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Tag Archives: News
New 15th District Rep. David Taylor scores a bull's-eye
OLYMPIA, Wash. — New state Rep. David Taylor was once kicked in the head by a bull.
While that’s no more than a sensational detail in the 37-year-old Moxee Republican’s story, it speaks to the way Taylor grew up and the forces that shaped his political beliefs. His is an Ellensburg story, and in Ellensburg stories [...]
Newhouse appointment bright spot for agriculture
Gov. Chris Gregoire did something great for farmers: she appointed Rep. Dan Newhouse, a third-generation Sunnyside farmer, as the director of the state Department of Agriculture. Newhouse is a Republican, making him her first GOP appointment to Gregoire's Cabinet in two terms.
Felons' voting rights, bike buffers more important?
OLYMPIA — Families are struggling, employers are closing their doors, Washington’s unemployment rate is 8.4 percent and the state’s spending problem has created a deficit of $9 billion. Considering these critical factors, I wonder why bicycle buffers and giving felons the right to vote before they pay restitution to their victims are taking center stage above the state budget.
How will climate change bills impact jobs, families?
The risks in this legislation are just too great right now. As legislators who will be asked to support House Bill 1819, we need more information from state agencies on the number of businesses that would be impacted under the cap and tax system the bill creates. We also need to know what so-called "green jobs" the bill would purport to create would be and where. Most important, we need all the facts and figures on what costs consumers would face because of the taxes the bill authorizes.
Stimulating our state economy — It’s time for legislators to listen to business leaders
A true stimulus package is about empowering employers. For example, local business leaders have told me they want to utilize tax increment financing options to drive economic development. I agree with them. The focus must be on creating family-wage jobs that are sustainable and lead to future economic growth.
State needs to be creative to keep Kopachuck open
Closing our state budget gap is going to take innovative ideas and lots of input from people all over the state. Local residents who support Kopachuck State Park have taken that first step by forming a group called “Preserve our Park.” They have provided several ideas to save Kopachuck, including organizing volunteer work parties, limiting park hours in the winter and providing other means for revenue, such as an annual pass, fundraisers, increased camp and park fees, and an implementation of various efficiencies to save money.
System ensures voice for rural America
A compromise was reached using a system from Roman times -- the Electoral College. Under this system, each state is entitled to a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress. Electors meet in their respective state capitals in December of each presidential election year to cast their votes for president. They are the ones who actually elect the president. In Washington, we have 11 electors -- nine who represent each of our state's nine congressional districts, and two chosen at large.
Guest editorial: Four-day school week would provide the flexibility to be creative
School districts around the country that have adopted a four-day school week found that the concerns of increased daycare costs were not necessarily realized. In part, because the school day lengthened by about 40 minutes, which mean students spend less time in after-school care. Many districts organized mentoring and tutoring activities utilizing classified employees, and middle and high school students for the planned non-class day. All-in-all, most districts report that the altered schedule did not result in the negative impact feared.
State lawmakers should not ask voters for tax increase
The Democrat-controlled Washington Legislature seems poised to ask taxpayers to approve a November ballot measure that would raise taxes and bail the state out of an $8 billion budget deficit. Rep. Gary Alexander, the ranking member on the state House Ways and Means Committee, warns that strategy shirks legislative responsibility to balance the budget, wastes time and is likely to fail.