Legislative Session & Primary Elections Update
Posted by Gary O'Rielly
on Aug 15, 2012
The focus of the August 10, 2012 meeting was the 2012 Legislative Session and the just concluded Primary Election from our own club member, Senator Steve Hobbs. Its tough to run against two well financed campaigns but Senator Steve Hobbs made a valient attempt in his quest to be the next Congressman from the newly drawn Congressional District. Money aside, he tried by leaving a shoe print all over the District. Hobbs and his campaign volunteers doorbelled over 33,000 homes.
The budget battle was intense pitting labor unions on the same par as eliminating some tax incentives to bring the budget inline. Initiative 1163 allowing unions to train long-term careworkers cost a great deal of public money. Compromise was needed in both parties in order to balance the budget. The Governor's early bills sought to save over $450 million dollars annually. Hobbs had to work with all of the budget writers in both legislative bodies, something that was necessary in a election year. Sinced the second year budget was already 50% spent, a compromise was necessary. Issues the surfaced were state bank tax incentives, a thought of skipping or deferring pension payments, a generous early retirement for state employees and reducing the assumption rate from the current 8% to 6% was extremely necessary for a balanced budget.
Washington's state pension rates are the best in the United States. Eliminating the renewable energy resources tax credits in Initiative 937 which was written and passed by the wind industry would be better served. Rewriting the initiative with more input would be much better return on investment. The state uses a two year cycle while municipalities uses a five year forecast. Hobbs' group wanted a six year state forecast but settled for a four years forecast cycle. Teacher evaluation was another issue that passed inspite of strong opposition from the teachers union.The bill was endorsed by every newspaper in the state.
A busy session with lots left over to do in the next session. Thanks for serving the people of your district but more importantly thanks for your public service Senator Hobbs.
Washington's state pension rates are the best in the United States. Eliminating the renewable energy resources tax credits in Initiative 937 which was written and passed by the wind industry would be better served. Rewriting the initiative with more input would be much better return on investment. The state uses a two year cycle while municipalities uses a five year forecast. Hobbs' group wanted a six year state forecast but settled for a four years forecast cycle. Teacher evaluation was another issue that passed inspite of strong opposition from the teachers union.The bill was endorsed by every newspaper in the state.
A busy session with lots left over to do in the next session. Thanks for serving the people of your district but more importantly thanks for your public service Senator Hobbs.