Revenue collections are meeting expectations, but the economic outlook is mixed in Washington and gets murkier from there, according to the latest update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. According to the report, tax collections from April were $7.6 million below expectations, but overall...
“There are two things you will never wish to watch:
the making of sausage and the making of legislation.”
--Otto von Bismarck, German Chancellor
hop•per (h p r)
n.
1. A box in which a bill is placed pending formal introduction before a legislature.
2. The funnel-shaped container on a meat grinder where meat is introduced to the blade.
3. The official blog of the Senate Democrats of Washington state, proving Bismarck wrong with an engaging look at the legislative process.
Sen. Haugen’s enewsletter 5/10/2012
Thursday, May 10 2012 - Mary Margaret Haugen | Permalink
A session review from Olympia
Thursday, May 10 2012 - Paull Shin | Permalink
Dear Friends and neighbors, First of all, I want to thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. These mailings allow me keep the people of the 21 st district informed on key happenings in Olympia. On April 11 th , the Legislature adjourned what was without doubt one of the most trying sessions in memory...
A session review from Olympia
Thursday, May 10 2012 - David Frockt | Permalink
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter. The legislative session is now over and the budget recently signed by the governor. So, I want to first take the opportunity to thank all of you who contacted me this session, and for sharing your ideas and priorities. Many of...
Put kids ahead of profits
Thursday, May 10 2012 - Sharon Nelson | Permalink
Sen. Nelson wrote the following opinion column for the Seattle Times : For the last two days of the most recent legislative session, a bill that would have protected Washington's children from a pair of toxic chemicals sat and waited for a final vote in the state Senate. The House had approved the Toxics...
Sen. Tracey Eide honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Thursday, May 10 2012 - Tracey J. Eide | Permalink
Olympia - Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way , received an award Friday from Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognizing her legislative contributions in passing critical updates to Washington's impaired driving laws. Eide serves as vice-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee . House Bill 2216 raises...
WATCH: Hobbs talks about reforming K-12 health insurance system
Thursday, May 10 2012 - Steve Hobbs | Permalink
Sen. Steve Hobbs stopped by TVW recently to discuss his bill to create fairness and transparency within the state’s K-12 employee health insurance system. You can watch the full video below....
New study finds health reform’s “best kept secret” could offer more affordable coverage in WA
Thursday, May 10 2012 - Karen Keiser | Permalink
Thousands nore could be insured with federal Basic Health Program SEATTLE - A new study by the Urban Institute offers an independent analysis of the viability in Washington State of the Federal Basic Health Program, a new state option under national health reform that has been called the " best...
Town hall meetings kick off next Tuesday
Wednesday, May 09 2012 - Mary Margaret Haugen | Permalink
In addition to four town hall meetings scheduled for the last week of this month, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen has been invited to speak to the La Conner Chamber of Commerce on May 15. The Chamber meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at the La Conner High School library at 502 North 6th St. The event is open...
President Obama supports marriage equality
Wednesday, May 09 2012 - The Hopper | Permalink
Today President Barack Obama said he supports the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry, a position in line with the Legislature's work this year in Washington state. "I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors, when I think...