuse, or even in our criminal justice system. It was encouraging to know our community understands the urgent need to address this issue.
Several bi-partisan bills have passed that help families get their loved ones the care they need, give law enforcement the tools they need to effectively deal with people experiencing serious mental health issues, and integrate our mental health and chemical dependency systems.
There is still more work to be done. Most notably, we need to invest more in community-based treatment. Those who get services in their own communities and stay connected to family and other supports experience the best treatment outcomes. Adequately funding these services is important for our entire state.
Regressive Tax Structure – Our presentation on the legislative budget sparked a great conversation regarding our state’s regressive tax structure. The term “regressive” means that poor and working families pay a higher share of their income in taxes than do the wealthiest families. People shared their frustrations on the unfairness of this system.
Those in attendance expressed support for progressive tax measures like a capital gains tax and closing certain tax loopholes. It shouldn’t be the case that those buying private jets in our state get a tax break for that, while seniors on fixed incomes and working families struggle to make ends meet.
Getting involved – The last question was from a boy named Aidan. He asked how young people could get involved in government. My answer to him, and to all of you, is to find the thing you love, and fight for it. Now, more than ever, we need young people involved in government to advocate for progressive policies that move our state forward.
Major bills bookend first half of legislative session
The first bill that passed the House this session was the Levy Cliff bill, which saves school districts from being forced to make drastic cuts next year, including issuing pink slips to teachers.The Tacoma School District was going to lose $2.6 million if the Senate didn’t also pass this bill. Fortunately, the Senate passed its own version of it – in fact, it was the final bill voted out of that chamber before cutoff. The House agreed to their bill, and it has since been signed by the governor, to the great relief of school districts across our state.
The final bill voted out of the House before cutoff was the Equal Pay Opportunity Act. Many women are taking home smaller paychecks than their male co-workers who do the same job. But they don’t even know it because their employers actively discourage—or outright ban—workers from discussing wages among themselves. Keeping women in the dark about pay differences limits their ability to negotiate for higher pay. This bill holds employers accountable and makes it harder to discriminate against women. It was an honor to speak in favor of this bill on the House floor – in fact, I ended up being the last speaker of the last bill before cutoff. Click on the image of the video above to watch my floor speech.
From the Levy Cliff bill at the beginning to the Equal Pay Opportunity Act at the end, the first half of the 2017 session was bookended by two major pieces of legislation supporting greater opportunity in our state.