OLYMPIA – The House and Senate have agreed on a transportation budget that includes funding for two projects in Snohomish County to improve safety and spur future economic development.
The state Department of Transportation will receive $500,000 for the planning stage of a major overhaul of the SR-9 and SR-204 intersection, a major bottleneck. Another $200,000 will be allocated for a traffic light at the intersection of 132nd and 39th near Archbishop Murphy High School to improve safety.
“These projects are about moving our region forward in terms of safety and economic development,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. “I made it clear to my colleagues in the Legislature that we need to get started on these improvements this year.”
A coalition of Snohomish County constituents, elected officials, community leaders and Rep. Mike Hope also asked transportation budget writers to provide the funding.
“These two projects will not only create jobs, they will help us prepare for future growth,” said Hobbs. “This is yet another sign that the state recognizes how important Snohomish County is to the health of our state’s economy.”
Projects already approved last year ─ the SR-9/Snohomish River Bridge and SR-9 route development projects ─ will continue to be fully funded.

Sen. Steve Hobbs represents the 44th District.

$755 million dollar tax package passed by House of Representatives includes more than 21 new, higher taxes

Calling out Democrats for their hypocrisy of raising taxes on products, like canned meats and vegetables, purchased by poor and elderly citizens on fixed incomes, Rep. Kirk Pearson believes the tax package will hurt the people the Democrats claim they want to help the most.
House Democrats passed their $755 million tax package in the early morning hours of March 9. At 1:19 a.m. Pearson and his House Republican colleagues voted against Senate Bill 6143, which contained 21 new and increased taxes including a tax hike on canned goods, such as meat and vegetables, Pearson dubbed the “Spam” tax.
“In my district, we have stores that sell discounted canned food items that families, particularly in this economy, rely on to ensure there is a meal on the table each night,” said Pearson, R-Monroe. “These discount grocery stores are places that many of our citizens on lean budgets shop. The tax package as passed increases the tax on canned goods, essentially a ‘Spam’ tax, which hurts the poorest in our state.”
It’s not just the one tax on canned meat and vegetables that has Pearson fuming, but he said it represents the arrogant attitude Democrats have toward those who cannot afford to shop at the most expensive meat markets in town.
“It hurts the neediest among us by taxing the food items they can afford to serve their families,” Pearson said. “By adding this ‘Spam’ tax, we are lowering the working poor’s buying power. It is shameful.”
Pearson noted 20 years ago he worked for $11 per hour as he raised his five children. He relied on those very canned food items to help stretch a meal a little further and ensure he could pay his family’s rent.
“I know what even a small tax increase will do to a family living paycheck to paycheck,” Pearson explained. “People are struggling and out of work right now and the Legislative leaders are going to tax their canned meat and vegetables a little more? This is a big deal. This tax would hurt people, especially the poorest among us.”
As passed in the House, Senate Bill 6143 includes:

• 21 new or increased taxes; and
• $681 million in state taxes and $74 million in local taxes ($755 million total).

Another tax increase being considered that would impact jobs in Northwest Washington and could increase gas prices by 3-cents per gallon is the hazardous substance tax in House Bill 3181. As proposed in the House, the tax would generate an additional $110.6 million from May 2010 through June 2011.
Senate Bill 6143, as amended in the House, passed 52 to 45. It will now be returned to the Senate for their consideration of the House tax package attached to the bill.
The 2010 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Kirk Pearson represents the 39th District.

Sen. Val Stevens’ bill leveling severe penalties for child-sex traffickers and buyers in Washington will now go to the governor’s desk for signature after the Senate this morning agreed with changes made to it last week in the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 6476 had passed both houses of the Legislature by a unanimous vote.
“This bill sends a strong message that Washington will actively prosecute anyone who forces a minor child into sex slavery or who buys their services,” said Stevens, R-Arlington. “Law enforcement will no longer focus on arresting the child prostitute. It will concentrate the arrests and severest penalties exactly where they belong: on the buyers and sellers of our children.”
“The Interstate-5 corridor between Vancouver, B.C. and Portland is one of the nation’s most heavily trafficked areas for child prostitution,” said Stevens, R-Arlington. “This new law will make sex trafficking in Washington much less appealing.”
SB 6476 raises penalties for the promotion of commercial sex abuse of a minor (“pimping”) to a Class A felony, carrying a 7- to 26-year prison sentence and a maximum $5,000 fine. The bill also elevates commercial sex abuse of a minor (buying) to a Class B felony, with a 1.75- to 12-year sentence and an additional $5,000 fine.
“This bill requires that these kidnapped minors be taken to a place of safety,” Stevens said, “where they can recapture their hope and their lives.”

Sen. Val Stevens represents the 39^th Legislative District, which includes part of rural King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

10th District lawmakers invite constituents to participate from the comfort of their own homes

Reps. Norma Smith and Barbara Bailey are inviting residents of the 10th District to participate in their post-legislative session tele-town hall meeting Thursday, March 18. The community conversation begins at 6:50 p.m. and will last an hour. Residents can participate by dialing 1-877-229-8493 and entering PIN number 14881. The conference call format allows participants the options of listening in, asking questions and taking part in polls.

Questions prior to the event can be directed to Rep. Bailey at 360-786-7914 and bailey.barbara@leg.wa.gov, and Rep. Smith at 360-786-7884 and smith.norma@leg.wa.gov.

10th District lawmaker votes ‘no’ on Senate Bill 6143

“The House Democrats passed more than $700 million in new tax increases late tonight, at a time when so many families and employers are struggling to get by. They have decided to give state employees raises, while raising taxes on people who are without jobs. Pushing I-960 aside and putting the needs of state government first, at a time when private-sector jobs should be the focus, is the wrong approach.

“It’s hard to predict what the final tax increase package will look like after House and Senate Democrats meet behind closed doors to work out their differences, but it’s safe to assume it will approach the largest tax increase in state history and cost thousands of jobs. This will only prolong our economic troubles.

“It’s important to understand that raising taxes will not solve our budget problem. With no meaningful reforms to state government or the budget process, our state’s finances will be in even worse shape next year. I have put forward comprehensive solutions in both areas, but they were rejected. These solutions are rooted in a very simple principle: our state must live with its means.”

Senate Bill 6143. The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

The House of Representatives March 8 concurred with Senate amendments to House Joint Resolution 4220, also known as the Lakewood Police Officers’ Memorial Act, sending the constitutional amendment straight to the voters.
Rep. Mike Hope, police officer and sponsor of the bill, said he looks forward to the public discussion on the proposal.
“Now the people can decide whether the most dangerous suspects should be denied bail,” said Hope, R-Lake Stevens. “Most of what I have heard from constituents and public testimony has been very positive on this measure. I think it’s important, and the votes in the House and Senate show that, too.”
The Senate approved the measure unanimously, while the House voted on the revised version 92-4. Because it is a constitutional amendment, a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate were required to amend the state constitution. Now, a simple majority of voters statewide will be needed to approve the change.
“This is a landmark measure,” Hope said. “It is worthwhile for the Legislature to do something it believes will make a difference for police on the street and literally save untold lives in our neighborhoods. I could not be happier with the outcome.”
The Lakewood Police Officers’ Memorial Act, if approved by voters in November, would allow more discretion for judges to deny bail to suspects facing a life sentence and who are deemed dangerous to the community.

Rep. Mike Hope represents the 44th District.

10th District lawmaker is assistant ranking Republican on House Ways and Means Committee

The following is a statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, on today’s passage of the House Democrats’ supplemental operating budget. The 10th District lawmaker voted “no” on Senate Bill 6444.
“This budget is asking more financially from families and individuals who are already struggling in these tough times, while making no meaningful reforms in state government. It raises taxes, but still gives state employees pay raises. This unsustainable approach is going to lead to even more serious budget problems down the road and slow our state economic recovery. The state must live within its means.
“Step one in addressing the budget problem is taking new tax increases off the table. From there, we should prioritize state government and reform our overall budget process. I have supported bills that would accomplish these goals, but they have been pushed aside. The ‘business as usual’ approach in Olympia is hurting taxpayers, killing jobs and providing uncertainty to those who truly rely on state government programs and services.”

Quick facts:

• The operating budget is on a two-year fiscal cycle, with midcourse adjustments made through a supplemental version. It is facing a $2.7 billion shortfall.
• The operating budget is the largest of the state’s three budgets, including the capital and transportation budgets, and funds K-12 schools, higher education, corrections and public safety programs, government and judicial operations, and health and human services.
• The House Democrats’ $30.678 billion supplemental operating budget has $857 million in new tax increases. It seeks to close the shortfall through:

1. new tax increases ($857 million);
2. federal funds ($641 million);
3. state fund transfers ($236 million)
4. spending cuts ($653 million); and
5. the state rainy day fund ($229 million).

• With the recent suspension of the Taxpayer Protection Act (Initiative 960) through Senate Bill 6130, Democrats only need a simple majority — 50 state representatives and 25 state senators — to increase taxes. No Republican in the House or Senate voted for Senate Bill 6130.
• The state had a $1.8 billion surplus in the 2005-07 budget cycle, driven by extraordinary real estate excise tax revenue. State spending grew by 33 percent, or more than $8 billion, from 2005 to 2008.
• The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

39th District legislator votes against Democrats’ spending plan

Majority Democrats in the House passed their state supplemental operating budget, which assumes nearly $1 billion in tax increases this year alone. This represents the largest one-year tax increase in the history of the state. The budget would increase taxes by almost $2 billion in the two-year 2011-13 budget. Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, opposed the spending plan and had this to say:
“We have been in Olympia for fifty-four days and still the Democrats have not said or done anything to encourage job retention or creation, nor have they accepted the many proposals I and my House Republicans colleagues have offered to create jobs. This budget makes state government the priority at a time when we should be focused on jobs. I am worried about the families, poor, unemployed and small businesses the new and higher taxes will hurt. This budget raises taxes on people who do not have jobs.
“Unfortunately, this budget represents the transformation from government serving the people, to people serving the government. I cannot support a budget that asks taxpayers to make more tough decisions and cutbacks in their budgets, but does not ask the same of government.”
As passed, the Democrats’ budget assumes the following to balance the $2.7 billion spending gap:

• $857 million in tax increases;
• $641 million in additional one-time federal bailout money (which is dependent on federal legislation that has not passed);
• $236 million in one-time fund transfers from the capital budget and other dedicated accounts;
• $314 million raid of the state “rainy day” account;
• $650 million in spending reductions.

Total state spending under the plan is more than $30.5 billion, which represents an increase of more than $200 million this year. Revenues are estimated to be $29.3 billion.
The 60-day 2010 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Kirk Pearson represents the 39th District.

Rep. Norma Smith opposes Democrats’ tax, spend plan

After a long evening debate, the House Democrats’ passed their supplemental operating budget, which assumes passage of the largest tax increase in state history to close the $2.7 billion spending gap. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, voted against the supplemental operating budget and had this to say:
“Hard-working taxpayers are making sacrifices to ensure they can feed their families, keep a roof over their heads and hold on to their jobs, yet the budget passed today asks for little sacrifice from government. Increasing taxes to continue the failed budgeting process used last year has yet to yield anything but mounting deficits, is something I could not support. Now is the time to create stability for economic recovery; instead, these tax hikes will have chilling consequences on our economy.
“This budget fails to imagine a state government that is nimble, prioritized and more efficient, which I believe is the hope of people from all political persuasions. It is unfair to the citizens of this state to offer them nothing more than a government-centric spending plan. It does not build faith in this Legislature’s ability to manage finances and put our state back on the path of economic recovery.
“We can do better for the people of this state than the failed ‘business as usual’ spending policies that are drowning the state in red ink.”
As passed, the Democrats’ budget assumes the following to balance the $2.7 billion spending gap:

• $857 million in tax increases;
• $641 million in additional one-time federal bailout money (which is dependent on federal legislation that has not passed);
• $236 million in one-time fund transfers from the capital budget and other dedicated accounts;
• $314 million raid of the state “rainy day” account;
• $650 million in spending reductions.

Total state spending under the plan would be more than $30.5 billion, which represents an increase of more than $200 million this year. Revenues are estimated to be $29.3 billion.
The 60-day 2010 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Norma Smith represents the 10th District.

OLYMPIA – Legislation to help employees receive wages they’ve earned, but not been paid for, cleared the Legislature this week.  Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, wrote the bill which follows up to a 2006 wage theft measure he also introduced.
“An hour at the job deserves an hour’s pay,” McCoy said.  “When an employer breaks that agreement and withholds pay, we need good laws in place to help workers get paid, and get justice.”
McCoy’s 2006 measure, House Bill 3185, setup a system with the Department of Labor and Industries for workers to file complaints and seek out ways to collect wages owed to them.  Employers not abiding by wage payment requirements now could face penalties in addition to paying back wages.
In this year’s legislation, House Bill 3145, McCoy is improving on the system for workers, and increases penalties for employers willfully violating the rules and withholding money owed to employees.
“This bill is targeted at employers refusing to do right by their employees,” McCoy said.  “Repeat offenders will pay higher fines, in the hopes that they’ll shape up and future workers won’t have to deal with the stress and frustration of being denied pay.”
Wage theft laws are particularly focused on the last paycheck owed to an employee.
Since the 2006 legislation, the wage theft system has employees recover over $6 million in wages.
“I’m encouraged that so many workers have been helped by this law, but it’s also frightening the level in which wages are being withheld,” McCoy said.  “With the down economy we’re in, it makes this bill all the more important.”
McCoy’s legislation now goes to the governor’s desk.  The legislative session is scheduled to end March 11.

Rep. John McCoy represents the 38th District.