Dear friends and neighbors,

It's almost hard to believe, but we are in the last week of the 2009 legislative session. If all goes well, state lawmakers will adjourn Sunday, April 26. However, a lot of work remains to be done, including passing the state's three budgets -- operating, capital and transportation -- and the hundreds of bills that the House and Senate must concur on to be passed into law. My goal is to end on time because, if not, it would require a special legislative session that would cost taxpayers more money. 

Thanks for your time today. I hope this e-newsletter gives you a better understanding of what is happening in Olympia. If I can ever be of assistance, please send me an e-mail at bailey.barbara@leg.wa.gov or call me at (360) 786-7914. 

Sincerely,


Barbara Bailey

P.S. - If you do not wish to receive my e-newsletters, please let me know. And if you know anyone who might be interested in my e-newsletter, please let them know they can sign up here.

State operating budget, possibility of tax increases

My biggest concern in the next four days is the operating budget -- the budget that pays for education, health and human services, government operations, prisons, and other programs. Our state is facing a $9 billion budget shortfall, caused by overspending and a declining economy. The majority party in the House and Senate unveiled their proposals to address the problem, and they are very different from what the governor has proposed. 

These groups are also divided on what, if any, new taxes should be established. The two ideas being thrown around are an increase in the state sales tax and a new state income tax.

Any tax increase requires a two-thirds vote in the Legislature and the signature of the governor. However, with a simple majority vote in the Legislature, a tax increase can bypass the governor and advance to the ballot for a vote of the people. Since Republicans will not give the majority party enough votes in the Legislature for a tax increase, the second scenario is a possible outcome.

I do not support a tax increase on the hard-working people of our state. With families and individuals just struggling to get by, the last thing we should do is take more money out of your pockets. 

We must balance our operating budget with current tax revenue. We can do this by restructuring state government and prioritizing education, public safety, and the protection of our most vulnerable citizens. The transportation budget, which includes our ferry system, is also another priority.

Tele-town hall poll results

On March 31, I held a tele-town hall meeting for residents of the 10th District. A total of 244 people listened in, asked questions and participated in poll questions from the comfort of their own homes. I want to thank everyone who participated, and share with you the poll results from the event:

What issues do you see as most important for our district?

• Controlling state taxes and spending -- 42%
• Promoting education -- 23%
• Access to affordable health care -- 23%
• Improving the ferry system or other transportation areas -- 12%

How do you believe the state should handle its $9 billion budget shortfall?

• Restructure state programs and services -- 58%
• Raise taxes -- 5%
• A combination of both -- 35%
• Not sure -- 2%

Do you support a ferry reservation system for the Keystone - Port Townsend run?

• Yes -- 20%
• No -- 47%
• Not sure -- 33%

Good bills, bad bills

Below is a list of good bills I either sponsored or co-sponsored that were not allowed to move forward in the legislative process. I have provided links so you can learn more about them. I've also provided a group of bad bills that are still alive in the legislative process.

Good House Bill 2228 would prohibit the governor or Legislature from proposing a budget deemed unsustainable in the ensuing two-year budget cycle, or the one after that one. Received a hearing on March 16; no action taken.  House Joint Resolution 4209 would require exceptional state revenue to be deposited into the state's "rainy day fund" during good economic times. Received a hearing on March 16; no action taken. House Bill 1866 would allow carriers to design tailored health plans for adults ages 18 to 34, a group that makes up 51 percent of our state's uninsured. Did not receive a hearing.  House Bill 1617 would reduce regulatory burdens on Washington businesses. Received a hearing on January 30; no action taken.

Bad House Bill 2377 would ask voters to decide on a ballot measure that would establish a temporary state sales tax increase. Passed out of a House committee, but has yet to come to the House floor. Senate Bill 5599 would approve the entry of Washington into the agreement among select states to elect the President of the United State by national popular vote. Passed by the Legislature and delivered to the governor. I voted "no." Senate Joint Resolution 8205 would amend the state constitution to establish a state income tax. Did not receive a hearing, but the concept is being pushed by Senate majority party leadership.

Washington state flag account will serve military families

I had the honor of joining the governor in a bill signing last week for legislation that will create a new Washington state flag account. The account, under the direction of the Secretary of State's Office, will accept monetary donations for the purchase of state flags for military personnel and their families.

I co-sponsored House Bill 1121 and am so proud it was signed into law. It's important because our state has heard from many people who wanted to donate money for state flags, but had no formal outlet through which to work. They will now have this opportunity. I'm happy that this account will allow more military families to receive a piece of home -- their state flag. 

Pictured from left to right: Megan Moreno, Rep. Jay Rodne, Suzette Black, Governor Chris Gregoire, Kate Cooper, Rep. Barbara Bailey, and Edward Redmond.

Welcome home Shadow Hawks

On April 16, I stood up on the House floor for a point of personal privilege to welcome home the Shadow Hawks squadron to Whidbey Island. The squadron had been in Afghanistan for the last seven months. I wish them and their families a happy homecoming, and thank them for their sacrifices. You can view my remarks by clicking here.

View my video updates

I tape video updates every other week and post them to my Web site. I use these updates as an opportunity to talk directly to constituents about the economy, state budget, bills I'm supporting, the legislative pages I'm sponsoring, and other issues.

To view these updates, please click here and look for "VIDEO UPDATE" entries. You will also find my news releases, e-newsletters and opinion pieces on this page.