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Representative Haigh's Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for taking the time to read my Ememo update regarding the State Budget.  I hope you find it informative and a helpful resource.  As always, thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the 35th District.

Sincerely,
Kathy

Global economic crisis continues; the effects are hitting Washington state hard

The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council  (ERFC) released their latest report Thursday, and the news is pretty grim – since the 2011-13 operating budget was approved earlier this year, the revenue forecast has dropped $1.8 billion.

That’s a huge number.  And, according to Dr. Arun Raha, the Executive Director of the ERFC, things are unlikely to turn around anytime soon.  “The aftermath of the Great Recession is turning out to be a never-ending nightmare...I see no end in sight, the best I can hope for is that we don't slip back into another recession," he said.

He also made these points:

• Every time our state has looked like it would break out of the malaise, it has been sucked right back in.
• The gridlock in Washington DC and the instability of the European markets are affecting our recovery.
• It appears that we are at best in for an extended period of muddle-through – slow economic and job growth, high unemployment, and weak confidence. The risk of a double-dip recession too has increased.
• Consumer confidence is headed back down, as are sales expectations and small business optimism.

Raha did note that the aerospace and technology sectors of Washington’s economy are strong, but that they are not enough to make up for the “fear and uncertainty” that are keeping people from buying homes, cars, and other big-ticket items.

What does this mean for our budget? 

Well, the first thing to remember is that, unlike Washington DC, our state must balance its operating budget – and we can’t borrow money to do that.  And, after three straight years of deep budget cuts to vital services like public schools, higher education, nursing homes, and public safety, we have few options left.

Our budget leaders have been at work for some time, combing through the budget again, looking for more efficiencies and reductions.  At this point, all options are on the table.

What do you think?  Do you support balancing the budget with all cuts?  Do you think closing some tax loopholes should be considered?  What about increasing some revenues?  It’s important for me to hear from you as we move forward!  Please send me your ideas at haigh.kathy@leg.wa.gov
 
If you would like a refresher on what decisions were made in the current 2011-13 budget, here is a quick overview.

Keeping our kids healthy

There is some good news to report, though.  Even though the U.S Census Bureau reported last week that a record number of Americans now live below the poverty line, most Washington state kids are still getting the health care they need. Our award-winning children’s health coverage plan, Apple Health for Kids, deserves the credit.

The number of Washington’s kids who have no health coverage has dropped significantly in the past 10 years, according to the Census Bureau, and the total number of uninsured kids in our state (5.3%) is well below the national average of 9.7%. 

These numbers are even more impressive when you consider that between 2006 and 2010, nearly 165,000 children lost health coverage through their families employers.

Apple Health for Kids is recognized as a national model; just last month, the state was awarded and additional $2.4 million from the federal government to make sure more eligible kids are covered.  This is great news, because, despite the success of the plan, there are still nearly 85,000 Washington children lacking health insurance.

My commitment to early childhood education and support for full day kindergarten

Early childhood education and full day kindergarten for schools with high levels of students living in poverty is a passionate issue for me.

The legislative decisions last spring were very difficult and some social services had to be reduced.  But the legislature agreed to maintain funding to enroll both 3 and 4 year old children in early childhood education through the ECEAP program. This program offers a high quality preschool to students living in poverty as well as helping young parents to become strong supporters of their children's education and well being.  These are investments that can last a lifetime.

We also agreed to continue to increase funding for full day kindergarten in schools with a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch.  When you speak to teachers in elementary schools that have implemented full day kindergarten, they will tell you the tremendous difference it makes in the success of those student as they continue through their studies at higher grade levels.

I will remain committed to these and other programs that focus on the well being and education of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.  I know it will pay off in the success of these children for a lifetime by keeping them out of prison, well educated and contributing members of our society.


Representative Kathy Haigh:
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

(360) 786-7966
1 (800) 562.6000 toll free
1 (800) 635-9993 TTY-TDD (hearing impaired)

haigh.kathy@leg.wa.gov

Home page
 
 

A Primer on the Statewide Measures You'll See in the General Election

It's that time again, when the minds of engaged citizens turn to the upcoming General Election. Among some of the most challenging decisions voters have to make, year in and year out, are regarding how to vote on various measures. As has been the case in nearly every election in recent years, there are some statewide measures - three initiatives and two amendments to the state constitution - which give us reason to spend time doing a little extra study.

Click here for the Statewide Online Voters Guide. There you will find the official titles, descriptions, financial impact statements, and official statements for and against the Statewide Measures.

Initiative Measure No. 1125 concerns state expenditures on transportation. This initiative is another by Tim Eyman. Love him or hate him (and there seems to be practically no middle ground), his is a force for change in Washington state.

It is notable that, right at the top of the financial impact statement, we encounter this foreboding statement:

The State Treasurer states that bonds secured solely by toll revenue will become prohibitively expensive if the Legislature sets tolls, thus eliminating this financing tool for transportation projects.

Among the intents of this initiative is to remove the setting of tolls from local commissions and place it in the hands of the state legislature. The Treasurer is of the opinion that this will reduce the reliability of toll-setting - tolls set by the legislature may be changed by the legislature - and that instability in income will cause bond issuers to charge prohibitively high interest rates. "Because investors in toll revenue bonds see the independence of toll-setting bodies as a critical credit characteristic, no other toll revenue bond issuer in the nation sets tolls subject to legislative approval," according to an analysis by the Public Resource Advisory Group.

"OFM: Tim Eyman’s I-1125 would imperil key transportation projects, raise borrowing costs"

However, supporters argue there's no difference between a toll and a tax. Initiative 1053, passed last year with a 64% vote, requires a super-majority of the legislature in order to enact increases in taxes and many kinds of fees. Supporters see this new initiative I-1125 as just a way of closing a loophole.

"Initiative 1125 assures accountability and transparency"

Find out more about I-1125. Start your research with these two web sites:
No on I-1125
Yes on I-1125 

Initiative Measure No. 1163 concerns long-term care workers and services for elderly and disabled people.

Didn't we already vote on this? Pretty much, yes. In 2008, voters passed Initiative 1029, which required federal criminal background checks and increased training for the long-term workers who assist seniors and people with disabilities. However, in response to budget pressures, the legislature reduced training requirements and delayed criminal background checks. I-1163 seeks to restore the background checks and training.

"NORTHWEST VIEW: Proponent says I-1163 will restore protections for seniors, disabled"

From the financial impact statement:

Current law requires increased mandatory training, background checks and certification for long-term care workers, depending on worker classification, beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Initiative 1163 would require the training, background checks and certification for long-term care workers to begin Jan. 7, 2012, but delay these requirements for community residential providers until Jan 1, 2016. For the long-term in-home care program, administrative costs are capped and performance audits with additional fraud investigators are required. Over six fiscal years, costs are estimated to increase $31.3 million and revenue from the federal government and fees is estimated to increase $18.4 million.

Opponents argue that the cost of these background checks and training will require the state to either raise revenues or, more likely, to cut services to the very people I-1163 intends to benefit.

Initiative 1163: Why no funding source, SEIU? 

No on I-1163 
Yes on I-1163 

Initiative Measure No. 1183 concerns liquor:  beer, wine, and spirits (hard liquor). This is Costco's effort to take a do-over after I-1100 failed to win voter support last year. Readers will recall that was one of two related initiatives - the other was I-1105 - which failed to pass. If approved by voters in November, the measure would require the state to close its 300-plus stores and sell off its liquor distribution center, while making Washington grocery stores with over 10,000 square feet (or approximately 1,500 stores) eligible to sell hard liquor.

Proponents argue that I-1183 gets our state government out of the business of distributing and selling liquor. They also say the campaign against 1183 "is funded by big national liquor distributors that profit from Washington’s outdated liquor monopoly."

Opponents say I-1183 will benefit big-box stores over smaller outlets, will increase liquor consumption and will drive up the cost of liquor, through increased taxes.

No on I-1183
Yes on I-1183 

Senate Joint Resolution 8205 would remove an inoperative provision from the state constitution regarding the length of time a voter must reside in Washington to vote for president and vice-president. One portion of the Washington Constitution allows a citizen to vote in all elections after they have resided in the state for 30 days. But, another section in the Constitution requires 60 days residency before they can vote for President. SJR 8205 fixes this conflict to allow the shorter 30 day voter residency requirement is the constitutional standard for all elections in the state, including the presidential election.

There is no official statement against this measure, on the Online Voters' Guide.

Senate Joint Resolution 8206 is a constitutional amendment which "would require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received 'extraordinary revenue growth,' as defined, with certain limitations."

From the statement in favor of SJR 8206, we read:

In 2007, voters approved the creation of a constitutionally-protected rainy day fund that requires state government to set aside 1% of revenues annually for hard times. SJR 8206, a bipartisan measure, strengthens this fund by requiring a portion of “extraordinary” revenue – that which exceeds 133% of historical average growth – be saved, rather than spent.

However, the statement against this constitutional amendment points out that:

8206 requires more than the 1% that voters approved - it would also require that "extraordinary revenues" go into savings. While it sounds like a good idea to save more – the result is people paying taxes and getting nothing for it, except a bigger savings account.

"ELECTION 2011: Constitutional amendments"

So, there they are. Your 2011 statewide measures. What arguments are you finding particularly compelling? What resources are you finding to help you to come to an educated opinion regarding how you will vote? Leave your comments here.
 
 

Redistricting Proposals Could Change 35th LD - Public Asked to Comment

"The U.S. Constitution requires that all states evaluate electoral district boundaries every ten years following the U.S. Census. In 1983, Washington voters established the Washington State Redistricting Commission to ensure district boundaries are redrawn through a fair and bipartisan process. The Redistricting Commission includes two Democrats and two Republicans as voting members and a non-voting, nonpartisan chair."
     - from the web site of the Washington State Redistricting Commission

The commissioners' draft redistricting proposals are now posted online. Also online are links you may use to comment on these proposals. Public input to the drafts will wrap up with a meeting in Olympia on October 11. The meeting will be webcast on TVW and broadcast on TV. Public comments will be taken during the meeting by phoning in or joining the interactive webcast.

After the meeting on October 11, the Redistricting Commissioners will meet as often as needed to hammer out a final plan for congressional and legislative districts. Their meetings will be open to the public and announced at least 24 hours in advance. The Commissioners have set a goal of November 1st to agree on a final plan, providing time to correct minor errors before the Constitutional deadline for submitting the plans to the Legislature on January 1, 2012.

What are some of the preliminary reviews of the effects of the redistricting on the counties within the 35th Legislative District? From the standpoint of the area's Congressional Districts, the Kitsap Sun ran an article, "Kitsap could become a congressional 'big dog' under redistricting plan" in which author Steven Gardner observed that all proposals would place Kitsap County entirely within the 6th Congressional District, currently represented by Democrat Norm Dicks.

As far as changes to the Legislative District are concerned, Redistricting Commissioner Slade Gorton's proposal to move Silverdale into the 35th LD "would make the Mason County-dominated 35th more conservative."

On the other hand, Democrats on the Redistricting Commission proposed moving parts of Key Peninsula into the 35th.

Proposals which would result in changes to the Legislative District could have an impact on Representative Kathy Haigh's campaign for reelection and in the election to replace retiring Representative Fred Finn.

The majority of the proposals also remove from the 35th LD the sliver of western Thurston County presently within the District.

Denny Heck, who in 2010 lost to Jaime Herrera Beutler in the 3rd Congressional District, is said in the Olympian to have "put out a statement that said the final map looked nothing like the preliminary maps of 1991, the last time the state added a district." For this reason, it's an especially good time for interested voters to review the redistricting proposals and to make their comments known to Redistricting Commissioners.

Click here to review the proposals and to make comments to each of the four voting members on the Redistricting Commission.
 
 

You’re invited to a fundraising reception in honor of Representative Kathy Haigh!

Please join friends, family and supporters at a fundraising reception in support of Representative Kathy Haigh’s 2012 re-election campaign for State Representative in the 35th district! Show your support for Representative Haigh and help get the campaign under way by making a contribution of $35, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford. Light appetizers and complimentary beverages will be served.

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
5:00-7:00 pm
Grove Street Brewhouse
233 S. 1st Street, Shelton, WA 98584

To RSVP or for more information please contact Mina Mercer at mina@hdcc.org or (206) 381-1220.

Can’t attend the event? Campaign contributions can be mailed to Committee to Re-Elect Kathy Haigh, 81 SE Walker Park Rd, Shelton, WA 98584.

This event is paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Kathy Haigh, 81 SE Walker Park Rd, Shelton, WA 98584.
 
 

Legislative Break Update from Representative Finn

Dear Neighbor,

As we head into the final weeks of summer, I wanted to give you an update on the work I’ve been doing as your state representative during the legislative break, as well as other important legislative information.

Housing Tour Highlights the Need for New Low-Income and Transitional Housing Approaches

As vice-chair of the Community Development and Housing Committee, I have participated in several planning committee meetings. I also visited emergency, transitional and low-income housing facilities throughout Mason, Thurston, and Lewis counties in July. These facilities, which are run by nonprofit organizations and built with the help of state and federal funds, serve a variety of populations in our communities, from at-risk teens to single adults to families.

On July 1, I visited two living facilities operated by Community Youth Services, and spoke to the Executive Director and staff about how the Legislature can best promote their activities with at-risk youth. Both facilities, which serve teens in crisis as well as single mothers, are funded by federal grants administered through the state Department of Commerce.

The following week, I visited the Mason County Shelter, which houses single adults as well as families. The building is over 100 years old and prone to flooding from nearby Shelton Creek, but the staff is doing the best it can to make it work.

I also visited Drexel House and Evergreen Vista in the Olympia area, two newer facilities which offer low-income housing units as well as emergency shelter. It was especially insightful to meet Michael, a resident of Drexel House who welcomed me into his studio apartment. Without a place like Drexel House, Michael would be homeless. A chronic disability combined with the tough economy makes it nearly impossible for him to find employment. Michael has seen his monthly stipend from the state’s Disability Lifeline program shrink further and further due to state budget cuts, and knows that beginning this October it will go away entirely.

Fortunately, Michael has been able to secure Social Security disability benefits that will allow him to continue to afford the rent on his subsidized apartment. But he can’t afford market-rate housing, and that is a problem many in our community are facing right now.

As our state, and the nation as a whole, struggle to climb out of the recession, there simply isn’t enough public funding to fully cover programs that in the past have kept people like Michael out of homelessness. At the same time, the more I understand this important area, the less I am convinced that our existing approaches result in optimal bang for the taxpayers' buck. We often renovate, or build, expensive new facilities which help a lucky few, without making a substantial dent in the homeless population. How to improve these policies is a challenge that state legislators face as we move forward into 2012, and one that my committee continues to work on between now and then.

I also took action to support the Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition’s request for a levy that would benefit veterans and their families, as well as other homeless individuals. I am hoping to visit Grays Harbor County on this and other issues next month.

Public-Private Partnerships in Transportation

Earlier this month, I attended a workshop of the state Joint Transportation Committee, which focused on public-private partnerships. We discussed various models for such partnerships, including the pros and cons of each, and the criteria for deciding what makes a project suitable for public-private partnership, among other topics.

Funding transportation needs will be one of the biggest issues facing the legislature as revenues from the state gas tax continue to drop. They are estimated to drop over $100 million in the near future. Transportation funding is critically important to our district as it impacts issues from ferries to the Belfair bypass, and interchanges at Gorst, Johns Prairie Route 3 and 101 and Lynch Road, as well as projects along Highway 12 in Grays Harbor. Future funding options were the main topic of discussion at a Pacific North West Regional Economic(PNWER) meeting I attended in Portland.

Impact of Cuts on Education

Although we were able to preserve levy equalization funding and monies for early childhood education, the legislature also made cuts to public education, particularly higher education, in order to balance the state budget.

I have visited a number of schools in the area to try to determine how they are doing in this challenging environment. The long term impact of the cuts the legislature made cannot yet be determined. Many do not take effect for some time. We are also looking closely at the extent to which the significant layoffs in some districts are primarily the result of the reduction in student census or management issues. I hope to continue to re-examine these issues while I am in the legislature.

Next State Revenue Forecast Coming Sept. 15

When legislators wrapped up the session last spring, our state budget was balanced and we left over $700 million in reserves – a responsible cushion to protect us if revenues declined further.

Unfortunately, revenues have continued to be down, a result of decreased consumer spending as Washingtonians ride out the recession. We’ve had to dip into those reserves, and just last week the governor directed all state agencies to prepare for cuts of up to 10 percent. We’ll know more when the official revenue forecast comes out September 15, but this is extremely tough news coming on the heels of the $4.5 billion in cuts that were just made in order to balance the current budget. As I am out in the community meeting with constituents, I am seeing firsthand the effects that state budget cuts have on people, and I am concerned about what further cuts may mean.

Monitoring Safety of Our Correction Officers

This past session the legislature passed a number of bills directed at preserving and enhancing safety of our correctional officers. One measure (Senate Bill 5907) ensures corrections officers will have personal body alarms, assigns proximity cards to make sure the correct people are in the different parts of the prison, and establishes a number of workgroups to correct deficiencies or create better working policies to reduce workplace dangers for prison staff. Another measure gives off-duty correctional officers who complete an approved training course the same rights as off-duty law enforcement officers when it comes to carrying firearms for protection.

These issues are vital to the hundreds of 35th residents who work in corrections. We will be monitoring the impact of these bills on the climate of our correctional facilities and the safety of our officers. Additional legislation may be necessary in this area.

Work Source Office Has Moved

Belfair-area residents will soon have a new WorkSource office to visit. I know the moving process has left these residents without service, which is particularly difficult at a time when more people than ever need it. The WorkSource employment center in Belfair is relocating to a larger space and will reopen mid-September in the North Mason County Resource Center. The new location, at 23554 N.E. State Route 3, also houses the Department of Social and Health Services, the Mason County Health Department and other community agencies. The employment center will still be staffed every Monday when it reopens. Until then, assistance is available at the WorkSource Mason County facility in Shelton, online at www.go2worksource.com or by calling 360-427-2241. Thank you for your patience during this transition.

My Final Term

Being a state legislator is an honor and privilege, and I am very grateful that the people of the 35th District have twice put their trust in me. I have worked hard during my term to merit that trust. I served on multiple committees and did not miss a single vote, declined most of my per diem and all mileage reimbursement, and considerably increased my personal charitable giving to projects within the District.

I recently announced publicly that this will be my last term. It was a difficult decision, because the Legislature’s work is never done, and I enjoy working with people on both sides of the aisle to improve our communities. I will be 67 at the end of my term and the demands of family and private business preclude further public service at this time.

But even though I am not running for a third term, I will still be working hard for you between now and the end of 2012. Many challenges still face our state and only by putting our differences aside and coming together will we be able to overcome them. We all ultimately want the same things – strong schools, economic opportunity, affordable housing options, clean water, abundant natural resources, and the promise of a better future. I am pleased that in debating how to achieve these goals we have so far avoided most of the grid lock of many other states and the Federal government.

I look forward to continuing to serve you in the coming year, and welcome your calls and emails with questions, concerns, and other feedback.

In order to save money, I am opting not to send any printed newsletters via postal mail this year. Instead, I will send occasional updates via email.

Please feel free to share these updates with your family members, neighbors, and friends who live in the 35th district. If they would like to receive my updates directly, they can sign up at this link. If you want to respond to the newsletter, you can email me directly at Finn.fred@leg.wa.gov.

Representative Fred Finn Releases His 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up

Dear Neighbor,

With the 2011 Regular and Special Legislative Sessions now officially over, I am sending you information regarding the final state budgets and new legislation.

This year, I'm opting not to mail any printed newsletters. With reductions being made throughout state government, it makes sense to take advantage of electronic communications.

Two-year operating budget passes

The Legislature approved a two-year general operating budget for our state, which includes $4.5 billion in cuts and no new taxes.  While the final budget is, I believe, responsible and sustainable given the constraints legislators had to work within, it is also not without pain.  Some examples of cuts that were made in order to close the revenue shortfall include: 

• Suspension of voter-approved initiatives regarding class size and teacher pay (saves $1.2 billion)
• A 3 percent reduction to state employee salaries (saves $177 million)
• Salary reductions for K-12 employees (saves $179 million)
• Cuts to public colleges and universities (saves $535 million, will be partially offset by tuition increases)
• Changes to the Basic Health Plan, which insures low-income workers and their families (saves $129 million)
• Reduced personal care hours for long-term care and developmentally-disabled clients (saves $97 million)

These and other cuts will affect real people in our community - our family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. As a former school board member, the cuts to public education are particularly painful for me. However, state legislators - with House lawmakers leading the charge - were able save or institute the following: 

• Levy equalization funding for public schools, which helps provide a more level playing field for property-poor school districts. This funding is particularly important to rural districts.
• All-day kindergarten programs that are already in place will continue forward. Additionally, funding was set aside to ensure that additional schools will be able to offer the program over the next two years.
• Early learning fared reasonably well in the new budget. This is an area where a small investment by the state pays big dividends down the road. Studies show that taxpayers save $10,500 per year, every year, for each student who graduates rather than drops out. Children who are exposed to early learning programs are less likely to drop out of school later in life. We passed a measure (Senate Bill 5427) to give teachers the tools they need to assess a child's strengths and challenges as they make the transition from preschool to kindergarten.
• Along with strengthening early learning, we are also working to reduce the high school dropout rate by proving a new incentive for schools. We enacted legislation (House Bill 1599), which I supported, that uses proven strategies to help students stay in school and graduate on time. In addition, the new law institutes a pay-for-performance program for high schools, encouraging schools to do better on graduation rates. 

Shared sacrifice should truly be "shared"

In these times of cuts and efficiencies, legislators should not be exempt from shared sacrifice. I co-sponsored a measure this year (HJR 4204) that would have given voters the opportunity to amend our state constitution to allow for salaries of elected officials to be decreased in times of economic crisis.

In order to help fund lower class sizes for kindergarten through third grade, I was one of 48 House members who co-sponsored a measure to end a tax exemption that benefits large, out-of-state banks (House Bill 2078). The bill was approved by a simple majority in the House, but not by the supermajority required by I-1053.

I voluntarily took the following steps to reduce costs and expenditures in my own office: 

• No per diem pay during the special session this year
• 50 percent cut in per diem during the regular session
• No travel/mileage reimbursement since I first came to the Legislature
• Additionally, all legislative staff - including my own - has taken mandatory furloughs for the past two years, and will be impacted by the 3 percent cut in salary along with other state employees

State construction budget makes investments in the 35th District

I am pleased to report that both sides of the aisle came together to pass a bipartisan capital budget for our state. While smaller than the previous two-year budget, it still funds vital, job-creating and job-sustaining infrastructure projects across Washington, including several in or adjacent to our own district. These projects improve water quality and other infrastructure, as well as provide funding to local nonprofits for construction and renovation of their facilities: 

• Silverdale Water District 16 Water Quality Improvements ($10 million)
• McCleary Well 2 and 3 Improvements ($1.55 million)
• Mason County PUD 1 Hood Canal A and B Intertie ($472,000)
• North Mason Senior Center ($1.36 million)
• YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties ($2 million)
• United Way of Kitsap County ($605,000)
• West Sound Teen Center in East Bremerton ($305,000)
• Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County ($163,000)
• Roof and other repairs at Grays Harbor Community College ($1.7 million)
• Heater repairs at Stafford Creek Correctional Center ($500,000)

Transportation Budget keeps Belfair Bypass moving forward

  

The state Transportation Budget was the first of the three state budgets (operating, capital, transportation) passed by the Legislature this year.  It includes funding for the following vital projects in our district:   

• $4 million for widening and safety improvements along State Route 3 in the Belfair area
• $435,000 to complete environmental work for the Belfair Bypass project
• $350,000 for safety improvements at US 101 and Lynch Road
• $1.5 million for seismic retrofits of the Mud Bay bridges along Highway 8

Compromise deal brokered for state worker’s compensation system

  

Both the state House and Senate were able to agree, in the last days of the special session, on a compromise deal to reform our state's worker's compensation system. It will help bring down costs, stabilize premium rates for employers, and improve the claims process for workers.

  

Worker's compensation was an issue that threatened to stall passage of a final budget.  On the one hand, we must ensure that our system will remain solvent into the future, and that our state's employers don't find themselves hit with steep premium increases that threaten economic recovery. On the other hand, we also need to take care of our injured workers, and ensure that the system is fair to those who face a long-term or lifelong disability as a result of a job-related injury.

  

I supported the compromise deal, which I think is fair to both workers and employers.  I also felt it was important not to let this single issue derail our efforts to wrap up the special session on time and pass an operating budget for the state.

  

The worker's compensation deal was a fitting end to a session that began with bipartisan passage of a measure to reform Washington's unemployment insurance system. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, the Legislature passed a bill in February that cut unemployment insurance premiums for 90 percent of businesses in our state. The same bill also included a boost in weekly benefits for workers who become unemployed in 2011. Our unemployment insurance system is one of the most stable in the entire nation, and by cutting rates for businesses while also helping those who are looking for work we were able to help both business and labor.

  

Keeping in touch

  

Although our state has a part-time Legislature, I'm available year-round to answer your questions and respond to your comments and concerns about legislative issues. Feel free to send me an email directly to my office at Finn.Fred@leg.wa.gov or call my office at 360-786-7902.

  

Occasionally, I will send you email updates about my legislative work or important issues in our community.  Another great way to stay informed is to read the House Democrats blog, The Advance.

It’s always an honor and privilege to represent you. This year, I did not miss a single floor vote in the House, and am committed to continuing to work hard for you - and our entire community - even when the Legislature is not in session.

Sincerely,

Fred Finn 

State Representative

35th Legislative District

Mod B-101

Finn.fred@leg.wa.gov

360-786-7902

To subscribe or unsubscribe for Rep. Finn's E-Memos, click here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/subscriptions/member.aspx?chamber=h&member=finn

Senator Sheldon reflects on 2011 legislative session

With the swing of a gavel, President of the Senate Brad Owen and House Speaker Frank Chopp adjourned sine die the special session of the 2011 Legislature. The long-anticipated event was made possible by recent breakthroughs between parties and chambers just days ago.

Among the largest hang-up was the Operating Budget for the 2011-13 biennium. One Senator, Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, voted against the proposal.

Asked to list some of his reasons why, Sheldon first pointed to the deep cuts borne by the state's education system.

"As lawmakers, we have a Constitutional duty to fully fund basic education for our children," Said Sheldon. "This budget slashes well over a billion dollars to K-12 education alone. While I appreciate the inclusive nature of budget discussions over the past few months, the values represented by this budget cut simply did not mirror the values of my district."

Sheldon went on to say he would have preferred to see tightened levels of prioritization and success in capturing efficiencies in state government as opposed to the deep cuts.

"Since day one, we’ve been talking about how this recession has presented state government with an opportunity to create the kind of fiscal reform that would not be possible in other years," Said Sheldon. "But what we see instead is over-reliance on news fees, short-sighted budget tricks and a failure to reduce the size of state government through consolidation."

Sheldon, however, did note a few positive measures to emerge from the 2011 session.

"What we did see a lot of this year is positive government reform measures," Said Sheldon. Asked to cite an example, Sheldon looked to recent reforms of the state’s worker's compensation system. "For over 100 years, our state has utilized the same methods for helping workers and families get back on their feet. Today, we make a thoughtful change to modernize that system in a way that boosts the quality of care for injured workers, returning them to work as soon as possible, while reinforcing the system's long-term sustainability," said Sheldon.

Lawmakers now leave Olympia until next year's legislative session, to begin early January of 2012.

Reprinted with permission from the Senate Democrats Blog.