Legislative Tracker

OLYMPIA – With the recent rash of stories regarding allegations of fraud in different areas of the state’s public assistance programs, the Senate Ways and Means Committee held a hearing Thursday on a bill that will help combat abuse of the system.
Senate Bill 5877 will create the Office of Program Integrity within the Department of Social and Health Services.
“It’s a shame that these good programs that help good people get back on their feet during tough times are being compromised by some bad actors,” said Sen. Nick Harper, D-Everett. “This bill will create more opportunity to help us stop fraud and provide critical assistance to those that really need it.”
The Division of Fraud Investigations already exists within DSHS, but this bill will give the newly established OPI more teeth when it comes to fraud investigation through new powers such as:

• Conducting independent investigations into fraud and abuse, make referrals to law enforcement and recover overpayments whenever possible;
• Recommend policies, procedures and best practices designed to prevent and detect fraud;
• Report to the Governor, Legislature and DSHS Secretary about vulnerabilities and deficiencies in the detection and prevention of fraud.

OPI will be administered by a director chosen by the DSHS Secretary who will have the power to issue subpoenas.

Rep. Dan Kristiansen is inviting 39th District citizens to join him for a telephone town hall meeting Tuesday, April 5, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The call-in radio show format is an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the 2011 legislative session, ask questions, and participate in surveys.
“We’re entering the final days of the scheduled 105-day session and decisions still must be made on some very important issues, including the operating budget. This is a great time for people to get an update on these issues and to provide their input,” said Kristiansen, R-Snohomish. “The format is also convenient because people can participate from the comfort of their homes.”
Kristiansen had scheduled a telephone town hall meeting for Feb. 24, but was forced to cancel when a severe storm dumped several inches of snow throughout Western Washington.
“Hopefully, it’s late enough in the season that we won’t have to worry about another snow storm. I’m looking forward to talking with citizens and hearing their comments. I encourage everyone to call in,” said Kristiansen.
Citizens may participate during the hour-long event by dialing toll-free 1-877-229-8493, and entering PIN code 15786 when prompted. For more information, call Kristiansen’s office at 360-786-7967 or e-mail him through his website at www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Kristiansen.

10th District residents will be able to ask questions, participate in live forum from their homes

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, is inviting constituents of the 10th District to participate in a telephone town hall meeting Thursday, March 31. The community conversation begins at 7 p.m. and will last an hour.
To participate, residents may call the toll-free number at 1-877-229-8493 and enter the code 14881 when prompted. During the telephone town hall Smith will listen to residents, answer questions and discuss a variety of topics related to the 2011 session. Once on the line, participants may select star 3 on their telephone keypads to ask a question or they can simply listen in and take part in instant polls. There will also be an opportunity at the end of the call to leave a message for Smith.
“I want to hear from my constituents at this critical time of the legislative session. It is important I hear their concerns and answer any questions they may have,” Smith said. “I would add, this is a great opportunity to connect with constituents spread out across our legislative district.”
Constituents who are unable to participate in the telephone town hall meeting can reach Smith at her legislative office at 360-786-7884 or norma.smith@leg.wa.gov.

Governor’s independent report outlines 15 ways to make correctional facilities safer for staff

On Jan. 29, Corrections Officer Jayme Biendl was brutally murdered by an inmate with a violent past while working alone in the chapel at the Monroe Correctional Complex. What came afterward were a police investigation and a mandate from the governor for an immediate, independent review by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). The NIC review resulted in a report outlining 15 recommendations.

Reps. Kirk Pearson and Chris Hurst today introduced House Bill 2036 to implement the NIC report recommendations to better protect corrections staff statewide.

“This proposal is not just a response to the terrible tragedy at the Monroe Correctional Complex, but one that will benefit all corrections officers as we move forward with common-sense safety measures,” said Pearson, R-Monroe and lead Republican on the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “My neighbors are suffering and I know her fellow corrections staff is still reeling from the nature of the crime committed. My hope is this legislation takes a terrible event and uses it as an opportunity to better ensure the safest work environment possible in state corrections.”

“Keeping our families safe is a dangerous job,” said Hurst, D-Enumclaw, a retired undercover detective and chairman of the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “It’s our duty to do whatever we can to safeguard corrections officers, and that’s what this legislation is about. We can’t promise that there will never be a tragedy, but we can promise to do all we can, in the memory of Jayme Biendl, to protect corrections officers in every corner of Washington state.”

House Bill 2036 would:

Establish one statewide security advisory committee and local committees at each facility made up of institutional staff, including custody staff, to review policies and make recommendations to Secretary Eldon Vail at the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the governor;

Require the DOC to establish multi-discipline offender classification teams at each facility to evaluate offender placement, job assignments and custody promotions;

Require the DOC to develop training curriculum regarding staff safety at correctional facilities;

• Authorize a DOC pilot program for the use of personal body alarms and proximity cards, and mandate the hiring of a consultant to make recommendations about implementing a statewide system with the findings and recommendations presented to the governor and Legislature by Nov. 1, 2011;
• Require the DOC to hire a consultant to study the use of video monitoring cameras and make recommendations for statewide standards for the positioning and use of the equipment with the findings presented to the governor and Legislature by Nov. 1, 2011; and
• Authorize a DOC pilot program on the expanded use of pepper spray (OC spray) with certain staff within state facilities with the goal of developing a comprehensive plan for the statewide deployment of the spray, which must be presented to the governor and Legislature by Nov. 1, 2011.

Both lawmakers were pleased with the patience of corrections staff and DOC leaders as the investigation and independent review took place. And, they said, it serves everyone best to have all the facts before rushing to attempt fixes that may or may not address the problems that led to the events of Jan. 29.

House Bill 2036 is scheduled to have a public hearing on Wednesday, March 30, at noon in the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Pearson and Hurst encourage citizens to weigh-in on the proposal at the public hearing or via the toll-free legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000.

OLYMPIA — State Representative Mike Hope (R-Lake Stevens) officially launched a statewide initiative today to find the best ideas for Washington’s future.  The nonpartisan initiative is called 100 Ideas for Washington’s Future.
At a Capitol press conference Wednesday, Hope was joined by Democrat and Republican leaders from across the state who pledged to listen to the people of Washington to develop a long term agenda for the state’s future.
“As much as we as political leaders hope to achieve at the state Capitol, government alone is not the answer to the challenges, and opportunities, of the future.  Government cannot build our economy. Government cannot inspire citizens,” Hope said.
“Instead, the energy and drive of our people will move our state forward,” Hope explained.
“The four walls of the state Capitol, filled with politicians, lobbyists, special interests and political insiders, are not the sole repository of good ideas for Washington. Instead, the hardworking citizens who pay taxes and raise families are the true reservoir of great ideas for our state.  And that’s why we are launching the 100 Ideas Initiative,” Hope said.
Through a series of town hall meetings and interaction with the state’s citizens, the 100 Ideas Initiative will develop a comprehensive vision for our future.  The meetings are called “Idearaisers,” and they are the heart of the 100 Ideas program.  Hope and other leaders will travel the state throughout 2011 to conduct the Idearaisers.
“People are familiar with politicians holding fundraisers where they solicit money,” Hope said. “At an Idearaiser, we won’t ask for your money. Instead, we ask only that you bring your good ideas for the future of our state.”
Hope also emphasized that the Initiative is “non-partisan. In fact, we are not interested in ‘Republican’ ideas or ‘Democrat’ ideas. We simply want good ideas – regardless of their source,” Hope said.
Citizens will also be encouraged to submit their ideas on the program’s website – www.100ideaswa.org.
At the end of the year, the 100 Ideas Initiative will publish a book filled with 100 of the best ideas that emerge from across the state.  The book will serve as a road map for policy makers.
Ideas submitted to the program will be evaluated by Hope and a bi-partisan team of advisors.  The diverse and talented members of the Advisory Board currently include, but are not limited to:
Greg Nickels, former Mayor of Seattle
Representative Chris Hurst, Washington State Representative 31st District
Reagan Dunn, King County Councilmember
Kenyon Chan, University of Washington, Bothell Chancellor
Janice Green, President, NAACP Snohomish County Branch
JJ Frank, Director of Minority Achievers Program, YMCA of Snohomish County
Representative Kevin Parker, Washington State Representative 6th District
Shannon Affholter, Everett City Council President
Mark Lamb, Mayor of Bothell
Dr. Bruce Kochis, University of Washington Bothell
Hunter Graham Goodman, Assistant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General’s Office
Shelly O’Quinn, Director of workforce and education, Spokane Greater Incorporated
Jon Nehring, Mayor, City of Marysville
Rich Hadley, President and CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated
Ray Stephanson, Mayor of Everett
Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council
Gordon Cole, Small Business Owner
Ed Eisseman, Orthopedic Surgeon
Suzi Wright, Citizen

Hope encouraged everyone in the state to submit their ideas and to help organize Idearaisers in their community or with groups with which they are affiliated. Idearaisers can be scheduled through the 100 Ideas website.  Hope concluded by saying:
“The 100 Ideas program represents a fundamental commitment by state leaders to listen to the state’s citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Washington’s families. The people of our state are ready for politicians who talk less and listen more. This is exactly the type of leadership the 100 Ideas program represents.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 100 Ideas Initiative?

This new citizens’ initiative is a plan to change Washington’s mindset. Just like the pioneers of the Washington run rushed into this new territory to stake out their claim on land, 100 Ideas will encourage modern pioneers to stake out new and innovative ideas for the state’s future. The 100 Ideas initiative will change the way business is done at the State Capitol. Instead of legislation originating only from lobbyists, special interests and government employees, this initiative seeks ideas from the private sector and from citizens across the great state of Washington. Once the initiative is complete, the top 100 ideas will be published in a book and presented to the Washington’s elected officials.

How can I get involved?

Becoming a part of the 100 Ideas initiative is easy. Those wishing to get involved can attend an IdeaRaiser, inquire about scheduling an IdeaRaiser by emailing mike@100ideaswa.org or visit the 100 Ideas website to interact and submit ideas.

What is an IdeaRaiser?

Most people are familiar with fundraisers for politicians or charities. We’ve taken that concept and applied it to the world of ideas. IdeaRaisers will be held to discuss and create bold ideas. Through a series of town hall meetings and interaction with the state’s citizens, the initiative will develop a comprehensive vision as Washington moves into the next century of statehood. After the IdeaRaising is complete, the best 100 ideas from across the state will be published in a book and will establish a blueprint for the future of this great state.

Can I schedule an IdeaRaiser?

Anyone can schedule an IdeaRaiser. Schedulers should secure a date, time and location. Then information about the IdeaRaiser should be submitted to the 100 Ideas website. It may prove helpful to outline a topic or specific area of interest that will be discussed at the IdeaRaiser. Event organizers should collect contact information for participants in order to get in touch with them if needed.

What kinds of ideas are you looking for?

When writing bold ideas for Washington’s future, some fundamental principles should be kept in mind.

• First, the ideas should be relevant to day-to-day life.
• Second, every idea should be about the future. They should not just make Washington a better place to live and work today, but also a better place to live and work well into the future.
• Third, no idea should unnecessarily expand the role of government. While government services provide vital needs in many cases, government alone is not the answer for the challenges and opportunities Washington faces. There are too many instances of government letting people down, failing, or trapping them in a cycle of dependency. Washington’s people and hardworking families can achieve solutions for our state.

Rep. Barbara Bailey says Legislature must reset, reform and reshape state government

The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council issued disappointing news today for the state’s expected intake of tax collections. According to Dr. Arun Raha, executive director of the council, the 2009-11 General Fund-State change is a decrease of nearly $80 million from November. And the 2011-13 General Fund-State change is a decrease of nearly $700 million. The reduction in tax collections means the state budget shortfall for the 2011-13 cycle is now more than $4 billion.
Rep. Barbara Bailey, assistant ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, says the parameters of the budget problem are clear and it’s time to finally align state spending with state revenue.
“Today’s revenue forecast is disappointing, but not unexpected. State lawmakers have known for some time there was a sizeable spending gap that will require significant action to address. Now that we know the size of the problem, it’s time to take action,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “We need to reset, reform and reshape state government. This means defining priorities and consolidating state agencies while eliminating others, like the state printer. We must look at solutions like contracting out services, asking state employees to pay more for their health care, reducing costly and redundant programs such as the General Assistance Unemployable, and determining whether there is a way to create more revenue without raising taxes. Every part of state government must sacrifice. Many of these decisions are harder today because the same types of decisions were avoided the last three years. If we don’t break from the business-as-usual budgeting practices of the past, we can expect the same poor outcomes in the future.”
The 10th District lawmaker says it’s not just about reducing the size of state government, but increasing the size of the state economy.
“The best way to create more revenue is to strengthen our economy. If we can get more people back to work, it will also ease the pressure on our state’s safety nets,” said Bailey, lead Republican on the House Business and Financial Services Committee. “If we don’t use this crisis as an opportunity to address the long-standing concerns of our employers, then we will have missed an opportunity. The Legislature took a first step with bipartisan unemployment insurance measures that have already been signed into law. Now it’s time to pass the workers’ compensation reforms in Senate Bill 5566, and find ways to eliminate permitting bureaucracy and other red tape that act as barriers to job growth. Let’s get Washington working again.”
Bailey also feels safeguards need to be put into place to guide budget writers and that if there had been protections in place the last seven years, the state’s budget outlook wouldn’t be so dire today.
“Putting more money aside in good economic times, conducting performance audits on new state programs, ensuring fiscal notes are established before voting on legislation, and requiring the Legislature to adopt balanced budgets – these are all solutions that are on the table and have so far been rejected this legislative session,” said Bailey, sponsor of the four bills. “These are common-sense, nonpartisan solutions that are meant to guide any party that is in control of the Legislature. Just imagine if we had put more money aside when we had a 1.6 billion dollar budget surplus in 2006. And just imagine if state lawmakers actually knew the cost of the bills they were voting on and the effectiveness of the new programs. These reforms would lead to more transparent and sustainable budget outcomes.”
The legislative session is scheduled to run through April 24.

Outreach events will be held in Stanwood, Oak Harbor and Freeland

Reps. Barbara Bailey and Norma Smith will hold three town hall meetings in the 10th District on Saturday, March 19. The outreach events will be in Stanwood, Oak Harbor and Freeland.
“With so many big issues to be decided from now until the end of the legislative session, it’s very important that we get input from the people we represent. From bills to strengthen the economy, and legislation to reform our ferry system, to what the final budgets will look like, I look forward to the exchange of ideas,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “I encourage everyone to attend and we hope the locations are convenient for people. If someone is unable to attend, they are welcome to contact us any time.”
“At this crucial time in the 2011 legislative session, it is critical that we hear from those we represent to discuss the issues before us in the Legislature right now,” said Smith, R-Clinton. “The stories I hear from constituents inform my decisions in Olympia, and I look forward to the opportunity to answer questions, and hear your concerns.”

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Stanwood/Camano School District Boardroom
26920 Pioneer Highway, Stanwood

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Skagit Valley College – Oak Hall Room #306
1900 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Freeland Hall
1515 Shoreview Drive, Freeland

If constituents have questions or ideas to pass along, they can contact their state representatives directly. Bailey can be contacted at 360-786-7914 or barbara.bailey@leg.wa.gov. Smith can be reached at 360-786-7884 or norma.smith@leg.wa.gov.
View Bailey, Smith March 19 Town Halls in a larger map

Cuts in an attempt to garner short-term savings can lead to long-term problems and even greater costs in the future. Senate Bill 5872 is aimed at letting the public and legislators making those cuts better understand the consequences of their decisions.
This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Sen. Nick Harper (D-Everett), received a hearing Wednesday in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Sen. Harper testified that his bill will bring more transparency to the budget process and a way to determine the true cost of cuts through fiscal notes.
“With the size and scope of the budget shortfall we’re trying to address, I think it would be irresponsible for us not to look at these questions very intently in cutting a $4.7 billion — and potentially greater – budget shortfall,” Sen. Harper said. “If we create more problems for ourselves in this biennium or in the next several biennia, we’re only going to make things more difficult for us as a government and for the citizens of this state.”
Under this bill, the Office of Financial Management will establish a procedure for producing fiscal notes that reflect the expected impact of budget cuts in both the short- and long-term.
For example, the Basic Health Plan allows people to receive preventive care, but when people are cut from the plan, they are likely to wait longer, get sicker and use more expensive emergency rooms.
Cuts to K-12 and higher education have far-reaching effects, all of which point to a college system that is unaffordable and a workforce that is not prepared to compete.
Nearly 40 advocates for children’s programs, senior citizens, health care, education and other causes signed up in favor of Sen. Harper’s bill.
“Everything in the state budget is connected,” Harper said. “When we squeeze from one program, it often means ballooning costs in another. This bill would make those costs clear so people can see the real consequences of budget cuts.”

10th District lawmaker invites constituents to participate from the comfort of their own homes

Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, is inviting residents of the 10th District to participate in a telephone town hall meeting Thursday, March 31. The community conversation begins at 7 p.m. and will last an hour.
To participate, residents may call the toll-free number at 1-877-229-8493 and enter the code 14881 when prompted. Once on the line, participants may select star 3 on their telephone keypads to ask a question. Or, they can simply listen in from the comfort of their own homes. There will also be an opportunity at the end of the call to leave a message for Smith.
“We are at a critical juncture in the Legislature and it is essential for me to hear from my constituents. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to communicate personally, and it helps me to make informed decisions in Olympia. I want to make sure we have the opportunity for a two-way dialogue and an avenue to provide input on important issues,” Smith said. “I would add, this is a great, innovative way to reach folks who may not have time to attend one of my in-person meetings, or are simply too busy with family and work.”
Constituents who are unable to participate in the telephone town hall meeting can reach Smith at her legislative office at 360-786-7884 or norma.smith@leg.wa.gov.

OLYMPIA — Senator Nick Harper (D-Everett) introduced Senate Bill 5872 March 10 to improve budget accountability and transparency by ensuring that long-term costs and consequences are included in the fiscal notes for proposed laws.

“Everything in the state budget is connected,” Harper said. “When we squeeze from one program, it often means ballooning costs in another. This bill would make those costs clear so people can see the real consequences of budget cuts.”

Under this bipartisan bill, the Office of Financial Management will establish a procedure for producing fiscal notes that reflect the expected impact of budget cuts in both the short- and long-term with the aim of letting legislators know the full impact these cuts will have.

For example, The Basic Health Plan allows people to receive preventive care, but when people are cut from the plan, they are likely to wait longer, get sicker and use more expensive emergency rooms.

Seniors who lose access to a reasonable number of hours of in-home care will lose their independence and have to move to more expensive nursing homes.

Cuts to K-12 and higher education have far-reaching effects, all of which point to a college system that is unaffordable and a workforce that is not prepared to compete.

“When balancing costs and benefits, we need to look at the long-term costs,” Harper said. “Too often these short-term cuts cost us all more in the long run.”