Category Archives: Education

Senate Budget – Unconstitutional Fund Transfer?

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Ross

In the Senate Republican budget they transfer $166 million of the “Common School Construction Fund” into the operating budget. The Treasurer does not believe he has the constitutional authority to make this transfer and has said so publicly. The Senate … Continue reading →

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Town Hall Wrap

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Ross

  Another town hall meeting. I should go back on the calendar and count how many we’ve done. These have been fun over the years and we keep fiddling with the formula. This time we had a full room so … Continue reading →

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Education Bills and Background

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Ross

Lots has been happening on the education front this year, though the most important thing is happening in closed rooms as the House and Senate work out their budget proposals. I sat on a school funding panel in front of … Continue reading →

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Legislative “Progress” – Early March

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Ross

Each Legislative session has a rythym all its own. This one is waiting expectantly for something to happen. I think you’ll see a flurry of activity towards the end of the month as budgets start to get released. At the … Continue reading →

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A Day in the Legislature – Potato Day!

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Ross

Today was “Potato Day.” The Potato Farmers of Washington hand out baked potatoes larded with condiments. The line stretches down the stairs of the rotunda and almost out the door. I passed on this opportunity and had a sandwich in … Continue reading →

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Legislative Update

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Ross

We’ve gone through the first week. The governor and the state-wide officials have all been inaugurated, I fit into the same tuxedo I got married in 23 years ago for the inaugural ball, the Senate is in uproar about Senator … Continue reading →

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What’s in “McCleary?”

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Ross

In 2012 the Washington State Supreme Court found that Washington State is not funding our education system at anything close to the level the constitution requires. Just before the holidays the court opined again, that “the overall level of funding … Continue reading →

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Budget Outline 2013-15

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Ross

In 2013 the Legislature has three big budget problems to address. It may be that there are other issues for the Legislature (gun safety, mental health, transportation…) but as the budget chair I have an odd focus on what I’m … Continue reading →

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2013 Legislative Agenda

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Ross

My agenda for 2013 is simple to outline here, but I expect great difficulties in working through it: Produce a budget that balances for 2013-15 and 2015-17, resolves the  McCleary education funding decision, implements the Medicaid expansion envisioned in the Affordable Care … Continue reading →

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Great article on early childhood education

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Ross

The most leveraged investment, the investment that would have the strongest effect on educational outcomes would be a high-quality pre-school program for at-risk 3 and 4 year olds, with thoughtful attention paid to making sure we don’t damage the child care system … Continue reading →

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