Next time someone tells you the only way the state can do what it needs to do is if they raise taxes, show them this video. Remind them that sometimes policies create inefficiencies and expend considerable resources for little to no benefit.
Only a few days left to sign WPC's petition calling for a no-new-taxes budget. Join us in asking Governor Ferguson to stand up for Washington and make good on his pledge to end the era of irresponsible spending in the Legislature. Be sure to send it to friends!
“Housing Stability" Act passed the Senate By Mark Harmsworth
HB 1217 aims to regulate the rental market significantly by placing a cap on annual rent increases to 10% plus CPI. Additionally, HB 1217 places strict limits on late fees and security deposits. READ MORE
Two bills adversely impacting workers are near legislative finish line By Elizabeth New
SB 5292 promises workers in the state pay decreases, while forcing low-income workers to continue giving some of their earnings to those with higher wages. READ MORE
Parents told to have a seat; government knows best By Elizabeth New
HB 1296 and SB 5181 would undo notification rights for parents. Both bill reports say that “rights related to notification of medical services and treatment are removed.” READ MORE
Cannabis unionization bill could mean bad news for agriculture By Pam Lewison
The bill is ripe for a legal challenge to apply unionization to all agricultural workers. It is, in fact, the same basis for legal challenge that spurred the legislature to make a change for agricultural overtime. READ MORE
A non-solution in the state transportation budget By Charles Prestrud
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5801 increases transportation taxes by about $500 million per year from a grab-bag of tax and fee increases. As you’d expect, those new taxes and fees are the focus of attention, but buried in the bill’s 132 pages are other provisions that merit scrutiny. READ MORE
More reasons for overtime flexibility By Pam Lewison
Oregon State’s Dr. Tim Delbridge wrote, “We find that agricultural overtime will negatively affect farm profitability and, perhaps surprisingly, will decrease the weekly earnings of some farm workers.” READ MORE
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TRACK BILLS: Using the state Legislature's bill page, you can search by bill number or do an advanced search using key terms. Scroll down and you'll also see the day's committee hearings and agendas.
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