AT THE two-week mark, most of Council 2's legislative priorities have seen progress. This is important during a short (60 day) session. The transportation package has its ups and downs. The “efficiency package” passed the Senate and the House but a few differences in the bill still need to be worked out between the different versions.
The three major components of the transportation package are as follows:
1. Efficiency Package – The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation identified a number of changes that should be made by the Department of Transportation in order to operate in a more cost efficient way.
2. Regional Package – This measure would give local governments (namely King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties) the ability to raise revenue for regional projects. The measure was worked out between Representative Ed Murray (D) Seattle and Senator Dan McDonald (R) Bellevue. This measure only gives local government more taxing authority and would still need approval from the voters within the region.
3. State Gas Tax – The meat of the transportation package is in the statewide gas tax increase. The Governor’s budget asks for a .09¢ per gallon increase, which is well below the .25¢ increase recommended by the Blue Ribbon Commission. The democrats claim they need at least 20 republican votes to pass any increase without going for voter approval. Although the business community led by Boeing claims this is their number one priority, they have been unable to deliver a single republican vote.
Why is this so important? – No matter where you live in this State or what you do for a living, transportation is the key to our economy’s future. Our schools, counties, cities, special districts and businesses will suffer unless we step up to the plate.
Pension Governance (HB 218)
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Our efforts to create an independent board took a big step forward when we were able to come to an agreement with the two largest retiree groups (Retired Public Employee Council and the School Retirees’ Association). Previous disagreements kept us from passing any improvements. This means that all the AFL-CIO unions and the retirees have joined forces. We are awaiting responses from WEA, WPEA and PSE. These groups have not made governance a priority, but we hope to have their support.
Contracting out / Bid limits(HB - 2185)
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Our bill to raise bid limits to adjust for inflation for cities public works projects should be eligible for a floor vote in the Senate shortly and a House version of the bill will have a hearing on January 31st, thus far, we have gained a lot of bi-partisan support. The prime sponsor of the House bill is newly elected Representative Brian Sullivan (D) Mukilteo.
Contracting Out/Bid Limits (SB 5873 HB 2527)
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The statutes that bar public employees from performing work are out-dated and in dire need of revamping. The private contractors have fed at the public trough long enough.
There are several ideas floating around that would shed more light on the initiative process and they’re making Tim Eyman hopping mad! The mere mention of requiring
initiative sponsors to state the actual impact of their “feel good” tax cuts sends him into orbit.
Since we are entering a “government by initiative” period it is only logical to review the process so the voters have access to the same information that lawmakers have when they vote. One such measure (SB 6637 Senator Adam Kline D-Seattle and HB 2717 Representative Mark Miloscia D-Federal Way) would require initiative sponsors to file the same financial disclosure information that all public officials do. The public has a right to know if initiative sponsors stand to make a profit off the initiative they’re sponsoring.
Please contact the following State and Local Government Committee members and ask them to support SB 6637: Legislative Hotline number – 1-800-562-6000.
Retiree Health Care (SB-5777, HB 1799)
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This bill would give access to health care insurance to all local government retirees. It’s an issue of fairness as most jurisdictions already have retiree plans available. The bill passed the Senate unanimously last year, but needs to be re-voted again this year. The House version needs to receive a hearing in Appropriations.
Please contact the following members of the House Appropriations Committee and ask them to support HB 1799: Legislative Hotline number – 1-800-562-6000.
School Employee Bills of Interest
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The Governor’s budget severely restricts the ability for classified school employees to keep pace with rising medical costs. Our message is clear. The public intended to give school employees a meaningful cost of living adjustment (COLA) when they passed Initiative 728. It is underhanded for the State to now give the COLA with one hand and take it right back with the other by not covering medical insurance increases..
Please call or e-mail your legislators and let your voice be heard.
Click here for the list of 2002 legislators.
