“I am learning about the House Democratic proposal for the first time today. At first glance, a few things stand out to me. It appears to be heavy on fees and unfriendly to employers. This is disconcerting as our economy remains in a fragile recovery. The proposal also clears the way for more local...
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The 2012 Republican Party precinct caucuses for Camano Island voters will be held at 10 a.m. Sat, March 3, at the Lost Lake Club House, 1469 Lake Drive on Camano Island. There is no fee for admission. Registered voters residing in one of the 18 precincts located on Camano Island will convene for a...
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A Supreme Court ruling filed Thursday likely means that a special $5-per-parcel assessment to fund the Whidbey Island and Snohomish County conservation districts violates state law. In response, the Board of Island County Commissioners is holding a special session at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 to consider whether to schedule a public hearing to...
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Rep. Barbara Bailey is inviting her constituents in the 10th District to a telephone town hall meeting on Monday, February 20. The community conversation, which is like a call-in radio show, will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Media advisory: Rep. Barbara Bailey invites constituents to telephone town hall meeting on February 20...
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“Today’s revenue forecast is welcomed news for budget writers but, more importantly, Washingtonians who are struggling in this down economy. It helps budget writers in the short term, but we cannot allow it to be used as an excuse to sidestep meaningful state government and economic reforms. We must change the culture in Olympia...
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In Olympia, most leaders are still weak-kneed about ending business tax breaks. Seattle’s arena discussions and Sound Transit’s failure to serve Federal Way show why voters should watch local politicians closely. via We aren’t Greece, but Seattle and Olympia have their own spending issues | Crosscut.com.
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A package of bills passed today by the Senate would reduce identity theft and fraud, increase revenue for transportation projects, and enable local districts to raise fees to pay for local road projects. “Every day, the increasing crime of identity theft is stealing money from more Washingtonians’ pockets and siphoning more tax dollars out...
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It is almost hard to believe we are on day 36 of the 60-day legislative session. We are at “cut-off” time, meaning legislative deadlines for when bills must pass out of policy and fiscal committees, and their chambers of origin. It is when hundreds of bills pass, and hundreds more “die on the vine.”...
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My colleagues and I often talk about global warming: both about the science and what mankind can and should do about it. We are pretty much on agreement about two points: (1) Global warming due to human production of greenhouse gases will significantly change the climate of the planet by the end of this...
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During floor debate on February 10, Rep. Glenn Anderson voted against legislation that would move forward two inconsistent policies with Native American tribes in our state. On one hand, under House Bill 2232, Native American tribes would be treated like any other local government entity in the state rather than a sovereign nation. On...
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