• prevent convicted child abusers from working with children;
• review sentencing guidelines for child abuse;
• give judges more authority to deny bail to the most dangerous suspects;
• expand benefits for personnel and their families when an officer or firefighter is catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty;
• hold responsible repeat domestic violence offenders; and
• increase penalties for those who aid criminals in the act, including family members.

“As a Seattle street cop, I know what law enforcement faces each day. I see the roadblocks that get in our way of keeping the public safe,  especially from repeat offenders,” Hope said. “I feel privileged to accept this distinction, as I know I am standing on the shoulders of giants who came before me. There is no greater role for government than to protect its people from harm so they can live free.”
Renee Maher, Executive Director of COMPAS, said Hope was chosen for this year’s honor because of his tireless efforts to ensure the safety of our officers and the communities they serve.
“Mike has accomplished so much in two short years,” Maher said. “He has refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. He sought common ground by working across party lines to bridge the differences between legislators in both the House and Senate. The law enforcement community is grateful to have people like Mike in the Legislature who understand the importance of putting dangerous people behind bars and protecting victims from further abuse. He also realizes that in order to make sure our communities are served by the best of the best, we have to take care of our officers and their families when they make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Hope shared the honor with retiring Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell.
“It’s been a pleasure working across the aisle with people like Mark,” Hope said. “We all want to keep our communities safe, and I think our law enforcement experience has brought some needed expertise to the Legislature.”
During the interim, Hope is serving on a legislative work group on bail procedures. Hope said he looks forward to working on more public safety reforms in the next session, namely addressing sex offenders in schools.
“I’m committed to ensuring that kids are safe in their classrooms, and that their parents have peace of mind when their children are at school. Together with Representative Kirk Pearson [ranking Republican on the House public safety committee], I know we can get to the bottom of what’s happening and set up some safeguards,” Hope said. “Children must feel secure and protected in their schools, amongst classmates they trust, or their ability to learn is seriously jeopardized.”

After a longer-than-expected legislative session, Rep. Norma Smith will host a post-session telephone town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 18 for 10th Legislative District residents. The call will be an opportunity to have a two-way discussion on the critical issues surrounding job creation and retention and our state’s economy.
“The goal of this conversation is to share the proposals I worked on this year to create and retain private-sector jobs, as well as listen to additional solutions from the residents I work for in the Legislature,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “I am looking forward to feedback, ideas and creative solutions to the economic challenges we face as a state and in our local communities.”
Constituents who would like to participate in the telephone town hall meeting May 18, can call in toll-free at 1-877-229-8493, then enter PIN 14881. The hour-long call begins at 6:50 p.m. The program works much like a call-in radio show, where participants ask questions of Smith during the hour.
“While the $30.5 billion budget and tax package passed this year will serve as a Band-Aid to get us through 2010, in no way did they restructure spending or solve the economic problems facing our state. That is why I did not vote for the budget and tax increases,” Smith said. “I continue to believe the best way to turn our economy around is to grow it by providing employers certainty and regulatory relief along with removing obstacles to encourage private-sector job retention and creation. I am hoping the dialog with constituents will give me additional ideas to improve job growth in our state.”
Constituents unable to participate in the call are encouraged to contact Smith at her district office in Coupeville at 360-678-3604 or <a href=”mailt0:Smith.Norma@leg.wa.gov”>Smith.Norma@leg.wa.gov</a>.

Rep. Dan Kristiansen is inviting residents of the 39th District to join him Thursday, May 13, from 6:50 p.m. to 7:50 p.m., for a telephone town hall meeting. The call-in radio show format is an opportunity for citizen to learn more about the 2010 legislative sessions, ask questions and take part in polls. Residents may participate from the comfort of their own homes by dialing toll-free 1-877-229-8493, and entering PIN code 15786 when prompted.
“I have heard from a lot of people who are concerned about what happened during the legislative sessions. This is an opportunity for folks to learn more about the issues affecting their communities and pocketbooks, and ask questions of their state representative,” said Kristiansen, R-Snohomish. “I look forward to hearing from those I represent and encourage everyone to call in.”

Conference Tax Package2

Rep. Dan Kristiansen represents the 39th District.

The following is a statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, on the April 12 passage of the final supplemental state operating budget. The 10th District lawmaker voted “no” on Senate Bill 6444.
“The operating budget is demanding more financially from those who are struggling in these tough times, while not making any significant reforms to state government or the budget process. This budget is raising taxes on people who do not have jobs to give pay increases to state employees who do have jobs. This is unsustainable and unfair, and it will lead to even worse problems in the next budget cycle.
“Our state must live within its means – much like responsible families and small businesses do every day. This can be done by creating jobs, prioritizing state government and reforming our budget process. I have put forth solutions to accomplish these goals, but majority-party leaders have chosen to go an irresponsible direction and preserve the status quo in Olympia.”

Quick facts:

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. It is on a two-year cycle, with midcourse adjustments made through a supplemental version in even-numbered years.
The state operating budget has a $2.8 billion shortfall. The Democrats and governor plan to close this spending gap through:

• $757 million in new tax increases (to view all of the Democrats’ new tax increases, click here);
• $661 million in spending reductions;
• $633 million in federal funds;
• $328 million in transfers from other accounts;
• $256 million in reserves ($229 million from rainy-day fund); and
• $178 million in cost shifts to other accounts.

With the suspension of the Taxpayer Protection Act (Initiative 960) through Senate Bill 6130 in the regular legislative session, Democrats only needed a simple majority (50 state representatives and 25 state senators) to pass new tax increases. No Republican in the House or Senate voted for Senate Bill 6130.

The 2010 regular legislative session ended March 11. Gov. Chris Gregoire called a special legislative session so majority Democrats could finalize their state operating budget and tax increase proposals. The 30-day special legislative session is scheduled to end April 13 at an additional cost of nearly $250,000 to taxpayers.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, today expressed disappointment with the passage of the $757 million tax increase contained in Senate Bill 6143 and the $30.5 billion supplemental operating budget. Pearson issued the following brief remarks on both:
“I heard a lot of people in the Legislature say we need new and higher taxes to prop up government programs, but taxes do not equal compassion. The multi-million tax increase will hurt the poorest among us the most. Families buying canned meats and vegetables are going to see their food bills go up. Those are folks who cannot afford higher taxes and who are already stretched financially. The budget passed today asks citizens to sacrifice, but doesn’t ask anything of government. That just isn’t fair and I could not support a budget that puts the burden on those who can least afford it.
“In the debate on taxes, I brought up the point that when government takes more from citizens, they have less to give to their local charities, like local food banks. That is going to have a devastating effect on the many families who rely on non-profit, non-governmental charities to make ends meet. Also, the additional millions in taxes the budget requires from employers means more people will remain out of work since money businesses would use to hire people will now be used to backfill a budget that was too large to begin with.

“In the end, the budget relied on emptying the last few dollars the poorest among us have in their wallets and taking what little investment employers may have had to retain and create jobs. This is no way to treat people who are struggling to make ends meet and find a job. I voted ‘no’ on the budget and tax package because I had to stand-up for the working folks in my district and statewide.”

The Democrats and governor will close the $2.8 billion state operating budget shortfall through:

• $757 million per-year in new and increased taxes ($1.6 billion increase in the 2011-13 budget);
• $661 million in spending reductions;
• $633 million in federal funds;
• $328 million in transfers from other accounts;
• $256 million in reserves ($229 million from rainy-day fund); and
• $178 million in cost shifts to other accounts.

Rep. Kirk Pearson represents the 39th District.

The following is a statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, on the April 10 passage of the Democrats’ new tax increases. The 10th District lawmaker voted “no” on Senate Bill 6143.
“At a time when the Legislature should be focused on job creation and strengthening the economy, Democrats are raising taxes by nearly $1.7 billion which will eliminate jobs, burden families and hurt small businesses. Raising taxes signals a failure to reform state government in meaningful and cost-saving ways. When taxes are being raised at the same time state employees are getting pay increases, it shows just how out of touch the majority party has become with the realties facing people today.
“From day one of the legislative session, I joined my Republican colleagues in proposing solutions that would prioritize government, reform the budget process and create jobs. All of these ideas were rooted in the principle that the state must live with its means. Unfortunately, nearly all of these solutions were rejected in favor of tax increases.”
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.
To view all of the Democrats’ new tax increases, click here.
The 2010 regular legislative session ended March 11. Gov. Gregoire called the Legislature into a special legislative session so majority Democrats could finalize their state operating budget and tax increase proposals. The 30-day special legislative session is scheduled to end Tuesday, April 13, at an estimated cost of $250,000.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

Despite bipartisan objection to the nearly $800 million tax increase on employers and families, a majority of the Democrats in the House moved to pass it on their own. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, issued the following statement:
“I, along with my House Republican colleagues, offered reasonable alternatives to raising taxes that should have been considered before Democrats’ rushed to unprecedented tax hikes. We simply cannot sustain a government that continues to grow at the peril of private-sector job-makers and hard working folks. More than 189,000 private sector jobs have been lost in Washington, while government jobs have grown by more than 1,300.
“The tax package passed by the House today would extract even more money from struggling private-sector employers, making it exceedingly difficult to retain and hire workers. It will also hurt the more than 10 percent of unemployed Washingtonians in our state because jobs will be even more scarce, and the goods they purchase more expensive. We simply cannot turn our economy around when the burden to taxpayers becomes too excessive and is unsustainable.
“I continue to believe the best way to generate tax revenue is to make sure our employers have tax relief and certainty so they feel confident enough to begin hiring again. Putting people back to work in our private-sector industries will not only create individual hope and prosperity, but also generate much-needed revenue for essential state and local services, such as education.
“Instead of constraining the growth of government, the tax package will have a chilling impact on our fragile economic recovery. Even an independent economist, who serves on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, has concluded that tax increases will cost Washington more jobs than would an all-cuts budget.
“I am disappointed our ideas to prioritize spending, reform government and find critical efficiencies were not considered before increasing taxes. When we return for the 2011 budget, it may be too late to correct the massive budgeting mistakes made by overspending since 2005, along with using one-time federal bailout dollars and dedicated account transfers. These actions have propped up unsustainable spending practices and costly and inefficient entitlement programs. We can, and the public expects us to, govern more effectively.”

Tax package facts:

New and increased taxes approved by House Democrats amount to $794 million in just the first year alone – the largest one-year tax increase in state history.  They include:

• A  0.30 percent increase in the B&O tax on all services except hospitals and scientific R&D = $242 million;
• DOT foods = $155 million;
• Cigarette($1 per pack)  and other tobacco products =  $101 million;
• B&O tax on economic income (Nexus) = $84.7 million;
• 50-cent per gallon (28-cents per six pack) beer tax = $59 million;
• Sales tax on bottled water = $32.6 million;
• Sales tax on candy/gum = $30.5 million;
• 2-cent per 12-ounce soda tax = $33.5 million;
• Taxes on business structure transactions = $8.5 million;
• B&O tax increase on property management salaries = $6.9 million;
• B&O increase on certain canned meat products = $4.1 million;
• B&O tax increase on mortgages = $3.6 million;
• B&O tax increase on corporate officer salaries = $2.1 million;
• Tax increase on bad debts = $1.7 million;
• Tax increase on livestock nutrient management = $1.3 million;
• Tax increase on PUD electric bills = $1.2 million; and
• Personal liability for tax debts = $1.1 million.

The 2010 regular legislative session ended March 11. Gov. Gregoire called the Legislature into a special legislative session so majority Democrats could finalize their operating budget and tax increase proposals. The 30-day special legislative session is scheduled to end on Tuesday, April 13.
Senate Bill 6143, the third iteration of the tax package legislation, will now be forwarded to the Senate for consideration, possibly as soon as April 11.

Rep. Norma Smith represents the 10th District.

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

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen represents the 10th District.

Small-business owners saddled with thousands of duplicate and confusing state agency rules and regulations could breathe a little easier beginning March 24 because House Bill 2603, sponsored by Rep. Norma Smith, was signed into law.
At a time of record high unemployment and with the cost of doing business in Washington on the rise, Smith’s legislation is one of very few measures passed during the 2010 session that will assist small-business owners trying to keep their doors open in a difficult economy.
House Bill 2603 is the product of a small-business conference Smith attended last year. The new law allows companies found out of compliance with a state agency rule or regulation two business days to come into compliance without a financial or civil penalty. Protections in the bill ensure the violations in question do not endanger employees or the public.
Representative Smith“Small businesses are the cornerstone of Washington state’s economy. They provide the jobs and support our communities, families and individuals. This is why I believe state agencies should do all they can to assist businesses by offering guidance and information rather than simply issuing fines and penalties,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “Even the most conscientious employers can miss a new rule or regulation, or simply misunderstand how to meet the codes outlined by state agencies. This law simply gives employers the benefit of the doubt by allowing a two-day grace period to come into compliance with the rule or regulation without a fine or other penalty. It’s responsible and common-sense legislation that will provide much-needed relief and assistance to small businesses.”
The state’s leading small business association, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), representing 8,000 small employers statewide lauded Smith’s efforts on behalf of the state’s job-creators.
“Rep. Norma Smith’s bill is one of the very few bright lights for small business coming out of this legislative session,” said Patrick Connor, NFIB’s Washington State Director. “Small businesses are buried in complex, confusing and often contradictory regulations from local, state and federal agencies. As a result, an occasional, unintended violation can occur. Thanks to Rep. Smith’s efforts, state regulators will now be required to provide a copy of the rule in question and allow the small business a reasonable timeframe to correct unintended violations before a fine or other penalty can be issued. After all, education is the best way to ensure compliance.”
Connor added that NFIB Washington is proud to have supported Smith’s House Bill 2603 and appreciates her leadership and hard work on behalf of the state’s thousands of small businesses.
“I look around and see the hard-working entrepreneurs in the Tenth District and elsewhere in the state struggling and I know we can do more to offer them certainty in the regulatory climate and tax structure,” Smith said. “This is one step in the right direction, but it is imperative that we continue in this direction.
Smith said that adding to the cost of doing business in Washington state during a recession is unacceptable, and puts the state’s economic future at further risk.
“State lawmakers must work together toward policies that keep our job-creators competitive, allow them to keep their doors open and put people back to work,” Smith concluded.
The governor signed House Bill 2603 on March 24.

Rep. Norma Smith represents the 10th District.

Under the guidelines for the new single board:

• Each board member must have experience in land use law or planning.
• Petitions to the new board will be considered by one of three regional sub-panels made up of three board members who reside within the region relevant to the petition.
• Members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms from three specified regions in the state, with two members each from the Central Puget Sound area, Eastern Washington and Western Washington.
• At least three members of the board, one from each region, must be admitted to practice law in the state.
• At least three members of the board, one from each region, must have been a county or city elected official. After the expiration of the terms of the board members who serve prior to the consolidation, no more than four members of the consolidated board may be members of the same major political party.
• No more than two members at the time of their appointment or during their term may reside in the same county.
• The Central Puget Sound regional panel will decide matters pertaining to King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties.
• The Eastern Washington regional panel will decide matters pertaining to the planning jurisdictions east of the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range.
• The Western Washington regional panel will decide matters west of the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range that are not included in the Central Puget Sound region.

“House Democrats signaled that they want to raise taxes by $800 million on families, individuals and small businesses across our state. This approach, which represents the largest tax increase in state history, basically says that the needs of state government are more important than those who are struggling in these tough economic times.
“Our state should raise revenue through creating economic activity and jobs — not raising taxes. The 2010 legislative session should have been about jobs and  restructuring state government in meaningful ways. Unfortunately, this did not happen. When Democrats decided to suspend the Taxpayer Protection Act, I-960, all hopes for significant reforms for our business climate and state government died.
“As Democrats meet behind closed doors and continue their in-fighting, I will continue to advocate for the alternatives to tax increases. These solutions include  prioritizing state government, reforming our budget process and helping our employers create jobs through regulatory relief and health care reform.”
Senate Bill 6143 passed the House on a 53-42 vote March 20, with no Republican voting in favor of it and five Democrats also voting “no.” A breakdown of the House Democrats’ 16 new or increased taxes are below:

House Democrat Tax Increase Package Senate Bill 6143

2009-11

• $201 million – Increasing business and occupation (B&O) tax on services from 1.5 percent to 1.75 percent until 2013.
• Includes: accounting; tax preparation; bookkeeping; payroll services; advertising and related services such as public relations services, direct mail advertising services, and display advertising services; agent and management services for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures; legal services; management, scientific, and technical consulting services; marketing research and public opinion polling services; and promoting services for the performing arts, sporting, and similar events.
• $154.7 million – Increasing taxes on direct sellers
• $108.6 million – Increasing cigarette and other tobacco taxes
• $84.3 million – Increasing taxes on employers through new economic Nexus standards
• $76.5 million – Imposing sales tax on custom software
• $50.7 million – Increasing taxes on home mortgages and community banks
• $41.5 million – Increasing taxes on nonresidents
• $38 million – Imposing sales tax on bottled water
• $11.6 million – Creating a “guilty until proven innocent” standard for business activities
• $10 million – Increasing convention center hotel-motel tax in Seattle
• $8.3 million – Increasing B&O taxes on property management salaries
• $4.8 million – Increasing B&O taxes on canned meat and fruit/vegetable products
• $4 million – Increasing taxes on airplanes
• $2.1 million – Imposing B&O tax on corporate board of director fees
• $1.6 million – Increasing taxes on livestock nutrient management (manure cleanup)
• $1 million – Making corporate officers personally liable for tax debts
• $798.7 million – Total general fund tax revenue

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

The Legislature ended its 60-day regular session March 11 without coming to an agreement on a supplemental budget plan that would close a $2.7 billion deficit. Democrats, who hold large majorities in both the House and Senate, and also control the governor’s office, drafted budget proposals that each would include nearly $1 billion of tax increases. However, Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, says legislative Democrats have been fighting among themselves about which taxes to increase, while minority Republicans have been excluded from budget negotiations and waiting to vote on legislation.

“We had 60 days to resolve this budget mess. There is no good excuse for this Legislature to be in a costly special session. Republicans were ready from day one to roll up our sleeves, find efficiencies, and restructure the budget by setting spending priorities that included education, public safety and protection of vulnerable citizens. We also proposed our “Made in Washington” jobs plan to get people working again in the private sector. Unfortunately, our solutions were repeatedly rejected by majority Democrats, and we were shut out of the budget-writing process,” said Kristiansen, who serves as chairman of the House Republican Caucus.

“It became quite clear early on that the only solution the majority party was interested in was raising taxes. That’s why, despite our protests during 10 hours of floor debate, they voted to gut Initiative 960 to make it easier to raise taxes by only a simple majority. Then they procrastinated until the final two weeks of session to write budget proposals, each which include $900 million of new spending and nearly a billion dollars in tax increases,” noted Kristiansen. “In the final days of the regular session, our Republican members waited hours upon hours to vote on legislation as Democrats were sequestered behind closed doors, fighting among themselves over which taxes to raise. Finally, time ran out without an agreement on a budget package.”

Seattle Times editorial writer Kate Riley documented the in-fighting in an article entitled, “Democrats turning on Democrats: There has got to be a better way.” She noted, “The Legislature appears headed into a special session because the House and Senate can’t quite agree on the damage they want to do.”

On the final day of the regular session, Gov. Chris Gregoire called the Legislature back for a special session, beginning Monday, March 15. However, no floor action was scheduled until the following Tuesday.

“The first bill they brought out for a vote on the House floor was a measure (House Bill 2561) that would have the state borrow $861 million for energy retrofitting of schools. While saving energy may be a noble cause, why is the state digging itself into deeper debt by borrowing money when we have such a huge budget deficit?” asked Kristiansen. “It’s estimated that to pay back this money with interest would cost taxpayers more than $1.5 billion over 25 years. That’s about $63 million a year, which could fund all of our state parks, or nearly all of the school levy equalization dollars that are proposed to be removed from the budget. That’s hundreds of permanent teaching jobs that would be lost in order to provide a select amount of jobs to construction workers for only 10 months, while taxpayers foot the bill for 25 years. It makes no sense, but that’s the lack of vision that has defined both the regular and special sessions this year.”

Kristiansen said many citizens are angry the Legislature did not finish its work on time and have been calling and e-mailing his office.

“I share their frustration. I tell folks very clearly that partisan politics did not play a part in pushing the Legislature into a special session. Quite the opposite. We’ve been waiting because Democrats cannot agree among themselves. And we’re continuing to wait for them during this special session. They’ve brought out only a handful of bills to vote on. The cost of four days of this special session, in which most lawmakers are waiting around while a few people are behind closed doors arguing the budget, would have paid for an entire year’s salary of a teacher. So you bet, I’m frustrated,” said Kristiansen. “It’s time to finish this special session, not with tax increases or putting our state deeper into debt, but by setting spending priorities and adopting policies that help private employers create jobs. It’s time for the majority party to adjourn this session and go home before it creates any further damage.”

Although the governor recommended the special session be limited to seven days, it could last as long as 30 days.

Rep. Dan Kristiansen represents the 39th District.

A Senate companion bill that mirrors a House version sponsored by Rep. Barbara Bailey, and will help farmers following weather-related events, has been signed into law. Senate Bill 6306 will establish a special category of crop insurance adjuster for the state.
Crop insurance protects producers from weather-damage losses, or losses in revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities. An adjuster investigates and reports claims for insurance companies, and is required to have a license from the state Insurance Commissioner.
Crop adjusters typically specialize in just crop insurance. Under current law, crop adjusters are also required to be licensed in other lines of insurance. This requirement was feared to be problematic in the event several crop insurance claims are filed in a short time period and out-of-state adjusters are needed to assist in the state. This concern arose last fall when a large number of wheat-price support claims were filed.
“This legislation gives our farmers in the Tenth District the assurance that their crop insurance claims will be handled fairly and expeditiously following weather-related events,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “This is about our state being prepared for worst case scenarios when it comes to weather and prices in agricultural commodities.”
Bailey’s version, House Bill 2514, passed off the House floor 96-0 on Feb. 10. Senate Bill 6306 passed off the Senate floor 47-2 and the House floor 96-0, and was signed into law by the governor March 15.
The 2010 regular legislative session ended March 11. Governor Gregoire called a special session, beginning today, so majority Democrats could have more time to finalize their state operating budget and tax increase plans.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

Sen. Steve Hobbs represents the 44th District.

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.

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.

“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 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.

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.

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.

Rep. John McCoy represents the 38th District.

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

After a lot of back and forth with state agencies and stakeholders, House Bill 2603, sponsored by Rep. Norma Smith, passed the Senate and will have only one more hurdle before heading to the governor’s desk.

“Our small employers, that we all frequent in our communities, try to do the right thing and comply with the thousands of state agency rules and regulations, but on occasion they may miss a new rule or regulation or simply misunderstand how to meet the codes outlined by state agencies,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “My bill would allow the employer a two-day grace period to come into compliance without a fine or other sanction so long as the infraction does not put employees or the public in danger. It’s a reasonable regulatory reform measure to help businesses.”

House Bill 2603 is the product of a small-business conference Smith attended last year. The measure would provide companies that are found out of compliance with a state agency rule or regulation two business days to come into compliance without a financial or civil penalty. Sideboards in the bill include ensuring the violation does not endanger employees or the public.

“Good government is something we all want. This bill will encourage the best in state agencies by directing them to focus on customer service rather than assuming an adversarial role,” Smith said. “This is a positive way to assure employers that state agencies are in business to assist them and help them be successful, not just as a repository for fines.”

Smith added that she appreciated the bipartisan support on the critical regulatory reform elements in the legislation.

“This is not a complex bill. It simply tells our small-business owners we stand ready to give them a hand, help them comply with rules and regulations and ensure they know we recognize the contributions they make to our communities and our economy,” Smith said.

The bill passed the House and the Senate, as amended, unanimously. It will now be returned to the House for consideration of the Senate amendment.

Rep. Norma Smith represents the 10th District.

Senate Bill 6214, sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, shrinks the overall number of board members by two and reduces overhead and administrative costs. Petitions to the new board will be considered by one of three regional sub-panels made up of three board members who reside within the appropriate region.

Although the bill had already been passed by the Senate, it was amended in the House and the amended version must come back to the Senate before it can be sent to the governor to be signed into law.

Haugen credited the existing members of the hearings boards for recommending the consolidation.

“They brought the bill to me,” she said. “It’s a good example of a group of people who were appointed by the governor and came forward with a way to do the job more efficiently.”

Another bill sponsored by Haugen, SB 6208, gives farmers the right to post temporary roadside signs to direct consumers to their farms and items for sale. This bill passed the House 96-0 and now goes to the governor for her signature. Although farms have relied for years on such signs, the state has strict regulations that prohibit them.

“This continues a time-honored practice that serves farms and consumers alike,” Haugen said. “These signs are a fundamental component of how our community works.”

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen represents the 10th District.

The reforms address longstanding discrepancies between collective bargaining and arbitration processes for ferry workers and those for other state workers.

“This is the right thing to do, at the right time,” said Haugen, D-Camano Island. “It will help contain costs and bring fairness to the way we treat our state workers.”

Haugen had repeatedly sought the reforms in prior legislative sessions, but those bills failed to make it out of committee. Her legislation died again in committee this year, but today Haugen amended the reforms into a bill on a related topic that came to the Senate floor after having passed in the House of Representatives. The amended bill passed the Senate 48-0 and now goes back to the House. If the House accepts the amendments, the bill would go to the governor to be signed into law.

Among other things, the amended version of House Bill 2271 brings the collective bargaining and arbitration process for ferry workers in line with the process for other state employees. It requires arbitrators to consider the state’s ability to pay collective bargaining awards, to compare benefits and wages to those of other state employees, and to consider whether wages are sufficient to maintain a stable workforce. Under current law, arbitrators do not consider those factors.

The bill was further amended on the Senate floor to discontinue the practice under which ferry workers are currently paid for travel time and mileage when they bid on jobs outside their normal work locations.

Another reform discontinues the Washington State Ferries practice of giving free ferry passage to current and former employees and their families, with one exception: ferry workers may still ride for free when commuting directly to or from their jobs.

In a separate action, Haugen is working to make sure the budget funds a study of whether the state can save money — without penalizing workers — by processing ferry workers’ work-related injury claims through the state Labor and Industries Department rather than the current adversarial, and costly, system in which workers must sue the state when they have claims. This change would shift ferry workers out from under the federal Jones Act and process their claims just like other state employees.

Another study pressed by Haugen would consider moving Marine Employees Commission functions under the Personnel Employment Relations Commission, saving even more money.

“These changes are about fairness and efficiency,” Haugen said. “We should treat all state workers equally, and we shouldn’t pay more for claims than necessary.”

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen represents the 10th District.

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen represents the 10th District.

The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved a Senate amendment introduced yesterday morning, adjusted to apply the denial of bail for those who attempt heinous crimes but do not succeed.

Families of slain Lakewood police officers, King County council officials, various law enforcement groups and the governor’s office today all signed up to testify in support of the House-passed version of House Joint Resolution 4220 today. While not all were given the opportunity to speak, they sent a message that a strong bill should pass the Legislature to deny bail to the most dangerous suspects in Washington.

“The Legislature needs to show the citizens of this state it is serious about learning something from our tragedy in Lakewood,” said Brian Wurts, president of the Lakewood Police Independent Guild. “This isn’t just about Lakewood, or even Pierce County. The families of our officers want a strong bill that makes a difference in our communities across the state, and that’s why we came down to Olympia to support the House version.”

“The federal government and many other states in our country limit bail even further than what the House proposed to the Senate,” said Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, sponsor of the bill. “What we need is to limit bail for the most dangerous people, whether it’s the first time or third time they have threatened or actually committed the most heinous crimes. The law enforcement community and victims groups have told me they want the strongest version possible.”

Hope has spoken with several law enforcement groups since the Senate amended a proposed striking amendment. He said while they are pleased the Senate is showing some movement to protect the public from those who attempt the most dangerous crimes, it still does not go far enough.

“I’m optimistic the Senate is moving toward the House version, because that version that passed the House is the best at preventing needless deaths,” Hope said. “Judges should have the authority to make the decision on bail, based on history and a preponderance of evidence. They are the ones who we trust to make the decision and who we trust to keep our public safe from potentially dangerous individuals after law enforcement has done its job. We need to give broader authority to them so they have the ability to protect more citizens if they deem necessary.”

Hope said he will continue to seek collaboration with the Senate and across party lines to come up with a bipartisan and bi-chamber agreement that can go to the voters in November. Hope and Rep. Chris Hurst, D-Enumclaw, have worked together since Hope introduced the first version of the bill in December.

“The public expects that dangerous suspects facing a serious sentence are already being held without bail to ensure they do not flee or harm the public,” Hope said. “This is not a knee-jerk reaction to a single tragedy. The House version of this bill brought together various groups and political parties starting in December. We have already compromised from what the governor requested. We do not need more studies or work groups, we need action before we have more victims to name bills after.”

The House passed its version of the bill 80-17, well over the 66-vote requirement to make an amendment to the state constitution in the House. The bill now goes to the Senate Rules Committee to be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor, where it needs 33 votes to pass.

Rep. Mike Hope represents the 44th District.

House Joint Resolution 4220, also known as the Lakewood Police Officers’ Memorial Act, would give judges more discretion when considering bail for violent criminals. When a suspect is possibly facing a sentence of life in prison, regardless of history, the judge could deny bail under the Act.

The sponsor of the resolution, Rep. Mike Hope, who also serves as a Seattle police officer, has been working very closely with legislators from both sides of the aisle and across the rotunda in the Senate.

“I have concerns the measure will be changed from action to studies,” said Hope, R-Lake Stevens. “We don’t need to study this further. The governor and law enforcement community studied the issue and realized our bail provisions have weakened over the years and should be strengthened. It’s important to note this bill will not change a person’s right to a fair trial or the presumption of innocence. This only says that if a judge determines a suspect could be dangerous if released into the community, we aren’t willing to take that risk.”

A Senate measure, which also would address bail provisions, has not been scheduled for a House hearing.

“I believe the Senate proposal is dead, so it’s very important we keep the House bill moving,” Hope said. “The law enforcement community has all their support behind this and the citizens of this state expect us to show we will act on the lessons learned from the Lakewood tragedy.”

Hope said he was glad the bill is still moving through the Legislature.

“People have the right to be safe in their neighborhoods, coffee shops and homes,” Hope said. “This measure ensures suspects charged with the most heinous crimes, and are determined to be dangerous by a judge, will not have an opportunity to go back out into the community and harm our families. When a suspect has nothing to lose, our communities have nothing to gain.”

Rep. Mike Hope represents the 44th District.

“This budget asks for more from struggling families at a time they cannot afford it, while preserving the status quo in state government. It also fails to address the vital issue of sustainability. Raising taxes, relying on federal bailout money and robbing state funds to balance the budget will only prolong our state spending problem and slow our economic recovery,” said Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor.

“Our state must address its problem directly by avoiding tax increases, prioritizing government and reforming the budget process. There are solutions on the table that would accomplish these goals, but Democrats have stopped them. Taxpayers, and those who truly need help from state government, deserve better.

“It’s also disappointing that state lawmakers and the public will have so little time to consider such an important matter. There will not be enough time to thoroughly vet and get critical questions answered in committee before this budget moves forward. There should be a 72-hour period in which people can see exactly how their tax dollars are going to be spent. We need this in Olympia, and we need this in Washington, D.C.”

Fast facts:

The House Democrats’ proposed supplemental operating budget would spend $30.678 billion, leaving just $269 million in reserves. It would address the state’s $2.7 billion budget shortfall by using:

• $857 million in new taxes;
• $641 million in federal dollars;
• $653 million in state spending cuts;
• $236 million in state budget transfers; and
• $311 million from state reserves.

The state had a $1.8 billion surplus in the 2005-07 budget cycle, driven by extraordinary real estate excise tax revenue. State spending then grew by 33 percent, or more than $8 billion, from 2005 to 2008.

The Taxpayer Protection Act (I-960) passed in 2007, which required a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases. Senate Bill 6130, passed by Democrats in the Legislature and soon to be signed into law by the governor, removes this taxpayer protection and clears the way for tax increases.

There are currently 77 bills in the House that, when combined, would increase taxes and fees by more than $3 billion in the state’s next fiscal year.

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

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th District.

House Democrats rolled out their budget proposal today which outlined millions in tax increases, raided capital budget accounts, transferred millions from the “rainy day” fund and proposed only modest cuts to state government.

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, believes that giving up on government reforms to focus solely on tax increases and budget gimmicks is bad for the state’s economy. After reviewing the Democrats’ budget proposal, Smith issued the following statement:

“It is disappointing to see the majority party is patching our $2.7 billion budget gap this year the same way it did last year, which was clearly unsuccessful because we are back in the same predicament. We cannot budget the same way and expect a different result. Citizens expect the Legislature to take serious steps to improve our economy and downsize government, including streamlining programs and finding efficiencies. The budget proposed today goes in the opposite direction. New and higher taxes and fees are the wrong direction to help our economy rebound from the recession.

“House Republicans have offered solid solutions that focus on job creation in the private sector, transparency in the budget process, fine tuning state agencies and their budgets and outline the sacrifices state employees and agencies need to make in this tough time. We cannot continue to extract more from citizens and employers and expect they will feel more secure to invest in their communities. It’s time budget writers change their mindset from a continual pattern of growth to how we can fundamentally reset government to serve the needs of citizens while not overburdening taxpayers.”

The House Democrats’ proposed supplemental operating budget would spend $30.678 billion, leaving just $269 million in reserves. It would address the state’s $2.7 billion shortfall by using:

• $857 million in new taxes;
• $641 million in federal dollars;
• $653 million in state spending cuts;
• $236 million in state budget transfers; and
• $311 million from state reserves.

The state had a $1.8 billion surplus in the 2005-07 budget cycle, driven by extraordinary real estate excise tax revenue. State spending then grew 33 percent, or more than $8 billion, from 2005 to 2008.

The Taxpayer Protection Act (I-960) passed in 2007 and it required a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases. Senate Bill 6130, passed by Democrats in Legislature and scheduled to be signed into law by the governor Feb. 24 at 10 a.m., removes this taxpayer protection and clears the way for tax increases.

There are currently 77 bills in the state House that, when combined, would increase taxes and fees by more than $3 billion in the state’s next fiscal year.

Rep. Norma Smith represents the 10th District.

On Feb. 17, House Democrats passed Senate Bill 6130, which repeals provisions in the 2007 voter-approved Taxpayer Protection Act, Initiative 960. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, expressed her concerns about the measure on the House floor:

“I believe today we had an opportunity to change the way we do business in Washington. As the Republican leader on economic development issues, I offered an alternative to higher taxes and fees. I firmly believe that instead of solely considering ways government can extract more money from citizens and private-sector employers, we could have put Senate Bill 6130 aside and started looking at ways to grow our tax base by encouraging a climate that fosters private-sector job retention and creation. Putting people back to work is the solution to our budget shortfall.

“With a two-fold comprehensive strategy, we have within our power the ability to weather this downturn in government revenues without raising taxes. First, we must enact a true ‘priorities of government’ discipline that would require us to fund the essentials first, and make the needed sacrifices in other services to adjust our state spending. Then, with political courage, we must make a commitment to address the issues creating difficulty in Washington for current and potential employers to stabilize, invest and grow their businesses and create jobs. We have solid studies that rank our state’s economic development advantages and disadvantages. We must tackle our ranked disadvantages from the bottom up, and market our strengths to attract and retain businesses.

“Repealing critical taxpayer protections to increase taxes and fees will have the opposite effect on our state’s economy. It will further erode our state’s job base and hurt our low- and fixed-income residents the most. Putting more people out of work through job-killing tax hikes is not the direction we should be taking. Last night, the Legislature did the state a grave disservice to opening the door to higher taxes and shutting the public out of the debate on how to turn the state’s financial situation around by repealing the many of the transparency elements I-960 required. I believe we can turn our state budget around without new and higher taxes.”

Quick facts:

• The Taxpayer Protection Act (I-960) passed in 2007 with 55.3 percent of the vote in the 10th Legislative District, and 51.2 percent statewide. Current law requires: a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases; public e-mail notifications for tax increases proposals; and citizen advisory votes on tax increases.
• Senate Bill 6130, as passed by the state House, would remove the two-thirds vote requirement of the Legislature and the citizen advisory vote for tax increases immediately after being signed into law by the governor.
• There are currently 77 bills in the state House that, when combined, would increase taxes and fees by more than $3 billion in the state’s next fiscal year. The governor’s proposed tax package adds up to more than $600 million.

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

Rep. Norma Smith represents the 10th District.

Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, voted against the legislation.

The measure would increase the state hazardous substance tax from 0.7 percent to 2 percent for the wholesale value of refined petroleum products, pesticides, and certain chemicals, including household chemicals.

“This really should be called the ‘Clean jobs out of Washington Act,’” Hope said. “We heard loud and clear from dozens of people during public testimony this tax would jeopardize 4,500 family-wage jobs on the front lines in oil refineries. More than 20,000 people in this state depend on jobs in oil refineries. The hearing room was so packed with concerned citizens and employees affected by the legislation we had to open up two extra rooms to watch the hearing on TVW, the state public affairs station.”

The Department of Revenue reports consumers will see about a 3-cent increase in gas prices as a result of this legislation.

“This is a hidden gas tax that will not only increase prices at the pump and threaten people’s jobs, it’s completely unnecessary,” Hope said. “We already have funds to distribute money for storm water runoff projects through the Model Toxics Control Act. Unfortunately, $181 million of those funds were swept up with the rest of the fund transfers in the majority party’s budget balancing act last year. Now they’re looking for new revenue and they found an easy target – oil companies.”

Proponents of the legislation say petroleum products are the most serious source of storm water contamination in the Puget Sound and other bodies of water. The Washington Policy Center, a non-partisan think tank, stated in written testimony that an independent firm found significant errors, as much as 40 percent overstatements, in Department of Ecology’s report on the source of storm water pollutants entering the Puget Sound.

“While we hear from proponents of the bill it will help restore clean water to the Puget Sound, the science isn’t there to support the claim,” Hope said. “In addition, sponsors of the legislation say this massive tax increase will help the environment, but only 32 percent of the funds raised will go toward environmental projects.”

The fiscal note on the bill estimates $229.6 million in new revenue for the 2009-11 biennium, and $475 million for the 2011-13 biennium. Sixty-eight percent of the funds raised would be distributed to the State General Fund, while just 20 percent would go to the Storm Water Account; the remaining 12 percent would go toward other environmental accounts.

“The most egregious thing about this is that it’s not a temporary tax increase, it’s a long-term new revenue stream the majority party is going after,” Hope said. “Employers and families are struggling right now, and they need all the relief they can get to help stabilize our economy. Tax increases only bring instability to a shaky economy and fear to families hanging on by a thread.”

Rep. Mike Hope represents the 44th District.

Statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor:

“This is the first step in raising taxes at a time when families and employers are facing high unemployment, financial insecurity and uncertain futures. It is really sad. Senate Bill 6130 says that struggling taxpayers should sacrifice more, but state government should not. It also ignores the fact that there is a better way to create new revenue — by strengthening our economy and creating jobs.

“Majority Democrats have chosen to rely on federal bailout dollars, questionable state fund transfers and new tax increases to fill the state budget hole. I stand with those who expect a more responsible approach. We must prioritize government spending, reform our budget process and avoid tax increases. There are bills in the Legislature that would accomplish these goals.

“Voters of this state will also be disappointed to know that they are powerless to do anything against Senate Bill 6130 because it contains an emergency clause that shields it from a citizen’s referendum. This is unfair and unfortunate.”
Quick facts:

• The Taxpayer Protection Act (I-960) of 2007 passed with 55.3 percent of the vote in the 10th Legislative District, and 51.2 percent statewide. Current law requires: a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases; public e-mail notifications for tax increase proposals; and citizen advisory votes on tax increases.
• Senate Bill 6130, as passed by the state House, would remove the two-thirds vote requirement of the Legislature for tax increases immediately after being signed into law by the governor.
• There are currently 77 bills in the state House that, when combined, would increase taxes and fees by more than $3 billion in the state’s next fiscal year.
• The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Barbara Bailey represents the 10th Legislative District.

Despite the stormy economic forecast, majority Democrats in the House voted to overturn the Taxpayer Protection Act (Initiative 960), making it easier to raise taxes. Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, cast a vote against Senate Bill 6130 and issued the following statement:

“The people in my communities are struggling. A dear lady told me the other day that even a candy tax would be too much for her fixed household income. It seems to me some legislators don’t think a dollar is a lot of money. But for some people, it’s everything. Taking even one more dollar in taxes from citizens who are struggling to make ends meet is not right. Enough is enough. When I look at the 77 tax and fee proposals introduced just this year, I think of all the dollars that will be taken from families they need to buy food, pay for health care and other necessities.

“I did not support repealing the Taxpayer Protection Act and will not support any new taxes.”

Quick facts:

• The Taxpayer Protection Act (I-960) passed in 2007 with 57.4 percent of the vote in the 39th Legislative District, and 51.2 percent statewide. Current law requires: a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases; public e-mail notifications for tax increase proposals; and citizen advisory votes on tax increases.
• Senate Bill 6130, as passed by the state House, would remove the two-thirds vote requirement of the Legislature for tax increases immediately and notification of legislator votes on tax measures in voters’ pamphlets. The bill will take effect once signed into law by the governor.
• There are currently 77 bills in the state House that, when combined, would increase taxes and fees by more than $3 billion in the state’s next fiscal year.

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

Rep. Kirk Pearson represents the 39th Legislative District.

Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, today joined in a long-hard fight to protect voter-approved Initiative 960. Senate Bill 6130, which would repeal the two-thirds vote requirement of the Legislature to increase taxes, passed the House 51-47.

“The reason the voters supported this initiative was not because the economy was good at the time. Voters wanted us to protect their hard-earned tax dollars in good times and bad,” Hope said. “Today the majority Democrats told voters they know better. It proves the often-used saying, ‘No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.’ This is exactly why people don’t trust their government anymore.”

In 2007, voters approved Initiative 960, by 56 percent in the 44th District. The initiative:

• requires public notifications and 10-year cost projections when bills are introduced, heard and passed which increase taxes or fees;
• enforces and clarifies a two-thirds majority vote requirement of the Legislature, or a vote of the people, to increase taxes;
• requires notice to voters in the voters’ pamphlet regarding actions by legislators that raise taxes; and
• requires an advisory vote from the public when taxes are increased.

If the governor signs Senate Bill 6130 suspending this initiative, the second, third and fourth parts of the initiative listed above will be null immediately.

Hope said he was glad at least the transparency provisions of the initiative were kept intact so the public will be notified when tax and fee bills are introduced.

“Citizens deserve to know who is introducing tax and fee increases that take more from their wallets,” Hope said. “Parents, students, employers and employees are working hard to make ends meet and work for a better future. Removing the two-thirds vote requirement opens the floodgates not only for tax increases, but uncertainty, fear and instability.”

Rep. Mike Hope represents the 44th Legislative District.

“People who sign initiative petitions have always had the expectation of privacy,” Stevens said. “They feel free to speak their minds and request a public vote on any matter of concern. They don’t have to worry that an employer or anyone else opposed to the initiative would retaliate. On the other hand, if voters know their names and addresses would be made public, they will hesitate to sign any document.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear this issue, but rather than wait for a ruling, the majority is asking it be resolved by statute. If SB 6754 is passed by the Legislature, any referendum started after the bill becomes law would be subject to having each signatory’s name and address published openly.

“When you alter the initiative process, you alter the state Constitution.” Stevens said. “If the majority wants to change Washington’s constitutionally protected initiative process, it should do so through a vote of the people.”

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

In an economy that has caused many of the state’s private-sector employers to cut costs to avoid layoffs and keep their doors open, Rep. Norma Smith believes now is the time to address state agency reforms to better serve businesses.

The Whidbey Island Republican introduced House Bill 2603 to assist employers with state agency rules and regulations. The measure would provide companies that are found out of compliance with a state agency rule or regulation two business days to come into compliance without a financial or civil penalty. The sideboard in the bill is that the violation must not endanger employees or the public. The bill passed the House unanimously.

“I appreciate the bipartisan support I received on this important piece of regulatory reform legislation,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “This bill would allow state agencies the ability to come alongside our small-business owners in a more customer-service role. I believe this step will go a long way to building respectful relationships between employers and government.”

Smith explained in her comments on the House floor the bill was the product of a small-business conference she attended last year.

“With the massive burden of agency rules and regulations, sometimes volumes of them, on small employers, minor items can fall through the cracks,” Smith said. “Our small businesses want to be good neighbors and do the right thing, but sometimes they simply do not know a new rule or statute has gone into effect. What my bill does is simply extend a little good faith to businesses that are trying to do the right thing, and allows them the ability to correct an infraction. House Bill 2603 is one small step to help our struggling employers.”

The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.

She plays to win: Sen. Val Stevens and Jessica Munoz, a top-rated racquetball player from Burlington and her family pose at the Senate rostrum. From left are her grandparents, Idali and Alan Lawson, Sen. Stevens, Jessica and her parents, Jim and Maudie Lawson. Stevens sponsored a resolution recognizing Munoz for her achievements, which include winning more than 28 national and international racquetball medals.

OLYMPIA — Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, introduced a resolution Feb. 15 honoring Jessica Munoz of Burlington for representing Washington, amassing more than 28 national and international racquetball medals.

“Jessica is an inspiration to our young people,” Stevens said. “At one point in her life, she was going down the wrong path. Then she discovered racquetball, and her love for the sport ignited her as a world-class competitor. Today Jessica regularly collects gold and silver medals at international racquetball tournaments.”

Munoz won the 36th annual national racquetball championship in the girl’s singles 16-and-under red division. She earned a one-year appointment to the U.S. Junior National Team and was the fourth ranked racquetball player in the United States for her age group. In 2008, Munoz captured the gold medal in the U.S. National Doubles Competition. Last year she competed in the International Racquetball Federation Championship, defeating the Dominican Republic in the doubles gold medal match.

“What’s most impressive is that Jessica uses her awesome skill to coach others,” Stevens said. “She officiates at racquetball matches and the sport has become a powerful force for good in her life.”

Munoz, a native of Colombia, recently became a United States citizen.

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

SB 6678, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, creates a Washington Aerospace Training and Coordination Institute to review and establish aerospace training and education programs at our colleges and universities. The goal is to see what curriculum changes need to be made to maintain a well-trained workforce.

The bill also creates the Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation to lead a collaborative effort between the state’s universities, private industry and government for the aerospace industry. The University of Washington, Washington State University and the Department of Commerce will partner with the private sector in the

“It’s clear from all our discussions with the aerospace industry that the state needs to do a better job of training future workers for these well-paying jobs,” Hobbs said. “That’s what this bill is designed to do. It’s a very good start.”

In May, Hobbs was selected by the governor to serve on the Washington Council on Aerospace to help identify ways to keep Washington competitive in the Aerospace industry.

“This bill is a direct result of my work on the council,” Hobbs said. “The loss of the second line of the 787 Dreamliner was a wakeup call that problems in our aerospace sector can’t be ignored.”

The aerospace industry accounts for $36 billion in economic value to Washington. The legislation is intended to foster strong relationships between the public and private sector, including labor and business.

SB 6678 now goes to the House for consideration.

Sen. Steve Hobbs represents the 44th District.

Introduced in response to an alarming increase in the kidnapping of minors into sex slavery, Senate Bill 6476 would also offer young victims a place of safety from the violent “owners” who force them to do their bidding.

“The I-5 corridor between Vancouver, B.C. and Portland is one of the nation’s heaviest trafficked areas for child prostitution,” said Stevens, R-Arlington. “These teens and pre-teens are lured off the streets and out of our schools by unscrupulous people who make enormous sums for recruiting and selling them. These hapless kids are persuaded to go to another location, where they are drugged, beaten, sold for sex, and trafficked to another state or country. They are threatened with death unless they perform.”

SB 6476 would raise 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. Currently, it’s a Class B Felony, which carries a minimum sentence of just 1.75 years. The bill would elevate commercial sex abuse of a minor (buying) from a Class C felony with a $550 fine to a Class B felony, with a 1.75- to 12-year sentence and an additional $5,000 fine.

“Rather than arrest the minors who’ve been forced into prostitution, my bill would require they be taken to a place of safety,” Stevens said. “These kids are victims. They’re so abused they don’t know who to trust. My bill would give them a way out of bondage and hope for a new life. It would also help focus law enforcement attention where it should be: on the recruiters, buyers and sellers.”

Stevens urges the public to get additional information on this growing, world-wide problem by visiting www.sharedhope.org and www.enddemand.org.  Her bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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

Senate Bill 6214, sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, was one of seven bills passed in a sweeping package of reforms to make government more efficient and effective.  The other reforms affect land-use hearing boards, economic development, political appointments, the availability of vaccines, boards and commissions, and fiscal notes.

“It always makes sense to make sure our taxpayer dollars are used wisely, but in today’s economic climate the need is greater than ever,” Haugen said. “These bills will streamline state government, save money and improve services.”

The change shrinks the overall number of board members by two and reduces overhead and administrative costs. Petitions to the new board will be considered by one of three regional sub-panels made up of three board members who reside within the appropriate region.

SB 6214 passed on a 47-to-0 vote and now goes to the House for consideration.

“The three separate boards made sense at the time we created them, but over time those needs change,” Haugen said. “These changes make the best use of our limited resources and save taxpayer dollars.”

Other reforms include:

• Senate Bill 6515 streamlines the programs under the Department of Commerce and narrows the agency’s focus to mostly economic goals and away from social programs more logically addressed by other agencies.

• SB 6805 reduces overhead costs and ensures that the state Economic Development Commission has the independence it needs to make collect information and pursue strategies in the state’s best interest.

• SB 6426 saves money by eliminating 39 boards and commissions, suspending 50 boards and commissions until July 1, 2012, and consolidating three boards and commissions into others.

• SB 6263 reduces costs while ensuring access to vital immunizations and vaccines for all children in the state.

• SB 6683 saves money by implementing the electronic transmission of renewal notices for licenses, registrations and permits by July 1, 2012.

• SB 6688 establishes rules for filling vacancies in nonpartisan elective offices, eliminating confusion and inconsistency.

• SB 6374 requires fiscal notes to include the positive economic impacts of bills, such as how many jobs a measure would create or how much economic development it would generate.

• Still another bill, SB 6422, would eliminate bureaucracy and improve service by reducing five environmental and land-use hearings boards to two. This bill has yet to be heard on the Senate floor but is expected to be acted on soon.

The greatest concerns to Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, are the majority party removing all the taxpayer transparency provisions in I-960 and suspending the two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature, and voter approval, to pass bills that create or increase taxes. She had this to say about Senate Bill 6130:

“It’s bad enough the Senate bill opens the flood gates to passing as many as 75 House bills that create or increase taxes and fees, but it removes critical transparency measures that give the public a closer look at the cost of legislation, who is sponsoring it and how legislators voted. I have heard from people of all political affiliations and areas of the 10th Legislative District that they do not want the initiative repealed, and are very frustrated by the removal of transparency pieces.

“To the best of our knowledge, Senate Bill 6130 will have a public hearing this Saturday morning. The bill will then be fast-tracked to the House floor for debate and a vote as early as Sunday at 12:01 a.m. This barely gives my constituents time to comment on the bill before it is voted on in the dead of night. This is not the kind of process that builds public trust and I simply cannot support it or the bill repealing the key elements that help citizens better understand how legislative measures impact them.”

Smith encourages citizens to share their thoughts on repealing taxpayer protections with key leaders prior to the hearing and vote. They can be reached at:

* Speaker of the House Frank Chopp: (360) 786-7920
* Chair of the House Finance Committee, Rep. Ross Hunter: (360) 786-7936
* Governor Christine Gregoire: (360) 902-4111
* Contact information for all members of the House Finance Committee can be found here.

Smith can be contacted at 360-786-7884 or smith.norma@leg.wa.gov.

Last week, I updated you on the status of the many public safety bills moving through the Legislature. This week, I want to tell you about the bills that will impact your budget – namely tax increases. The deadline to pass the tax bills originated in the House of Representatives is Feb. 16, but first the majority party must repeal the tax-limiting Initiative 960.

While I will give you an objective look at the bill to overturn I-960 and the many bills to increase taxes and fees in this update, I will be fighting to defeat them. I will not support new and higher taxes or fees on struggling citizens, especially when one in 10 people are unemployed in the 39th Legislative District. I encourage constituents to watch the debate on Senate Bill 6130 this Saturday, Feb. 13 online at www.tvw.org.

Here is the update on I-960 and tax increase legislation:

Senate Bill 6130, Repealing Initiative 960: Initiative 960 passed by about 52 percent in 2007 in a statewide vote. The initiative put in place taxpayer protections. It required the Legislature have a two-thirds vote, or a vote of the people, to pass new and increased tax measures. Initiative 960 also put in place transparency provisions that alerted taxpayers via e-mail of the 10-year costs of tax proposals along with the bill’s sponsor contact information.

The effort to repeal the 2007 voter-approved Initiative 960 began with Senate Bill 6843, which passed the Senate Feb. 9. However, after a series of missteps by the majority party, the bill was scrapped and the process had to be restarted using Senate Bill 6130, which passed out of the Senate Feb. 10 around 11 p.m.

Senate Bill 6130 will now be forwarded to the House for fast-track consideration – it has to be passed and signed by the governor before February 16, if the House Democrats want to pass any of the new and increased tax and fee bills with a simple majority vote (50 plus 1), and without a vote of the people.

To date, over 74 measures have been introduced in the House of Representatives that would increase state or local taxes, or impose new or increased fees. One measure introduced would impose a new state income tax.

These 74 bills combined represent over $1.56 billion in higher state or local taxes and fees each year. Here is a breakdown of the tax and fee measures introduced:

· 24 tax increase measures – approximately $1.3 billion

· 50 fee increase measures – approximately $256 million

The tax proposals range from taxing candy, House Bill 2388, and bottled water, House Bill 3120; to raising the cigarette tax by $1, House Bill 2493; and imposing new taxes on petroleum products, House Bill 3181. There are also many bills that would authorize new local tax increases such as a $20 car-tab fee to pay for transit, House Bill 2855, and a street utility tax, House Bill 2618, without a vote of the people. All of these taxes and fees trickle down to the consumer, which increases our cost of living in this tough economic time.

Senate Bill 6130 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Finance Committee this Saturday, Feb. 13 at 9:00 a.m. with a vote later in the day or as early as 12:01 a.m. on Sunday.

On a positive note, House Bill 2533, the Interstate Compact on Mentally Ill Offenders, passed the House unanimously this week. I introduced this bill to address an issue that arose locally. The bill allows Washington to return a mentally ill offender, upon the request of another state, to the state where they are required to receive mental health treatment as part of the conditions of release from police custody.  As we attempt to make mental health treatment an integral part of public safety, this bill is a good step to ensure those who need help are afforded every opportunity to receive it.

The 2010 legislative session began Jan. 11 and is scheduled to adjourn March 11, also called “sine die.”

I welcome your thoughts on these and other issues. My door is always open and I can be reached by phone at (360) 786-7816 or by e-mail at pearson.kirk@leg.wa.gov. I look forward to working with you.

Rep. Kirk Pearson is the Republican leader on the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. He represents Western Washington’s 39th Legislative District.

Rep. Barbara Bailey with Civil War re-enactors.

Measures help farmers, re-enactors of historical events

Two bills prime sponsored by Rep. Barbara Bailey passed out of the state House of Representatives this week. One measure would help farmers, while the other would assist re-enactors of historical events.

House Bill 2514 would establish a special category of crop insurance adjuster. Crop insurance protects producers from weather damage losses, or losses in revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities. An adjuster investigates or reports claims for insurance companies and is required to have a license from the state Insurance Commissioner.

Crop adjusters typically specialize in just crop insurance. Under current law, crop adjusters are also required to be licensed in other lines of insurance. This requirement could prove problematic should several crop insurance claims be filed in a short time period and out-of-state adjusters are needed to assist. This concern arose last fall when a large number of wheat-price support claims were filed.

“This bill would give our farmers — from Skagit County to eastern Washington — the assurance that their crop insurance claims would be handled fairly and in a timely fashion following unfortunate events,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “It is also about our state being prepared for worst case scenarios when it comes to weather and prices in agricultural commodities.”

House Bill 2514 passed off the House floor 96-0 on Wednesday. It is expected to be referred to the Senate Financial Institutions, Housing and Insurance Committee.

House Bill 2499 would raise the Explosives Act black powder exemption for certain black powder from five pounds to 50 pounds. Black powder is a propellant and can be made with potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate. It is used in muzzle-loading firearms and cannons by re-enactors of the Civil War and other historical events. Under current law, a person is only allowed to transport five pounds of the substance.

“This idea was brought to me by those who do historical re-enactments. They explained how they were not allowed to transport enough black powder for their battle events,” said Bailey. “Re-enactment groups provide us education, history and theatre. They bring the past alive through the authentic nature of time periods — down to the minute points of language, uniforms and artillery. This is a great little bill and I hope it will move quickly through the Senate.”

House Bill 2499 passed off the House floor 97-0 on Thursday. It is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce and Consumer Protection on Feb. 18.

Wednesday marked the halfway point of the 60-day legislative session.