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School managers short teachers on classroom supplies. Where does the money go?

April 25, 2013 in Blog

Austin Jenkins reports that last Friday, public school mom Jennifer Harjehausen, from Kent, drove to Olympia to testify at a public hearing. She told lawmakers that parents have to buy school supplies:

“We gave Sharpies to my kids’ teacher for Christmas," she said. "I mean come on. The PTA buys disinfectant for the computer lab. We have to provide our own trash can liners when we hold an event. That is crazy.”

Targeted budget special session or another regular session?

April 24, 2013 in Blog

With just four days to go in the 2013 Regular Session, lawmakers and the Governor are discussing the framework for the inevitable specials session(s). One difference this year from previous special sessions may be how tightly focused state officials' efforts and attention are.

As Gov. Kitzhaber threatens hold on Columbia River project, latest light rail accident raises safety concerns

April 24, 2013 in Blog

Within a day of Governor Kitzhaber of Oregon saying he would not permit new highway bridge construction across the Columbia River unless Washington taxpayers agree to put up an extra $450 million toward a light rail route, Sound Transit's light rail system claimed another victim in Seattle. A Mariners fan died of his injuries Tuesday after being hit by a Sound Transit train near Safeco Field.

Should the Secretary of Transportation be allowed to raise the gas tax?

April 22, 2013 in Blog

A key transportation tax bill, HB 1954 "Transportation revenue," was voted out of House committee today. That in itself is not remarkable. What is concerning is the adoption in committee of Rep. Habib's (D-48th) Amendment #4. The amendment would give the Secretary of Transportation the authority to raise the state gas tax by up to three cents a gallon.

Is the Bullitt Center Worth The Carbon Emissions of Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie and Woodinville Combined?

April 22, 2013 in Blog

Yesterday was Earth Day and Governor Inslee and Mayor McGinn attended the opening of the Bullitt Center, billed as the "greenest" building on the planet. One of the selling points is that it creates more energy than it uses. But, is it really green?

What public education can learn from the leaders who saved St. Therese Catholic Academy

April 19, 2013 in Blog

Last week I attended a fascinating presentation sponsored by the Center for Reinventing Public Education at the UW - a story about saving a Catholic school in Seattle and the lessons it holds for public education.

Tax preference review bill on House agenda tomorrow

April 18, 2013 in Blog

Not to be lost on tomorrow's House Finance Committee agenda is SB 5843 (tax preference review). The Senate version of the bill was unanimously approved back on March 7. After the Senate approved the bill WPC encouraged the House to consider also:

Public gets chance to weigh in on House tax increase package tomorrow

April 18, 2013 in Blog

Though we have serious concerns about the impact of the House Democrat's $1.3 billion tax increase proposal on the state's economy and jobs (nearly 10,000 private sector jobs could be lost), at least the public will actually have a chance to weigh in on the proposal.

Senate leaders call for Columbia River Crossing investigation following WPC request for an audit

April 18, 2013 in Blog

By Anne Davis, Research Assistant

Last week, Senate leaders called for a formal investigation into the multi-billion-dollar Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project. In a two-page letter to Governor Inslee, the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus highlighted the need for an immediate investigation of the CRC, following the results of an independent audit. This letter echoes a Washington Policy Center letter from December 4 to then-State Auditor Brian Sonntag. The text of the letter follows:

Dear Mr. Sonntag,

Senate considers revenue forecast reform

April 18, 2013 in Blog

With a special session all but guaranteed for the Legislature to finish its work on the 2013-15 budget, a simple bill being considered by the Senate Ways and Means Committee today could have a fundamental impact on future budget debates.

Introduced on Monday and heard for a public hearing on Tuesday, SB 5910 would move up the state's March revenue forecast to February in long sessions. The bill is scheduled for executive action in the Senate today. 

Geoffrey Canada, exciting charter school leader, to speak in Seattle next week

April 17, 2013 in Blog

Next Friday, April 26th, Geoffrey Canada will be the keynote speaker for Stand for Children’s Changing the Odds luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel in Seattle. Geoffrey Canada is the president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nonprofit that provides a variety of services to help low-income children and families in New York City.

Rep. Carlyle bill would help foster youth stay on track for graduation

April 16, 2013 in Blog

Representative Reuven Carlyle’s (D-Seattle) bill to help children in state foster care finish their education continues to advance in Olympia, passing the House and now under consideration in the Senate. This commonsense idea has broad bipartisan support. The bill passed the House March 8th by a vote of 86 to 12.

Budget negotiations begin in earnest

April 16, 2013 in Blog

Last Friday the House approved its 2013-15 state operating budget proposal on a party-line 54-43 vote. The only lawmaker to cross-party lines was Rep. Stonier (D) who voted against the budget saying:

SB 5496, enhancing access to online learning, passes House

April 16, 2013 in Blog

Yesterday, SB 5496, “Authorizing Approval of Online School Programs in Private Schools,” passed the House of Representatives, 97-0. The Senate passed it last month, 47-0. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Olympian calls for more legislative transparency

April 16, 2013 in Blog

Looks like editors at The Olympian decided to declare April 16 as "Legislative Transparency Day." The capital city newspaper ran two editorials today highlighting our recommendations to improve the public's access to the legislative process.