Organizing for America‘s Organizing Committee Meetings are a chance for OFA staff to talk with volunteers across our state about OFA’s legislative and electoral plan for 2010. As an organization, we have come a long way in the past year. We have lessons to learn from the budget pledge drive, health insurance reform and the Massachusetts Senate Race.
The Strategy Sessions are a time to bring those lessons together and look to the future. Staff will talk through national strategy and simultaneously gather feedback from our supporters for our plan to lead OFA forward in 2010.
The North Seattle Organizing Committee will be on Thursday, February 25th starting at 6pm at the University Heights Community Center located at 5031 University Way NE.
If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please contact Priscilla at (206) 295-2126 or minp@dnc.org.
Please download this flyer and spread the word about this meeting!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Our LegActionTeam in the news!
Seattle Times' columnist Lance Dickie wrote about efforts in this Legislative session to clean up Puget Sound. He included one of the King County Democrats' legislative priorities, the safe medicine return bill:
This is a bill that one of our members worked hard on. We agree that the bill and its key lobbyist 46th member Margaret Shield are plenty smart, but the massed forces of Big Pharma were too much for a very broad-based coalition of youth and drug prevention advocates, law enforcement and municipalities.
Click over to the Seattle Times article for more about efforts to clean up Puget Sound:
The Seattle Times Company:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2011121836_lance19.html
Originally published Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 4:03 PM
Lance Dickie / Seattle Times editorial columnist
"One smart bill that did not survive legislative deadlines was a medicine-return program that created a statewide system for environmentally safe disposal of opiates, prescription drugs and over-the-counter products. It was a sane option to flushing pills down the toilet or having them filched by prescription-drug abusers of all ages. It had broad support — law enforcement, drugstores and successful programs in Snohomish and Clark counties — but could not overcome Big Pharma."
This is a bill that one of our members worked hard on. We agree that the bill and its key lobbyist 46th member Margaret Shield are plenty smart, but the massed forces of Big Pharma were too much for a very broad-based coalition of youth and drug prevention advocates, law enforcement and municipalities.
Click over to the Seattle Times article for more about efforts to clean up Puget Sound:
The Seattle Times Company:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2011121836_lance19.html
Originally published Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 4:03 PM
Lance Dickie / Seattle Times editorial columnist
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Legislative Update from Rep. Scott White
Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe we are already half-way through the short 60-day session.
There is still not much solid news to report. Gov. Gregoire recently signed the first three new laws of 2010. All three were devoted to paring state expenses with modest steps such as freezing new government hiring and reducing travel and equipment costs. But the real budget battles are still ahead.
That is one reason why I am writing. We need our 46th District families and businesses to have a strong voice when the major budget and legislative decisions of 2010 are made over the next several weeks. That is why I recently sent out a district-wide survey of citizen priorities, and why the entire 46th District legislative team is holding a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday morning.
46th District survey—still time to respond
It’s not too late to share your priorities and thoughts on my district survey. If you or a member of your household would like another copy of the survey, all you need to do is click the 2010 survey link to download a copy. Then it is just a matter of printing it out and mailing it back to me.
By the way, I’ve told House leaders that citizens should have an easy way to fill out surveys online—because it is faster, more convenient, more environmentally-friendly, and also less expensive, since there are no mailing costs. We are working to create an online survey system now, but it is still in the pilot phase and probably won’t be fully ready until next year. I’ll keep you posted on progress.
Town Hall Meeting just days away
I hope you can find some time to join our Town Hall Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning at the Meadowbrook Community Center. Because of the recession, we face some extremely difficult choices concerning budget and revenue issues. My job is to represent you and our neighbors as these decisions are made, and I’d like to hear a full range of views as we prepare for the major budget, revenue and policy decisions that will literally be made in the next four weeks.
Our community Town Hall will also give me a chance to update you on the progress of the 2010 legislation I’ve proposed. I’m happy to report that a number of the measures I’ve proposed recently passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. I’ll be sharing details at the Town Hall.
Let’s keep in touch!
If you can’t attend the Town Hall, please remember that you can always get a message to me quickly by email, phone or regular mail. Representing you is a pleasure as well as an honor, so don’t hesitate to call or write with your advice or questions. I will never forget that you are the reason why I’m here.
Scott
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Our February Program
Every month, we try to conduct a program that will interest our members and be a draw to the larger community. In February, we hope we have put together a panel that will catch your attention and inform you about the decisions we have to make in the near future. Please join us on February 18th!
Global Climate Change: From Science to Action
Humans are conducting a kind of "science experiment" on the planet. Every year we release over 30 billion tons of atmospheric CO2 along with many other pollutants, including 400 billion pounds of reactive nitrogen in fertilizer.
The experiment asks: What happens to a planet when subjected to these conditions?
The changes that have been documented so far include atmospheric CO2 rise, sea level rise, ocean acidification, polar ice decrease, glacial retreat, early onset of Spring, and many others. Although it is hard to model these changes, a significant majority of scientists agree human pollutants are the primary cause and the worst-case predictions for this century are very distressing.
Is this an experiment we want to continue?
Our three speakers are very concerned and have chosen to speak publicly. Even if you don't share their sense of urgency to act, their views will provide a sense of urgency to learn more about this issue.
Bob Brown is a UW Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Science. He has done research and writing on the mathematics of atmospheric dynamics and has, for many years, been involved in the collection and analysis of satellite data. He will report on the very latest developments in global warming theory and data.
Guillaume Mauger is a climate scientist with the UW Climate Impacts Group studying concrete, identifiable changes resulting from climate change. During his personal time, he studies what we can do to minimize the impacts of climate change, and provides scientific advice to citizen groups. He will tell us about greenhouse gas emissions targets and current Federal legislation designed to reach them.
Doug Howell is the Campaign Director for the Sierra Club's NW Beyond Coal campaign. He has an extensive background in energy policy at Seattle City Light and elsewhere. He is on the forefront of efforts to take action to promote the move away from fossil fuels, especially coal, to clean alternatives. He will discuss Washington State issues, including current negotiations between the Governor and TransAlta (owner of the Centralia coal plant), related legislation, and the status of I-937.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
2010 Budget Proposal
Our Executive Board met last night and approved consideration of the proposed 2010 Budget for the district. The budget proposal reflects our expectations for the year, but does not include the Cole Fund.
The money that we received from the Raymond T. Cole Trust has been invested in a revolving set of Certificates of Deposit. As we develop our 5,10 and 20 year plans, we will have more details on a budget for the fund later in the year. However, as this has been placed outside of the normal operating budget, it is not appropriate to include in the Operating Budget that will be approved in February.
Please take a look at the proposed budget. Questions before or at the meeting may be directed to our Finance Chair, Kathryn Lewis, or our Chair, Chad Lupkes.
The money that we received from the Raymond T. Cole Trust has been invested in a revolving set of Certificates of Deposit. As we develop our 5,10 and 20 year plans, we will have more details on a budget for the fund later in the year. However, as this has been placed outside of the normal operating budget, it is not appropriate to include in the Operating Budget that will be approved in February.
Please take a look at the proposed budget. Questions before or at the meeting may be directed to our Finance Chair, Kathryn Lewis, or our Chair, Chad Lupkes.
REMINDER: PLATFORM-DEVELOPMENT MEETING THIS SATURDAY!
You are invited to participate, with your Platform Committee, in a “grass-roots” meeting this coming Saturday, February 6, to help develop the 46th District Democrats’ 2010 platform.
As a part of our State Democrats’ biennial process, all local Democratic organizations have been invited to adopt platforms at their upcoming caucuses. Our caucus will occur on March 14, and it is the duty of your Platform Committee to develop and present a recommended draft platform for your consideration on that occasion, facilitated by the draft’s being included in the Official Call to the caucus.
You will recall, from the excitement of Presidential year 2008, that our platform development that year began with submission of ideas at February precinct caucuses throughout the District. Our previous platform, that of 2006, was re-examined in light of those ideas and an appropriately updated draft for 2008 was presented at the District Caucus in April (after being included in the Call to that event).
This year, however, without the draw of a Presidential-nomination contest, our State Democratic Central Committee decided to forgo the initial step of precinct caucuses and commence the process with caucuses at the next level, which in our case means the Legislative District Democratic organization. As a substitute for the grass-roots contributions from our constituent precincts, we have scheduled this Saturday’s meeting – to hear from YOU!
In the meantime, your Platform Committee has not been idle. A lengthy, plank-by-plank examination of our 2008 adopted platform is almost complete, and we will have a Committee-updated draft ready for your review as a starting point at Saturday’s meeting. We expect to finish that draft at the Committee’s next meeting, this Thursday night, and to have it ready ASAP thereafter for posting on the District’s website, 46dems.com. While waiting for that to occur, it would be wise to prepare yourself for the Saturday meeting by taking another look at that starting point, our 2008 platform (already on the website, via the “Resources” link).
Saturday’s meeting will be held at Olympic View Community Church, 425 NE 95th St. (our former LD meeting site), beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at noon. Please come and give us your reactions and other ideas! Your Committee will carefully consider your contributions and devote its remaining February meetings to developing a final draft for inclusion in the Call and consideration at our March 14 District caucus.
Hope to see you there!
Dean Fournier, Platform Committee Chair
Chad Lupkes, Chair
As a part of our State Democrats’ biennial process, all local Democratic organizations have been invited to adopt platforms at their upcoming caucuses. Our caucus will occur on March 14, and it is the duty of your Platform Committee to develop and present a recommended draft platform for your consideration on that occasion, facilitated by the draft’s being included in the Official Call to the caucus.
You will recall, from the excitement of Presidential year 2008, that our platform development that year began with submission of ideas at February precinct caucuses throughout the District. Our previous platform, that of 2006, was re-examined in light of those ideas and an appropriately updated draft for 2008 was presented at the District Caucus in April (after being included in the Call to that event).
This year, however, without the draw of a Presidential-nomination contest, our State Democratic Central Committee decided to forgo the initial step of precinct caucuses and commence the process with caucuses at the next level, which in our case means the Legislative District Democratic organization. As a substitute for the grass-roots contributions from our constituent precincts, we have scheduled this Saturday’s meeting – to hear from YOU!
In the meantime, your Platform Committee has not been idle. A lengthy, plank-by-plank examination of our 2008 adopted platform is almost complete, and we will have a Committee-updated draft ready for your review as a starting point at Saturday’s meeting. We expect to finish that draft at the Committee’s next meeting, this Thursday night, and to have it ready ASAP thereafter for posting on the District’s website, 46dems.com. While waiting for that to occur, it would be wise to prepare yourself for the Saturday meeting by taking another look at that starting point, our 2008 platform (already on the website, via the “Resources” link).
Saturday’s meeting will be held at Olympic View Community Church, 425 NE 95th St. (our former LD meeting site), beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at noon. Please come and give us your reactions and other ideas! Your Committee will carefully consider your contributions and devote its remaining February meetings to developing a final draft for inclusion in the Call and consideration at our March 14 District caucus.
Hope to see you there!
Dean Fournier, Platform Committee Chair
Chad Lupkes, Chair
Monday, January 25, 2010
Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Kenney
Let’s put Washington back to work
Today marks the beginning of week three in the 2010 legislative session, and things are really moving quickly. We passed our first bill on Wednesday, and I'm very happy to report that it’s a big one, aimed at creating jobs in every corner of our state.
The Jobs Act of 2010, expected to create 38,000 jobs, was approved the same day unemployment numbers in our state grew to 9.5% -- the highest level since 1984. The Seattle Metropolitan unemployment rate is slightly below that at 9.2%. The bill will not only provide good-paying jobs, it will repair our public schools and universities, making them safer, healthier and more energy efficient.
It's an innovative way to create a lot of jobs because most of the work is self-financed. Here's an example of how it works: energy contractors do an audit of an elementary school and estimate how much could be saved in power costs, every year, by replacing old leaky windows, putting in a heat pump instead of a furnace and using better insulation.
Then the money saved on electricity each month is used to finance the work. Contractors are careful and good at this now, because if the savings don't materialize, it's in the contract that they're on the hook to repay the bonds.
Schools and universities like this creative idea, because after the projects are paid off, they get to keep the money saved every month in lower electricity bills. Once these projects are done, taxpayers will save $190 million a year in reduced energy costs.
The Jobs Act passed the House 57-41, and now it's being considered by the Senate, but ultimately you will decide if this is the right thing to do – the JOBS Act, if passed by the Senate, will be on the ballot in November for your consideration.
There are other ideas for creating jobs, and we'll be voting on more bills in the House along with some ideas from Gov. Chris Gregoire.
But the Jobs Act is important because it's one thing we can do to create a lot of jobs for some of the people hit hardest by the global recession: construction workers.
The latest estimate is that 40,000 construction workers are out of a job right now. If you look at the average weekly unemployment check -- $400 dollars -- and multiply that by all those hard hats standing in the unemployment line, it's more than $2 million a day.
I believe we can -- and should -- put those good people back to work. Their paychecks help stimulate our whole economy. Let's have them pick up their hammers, put their hard hats back on and put them to work building us better schools and universities.
Budget cutting process underway
On Friday, the House passed the first budget bill of the session. As you’ve heard, there is a revenue shortfall of about $2.6 billion that must be addressed between now and June 30, 2011.
That number will move up and down as we get new information regarding caseloads and revenue forecasts, but it’s safe to say we have a pretty big problem facing us. After balancing a $9.2 billion shortfall last year, this may seem easy by comparison, but in reality it is much harder.
The early saving bill comes only twelve days into the 2010 session and allows legislators to capture some early savings without waiting to vote on the full supplemental budget, a budget that won't be approved until the final days of session.
The bill makes $46.7 million in savings and extends numerous cost-saving measures approved by the Legislature last session.
The savings include:
- $18.6 million in administrative savings such as not hiring for vacant positions and reducing contract, travel and equipment spending.
- $9.4 million in efficiency savings such as consolidating printing functions in DSHS and expediting nursing home discharges.
- $10 million in service reductions to programs such as the Passport foster care program or Special Commitment Center services.
- $8.7 million in underexpenditures/federal funds including money unspent in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The measure now heads to the Senate.
I am interested in hearing any of ideas for savings, efficiencies, and cuts to our state’s budget.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Donation to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund
Date: January 22, 2010
To: American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund
P.O. Box 37243
Washington D.C. 20013
Subject: Donation
Last night at our January General Membership meeting for Washington State’s 46th District Democratic Organization, we received a unanimous vote from our members to send the proceeds from their contributions for food and beverage provided at that event to support your efforts in Haiti.
These monies are normally intended to help fund our operating expenses and it is with great pride that we put these in your hands for appropriate use. The amount we collected was $300.
Sincerely,
Stan Moffett, Treasurer
46th District Democrats
Seattle, WA
cc: Chad Lupkes, Chairman
46th District Democrats
Seattle, WA
To: American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund
P.O. Box 37243
Washington D.C. 20013
Subject: Donation
Last night at our January General Membership meeting for Washington State’s 46th District Democratic Organization, we received a unanimous vote from our members to send the proceeds from their contributions for food and beverage provided at that event to support your efforts in Haiti.
These monies are normally intended to help fund our operating expenses and it is with great pride that we put these in your hands for appropriate use. The amount we collected was $300.
Sincerely,
Stan Moffett, Treasurer
46th District Democrats
Seattle, WA
cc: Chad Lupkes, Chairman
46th District Democrats
Seattle, WA
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Legislative update from Sen. Ken Jacobsen
Dear Neighbors:
We have just begun the 2010 legislative session in Olympia. Currently we are facing a $2.6 billion shortfall, and you have probably heard news reports of the possibility of even deeper cuts that could detrimentally affect our workforce, healthcare infrastructure and economic security. I want you to know that in the face of this challenge I remain committed to promoting your goals and keeping my pledge to represent the people of the 46th Legislative District here in Olympia.
I am sending this e-newsletter to update you on some bills that I am working on. I would welcome any input or feedback you might have on this legislation.
A Food Policy Council for a Vibrant and Sustainable Statewide Food System
Clearly there is scope for improvement when it comes to our food system in Washington State. In the face of challenges to our agricultural economy, a concern for food safety and other issues of public health such as high rates of obesity, it is imperative that the Legislature produce a solution to better secure the food system in our state.
To that end, I have sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 6343 which would create a food council whose purpose is to tackle the very problems that currently plague our food system.
Among the several goals the Food Policy Council would be responsible for are:
- To develop programs that would promote the production of healthy food grown in our State for the people of our State.
- To protect resources needed for sustained local food production.
- To reduce food insecurity and hunger in Washington State.
SB 6343 had its first reading on January 12, 2010 and has been referred to the Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Committee.
Near-Term Benefits to Sustainable Recreation
Due to the projected budget shortfall there is a possibility that more than twenty trail systems and campgrounds operated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be closed in late March. Included on the potential list are the popular Mount Si and Little Si trailheads (500,000 visitors combined last year) as well as popular recreation sites in the South Sound.
To prevent any closures I have sponsored SB 6237 which would provide a short-term infusion of general-fund money to keep the sites open. To ensure the future of these sites, SB 6237 would also grant the DNR authority to charge fees for use of certain recreation facilities for events hosted on DNR lands, among other options to generate additional revenue to keep these sites open.
I know firsthand the joy these recreation sites can provide and will do my best to ensure that they remain accessible to the public.
I encourage you to share your thoughts with me. You can find more information on issues by visiting my Web site at http://sdc.leg.wa.gov/jacobsen.htm.
Sincerely,
Ken
Thursday, January 07, 2010
About the 2010 Senate Race
Word has arrived through blogs and press releases that Senator Ken Jacobsen will face a Primary challenge in 2010 from David Frockt, an attorney who lives in our district. Mr. Frockt has also called me to let me know that he was starting his run. This gives me an opportunity to review the mission of the 46th District Democrats:
The purpose of the organization shall be to promote citizen participation in the Democratic Party, advance the 46th District Democrats’ platform, and support and work for the election of Democratic candidates and candidates for nonpartisan office who demonstrably espouse the principles contained in that platform.
As chair of our organization, it is my job to be fair to all candidates who seek our endorsement. Mr. Frockt called me yesterday to let me know that he had made his announcement, and mentioned that he had observed my efforts to be fair during the 2009 election. I promised to him that I would continue to be fair during 2010.
Senator Ken Jacobsen has been in Olympia since he was first elected to the State House in 1982. David Frockt is an attorney working on corporate accountability. As Democrats, we welcome discussion and debate. It looks to me like we're going to get some good discussions and debate during this contest.
I look forward to hearing from all candidates who are willing to put "Prefers the Democratic Party" when they file for office, and what I will be most interested in hearing is how their experience and their values will help us push our platform in Olympia.
The endorsement vote will be held during our June meeting. There will also be a Democratic Nomination vote by our PCO's, likely at that meeting as well. May the best campaign win.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Building our Network
Hi everyone,
2010 is another important election year, and we are going to need all the help that we can get to push President Obama, Congress and Olympia in the right direction. I hope we can count on your help and support.
I am going through our Membership Database, and I'm trying to build our online networks. If you are on any of these websites, please join us!
Facebook
Twitter
46-Democrats on Yahoo Groups
Democrats.org/PartyBuilder
LinkedIn
I am on many more social networking sites, so if you have one that you would like to see listed, please let me know.
I am focused on what I said that I would do when I ran for Chair in January, 2009. Community, Community, Community. Please help!
Chad
2010 is another important election year, and we are going to need all the help that we can get to push President Obama, Congress and Olympia in the right direction. I hope we can count on your help and support.
I am going through our Membership Database, and I'm trying to build our online networks. If you are on any of these websites, please join us!
46-Democrats on Yahoo Groups
Democrats.org/PartyBuilder
I am on many more social networking sites, so if you have one that you would like to see listed, please let me know.
I am focused on what I said that I would do when I ran for Chair in January, 2009. Community, Community, Community. Please help!
Chad
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Legislative Update from Rep. Scott White
Governor Gregoire released her 2010 supplemental state budget proposal this week and, as required by state law, it was structured around the most current state revenue forecast. As we discussed a couple weeks ago, that forecast predicted a $2.6 billion shortfall in the two-year budget approved last April.
To fill that gap, the Governor proposes eliminating dozens and dozens of state programs and services. Some of the more well-known examples include:
- The Basic Health Plan, which provides 69,000 low-income people with health care and which currently has another 100,000 people on a waiting list for enrollment.
- Levy equalization, which provides nearly $150 million for property-poor school districts
- Early learning for three-year-old children
- Maternity Support Services for low-income women
- State Need Grant to help low-income students attend college
The Governor has stated that the cuts included in the balanced budget she proposed, as required by state law, are unacceptable. I couldn’t agree more.
Choices are pretty limited
In reality, our state budget has very little flexibility to deal with hard economic times. In legislative-speak, it’s the difference between mandated funding and discretionary funding. Mandated funding means just that; the amount we are obligated to pay to certain services and programs, like public education, based on state law and our constitution.
Those obligations amount to about 70% of our total state budget. That leaves only 30% – the “discretionary funds” that pay for everything else. It is only from that small slice of the budget that reductions can be made. This means that without additional funds, $2.6 billion must be cut from about $9 billion in non-mandated funding.
It is our responsibility to respond to this economic crisis
Washington families are wrestling with an economic meltdown that started with the CEOs on Wall Street and is exacerbated by those millionaire moguls who are driven by greed with no consideration for the economic vitality and well being of our country, state, and local communities. While this crisis isn’t our fault, it is our responsibility to respond the best way we can.
Thanks to smart decisions and investments made in the past, Washington state was one of the last to feel the pain of high unemployment and skyrocketing caseloads resulting from the national recession. In fact, Washington state is nationally recognized as a good steward of the public purse strings. Last year, we were one of only a few states given an “A-” by Governing Magazine in its 2008 Government Performance Project.
Last session, we balanced our budget with a combination of federal stimulus aid, $4 billion in cuts to discretionary programs and services, and fund transfers from other state sources. This budget eliminated about 3,000 government jobs, suspended pay raises for all state employees, increased the share of health care costs paid by many workers, and asked agencies to find other ways to cut costs. The priority was preserving the jobs of those who serve our citizens on the front lines—still, deep cuts were made to many programs throughout State government with negative impacts on real people in our communities.
Today, largely because of continuing declines in sales tax revenues and a lagging recovery, we now face this additional shortfall in the second half of our state’s 2009-2011 budget.
Smart recovery doesn’t require sacrificing our values
Good management in the best of times requires even better management—and strong leadership—in the worst of times. Much of my work in the 2010 legislative session will be focused on putting people back to work and protecting services that are critical to the health of our communities. I believe that the Legislature must look at new revenues to support programs that provide critical services to the citizens of Washington State.
We want a smart recovery, and that means job creation today and educational opportunities that will attract the jobs of tomorrow. But a smart recovery also means taking care of our families, the unprecedented number of people who are struggling to find a job, and those who require help caring for themselves. These priorities reflect the core values of our state.
The Governor has proposed a budget that, without any new revenue, means eliminating many of the programs that have provided hope, health and opportunity for thousands of people. Again, the Governor has stated that the cuts included in the balanced budget she was required to propose are unacceptable. And again, I completely agree that these cuts are unacceptable.
Please know that I will be working with my colleagues to evaluate additional cuts and new revenues this session. While some budget reductions will be necessary, it is important that we secure some funding for critical programs such as Apple Health for Kids, Basic Health Plan, long-term care for our elderly, support for people with disabilities and needed investments in K-12 and higher education.
As always, please contact my office with any questions, comments or concerns. Your input is important to me and an integral part of our democracy!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Fwd: November E-Memo from Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis <Kenney.Phyllis@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Subject: November E-Memo from Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
To: WALEG-HOUSE-GUTIERREZ-KENNEY@listserv.wa.gov
From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis <Kenney.Phyllis@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Subject: November E-Memo from Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
To: WALEG-HOUSE-GUTIERREZ-KENNEY@listserv.wa.gov
Honoring Our VeteransDear Friends, As we near November 11th, I'm reminded of the countless lives that have been touched by our veterans. These brave men and women have, for generations, woken up each and every day ready to lay their lives on the line. They have done this willingly and knowingly so that their family, friends, and neighbors can sleep peacefully at night. Their dedication and loyal service to their country is unforgettable. Connecting veterans with living wage jobs and additional benefits is not only an important stepping stone in building a sustainable economy, but it's also the right thing to do. As our country is simultaneously engaged in two of the most difficult conflicts of this generation, we must never forget that our veterans have and continue to forgo many of the comforts that we take for granted. These same men and women must be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve when they are deployed and when they return home. Veterans are skilled workers with knowledge and training that's applicable to a wide range of career fields. Unfortunately, job searching in this economy isn't exactly easy, and resources for veterans are not always readily available. That's why I have compiled some information on helpful educational and training opportunities, as well as additional benefits for veterans. I hope you find this information useful and share it with others. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office by phone at (206) 368-4491 or by emailing me at Kenney.phyllis@leg.wa.gov. Resources for VeteransCovering educational expenses Paying for school can be a daunting task, especially when your main concern is simply providing food for your family and the bare essentials to lead a healthy life. Easing the burden of educational expenses for veterans is one way to give back to those who have already given so much. Originally signed into law in 1944, the GI Bill was updated in 2008. As of August 1, 2009, the new law gave veterans with active duty service on, or after, Sept. 11, 2001, enhanced educational benefits that cover more educational expenses, provide a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children. Visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/ for additional details about the GI Bill. In Washington, state community colleges and universities are authorized to waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans or National Guard members. Each college or university establishes and operates their own veterans waiver program so it is best to get in touch with the college or university you plan to attend for details on their program. A list of colleges and universities is available at: http://www.hecb.wa.gov/links/colleges/collegesindex.asp Training for a new profession Apprenticeships are a good way to complete training while earning a living wage and gaining valuable on-the-job-experience. Many veterans have skills that transfer well into the construction industry, but they often lack the formal training and certifications that may be required. Helmets to Hardhats, which is operated by the Building & Construction Trades Council, is an example of an apprenticeship program created specifically to recruit veterans into the construction industry. With the Helmets to Hardhats program, men and women coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan can transition into new careers as skilled tradesmen and women. It's an opportunity for veterans to earn a living wage while gaining expertise in a trade such as plumbing, pipefitting, carpentry and more. This training paves the way to a more secure financial future for veterans and their families. The Veterans Conservation Corps is also a great opportunity for veterans to earn valuable work experience while gaining skills most applicable to the environmental field. In an effort to help restore and protect Washington state's natural resources, veterans take part in activities such as stream restoration and monitoring, re-vegetation of native plants, environmental or community education and more. All veterans are eligible for this program. The Employment Security Department (ESD) provides a wide array of services to help veterans find jobs and to support themselves financially while they look and/or train for work. In an effort to assist with this process, ESD connects hired specialists who help veterans understand and use their benefits. These veterans specialists promote the hiring of veterans, particularly recently discharged veterans, and assisting veterans who face significant barriers to getting hired, such as a disability. They also work with local businesses that hold federal contracts to help them recruit potential veteran candidates to fill vacancies. Most of these services are arranged or provided through WorkSource offices that are located all over Washington. Click here for a WorkSource office directory. Veterans Affairs If you know a veteran in need of assistance, please let WDVA know how to get in touch with them. You can call toll-free, 1-800-562-2308 or visit them online at www.dva.wa.gov . The VA provides information and assistance with state benefits such as: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling: Washington State maintains an outreach/counseling program which provides confidential counseling services to WA State Veterans and family members with war-era or PTSD-related problems. OIF/OEF/ONE Veterans: The Veterans Innovations Program was created to provide emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families facing financial hardships due to extended deployments. Property Tax Relief: The Department of Revenue offers a property tax exemption and deferral program for low income seniors, persons with disability and disabled veterans who meet income requirements. Widows of 100 percent disabled veterans may be eligible for a Property Tax Grant which pays a portion of their property taxes. State Veterans Homes: Three Veterans Homes are available for veterans or widows needing long-term rehabilitative or short-term Medicare A rehabilitative care. More information is available by calling: 1-877-838-7787 Transitional Housing and Homeless Veterans Services: A 40 bed transitional housing program provides veterans with a stable living environment and supportive services to help break the cycle of homeless. Other homeless programs focus on removing barriers to employment and providing other supportive services. Incarcerated Veterans Reintegration Program: Partnerships with several counties, including King County, help veterans in county jail deal with the issues that got them into trouble and focus on preventing them from reoffending. Veterans Conservation Corps: Assists veterans by providing training and volunteer opportunities that help to restore and protect Washington state's natural resources while helping veterans suffering from war trauma get back into the workforce in 'green collar' jobs. A Veterans Academy supports veterans in higher education programs which lead to environmental certificates or degrees. Women Veterans: The Women Veterans Advisory Committee has several goals including performing outreach to improve women veterans' awareness for services and benefits and providing assistance in accessing those benefits. Veteran / Servicemember Owned Business Registry: The registry is one way that our state and its citizens can honor veterans by promoting their businesses and products statewide. Government Agencies and Corporations have access to this statewide list of Veteran/Servicemember Owned Businesses for contracting opportunities and individuals and families have easy access to a list of those businesses in their communities. These businesses may also be eligible for the Linked Deposit Program which can reduce the interest rate on their business loans by 2 percent. Please join me in thanking those who have served and are serving in our armed forces to protect our country. My home page | Contact me | House Democrats Home | Washington State Legislature Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. To send any comments, or to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please go to my E-memo page. |
Monday, October 26, 2009
Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge
by Georgie Bright Kunkel
When I learned that there would be a ceremony on West Marginal Way to unveil the highway sign JEANETTE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL BRIDGE I could not stay away. Soon I found myself driving along the boulevard and crossing the tracks into the parking area. Several dignitaries gathered to honor the woman of politics who took part in making sure that West Seattleites had a high bridge.
You may not realize it but the newly named, Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge, made it possible to drive downtown to and from work without waiting for ships to pass under the drawbridge. This high bridge came into being because of an interesting occurrence. I will never forget the exciting news of Rolf Neslund, an older pilot, who made an error which resulted in the freighter Chavez crashing into one of the old bridges making it unusable. It is reported that he said, “My wife will kill me for this.” Well, as it happened she later died in prison for just that, killing him, even though his body was never found.
West Seattleites had to suffer traffic tie-ups because of the bridge’s demise. There was a good deal of wheeling and dealing to find the funds for a high bridge. Our senior senator Warren Magnuson had enough seniority to pull it off and the high bridge became a reality. Much of the groundwork for making it all happen was facilitated city council member Jeanette Williams when Charles Royer was mayor.
Williams did not begin her life in politics. She played viola in both Seattle and Chicago orchestras and even formed a traveling women’s band. But it wasn’t long before she found her calling. Anyone named after Alice Paul, feminist and political strategist, would naturally be a leader. She was the first female chair of a metropolitan Democratic Party organization in the United States.
I remember going with my husband downtown to her office and doing mailings. She showed us how to line up all the envelopes with the part to be moistened folded back. We would take a sponge and run it across at least ten or twenty envelopes and then seal each one. That was in the days of hands-on politics. It was before all the yard signs and high priced TV ads.
Her resume includes twenty years on the Seattle City Council with a reputation of being for parks, human rights and of course the West Seattle Bridge. Her grown children watched her stay intellectually active up until she died just a year ago at age 94. Although she wanted to see Hillary Clinton run for the presidency, she cast her vote for Barak Obama before she died.
Rusty Williams, her son, worked tirelessly to bring the issue of naming the bridge after his mother before the citizens of Seattle. He is very proud of the fact that she is the first woman to have such a large structure named in her memory.
There was a time in which I could drive over the high bridge and enter the freeway without merging at 60 miles an hour. Perhaps some other activist like Jeanette Williams will step up to the plate and find a way to change the traffic pattern to allow West Seattleites to have the right of way once more. I know that if Jeanette were still around, it might be accomplished.
Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who can be reached at gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.
When I learned that there would be a ceremony on West Marginal Way to unveil the highway sign JEANETTE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL BRIDGE I could not stay away. Soon I found myself driving along the boulevard and crossing the tracks into the parking area. Several dignitaries gathered to honor the woman of politics who took part in making sure that West Seattleites had a high bridge.
You may not realize it but the newly named, Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge, made it possible to drive downtown to and from work without waiting for ships to pass under the drawbridge. This high bridge came into being because of an interesting occurrence. I will never forget the exciting news of Rolf Neslund, an older pilot, who made an error which resulted in the freighter Chavez crashing into one of the old bridges making it unusable. It is reported that he said, “My wife will kill me for this.” Well, as it happened she later died in prison for just that, killing him, even though his body was never found.
West Seattleites had to suffer traffic tie-ups because of the bridge’s demise. There was a good deal of wheeling and dealing to find the funds for a high bridge. Our senior senator Warren Magnuson had enough seniority to pull it off and the high bridge became a reality. Much of the groundwork for making it all happen was facilitated city council member Jeanette Williams when Charles Royer was mayor.
Williams did not begin her life in politics. She played viola in both Seattle and Chicago orchestras and even formed a traveling women’s band. But it wasn’t long before she found her calling. Anyone named after Alice Paul, feminist and political strategist, would naturally be a leader. She was the first female chair of a metropolitan Democratic Party organization in the United States.
I remember going with my husband downtown to her office and doing mailings. She showed us how to line up all the envelopes with the part to be moistened folded back. We would take a sponge and run it across at least ten or twenty envelopes and then seal each one. That was in the days of hands-on politics. It was before all the yard signs and high priced TV ads.
Her resume includes twenty years on the Seattle City Council with a reputation of being for parks, human rights and of course the West Seattle Bridge. Her grown children watched her stay intellectually active up until she died just a year ago at age 94. Although she wanted to see Hillary Clinton run for the presidency, she cast her vote for Barak Obama before she died.
Rusty Williams, her son, worked tirelessly to bring the issue of naming the bridge after his mother before the citizens of Seattle. He is very proud of the fact that she is the first woman to have such a large structure named in her memory.
There was a time in which I could drive over the high bridge and enter the freeway without merging at 60 miles an hour. Perhaps some other activist like Jeanette Williams will step up to the plate and find a way to change the traffic pattern to allow West Seattleites to have the right of way once more. I know that if Jeanette were still around, it might be accomplished.
Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who can be reached at gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thanks from David Bloom
Near the end of the meeting last Thursday, there was a motion from the floor to make a $400 contribution to the campaign of David Bloom. The motion passed, and we sent a check on Monday. I received his thanks last night:
Chad,
I received the donation check for my campaign today. It is a huge help during this last run-up to election day. Please extend my thanks to my fellow members of the 46th.
David Bloom
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thanks to our callers!
Senator Ken Jacobsen, Barbara Whitt, Gerry Pollet and Erica Minshull came to the Olympic View Church tonight to make some calls in support of the NO ON I-1033 campaign. Thanks so much for coming out!
The next phone bank hosted by the 46th District will be next Tuesday, October 27th. Contact Barbara or Gerry for details and to RSVP.
Two weeks to go!
The next phone bank hosted by the 46th District will be next Tuesday, October 27th. Contact Barbara or Gerry for details and to RSVP.
Two weeks to go!
Ballot Postage
A question came up at the meeting last Thursday night about the postage required for mailing the ballot. Emily Willoughby, Elections Vice Chair of the King County Democrats and our county representative on the Citizens' Elections Oversight Committee, let me know that a single first class stamp is sufficient. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fwd: Invitation to Special Joint Town Hall on K-12 Budget Issues
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: White, Rep. Scott <White.Scott@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 8:25 AM
Subject: Invitation to Special Joint Town Hall on K-12 Budget Issues
To: WALEG-HOUSE-WHITE@listserv.wa.gov
From: White, Rep. Scott <White.Scott@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 8:25 AM
Subject: Invitation to Special Joint Town Hall on K-12 Budget Issues
To: WALEG-HOUSE-WHITE@listserv.wa.gov
State Representative Scott White
Town Hall on K-12 Funding
46th District | white.scott@leg.wa.gov
10/14/09
You are invited to a Special Joint Town Hall to discuss K-12 Education
Budget and Funding Issues
Please join School Board Directors Sherry Carr and Peter Maier and
State Representative Scott White for a special Town Hall to discuss
school funding and budget issues from both a state and school district
perspective.
7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20th
Olympic View Elementary
504 NE 95th St
For more information:
State Representative Scott White
(206) 366-7830
white.scott@leg.wa.gov
Director Sherry Carr
(206) 252-0040
sherry.carr@seattleschools.org
Director Peter Maier
(206) 252-0040
peter.maier@seattleschools.org
To contact me directly, send an email to white.scott@leg.wa.gov
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A special appeal to PCO's
This is an email I just sent out to our PCO's:
Hi everyone,
I'm not using Constant Contact this time. This is a personal appeal. Our ability to support our platform depends on getting the right people in office, and ensuring the vote goes our way on significant ballot measures. Especially this year. I-1033 could devastate the finances of the state and local governments. There is no way that I can overemphasize how important this is. Everything that we work for, everything that we dream for our kids and our future depends on being active. As PCO's you know that already.
I just stopped by Sylvia's house because I needed some I-1033 literature. It was there waiting for me. All of the literature that we need for this election is there.
There were also a LOT of bags still to be picked up. If you have already picked up the bag for your precinct, thanks so much. If you have not yet, please pick it up this weekend and distribute the literature this week. Ballots are going into the mail, and the numbers from the primary election showed that 30% of people who will vote in an all-mail election fill out their ballot right when they get it and send it in almost immediately. We need to catch that first wave of voters.
If you can do more than just your precinct, that's fantastic. Please do everything you can.
Contact me if you have any questions. Please.
--
Chad Lupkes - http://chadlupkes.blogspot.com
Chair, 46th District Democrats - http://46dems.com
Hi everyone,
I'm not using Constant Contact this time. This is a personal appeal. Our ability to support our platform depends on getting the right people in office, and ensuring the vote goes our way on significant ballot measures. Especially this year. I-1033 could devastate the finances of the state and local governments. There is no way that I can overemphasize how important this is. Everything that we work for, everything that we dream for our kids and our future depends on being active. As PCO's you know that already.
I just stopped by Sylvia's house because I needed some I-1033 literature. It was there waiting for me. All of the literature that we need for this election is there.
There were also a LOT of bags still to be picked up. If you have already picked up the bag for your precinct, thanks so much. If you have not yet, please pick it up this weekend and distribute the literature this week. Ballots are going into the mail, and the numbers from the primary election showed that 30% of people who will vote in an all-mail election fill out their ballot right when they get it and send it in almost immediately. We need to catch that first wave of voters.
If you can do more than just your precinct, that's fantastic. Please do everything you can.
Contact me if you have any questions. Please.
--
Chad Lupkes - http://chadlupkes.blogspot.com
Chair, 46th District Democrats - http://46dems.com
Monday, October 05, 2009
Notes from the Chair, October, 2009
The Demogram has been published, and here are the "Notes from the Chair".
All of us are constantly learning from our history, to try and improve things that we may not have done as well as we hoped or to avoid making mistakes. I think the September Endorsement Meeting went much better in some ways than the June meeting, and I’ll continue to try and improve the way things are done.
The district too is exploring what we can do better. I would like to point out one of the ways that we are evolving and changing. Since probably 1995, Janet Miller has maintained a database of members and activists who have attended our precinct caucuses and other events. With my technical skills, this is one of the things I have most wanted to work on since I got involved with the district in 2004. I’m planning on making it a more robust and integrated system that will help us track our membership, events and budget. I would like to thank Janet for doing such a great job over the last 14 years. I’m nervous about taking this on, because just over the last two months I know how much work it has been.
We’re planning for the 2010 Caucus Cycle and Budget cycle. According to the rules passed by the State Committee, we will not be holding Precinct Caucuses this coming year. That’s a big change, and in some ways a positive one. But conducting the LD Caucus without the preparatory work normally started at the precinct level will take some extra work. We need to develop a platform drafting process that takes input from the grassroots and makes a meaningful update to our 2008 Platform. We will need to elect delegates and alternates to the County Convention and the State Convention. And we need to build our party by proving once again that the 46th LD is one of the most effective party organizations in the state.
If everyone pitches in, 2010 will be a bright spot in our history, where we hold true to our progressive principles and push the country further into the 21st Century. Starting in North Seattle, of course!
Chad Lupkes
Chair, 46th District Democrats
P.S., Some of you might have heard about my bike crash. I’m fine, don’t worry. But I wanted to use a point of personal privilege here to thank my personal community. The crash happened about a block away from NW Hospital, and I saw several people come out of their yards to ask if I was ok. I was well enough to walk to the ER. Everyone has been supportive, and my friends in cyberspace didn’t even notice. At least they say they didn’t notice. I love this community.
Read the rest of the October Demogram here.
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