WashingtonVotes : legislature

Deal to end Special Session, pass budget?

Website Director — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:25:00 GMT

Is Special Session about to end? This morning there are several news reports citing several possible deals to bring this year's legislative action to a close. Here is a blog post by Brad Shannon of The Olympian that provides a good overview on the various sticking points: Lawmakers return; Gregoire offers idea on workers comp

House to release budget next week?

Website Director — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:10:00 GMT

Budget time? More rumors abound that first year House Budget Chair, Rep. Ross Hunter, is poised to release an operating budget as early as this coming Monday. Here is a good blog entry from AWB were Rep. Hunter and Senate Budget Chair Ed Murray discuss the ongoing budget discussion.

New revenue forecast today, picture gloomy?

Website Director — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:23:00 GMT

Today is the day that lawmakers, at least those with the budget pens, have been waiting for. The state will release the latest revenue forecast, which many expect will add to the current budget deficit. Here is an excellent blog post that discusses what options lawmakers have to deal with the growing budget crisis: Will Legislature adopt a balanced budget?

First Legislative Cut-off has passed; did your bill(s) survive?

Website Director — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:04:00 GMT

Yesterday marked the first of many calendar cut-off days in the Washington Legislature. This cut-off required all policy bills to move out of policy committees. Did the bill(s) you were following get through?

Legislature reduces current deficit, state $200 million in current year hole

Website Director — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:26:00 GMT

Are there additional savings available? Today the House and Senate approved HB 1086, reducing the total state deficit by nearly $368 million. The Governor just vetoed various sections, adding about $6.4 million back to the deficit. The state is still looking at a current fiscal year deficit of more than $200 million.

SB 5419 would give lawmakers, and public, time to read bills

Website Director — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Is a timeout to read bills a good idea or will this just slow the legislative process? Introduced today, SB 5419 would require mandatory waiting periods on certain bills before legislative action can be taken. SB 5419, which was introduced by Sen. Becker, would provide a twenty-four hour timeout on all budget bills and bills that raise taxes or increase fees. The twenty-four hour waiting period is required throughout the legislative process, including on any amendments, substitutes, or voting actions. Let us know what you think.

Low-income, have your pets spayed/neutered

Website Director — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:55:00 GMT

Today HB 1226, which would create a spay/neuter assistance program for pets owned by low-income individuals, was introduced in the Legislature. This bill would require animal food distributors to pay a fee to pay for the spay/neuter assistance program. The program would be managed by the Department of Human and Health Services. Is this a good idea?

Prohibiting smoking in vehicles with minors aboard

Website Director — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:33:00 GMT

SB 5016, introduced by Sen. Scott White, would prohibit smoking in a vehicle when minors are in the car. Under the bill, the offense would be considered a traffic violation, but would only be enforced as a secondary offense. This means a enforcement officer can only site you for the violation if your are first pulled over for a primary offense. Is this bill a good idea?

2011 Legislative Session Begins

Website Director — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:18:00 GMT

Today, Monday, January 10th, marks the start of the 2011 Legislative Session. Throughout the Session WashingtonVotes.org will provide plain-English descriptions of every bill and amendments introduced by lawmakers in Olympia. We encourage users, and site visitors, to take utilize our various search features, as well as our comment forums. Also, please share with us your feedback regarding the site.

Legislative Leaders talk about the 2011 Session

Website Director — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:47:00 GMT

Next Monday, January 10th, will mark the beginning of the 2011 Legislative Session. Already there is a lot of talk about what themes might emerge this year. Here is an interesting Q&A with AP writers and Legislative Leaders, courtesy of TVW's Capitol Record. So what theme do you hope emerges during the 2011 Session?

Special Session set for Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 9:00 AM

Website Director — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:17:00 GMT

Lawmakers in Olympia have agreed to hold a Special Session beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, December 11, 2010. The Special Session is being held to help close a current budget shortfall of approximately $1.1 billion. The Olympian provides an excellent summary on the budget cuts expected during the anticipated one-day event. What are your thoughts on the budget crisis in our state's Capital?

WA budget shortfall grows, more cuts coming

Website Director — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:48:00 GMT

According to the latest revenue forecast for Washington, revenues or tax collections for the state are down. This means the state's budget shortfall has ballooned to $5.7 billion. At this point Governor Gregoire can either make additional across-the-board cuts, which would total nearly 11%, to state programs; or lawmakers can return to Olympia for a Special Session and make more targeted cuts. Which would you prefer? You can read more about the revenue forecast in The Olympian's post.

Looking forward to the 2011 Legislative Session

Website Director — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:46:00 GMT

As lawmakers prepare to return to Olympia for the 2011 Legislative Session, what are your expectations? Is the budget your biggest concern? How would you balance the state's budget? Let us know what you think.

WashingtonVotes.org hiring two part-time Session Assistants

Website Director — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:45:00 GMT

WashingtonVotes.org has two openings for Session Assistants. This opportunity is for two part-time, contract positions working up to 20 hours/week and paid $12/hr. These positions will commence work on January 3, 2011. Some paid training will be required during December. Following is a link with additional job and contact information: Session Assistant Job Description

Governor to sign massive tax package Friday

Website Director — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:59:00 GMT

On Friday the Governor will sign SB 6143, which raises taxes on beer, candy and gum, as well as increases business taxes for many small businesses accross the state. The bill signing is scheduled for 1:30 PM in the Governor's conference room. Earlier in the week the Governor's office had said the Governor would sign the bills on Wednesday.