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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fwd: Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis <Kenney.Phyllis@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Subject: Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
To:
From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis <Kenney.Phyllis@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Subject: Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
To:
46th Legislative District · kenney.phyllis@leg.wa.gov
October Assembly Days
State Revenue Outlook
Extension of Unemployment Benefits
For more news and resources, please visit my web site.
Dear Neighbors,
Hope you are enjoying this lovely autumn weather. These are the days
that really remind us how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful
state!
Even though it doesn't seem like the summer has ended, the Legislature
will be in Olympia October 1 and 2 for what are called Committee
Assembly Days. Public hearings and work sessions will be heard on a
large variety of issues as your Representatives continue gearing up
for the 2010 session. A complete listing of committee action can be
found here.
State Revenue Outlook
Late last week, the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council adopted a
revised state revenue forecast. This forecast has two components:
the final numbers for the 2007-09 budget, which ended on June 30,
2009, and changes to the 2009-11 budget, which we are now in.
Together, for all four years, the General Fund-State change is a loss
of $237.7 million.
This change in revenue shows that with both the General Fund and the
Budget Stabilization Account, the 2009-11 ending fund balance is in
the red by $184.9 million. Remember, though, that this is a two-year
budget and we are only three months into it, so this is an estimate of
where the state's revenues would be at the end of the 24 month
biennium if no action were taken.
Despite the lower-than-estimated numbers, there was some good news in
the forecast – economists around the country believe we are now at the
end of the recession and easing into economic recovery.
Dr. Arun Raha, the director of the council, made these points:
· It now seems very likely that the recession ended in the
third quarter of 2009.
· The recovery will be slow with consumer spending constrained
and unemployment elevated for some time.
· Washington is expected to outperform the nation in the
recovery, primarily because our state's economy is more trade
intensive than others.
· Revenue collections lag the economic recovery.
If you'd like to see some of the charts used in the presentation, here
is the link: http://www.erfc.wa.gov/pubs/rev20090917color.pdf
Unemployment numbers may continue to grow, but there's some relief on
the horizon
While most economic indicators are looking better, recovery will be
slow and unemployment numbers will remain high for some time to come.
This is not just true here in Washington, but around the country.
Most businesses will need some time before they get to the stage of
expanding their workforces again.
The first bill we passed during the 2009 Legislative session increased
unemployment benefits for those laid off during the Great Recession.
That, coupled with extended eligibility funded by the federal
government, helped an awful lot of families get by during the last
several months. And not only families benefitted – economists say
that for every $1 paid by Unemployment Insurance, $2.15 is returned to
the local economy. So the corner grocer, the neighborhood barber, the
local hardware store, etc., also were helped by these government
actions.
However, because jobs are still so hard to find, many people are
reaching the end of that economic lifeline.
The good news, however, is that the House of Representatives in
Washington DC voted Tuesday to extend benefits for another 13 weeks
for the unemployed living in states with unemployment rates of 8.5
percent or higher. Washington's rate is currently 9.2 percent, so our
struggling workers will qualify.
The Senate is expected to act on the measure within days. You can
read more about these extended benefits here: House votes to extend
jobless benefits
________________________________
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.
Fwd: September Newsletter: Back to school edition
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: White, Rep. Scott <White.Scott@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Subject: September Newsletter: Back to school edition
To: WALEG-HOUSE-WHITE@listserv.wa.gov
In This Issue
Economic Forecast
K-12 Education
Town Hall
________________________________
Visit my web page
Contact me
About the Legislature
State Representative Scott White
Working on the issues important to you!!!
46th Legislative District | white.scott@leg.wa.gov
09/23/09
New forecast: More hope, but more pain
A new (Sept. 17th) state revenue forecast suggests that the recession has almost certainly bottomed out. Economists now expect Washington to be one of five states leading the national recovery… but that is only the good news. Too many families won't see relief any time soon. Unemployment will remain tragically high for much of next year. We will all have neighbors in need for a long time as the crises slowly recedes.
I'm also deeply troubled that state revenues are expected to fall another $238 million in this budget cycle. This figure hugely understates the problem: It doesn't include billions of dollars lost earlier in the recession, and it doesn't reflect much higher mandatory state costs for increased recession-driven needs, such as unemployment compensation or the cost of educating all of the children who are leaving private schools for public schools as families try to stay afloat.
The bottom line is that state officials will likely call for additional cuts of $800 million to $1 billion from education, health care, the social safety net and other important services. This is on top of billions of dollars slashed earlier this year. When I think about all the hardships I've heard from teachers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, college students facing closed classes and higher tuitions, and many others who have been hurt by state budget cuts, the prospect of more budget pain is heart wrenching.
Clearly, we must prioritize and make even better use of public-private partnerships, performance audits and other tools to increase government efficiency and make limited dollars go farther. We also need to look at new revenue options that the public will support and which will help ensure that we are able to fully fund our public schools and provide critical services to those most in need. We will get through this, but we must work together to minimize the pain of the recession.
Education: We MUST do better
Last week, I attended an all-day meeting of State Representatives who believe that improving policies and funding for public schools must be a top priority in 2010 – and beyond. I'm excited by some of the new strategies we're examining for funding school construction (with less burden on local property taxes), making better use of technology, reducing the dropout rate and achievement gap, replacing the WASL, rewarding top teachers, and improving links between preschool, public schools and higher education. These strategies will be fleshed out in the months ahead.
I have to say, though, some lawmakers still don't "get it" – they seem to think the paramount duty of the state to provide for basic education doesn't apply during economic downturns. But as any teacher or administrator will tell you, the damage done by underfunding schools in a recession doesn't go away when prosperity returns. Kids don't get to relive school years, and when talented but frustrated teachers leave for other careers they rarely return.
This year, the first day of school was also the day a lawsuit was filed to challenge state underfunding of schools as a violation of the Constitution. We shouldn't need lawsuits to tell us our duty. We must find a better way to improve school funding. It is time to find the courage to do what we know is right.
Save the Date: Special Joint Town Hall on Education Funding
Please join me and your local Seattle Public Schools Board Directors Sherry Carr and Peter Maier for a first ever "Joint Town Hall Meeting" to discuss funding for Seattle Public Schools. 7:00pm, Tuesday, October 20th at Olympic View Elementary, 504 NE 95 ST. More details to come.
We hope to see you there!
School of the Month: Broadview-Thomson K-8
One of my favorite parts about being your State Representative is the opportunity to meet with young people to discuss issues and answer their questions about government. Kids are naturally inquisitive and have a tendency to "call it like they see it". Near the end of the last school year I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Ms. Sumner's 5th grade class at Broadview-Thomson K-8 School to hear presentations by students and talk about the job of legislator.
Please contact my office if you would like me to come meet with your child's class or school. Also, I regularly meet with local neighborhood groups and constituents in the 46th legislative district. Just give us a call or send an email and we'll work to set it up.
Thank you for your interest in state government and for subscribing to my E-memo. Your input is important to me and is key part of the democratic process. As always, please contact my office anytime with questions, ideas or concerns.
Sincerely,
Scott White
State Representative 46th Legislative district
PS – You can learn more about the legislature and my work to serve you by visiting my legislative homepage at:
http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/white/
________________________________
Please do not respond to this message; it is an automated service.
· To contact me directly, please send an email to white.scott@leg.wa.gov or call our district office at (206) 366-7830.
Fwd: Phone bank to defeat Eyman's 1033!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Aisling Kerins, No On 1033 <info@no1033.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Subject: Phone bank to defeat Eyman's 1033!
To: Chad LUPKES <chadlupkes@gmail.com>
Dear Chad,
As you know, we're facing a tough battle to defeat Tim Eyman's latest bad idea: I-1033, a dangerous initiative that would severely handicap our state.
Now is the time to get to work and win this fight.<
We will be hosting a number of phone banks over the coming weeks to tell Washingtonians why it's so important we defeat Eyman's I-1033:
- King County
WCV/WEC -- 1402 3rd Ave., Suite 1400, Seattle
Tuesdays, Wednesdays next two weeks
Capacity: 20
RSVP to Sierra Hansen at txsierra@hotmail.com.
I hope you will make your voice heard, literally, in this important fight.
Remember, a similar TABOR plan was implemented in Colorado in 1992 with disastrous consequences. The share of low-income kids without health insurance doubled. Colorado's per capita funding for education plummeted to 49th in the nation. The state couldn't even afford to vaccinate children entering school to help protect against diseases like whooping cough. So in 2005, Colorado voters suspended the law to save their state.
Now Tim Eyman wants to bring the same terrible plan to Washington in the midst of the biggest recession since the Great Depression -- and we can't let him.
Thank you for joining us and standing up for Washington's small business owners, teachers, firefighters and so many others. Together we can defeat Eyman's I-1033.
Sincerely,
Aisling Kerins
Campaign Manager
No on 1033
P.S. Your help is crucial to defeating this dangerous initiative. Please email Sierra Hansen at txsierra@hotmail.com to sign up for one of our phone banks now!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thanks from Rusty Williams
My friends,
It is my sincere wish to thank you for your help and support in the re-naming of the West Seattle Bridge after Jeanette Williams. The 46th District Democrats along with their colleagues in the 34th, 36th, 37th and 43rd legislative districts voted 546-11 in favor of the renaming. Mayor Nickels, who up until that point had been resisting the nomenclature, signed off on the City Council resolution almost immediately upon its receipt. This was such a shocker that when His Honor gave me the news at a political event we were both at, I actually hugged him. I hugged Greg Nickels. This is very disturbing. Regardless, it is now a reality and you have yourselves to thank for making our city a more honorable community.
As I said in my address to the City Council upon passage, Mrs. Williams, a well documented pioneer and champion for women's rights would see this not as a personal honor, but as a significant event in that a large and important civic structure was named after a women. Something of a rarity. So please accept my ardent thanks from my family and from women everywhere.
Rusty Williams
Democrat
Friday, September 18, 2009
General Election Literature Distribution Plan
Regions will remain the same as the primaries though some organizers will change.
All PCOs are invited to a literature bagging party to happen on Sunday, Oct. 4th At the Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
Literature will be collated for all precincts at a lit distribution party on Sunday, Oct 4th from 1:30-4:00 pm. This is a volunteer party, not a pick up party. All PCOs are encouraged to attend as those attending can receive only the lit they wish to carry. Everyone who attends will help collate all precincts.
Candidates are requested to provide 15,000 pieces of lit to cover precincts with PCOs. Campaigns are also requested to provide one or two volunteers or staffers to the party on the 4th. These people will be in charge of counting out bundles to match the number of doors in a given precinct. There will be no advanced drop off of lit so the lit should come with the volunteers to the party.
All precincts with PCOs will be collated first, followed by empty precincts.
We are targeting likely voters who are likely or strong Democrats. If any PCO would like to doorbell every door, please contact Jason Sawatzki and/or Chad Lupkes so we can make sure that the quantity written on the bag during the collation has the number you need.
PCOs will be asked to walk their precinct by Sunday the 18th of October
At the October general membership meeting we will be asking for volunteers to pick up empty precincts. ROs will help check out precincts by region.
Anyone walking a precinct should email or call their RO when they have finished it. ROs will contact all PCOs and volunteers who haven’t confirmed the week of the 19th of Oct. ROs will then submit a list of precincts that were confirmed to be walked to the District Chair.
Anyone wishing to return extra lit or pick up more lit can go to an ongoing exchange from Oct 5th through the 11th from 11 am to 9 pm at Sylvia Haven’s Garage at 10418 12th Ave NE.
All campaigns are requested to pick up whatever additional lit from Sylvia by Tuesday Oct 27th.
Extensive analysis will be done with the election results, to determine the overall effect of our canvass.
At our Holiday Party we will be presenting awards to the PCOs and volunteers who did the most effective jobs delivering turnout as well as votes for our endorsed candidates.
Welcome Sylvester Cann to the Executive Board!
At the meeting last night we held a quick election to fill a vacant spot on the Executive Board. Sylvester Cann IV was elected to fill the KCDCC Male Alternate position.
We had some trouble with the audio system in the school, so we were not able to show the video that Sylvester had put together for the membership. I have posted the video on YouTube so everyone can see it:
Welcome to the board!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fwd: Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis <Kenney.Phyllis@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Subject: Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney
To: 46th Legislative District
From: Kenney, Rep. Phyllis <Kenney.Phyllis@leg.wa.gov>
Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Subject: Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney
To: 46th Legislative District
Topics:
Washington's Shared Work Program
2009-2010 School Year Begins
Investing in Our Future Workforce
For more news and resources, please visit my web site.
Legislative Update from Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney
Dear Neighbor:
The end of summer is approaching and I'm preparing for the next
legislative session. Although we hear in the news that the worst of
the recession is behind us, many in our country are still struggling.
Here in Washington state, we've taken actions that have helped protect
families, jobs and businesses. With your help, I hope to build on
some of those successes.
Businesses avoid layoffs with Washington's Shared Work program
This past Labor Day - our nation's 127th - provided us all a moment to
reflect on the progress we've made as a country in respecting our
working class families, and the challenges we still face providing
ample opportunity to all who want to work, and to the businesses that
want to hire and keep their workers.
This recession has taken a heavy toll on jobs in our state. But some
companies are avoiding layoffs with the help of the Employment
Security Department.
Thanks to the state's Shared-Work Program, employers can temporarily
reduce the work hours of their full-time employees by up to 50
percent, while workers collect partial unemployment benefits to
replace some of their lost wages.
The employees receive more income than with unemployment benefits
alone, and they aren't forced to look for another job in this tough
economy. Businesses benefit by cutting payroll costs while keeping
their skilled workers until the economy improves.
Here in Washington, about 2,000 businesses and 42,000 employees are
participating in the program.
In a recent survey, 56 percent of participating employers said the
Shared-Work Program has helped them survive the recession, and another
22 percent felt it probably had. Eighty-eight percent said they'd
recommend it to other employers.
To learn more about the program, visit
http://www.esd.wa.gov/uibenefits/faq/shared-work.php or call
800-752-2500.
Back to school!
The passing of Labor Day also means that our children are back in
school. As you've dropped your kids off at school these past few days,
you may have noticed new classroom construction taking place. That's
not an accident.
We've made historic investments in our public schools earlier this
year, approving $877 million in the new state budget for school
construction, maintenance and repairs.
These investments pay dividends in many ways – creating jobs in our
communities as well as providing healthy, safe classrooms for our
children. None of us like seeing school kids walking into a
temporary, portable classroom, or hearing stories from parents and
teachers about schools with lead in the water pipes or walls filled
with mold.
Every new school being built with state funds today will be green and
clean. Our state's Green Building law sets standards that make new
schools safer, better for the environment and better for the kids and
teachers inside, with more natural sunlight and cleaner air than the
old schools. The new schools also save taxpayers money, because they
cost less to heat and cool.
Here is a list of transportation and capital projects funded in the
46th Legislative District as a part of the 2009-2011 budget:
Transportation improvements
· WA-522/I-5 to I-405 (multimodal improvements) in Seattle - $544,000
· I-5 Reverse Express Lane to/from WA-522 (safety) in Seattle - $615,000
· I-5/5th Avenue to NE 92nd Street (Noise Wall) in Seattle - $4,601,000
· Concrete Rehabilitation Program (Nickel Funds) on I-5 in
Seattle - $7,237,000
Department of Community, Trade, & Economic Development
· Community Center for Sand Point Housing (Building
Communities Fund Grants) - $350,000
Improving colleges and universities
The 2009-11 capital budget also invests $732 million for our state's
public colleges and universities. That money will build and maintain
the new science labs and lecture halls we need to keep our state's
edge in brainpower.
Today's businesses rely on a highly educated workforce, and it's no
coincidence that Washington state is home to some of the nation's
finest research universities, highest educated workers and
world-leading companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Amazon.
Here is a list of projects benefitting the community and technical
college system funded in the 46th Legislative District through the
2009-2011 budget:
Community & Technical College System
· North Seattle CC (Facility Repairs "A") - $709,000
· North Seattle Community College (Minor Works - Preservation)
- $487,000
· North Seattle Community College (Minor Works - Program) - $702,000
· North Seattle Community College: Employment Resource Center
- $5,000,000
· North Seattle Community College: Technology Bldg Renewal - $2,976,000
I hope this information is helpful. Please keep sharing your thoughts
and ideas. Our democracy works because of active citizens like you.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
King County Charter Amendments, 2009
In years past, the General Election Endorsement Meeting here in the 46th has revealed a weakness in our research. Our goal in doing the endorsement meeting is to prepare our members for the General Election Ballot, and that needs to include all of the ballot measures. This includes the King County Charter Amendments that come to us nearly every year. I am determined to be able to provide useful information to everyone this year. In 2009, we will have four charter amendments to consider here in King County. Here's some extra information on those measures.
King County Charter Amendment No. 1
Repeal of Section 350.20.30 and Portions of Article 9 - Transitory Provisions
Shall those no longer relevant portions of King County Charter Article 9 relating to the county's prior transition to a home rule charter and King County Charter Section 350.20.30, relating to the county's transition to a metropolitan form of government, be repealed, as provided in Ordinance No. 16484?
King County Charter Amendment No. 2
Repeal of Charter Section 475 - Work Programs and Allotments
Shall King County Charter Section 475, relating to preparation of work programs and requested allotments and to appropriation transfers, be repealed, as provided in Ordinance No. 16546?
King County Charter Amendment No. 3
Amendment of Section 800 - Charter Review
Shall King County Charter Section 800 be amended to clarify that charter commission appointees are to be confirmed by the council and to provide that the council is required to consider proposed charter amendments and act on them at an open public meeting, as provided in Ordinance Nos. 16547 and 16599?
King County Charter Amendment No. 4
Adding New Section 897 - High Conservation Value Properties
Shall the King County Charter be amended to add a new Section 897 that would provide enhanced protection for certain county properties designated as high conservation value properties by prohibiting the county from conveying or relinquishing its interest in those properties or authorizing their expanded use, except in specified circumstances, as provided in Ordinance No. 16600?
You can see the basic information from the Voters Guide on the King County Elections website:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/200911/measures.aspx
You can search for and read about the specific Ordinances on the King County Legislation website:
http://kingcounty.legistar.com/custom/king/legislation.htm
Please feel free to comment on this post with more information and your opinions.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
A letter on the Open Space Preservation Act
We received this letter to the Executive Board of the 46th, and I wanted to share it on our blog.
September 6, 2009
Executive Board
46th District Democrats
Dear Executive Board Members:
We write to respectfully request your consideration of making an endorsement of the Open Space Preservation Act. This King County Charter Amendment, which will appear on the November ballot, will provide enhanced protection for more than 156,000 acres of open space land that is either owned or held in a conservation easement by King County.
Ninety-five properties would be protected by this Act, representing the most treasured conservation and recreation spaces in King County. They are public lands along our rivers and streams, large wetland areas, huge blocks of forest, and wildlife and salmon habitat, including the Squak Mountain and Tiger Mountain Corridor, Cedar River Waterways, Cougar Mountain, the Upper Raging River Forest, the Snoqualmie Forest, and the Maury Island Marine Park.
The proposed charter amendment does not require the purchase of new land. The Open Space Preservation Act simply strengthens the existing protections on these properties. As such, there are no direct costs associated with the proposed charter amendment.
The Open Space Preservation Act will strengthen the protections on these lands by requiring a supermajority (7 of 9) vote of the King County Council to sell, transfer, or change use. Additionally, the Act requires a public hearing, findings of facts, and 28-day waiting period between introduction and enactment of any sale or change of use. For more information, please visit www.openspaceamendment.org.
The Open Space Preservation Act has received widespread bi-partisan support. It was unanimously supported by the King County Council and Executive, and it has been endorsed by many local organizations including the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, the Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition.
We respectfully request consideration for endorsement by the 46th District Democrats. Please let us know your organization’s process for endorsements and how we can be of assistance in putting this item forward for consideration. Mamie Marcuss and Mina Hashemi Mercer are organizing this effort on our behalf. Mamie can be reached at 206.409.7456 or mamie.marcuss@gmail.com. Mina can be reached at 206.661.0281 or mina@wcvoters.org.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mike Lowry
Former Washington State Governor
Bob Ferguson
King County Councilmember, District 1
Fwd: You are needed at an important meeting in your district
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Anna Davis, Washington Toxics Coalition <action@watoxics.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 8, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Subject: You are needed at an important meeting in your district
To: chadlupkes@earthlink.net
From: Anna Davis, Washington Toxics Coalition <action@watoxics.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 8, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Subject: You are needed at an important meeting in your district
To: chadlupkes@earthlink.net
  |
Friday, September 04, 2009
See anyone you know in this flyer?
One of our own gets national exposure! Erica Minshull, the King County Female Delegate and Obama Delegate in 2008 to the State Convention, has had a picture of her used in a national OFA flyer asking for people to express their voices to members of Congress in support of the President's health care reform efforts. In the picture, taken at the 46th LD Caucus last April, she is speaking with fellow Obama Delegate Kavita Shah.
Here's a link to a scanned copy:
http://46dems.com/2009/Erica_Minshulls_Obama_Flyer.jpg
Congratulations, and let's keep up the pressure on both Congress and the White House to get this done!!
Chad Lupkes
Chair, 46th District Democrats
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
August KCDCC Executive Board Meeting
Carpenters’ Hall, Renton, August 25, 2009
The meeting opened with an announcement by our own Steve Zemke (on behalf of LAC): 80 organizations have now lined up (with KCDCC) in opposition to Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1033, which would adversely affect our state by limiting growth of the state budget to the rate of inflation and increases in population – effectively curtailing potential economic growth. Four Democratic candidates for King County Assessor were invited to give 3-minute introductory speeches. One, Bob Blanchard, did not appear. As for the other three:
Lloyd Hara, retiring as a Port Commissioner, promised a transparent, ethical administration of the Assessor’s office, and to assure that appraisals are realistic in view of current economic conditions. Too many recent appraisals have not reflected that reality and thus been subjected to appeals. Lloyd has won awards in prior public offices: Seattle City Treasurer and county auditor.
Gene Lux is a Group Health board member and former state legislator. The Assessor’s job is a complicated one, and he promised transparency therein if elected.
Robert Rosenberger, of the 37th LD, made clear that their chief opponent, former WaMu chief appraiser Graham Albertini, is definitely a Republican. The KC Assessor’s present appeal rate, 2%, though higher than its usual 1% rate, is still way better than some others; e.g., Phoenix’s 20%.
(Note: The voting on this race will be conducted as part of the general election, with only a plurality required for election as KC assessor.)
MSC (24-10) to endorse Lloyd Hara.
MSC (29-8) to endorse Robert Rosenberger.
M&S to endorse Gene Lux: failed (9-19).
KCDCC’s September meeting will consider whether what endorsements (if any) to make in the Seattle mayoral race, Seattle City Council Position 8, and Seattle School Board District 7. As in the 46th, a 2/3 vote is required.
Rob Holland, who won a remarkable 55% of the primary vote in a 3-way race for Port Commission Position 3, spoke briefly, thanking KCDCC for its helpful endorsement.
KCDCC Treasure Andrew Peabody provided a written report reflecting, among other data, $1795 cash on hand as of July 31. The subsequent KCDCC Aug 22 picnic in the Carpenters’ Hall parking lot was a big success, generating $4372 in income – vs. about $400 in expenses.
Sharon Mast announced that Howard Dean, who’d been the guest speaker at the Clark County Dems Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, may come to King County later in the year.
Chad (KCDCC 1st Vice-chair and technology guru) reported that his recent "Maps and History" project had attracted favorable attention and interest from Dem organizations in other states.
Platform/Resolutions Chair Joel Ware presented two resolutions cleared by his committee with an affirmative recommendation. One, urging prompt enactment of health care reform including a strong public insurance option, was presented on an emergency basis and adopted forthwith. The other, a 36th LD resolution urging the State Dems to retain, improve and strengthen Washington’s caucus system, proved more controversial and, with a tired Dow Constantine having just arrived from a campaign fundraiser, was tabled.
Dow received congratulations on his primary win over three other fine Democratic candidates, whereupon he gave a brief rousing speech. Among other things, he noted that after all the primary votes were counted his total had risen from the initially reported 24% to 27%, and Susan Hutchison’s had dropped from 37% to just under 33% (vs. 62% for the four Democrats combined). So his (our) prospects for the Nov. general election look quite good. The meeting then devolved into a cake-laden “celebration” of Dow’s victory.
The meeting resumed with a successful motion to take the 36th‘s caucus resolution off the table, whereupon it passed 26-11.
Noteworthy among reports from the various LDs in King County was that from the 41st, citing the need for support of Max Vekich for Port Commission Position 4. Disgraced outgoing Commissioner Pat Davis has been working to help Max’s opponent in that race.
Chad reported on SustainableWorks, a nonprofit community organizing group that has obtained $14.5M in stimulus funds to provide green jobs and weatherization for up to 200 homes in part of the 46th LD: the area between 20th Ave. NE and 35th Ave. NE, from NE 65th St. to 80th St. (Anyone living in or near that area who is interested in having an energy assessment done should contact that organization: Also, PCOs in or near that area are needed to leaflet a block or more on October 17th.)
Another attendee urged everyone to call Senator Cantwell promptly with a simple, straightforward urgent message: "We want a public option!"
The meeting adjourned at 8:56 pm.
Dean Fournier, your male rep to the KCDCC Exec. Board
(with an assist from Sarajane Siegfriedt & Erica Minshull)
Notes from the Chair, September 2009
The cause endures, the hope still lives
and the dream shall never die.
—Senator Edward Kennedy (1932-2009)
I woke on the morning of August 26th to read about the passing of the Liberal Lion. We knew it was coming. Let us hope that Gov. Patrick is able to get the law in Massachusetts changed soon so that he can appoint another Democrat. No one will ever be able to fill the shoes, but torch has been passed to us, and our children. We have a lot of work to do, and we’re ready.
Our September meeting will feature the General Election Endorsements as the primary agenda item. (ouch, bad pun). Any endorsements that we have made will stand if our endorsed candidate(s) made it through the Primary election. Any race where we have not made an endorsement will be eligible for nominations, and any ballot measure will be up for consideration as well.
These endorsed candidates made it through to the General Election:
- King County Executive: Dow Constantine
- Port of Seattle Position 3: Rob Holland
- Port of Seattle Position 4: Max Vekich
- Seattle City Council Position 4: David Bloom
- Seattle City Council Position 6: Nick Licata
Races where we have not endorsed a candidate yet include King County Council Position 1, King County Sheriff & Assessor, Port of Seattle Position 1, Seattle Mayor, Seattle City Council Positions 2 & 8, and Seattle School Board Districts 5 &7.
As of this writing, the signatures for Referendum 71 are still being confirmed. Similar the Seattle Bag Fee, we will be asked whether the citizens of the State of Washington approve the law that was passed.
“This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.”
“Should this bill be Approved or Rejected?”
One other item that will be on the ballot in November is the latest attempt by Tim Eyman to drown our government in a bathtub. Initiative 1033 would limit the 2010 budget to 2009 numbers, after the Legislature had to cut Billions of dollars thanks to the economic recession. The state of Colorado tried this a few years ago, and it was a huge mistake. If you would like to learn more, contact Steve Zemke and go to http://no1033.com.
The Seattle Housing Levy, which we voted to support in April, will also be on our ballots. See SaraJane’s article on page 4.
Other measures on the ballot will be posted on our website as soon as we know about them.
Thanks to the membership approval of the Raymond T. Cole Fund, Committee pages are up, including a blank Letter of Intent. We have already gotten a few ideas that are far beyond what I expected, and it’s fantastic. Please keep them coming!
Chad Lupkes, Chair
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Stand Up for Health Insurance Reform Rally!
Have you had your voice heard on Health Insurance Reform yet? Here's an opportunity that I hope you won't miss!
Stand Up for Health Insurance Reform!
Join Congressman Jim McDermott, along with Organizing for America, Health Care for America NOW, SEIU, UFCW 21, the Washington State Labor Council, WashPIRG, and Planned Parenthood Votes for an evening rally at Westlake Park. We will release the full list of speakers and acts once confirmed. Please join us as we send the strongest signal yet to Congress that Washingtonians support strong Health Insurance Reform.
Stand Up for Health Insurance Reform!
Join Congressman Jim McDermott, along with Organizing for America, Health Care for America NOW, SEIU, UFCW 21, the Washington State Labor Council, WashPIRG, and Planned Parenthood Votes for an evening rally at Westlake Park. We will release the full list of speakers and acts once confirmed. Please join us as we send the strongest signal yet to Congress that Washingtonians support strong Health Insurance Reform.
You can view the details of this event at any time by going to:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpfzwj
Time(s):
Thursday, September 3 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Westlake Park
4th Ave & Pine St
Seattle, WA 98101
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpfzwj
Time(s):
Thursday, September 3 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Westlake Park
4th Ave & Pine St
Seattle, WA 98101
Directions:
We strongly encourage you to take public transportation.
Parking will be limited.
--
Chad Lupkes - http://chadlupkes.blogspot.com
Chair, 46th District Democrats - http://46dems.com
1st Vice Chair, King County Democrats - http://kcdems.org
Webmaster, Washington State Democratic Chairs Organization - http://wa-demchairs.org
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
LEV’s Award-Winning Ad to go LIVE on King 5
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lisa Macfarlane | League of Education Voters <info@educationvoters.org>
Date: Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Subject: LEV's Award-Winning Ad to go LIVE on King 5
To: chadlupkes@earthlink.net
PO Box 1727
Seattle, WA 98111 
From: Lisa Macfarlane | League of Education Voters <info@educationvoters.org>
Date: Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Subject: LEV's Award-Winning Ad to go LIVE on King 5
To: chadlupkes@earthlink.net
|
| Paid for by the League of Education Voters |
Seattle, WA 98111
 |
| To unsubscribe from this mailing list, click here |
| Powered by NGP Software, Inc. |
--
Chad Lupkes - http://chadlupkes.blogspot.com
Chair, 46th District Democrats - http://46dems.com
1st Vice Chair, King County Democrats - http://kcdems.org
Webmaster, Washington State Democratic Chairs Organization - http://wa-demchairs.org
Friday, August 21, 2009
The 46th District Democrats - working for a better future.
Hi everyone,
--
Chad Lupkes - http://chadlupkes.blogspot.com
Chair, 46th District Democrats - http://46dems.com
1st Vice Chair, King County Democrats - http://kcdems.org
Webmaster, Washington State Democratic Chairs Organization - http://wa-demchairs.org
For those candidates who were on the August 18th ballot, congratulations on making it through the Primary! I am writing to all of the candidates and campaigns who will be on the November ballot with an offer and an opportunity.
We are a very active district organization, and we are growing stronger every month. I am very focused on building our infrastructure for long term growth and activism. Our website is one of the best in the country, with Mapping and Election History tools that you can use for canvassing and targeting.
The 46th District Democrats publishes a newsletter each month that we have a meeting, and our September meeting is our General Election endorsement meeting, so this is an important one to get a quick word out to our members. Our advertising rates are as follows:
- Business Card: $40
- Quarter Page: $75
- Half Page: $110
- Full Page: $175
We hope to have our September newsletter finalized at the end of next week. You can send in nearly any graphic format, and we develop the newsletter in Microsoft Publisher.
In addition, I would like to provide a link to our Resources Distribution Policy, which gives the rates for accessing our Membership list for a one time use. Please let me know if you are interested, and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Please let me know how else we can help. I consider the mission of the Democratic Party to be enacting an agenda, specifically the agenda articulated in our Platform. All of our tools and infrastructure are designed to help us do that, and one of the most important ways is to help support great progressive and Democratic candidates seeking elected office. During the election season, we focus on getting literature out on doorsteps, and working with candidates and campaigns. Our goal is the same as yours, to help build a better world for our children. That's why we are all active.
See you in September!
Chad Lupkes - http://chadlupkes.blogspot.com
Chair, 46th District Democrats - http://46dems.com
1st Vice Chair, King County Democrats - http://kcdems.org
Webmaster, Washington State Democratic Chairs Organization - http://wa-demchairs.org
Thursday, August 20, 2009
From the Inslee office
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Hogan, Patrick <Patrick.Hogan@mail.house.gov>
Date: Thu, Aug 20, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Subject: From the Inslee office
To: Chad Lupkes
From: Hogan, Patrick <Patrick.Hogan@mail.house.gov>
Date: Thu, Aug 20, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Subject: From the Inslee office
To: Chad Lupkes
Chad,
I understand that the monthly meeting is tonight. I have pasted below our notice regarding out town meetings that are coming up on the 29th and 30th. Please share this info at the meeting tonight. Below that, I have copied Jay's statement on health care reform. This may have gone out to you in mid-July but I wanted to remind people of Jay's support for reform -- including his support public option. I hope you could mention this tonight also.
All the best,
Patrick Hogan
Special Assistant
Congressman Jay Inslee
18560 1st Ave. NE, Suite E800
Shoreline, WA 98155-2150
206-361-0233 phone
206-361-3959 fax
Inslee to hold two health care town hall meetings
POULSBO, Wash. – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee will hold two town-hall meetings in Washington's 1st Congressional District this August. He plans to host the hour and a half long public events to hear the views of his constituents and provide an update on the congressional response to the health care debate.
Inslee's first public forum will take place in Poulsbo on Saturday, August 29, during the August district work period. His other town hall will be held on Sunday, August 30 in Edmonds. Attendees are asked to RSVP via email to inslee.rsvp@mail.house.gov or by phone at 206-361-0233.
Poulsbo town-hall meeting
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 North Kitsap High School The Gymnasium 1780 NE Hostmark St Poulsbo
Directions from Silverdale:
Take SR 305 in the direction of Poulsbo/Bainbridge Island Turn LEFT (East) onto NE Hostmark St North Kitsap High School will be on your left about a half mile up Hostmark
Directions from Bainbridge:
Take SR 305 in the direction of Poulsbo/SR-3 Turn RIGHT (East) onto NE Hostmark St North Kitsap High School will be on your left about a half mile up Hostmark
Edmonds town-hall meeting
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 Edmonds-Woodway High School The Gymnasium 7600 212th St SW Edmonds
Directions from I-5N and I-5S:
Take Exit #179 220th Street SW
Head west (away from I-5) onto 220th Street SW
Continue west on 220th Street and cross Highway 99 Turn RIGHT onto 76th Avenue West Continue north on 76th School will be on the left
On Deck: Health Care Reform
July 15, 2009
The United States spent approximately $2.2 trillion on health care in 2007, or $7,421 per person - nearly twice the average of other developed nations. Americans spend more on health care than on housing or food. If rapid health cost growth persists, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that by 2025, one out of every four dollars in our national economy will be tied up in the health system. The time for true health care reform is now, and as a supporter of a public option and delivery system reform, I believe we in Congress must seize this opportunity.
I am pleased to share with you that health care reform legislation which includes a public health insurance option is on its way to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. As a member of this committee, I will have the opportunity to participate in the markup of this historic legislation in the near future. As such, I would like to share with you my thoughts on what I believe should be our top priorities in health care reform. First, we must create a health care system that delivers quality patient care and services at an affordable cost. And, we have great examples of this already in our medical system at places like the Everett Clinic in Washington State, and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. One cornerstone of a system that provides quality care for all is the creation of a public insurance option that ensures consumer choice and access to care for all Americans. At the same time we must include strong delivery system reforms that improve cost containment in the system.
I support a public health insurance option as part of health care reform because I believe that it will guarantee competition and consumer choice. In 2008 the American Medical Association found that 94 percent of health insurance markets were not competitive, and the Kaiser Family Foundation found that wages had grown by 29 percent whereas the average insurance premiums had grown by 120 percent. Competition in the insurance market is greatly needed. A public option can help provide quality care at a more affordable cost. It also provides another layer of accountability for private insurance companies because they will need to remain competitive by keeping costs down and providing quality services. I believe that my constituents, and all Americans, should be able to choose the health insurance that works best for them and their family, so I support President Obama's approach that if your health insurance works for you, you can keep it.
As you know, there are those that favor a single payer option, those in favor of leaving the insurance markets alone, and everything in between. This is true of Americans and their representatives in Congress. Under the direction of President Obama the consensus has landed on a public health insurance option as the most viable way to ensure that everyone has health care coverage. The public option provides strong consumer choice that can compete in the insurance market and will drive delivery system reforms through cost containment measures, such as a physician feedback program, that I am working to include in this bill in order to lower costs and increase efficiencies.
It is my belief that we must be much more aggressive in this bill in implementing delivery system reforms to improve the effectiveness of current programs, notably Medicare and Medicaid, and take steps to dramatically bend the cost curve. I want to amend this bill to address cost containment issues which significantly affect providers and access to care in states like ours. Medicare currently reimburses based on the quantity, rather than the quality, of patient care, and has also resulted in significant geographic disparity in reimbursements. I am working with my colleagues to make sure that in these reforms we find a way to reward efficiencies instead of penalize them.
This has long been a problem in Washington state where doctors have found ways to bring down costs, but are not rewarded adequately due to the fee-for-service reimbursement model. As a result, it is possible that the regional inequities that exist in Medicare and hurt Washington state, could be incorporated into this new health care system. I am working to find ways to ameliorate this problem to ensure that Washington state is not penalized for our efficient health care system. Bundling of service payments, using a value or efficiency index, and creating a robust physician peer review program would realign payment policies to promote greater quality and significant cost-savings.
The draft proposal currently circulating in the House offers a tremendous opportunity to reprioritize and streamline the health care industry while also improving quality of care. You may be pleased to know that the draft health care legislation which is circulating in the House would include in the basic package, preventive services with no cost - sharing, dental and vision for children, mental health services, and it would cap the amount of money a person or family spends on covered services in a year. In addition, it would not only prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, but also limit the ability of insurance companies to use factors like health status and gender to charge higher rates.
This proposal also calls for a Health Insurance Exchange program that will help individuals and small employers as they search for the health insurance option that best fits their needs. Additionally, the draft includes a public health insurance option that would include sliding scale affordability credits to assist those with low and moderate incomes. It would also create a small business health tax credit to make it easier for small businesses to cover their employees and assist in lowering premium costs for businesses.
The House proposal also seeks to fill the "donut hole" in Medicare Part D by providing an additional $500 in coverage in 2011, and increasing that amount over time in order to eliminate the "donut hole" within 15 years. This proposal also seeks to improve Medicare and Medicaid and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in the programs and would eliminate cost - sharing for preventive services.
Finally, I want to make sure that I get to hear from you about your concerns and hopes for this very important reform so please do not hesitate to respond to me with your views so that I may consider them as we markup this bill in committee. I would like to share with you the following summary of the House draft health reform proposal: http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090619/healthcarereform_summary.pdf. Also, the entire text of the discussion draft is available here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090619/healthcarereform_discussiondraft.pdf. I look forward to hearing your feedback on this proposal and working with my colleagues to pass a public option bill.
Very Truly Yours,
Jay Inslee
Member of Congress
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