Recent Press- State budget writers bound by pasts, not vision | Government / Politics - The News Tribune May 16, 2013
- Would A Budget By Any Other Name Not Smell As Sweet? | KUOW News and Information April 15, 2013
- House passes budget much different from Senate. - Spin Control - Spokesman.com - April 12, 2013 April 13, 2013
- House Democrats target tax breaks in proposed state budget | Government / Politics - The News Tribune April 13, 2013
- Senate's no-new-taxes budget raises questions | Crosscut.com April 6, 2013
Category Archives: Environment
Update on Floating Signs in Lake Washington
Seattle is saying no, he cannot float the sign. WSDOT has many more words to the same effect that I’ve included below. We are working with all the mayors surrounding the lake to make sure that this visual blight does … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Transportation
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More on Toxic Flame Retardants
In 2005, 2006, and 2007 I championed a bill in the Legislature that prohibited the use of poly-brominated diethyl (PBDE) flame retardants in products sold in Washington State. I argued that PBDEs were toxic for children and unnecessary. It was … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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End of Session Budget Update
Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Washington State Legislature. It’s an honor and a privilege. This year was pretty “special.” There’s nothing like a little drama to spice up a legislator’s life. This session had it … Continue reading
Posted in Budget, Education, Environment, Health Care, Social Justice, Tax Policy
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House Budget Proposal
Earlier this month I released the House budget proposal for 2011-13. Just before the end of the regular session, the Senate released their proposal. I asked for the job of chairman of the budget committee, but it’s clear my timing … Continue reading
Posted in Budget, Education, Environment, Health Care
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Conservation NW – People who do real work
Tricie and I spent last weekend in the Okanogan looking at the work of the local land trust and of Conservation NW, the umbrella organization that is working to protect a corridor between the Rockies and the Cascades. It’s an … Continue reading
EPA Response to Industry Phase-Out of DECA-BDE
I worked hard (successfully) to eliminate the use of this chemical in Washington. The ban spread to other states. The companies have finally thrown in the towel and are switching to a presumably better product. It’s nice to win one … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Urban Legends – Emissions based on engine displacement
In 2006 a senator introduced a bill (SB 6900) that would have charged a vehicle registration fee every year based on the size of your engine and not on the use of the vehicle. The bill did not receive a … Continue reading
More Toxic Chemicals
In 2007 I passed a bill I had worked on for 3 years, banning a toxic flame retardant called PBDE in Washington. This year a group of legislators is working on a different compound – Bisphenol-A. It’s found in polycarbonates … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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2009 Legislative Agenda
This year will be particularly difficult due to the national economic disaster. Unlike the federal government, Washington is required to have a balanced budget. Our budget situation is dire, and will require dramatic measures. I try to be organized about … Continue reading
Posted in Budget, Business Climate, Education, Environment, Tax Policy, Transportation
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Global Warming – Cap and Trade?
Last year the legislature instructed the governor to negotiate our entry into the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) and come back with a plan we would have to approve. She has, and now we get to make some very big choices … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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