Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

Dembowski issues statement on state Supreme Court decision on protecting King County’s rural lands

Friday, September 20, 2024

Rod Dembowski, King County Council
District 1
King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, shared the following statement Thursday after the state Supreme Court issued a ruling in King County v. Friends of Sammamish Valley, a case centered on the use of rural lands in King County:

“Today, our Washington State Supreme Court issued an important decision relating to protecting King County's rural lands. 
"A few years ago, in a 5 to 4 vote, the County Council modified land use protections for these lands.
"I and three of my colleagues opposed the legislation because we felt it eroded longstanding protections for farmlands and rural communities in the county. 
"Today's Supreme Court decision makes clear that these changes were ill-advised.

“I've been disappointed that the County has litigated against advocates for our rural area, farmlands and the environmental community, and I hope that this decision gives us an opportunity to hit the reset button and return to the strong tradition in King County of protecting these special places.”

Rod Dembowski represents King County District 1 on the County Council. District 1 includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, and North Seattle



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Your Voice, Your Choice: A Guide to Voting for Judges September 25, 2024

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Your Voice, Your Choice: A Guide to Voting for Judges

Wednesday, September 25, 6:30-7:30pm

Hosted by the King County Library


Description: Voting for judges is an important part of our democracy. Join a panel discussion to learn what judges do and how to vote for them.

Panel includes:
  • Moderator Craig Sims, trial lawyer, Schroeter, Goldmark and Bender, former Criminal Division Chief in the Seattle Attorney’s Office, former Senior King County Prosecutor, adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law and a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington School of Law
  • Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary I. Yu
  • King County Superior Court Judge Karen Matson Donohue
  • Retired King County District Judge (Shoreline) Marcine Anderson

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King County Library Author Event: Electable by Ali Vitali September 24, 2024

Electable by Ali Vitali
Tuesday, September 24, 6:30-7:30pm

Join KCLS for a special author talk with NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Ali Vitali. She will discuss her 2022 book, Electable: Why America Hasn’t Put a Woman In the White House…Yet

The political landscape was shaken to its core when President Joe Biden announced he would be stepping down from re-election. 

Not only was the announcement unprecedented, it thrust Vice President Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee, marking the second time Republican candidate Donald Trump will face off against a female candidate.

The road to the Election Day is long, but can a woman finally break the glass ceiling and win the White House?

Opening with the moment when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were finally declared the winners of the 2020 race, Electable is a sweeping look at a lingering question from that Presidential race. Why, when we saw more women run for President of the United States than ever before, did we still not cross that final hurdle?

Woven throughout is close examination of the treatment of Hillary Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Shirley Chisholm and those on the right. 

Grappling with ideas around the “likeability” and “electability” issues, as well as fundraising hurdles many female candidates face, Vitali asks the same questions she and so many have been grappling with for decades, but especially since Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016: Why is it so hard for a woman to be taken seriously as a presidential contender? 

What will it take for men and women to be held to the same standard? What happens next?

The King County Library System Executive Director Heidi Daniel will host the conversation. Ask questions about the book, the state of politics and insights from Vitali’s national reporting.

Vitali is based in Washington, DC and is a Capitol Hill Correspondent for NBC News. She covered the 2020 presidential campaign, reporting on the campaigns of President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren and others. She also covered the Donald Trump White House and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.


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King County Council passes motion expressing opposition to passage of State Initiative 2117

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

At its September 10, 2024 meeting, the King County Council passed Proposed Motion 2024-0272 (Motion 16662), a motion expressing the Council's opposition to the passage of state Initiative 2117.

The initiative, if approved by voters, would repeal sections of the Climate Commitment Act and prohibit state agencies from implementing any kind of carbon tax credit trading.

The text of Motion 16662 can be found here.


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State Representatives Davina Duerr and Shelley Kloba to host community discussion on Initiative 2124 and the Washington Cares Act Sept 18, 2024

Saturday, September 14, 2024


On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 1st Legislative District State Representatives Davina Duerr and Shelley Kloba, along with other local leaders, will host a community discussion on Initiative 2124 and the Washington Cares Act.

With the general election just a couple of months away, it's up to us to shape the future of long-term care in Washington! 

This event is for anyone interested in learning more about the initiative, understanding its potential impact, and having their questions answered. 

WHEN: Wednesday, September 18th, from 6:30 - 7:30pm

If you require ADA-related accommodations for this event, please email bass@votekloba.com as soon as possible.



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Office of the Secretary of State certifies August 6 Primary results, directs hand recount for Commissioner of Public Lands race

Friday, August 23, 2024


OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State certified the August 6 Primary results Thursday and directed a mandatory manual recount of all votes for the statewide Commissioner of Public Lands race. 
County election offices are estimating the recount will take seven business days to complete.

In the 2024 Commissioner of Public Lands primary contest, Democrat Dave Upthegrove defeated Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson for second place 396,300 votes to 396,249 votes — a difference of 51 (0.0064%). 

The candidate with the second-most votes following the statewide recount will join Jamie Herrera Beutler, a Republican and the race’s top vote-getter, on the November 5 General Election ballot.

The race is the closest statewide race in the history of Washington’s primary, exceeding the 1960 superintendent of public instruction primary where A. T. Van Devanter and Harold L. Anderson were separated by 252 votes.

“The mandatory recount underscores the importance of every vote and reaffirms the commitment of our county election officials to ensuring accurate election results. We ask for everyone's patience as county election officials administer the manual recount to ensure that the intent of every voter is accurately heard.”

Each of Washington’s 39 county canvassing boards will determine the date and time of the recount. Counties will review all ballots for the race, including overvotes, undervotes, and write-ins. After counties have completed their recounts, OSOS will certify the recounted results. The state will reimburse each county for all costs associated with this mandatory recount under RCW 29A.64.081.

Manual recounts, otherwise known as hand recounts, of statewide races are required when the difference between the candidates is less than one-quarter of 1% of the total votes cast for both candidates and also less than 1,000 votes.

Additional recount information can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State Elections website.

More than 1.9 million Washingtonians participated in the Primary, a 40.9% turnout of the state’s 4.8 million registered voters. Races on voters’ ballots included statewide executives, congressional positions, state legislators, Washington Supreme Court and Superior Court seats, and many local offices and measures.


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144,000+ WA Seniors to see their prescription drug costs drop as Feds flex negotiating power granted by Inflation Reduction Act

Monday, August 19, 2024

Biden administration announces price cuts of 38%-79% on 10 key drugs
that will save U.S. seniors $1.5 billion next year

EDMONDS, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) celebrated the Biden Administration’s announcement of lower prices for the first 10 prescription drugs selected for negotiation with drug companies under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“Prescription drug costs continue to be one of the biggest expenses for American families. This historic law allowed the federal government and Medicare to go toe-to-toe with Big Pharma to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs for the first time,” said Sen. Cantwell.
“As a result, 10 common prescriptions that more than 144,000 Washington seniors rely on will be significantly more affordable, meaning $1.5 billion in savings for Americans on out-of-pocket costs, in addition to savings from other IRA prescription drug provisions, while saving taxpayers billions more.
"And we’re just getting started – the next round of drugs to be negotiated will be announced soon."

By giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies on the prices they charge for prescription drugs, the IRA saves money for seniors, while saving money for taxpayers and reducing the federal budget deficit. 

In 2026, once the new, lower prices take effect, Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D who take these medications are estimated to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs. Moreover, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the drug pricing provisions in the IRA will reduce the federal deficit by $237 billion over 10 years.

Data released by the Department of Health and Human Services shows in 2022 more than 144,000 Medicare enrollees in the State of Washington needed the 10 drugs announced for price negotiation. 

Together, those Washingtonians spent about $67.6 million out of pocket to access those important medications in 2022.

The 10 drugs included in this round of negotiations are among the most popular – and expensive – medications taken by people on Medicare. Prices for many of these drugs have soared in recent years, far exceeding the rate of inflation – doubling, tripling, or even more in some cases. For many of the patients taking these drugs, they will need them for the rest of their lives. The savings will only grow over time.

Prices will be negotiated for even more prescription drugs in the future, with the next 15 drugs to be selected for negotiation to be announced by February 2025.

Seniors in Washington state are also saving money on their health care in other ways thanks to money-saving improvements to Medicare in the IRA.

For example, in 2024, approximately 288,000 Washington state seniors are saving an average of $240 each year thanks to the IRA’s $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs and broader coverage of important vaccinations.

More details about cost savings associated with the IRA’s health care improvements are available HERE.

Sen. Cantwell is a leading voice for reducing prescription drug costs. In addition to her support for the drug negotiation provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, Sen. Cantwell has pushed for passage of her bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have the power to dictate how much people pay for their prescriptions, how they can access their prescriptions, and even what type of treatments people can receive. Just three PBMs control nearly 80% of the prescription drug market.

Sen. Cantwell’s legislation would increase drug pricing transparency and hold PBMs accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up prescription drug costs at the expense of consumers.


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Small Business Resources webinar August 21, 2024 on Zoom

Thursday, August 15, 2024

The office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will be hosting a virtual small business resources webinar on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 5:30-6:30pm PST. 

This webinar will feature representatives from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington Microenterprise Association, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Seattle District Office. 

There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the presentation.

WHAT: Small Business Resources Webinar
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21st from 5:30 to 6:30 PST
WHERE: Zoom

RSVP HERE

Questions can be directed to Michael.Tanaka@mail.house.gov


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Shoreline and Lake Forest Park oppose initiative to repeal Climate Commitment Act

Sunday, August 11, 2024

A rendering from Shoreline’s website shows the planned 148th Street Non-Motorized bridge that is partially funded by funds from the Climate Commitment Act


At the Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting, the Shoreline city council unanimously voted to oppose Initiative 2117 that would repeal Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). 

And at the Thursday, August 08 meeting, the Lake Forest Park city council also voted to oppose the initiative. In doing so, the cities joined the Kenmore city council who also unanimously opposed the initiative.

Passed by the legislature in 2021, the CCA established a market-based program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by auctioning credits to polluters. The revenue from the sales are invested in programs to transition the state away from dependence on fossil fuels.

In 2023, the state collected $1.8 billion of which Shoreline received $10 million to partially fund for the 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge project. 

Kenmore, like other cities in the state, expects to receive millions of dollars in CCA funds - including money for new sidewalks by Moorlands elementary school as well as funds for EV charging infrastructure and urban forestry.


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Billboards inform Puget Sound citizens of nuclear weapons stockpiled in their backyard

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Billboard in Lake Forest Park - 20 miles from largest concentration of deployed nukes
in the world. Photo by Karol Milner

By Glen Milner

On July 22, 2024 and continuing for four weeks, five billboards display the following paid advertisement: Did You Know, We’re only *** Miles from the Largest Concentration of Deployed Nukes in the World! Let’s Abolish Nuclear Weapons.

Included in the five advertisements are maps showing the proximity of the cities and billboards in Everett, Lake Forest Park, Seattle, and Tacoma—to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, homeport for 8 of the Navy’s 14 Trident nuclear-powered submarines.

The billboards serve as a public service announcement—informing the reader of the exact number of miles they are at that exact location, to the largest concentration of deployed nuclear weapons in the world.

Pat Moriarity, the artist commissioned by Ground Zero to produce the billboards stated,
"I have lived in Kitsap County for 24 years, so I've been long aware of the Bangor sub base. But until recently I never really understood the true extent of just how many nuclear weapons were stockpiled so close to my home. 
"I'd like to think if my neighbors knew, they would be concerned about getting rid of them. As a species we need to evolve past this mutual assured destruction mentality. It's like the scariest staring contest you can imagine.”

The cartoon style billboards by Pat Moriarity are the second of a series of cartoon billboards that show the proximity of communities across Washington State to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

Comic book artist Pat Moriarity created the cartoon.


Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor is homeport to the largest concentration of deployed nuclear warheads in the world. The nuclear warheads are deployed on Trident D-5 missiles on SSBN submarines and are stored in an underground nuclear weapons storage facility on the base.

Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action has also joined with Pax Christi USA to purchase five billboards that will begin on August 19, 2024 for four weeks with a message from Pope Francis, declaring that nuclear weapons are illegal and immoral. The sign, designed by Pax Christi USA, also demands that nuclear weapons be eliminated in the Puget Sound region.

There are eight Trident SSBN submarines deployed at Bangor Six Trident SSBN submarines are deployed on the East Coast at Kings Bay, Georgia.

One Trident submarine carries the destructive force of over 1,000 Hiroshima bombs (the Hiroshima bomb was 15 kilotons).


Bangor to Lake Forest Park - 20 miles


Each Trident submarine was originally equipped for 24 Trident missiles. In 2015-2017 four missile tubes were deactivated on each submarine as a result of the New START Treaty. Currently, each Trident submarine deploys with 20 D-5 missiles and about 90 nuclear warheads (an average of 4-5 warheads per missile). The warheads are either the W76-1 90-kiloton warheads, W88 455-kiloton warheads, or W-76-2 8-kiloton warheads.

The Navy in early 2020 started deploying the new W76-2 low-yield warhead (approximately eight kilotons) on select ballistic submarine missiles at Bangor (following initial deployment in the Atlantic in December 2019). The warhead was deployed to deter Russian first use of tactical nuclear weapons, dangerously creating a lower threshold for the use of U.S. strategic nuclear weapons.

Comic Book artist Pat Moriarity, who created the cartoon style billboard near his home in Port Orchard, is an award-winning internationally known artist.

Hans M. Kristensen is the expert source for the statement, “Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor… with largest concentration of deployed nuclear weapons in the world.” (See cited source material here and here .) Mr. Kristensen is director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists where he provides the public with analysis and background information about the status of nuclear forces and the role of nuclear weapons.

The billboards are an effort by Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, a grassroots organization in Poulsbo, Washington, to reawaken public awareness of the dangers of nuclear weapons in the Puget Sound region.

The billboard ads

The five billboard ads measure 10 ft. 6 in. tall by 22 ft. 9 in. in length and will be displayed for one month starting on July 22 for the cartoon billboards and on August 19 for billboards with the statement by Pope Francis. The billboards, and second of a series of billboards by Pat Moriarity, are located at:
  • Evergreen Way and north of Lake St, Everett WA
  • Bothell Way and south of NE 149th St, Lake Forest Park WA
  • Stewart St and west of Minor Ave, Seattle WA
  • Pacific Ave and north of S 72nd St, Tacoma WA
  • 6th Ave and west of N Mason Ave, Tacoma,WA
The five billboards with Pax Christi USA and the statement by Pope Francis will be near the following locations:
  • Mukilteo Speedway (Highway 525) and north of Bernie Webber Dr
  • Bothell Way and south of NE 149th St, Lake Forest Park WA
  • Denny Way between Taylor Ave and Vine St, Seattle WA
  • Center St and east of S Madison St, Tacoma WA
  • 6th Ave between S Trafton St and State St, Tacoma,WA
The photo of the submarine with the statement by Pope Francis is from a U.S. Navy DVIDS website. The caption for the photo states:

BANGOR, WA, UNITED STATES
05.09.2015
Photo by Lt.Cmdr. Brian Badura
Commander, Submarine Group Nine

BANGOR, Wash. (May 5, 2015) USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) sails home to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a routine strategic deterrent patrol. Jackson is one of eight ballistic missile submarines stationed at the base providing the survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Brian Badura/Released)

Our proximity to the largest number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons puts us near a dangerous local and international threat. When citizens become aware of their role in the prospect of nuclear war, or the risk of a nuclear accident, the issue is no longer an abstraction. Our proximity to Bangor demands a deeper response.

Nuclear weapons and resistance

In the 1970s and 1980s, thousands demonstrated against nuclear weapons at the Bangor base and hundreds were arrested. Seattle Archbishop Hunthausen had proclaimed the Bangor submarine base the “Auschwitz of Puget Sound” and in 1982 began to withhold half of his federal taxes in protest of “our nation's continuing involvement in the race for nuclear arms supremacy.''

On May 27, 2016, President Obama spoke in Hiroshima and called for an end to nuclear weapons. He said that the nuclear powers “…must have the courage to escape the logic of fear, and pursue a world without them.” Obama added, “We must change our mindset about war itself.”

__________________________________________

The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action was founded in 1977. The center is on 3.8 acres adjoining the Trident submarine base at Bangor, Washington. The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action offers the opportunity to explore the roots of violence and injustice in our world and to experience the transforming power of love through nonviolent direct action. We resist all nuclear weapons, especially the Trident ballistic missile system.


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Voters approving Northshore Fire levy lid lift

Thursday, August 8, 2024

King County website shows voters supporting the Northshore fire levy lid lift 

Early results show voters in Kenmore and Lake Forest Park approving a levy lid lift for the first time in over 20 years.

According to Fire Chief Matt Cowan, rising labor and operational costs plus upcoming capital improvement projects are depleting Northshore’s budget but state laws limit how fast the department can raise rates to increase revenue. 

The department has reached the maximum for its fire benefit charge and the lid lift will allow the department to raise fire levy rates.

In unofficial results as of August 7, 62.92% of votes counted were in support of the levy lid lift.

Results are unofficial until certified by the county election boards on August 20, 2024. The Secretary of State certifies final results by August 23, 2024.

--Oliver Moffat


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Ballots are slow to come in for the primary election

Monday, August 5, 2024

Ballot drop box at 192nd & Aurora Park & Ride
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Less than 11% of the state’s nearly 4.9 million registered voters had returned their ballot as of Tuesday, July 29, 2024 according to data on the secretary of state’s website.
 
Mason County topped all counties with 19.2% turnout. King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Clark counties – four of the most populous in the state – were all at or below 10%.

Washington’s electorate may be moving slowly given the stakes and their role in narrowing the field to two finalists who will meet in the November general election.

For example, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, faces 10 opponents in her bid for re-election with Republican Raul Garcia viewed as the toughest challenger in the crowd

And 28 people are running to succeed Gov. Jay Inslee who is exiting after three terms. Of those, Democrats Bob Ferguson and Mark Mullet and Republicans Dave Reichert and Semi Bird are the frontrunners.

There also are races for eight other statewide executive posts and all 10 of Washington’s congressional districts.

On Tuesday, the secretary of state reported 522,899 ballots returned, or 10.7% of the state’s registered voters. Ballot return figures were updated at 5pm Tuesday.

--Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard


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What’s the cost if WA voters erase capital gains tax, end cap-and-trade?

Sunday, August 4, 2024

These boxes contain signed petitions for Initiative 2109, a measure to repeal Washington state’s capital gains tax. It will be on ballots in November 2024. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

Analyses bound for the state’s voter pamphlet examine the financial effects of Initiative 2109 and Initiative 2117 passing this fall.

A pair of new reports outline financial consequences if voters approve ballot measures this fall repealing Washington’s capital gains tax and scrapping its cap-and-trade program.

Passing the initiatives will dry up significant streams of revenue the state government is counting on for programs ranging from child care and early learning to electric vehicles and clean energy research.

But the amounts at risk with Initiative 2109 dealing with the capital gains tax, and Initiative 2117 concerning the Climate Commitment Act, differ from forecasts presented to lawmakers in February.

And, in the case of the capital gains tax, it’s billions of dollars less.

That’s according to analyses for each measure prepared by the Office of Financial Management, which is required by state law to write statements of fiscal impacts for initiatives. The statements are posted online and will appear in the voter’s guide for the Nov. 5 election.

OFM’s analysis for Initiative 2124 to make Washington’s long-term care benefit voluntary came out in early July.

Each statement is written in as plain and neutral language as possible. OFM’s examination of Initiative 2109 is just over three pages while Initiative 2117’s spans 15 pages, an indication of how interwoven it is to the state’s operating, capital and transportation budgets.

Initiative 2109

This measure takes aim at the capital gains tax,which lawmakers approved in 2021 and the state Supreme Court upheld in 2022.

It generated about $786 million in 2023, its first year of collections. As of May 15, collections in 2024 totaled $433 million. To put those numbers into perspective, the state’s current two-year operating budget is nearly $72 billion.

Each year, up to $500 million from the tax is deposited into a state account for K-12 schools, colleges, early learning and child care programs. Any tax collections beyond that amount go to an account that helps pay for school construction and renovations.

In its fiscal impact statement, OFM estimates passing the measure will result in a loss of $2.2 billion for the Education Legacy Trust Account over five fiscal years: $424 million in the current year that ends June 30, 2025 and $1.78 billion over the ensuing four years. It will net less than $500 million in each year.

It is a stark contrast from February when a fiscal note provided to lawmakers estimated a loss of $5.6 billion in the same five-year period.

Money in the Education Legacy Trust Account supports K-12 education, expands access to higher education and provides funding for early learning and child care programs, according to the report. The fiscal analysis does not cite any specific program at risk of losing revenue if the measure passes.

Initiative opponents say if the tax goes away it will worsen child care and education funding crises, and put pressure on lawmakers to make up the lost revenue with new taxes.

Backers of the measure, however, say the state collects enough revenue to pay for education and child care without a capital gains tax. And they note it’s a volatile form of revenue, prone to up and down swings, especially during recessions.

In the meantime, the fiscal impact statement projects state agencies will save an estimated $10.1 million over five years as a result of the initiative.

The Department of Revenue, which administers the tax, would save money as it winds down the program. The attorney general’s office anticipates some savings due to less litigation and less time spent advising the Department of Revenue.

Initiative 2117

OFM’s analysis for Initiative 2117 – which repeals the Climate Commitment Act and ends the auction of carbon emission allowances – is lengthy.

That’s because auctions, which began in February 2023, have generated $2.15 billion in revenue to date and lawmakers have spent some in all three of the state government’s budgets, according to the report. For example, $150 million will cover the cost of providing a $200 credit on electricity bills of hundreds of thousands of households by mid-September.

The next scheduled auction is Sept. 4 and would be the last if the initiative passes. Three remaining auctions scheduled in the current fiscal year would be canceled resulting in a projected revenue loss of $758 million through June 30, 2025.

Overall, the state would lose out on $3.8 billion in proceeds from auctions between December, when the measure would take effect, and June 30, 2029.

Initiative 2117 eliminates five accounts created under the Climate Commitment Act and directs the remaining funds to be transferred to two new accounts.

Thirty-seven state agencies have spending authority from Climate Commitment Act funds in the current biennium for programs, projects, and as grants for local governments, community groups, school districts and tribes. The initiative would eliminate the revenue source that pays for these programs.

State lawmakers prepared for this possibility in this year’s legislative session by delaying spending for certain programs until Jan. 1 when the fate of the ballot measure is known.

For each of the various accounts, the fiscal impact statement itemizes “significant activities” that would be eliminated in the current fiscal year and “future impacts” as a result of losing out on money counted on from auctions.

Examples of projects and programs that would see funding reduced or eliminated in the current budget include $42 million for construction of hybrid-electric ferries and electrification of ferry terminals; $29.9 million for public bus and transit facility projects; $5 million in grants for electric boats for federally recognized tribes, tribal enterprises and tribal members, and $1 million for transportation planning for the the 2026 World Cup matches to be played in Seattle.

Looking to the future, the state Department of Transportation would not get money it counted on to cover the cost of allowing those 18 and under to ride for free on state ferries and Amtrak. And funding penciled in for building new hybrid-electric ferries would not be realized.

Slimming or eliminating programs also means jobs will be cut. Overall, 318 full-time positions spread through more than a dozen agencies face elimination, per the report.


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Washington State Standard: Voters to decide on pace of Washington’s transition off natural gas

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, holds a petition for a proposed ballot measure to block local and state efforts to transition away from use of natural gas. Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Hospitality Association, and Ryann Blake, owner of Chimney Techniques in Aberdeen, joined a news conference May 15, 2024 in Olympia, Wash. to kick off signature gathering. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)


By Jerry Cornfield

Let the battle over the future of natural gas in Washington begin.

State election officials have certified an initiative for the November ballot that seeks to reverse Washington’s controversial tactics to phase out natural gas use in homes and other buildings.

Supporters of Initiative 2066 began gathering signatures in mid-May and turned in 533,005 signatures earlier this month. State law required at least 324,516 be from registered voters.

“We knew the people of Washington opposed the idea of banning natural gas, but the support for this initiative shows just how strongly they feel about protecting natural gas for heating and cooking in their homes and businesses,” said Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, which is the measure’s sponsor.

The measure targets the state’s combination of regulations and laws to move swiftly away from natural gas toward technology like electric heat pumps.

It will appear first on ballots in Washington, followed by three other citizen initiatives that seek to repeal the state’s cap-and-trade system and capital gains tax and make the state’s new long-term care services program voluntary.

If passed, Initiative 2066 would repeal provisions of a new state law meant to hasten Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas

It also bars cities and counties from prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging “the use of gas for any form of heating, or for uses related to any appliance or equipment, in any building.”

And it would roll back recent changes to energy requirements in Washington’s building codes that are designed to get more electric heat pumps – instead of gas furnaces – installed in newly built houses, apartments and commercial buildings.

BIAW, the state’s leading voice for the homebuilding industry, is the force behind the measure. The Washington Hospitality Association, Washington Realtors and Associated General Contractors are also in the coalition of supporters.

Let’s Go Washington, which qualified the three other initiatives for the fall ballot, conducted the signature-gathering effort for the gas measure.

Critics of the measure say it would take a wrecking ball to state efforts to fight climate change and shift to clean and more more efficient energy sources.

“This is a massive overreach by those who want to undo clean energy progress in our state,” Caitlin Krenn, climate and clean energy director at Washington Conservation Action, said in a statement.


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UW Gets $50M to lead U.S. Science Research Security

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Professor Mark Haselkorn to be
director of SECURE at the UW
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the University of Washington (UW) will receive $50 million to lead U.S. efforts to prevent international cyberattackers from compromising the security and integrity of science research.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the National SECURE (Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem) Center will be led by UW, with support from nine institutions of higher education.

“U.S. scientific research is the envy of the world, and we know highly skilled foreign attackers are deploying extremely sophisticated hacks to steal our innovations,” said Sen. Cantwell. 
“The theft of technology, software, and trade secrets costs the U.S. up to $600 billion a year. That’s why Congress mandated the NSF establish a clearinghouse for research security in the CHIPS and Science Act. 
"The SECURE Center, led by a $50 million award to the University of Washington, will give universities and researchers the new, state-of-the-art tools and training necessary to protect our research and allow our scientists to focus on keeping the U.S. at the leading edge of innovation.”

The SECURE Center will design new state-of-the-art software, tools, and training so universities can keep up to date with the constantly changing landscape of cyberattacks and research security threats. 

Foreign adversaries launch sophisticated attacks to download sensitive files and monitor email and network traffic – for months or years -- until they are detected and the vulnerabilities patched. 

This type of access to systems allows hackers to view and download proprietary research, and could allow them to delete or alter research files, making a one-stop-shop with the most up to date resources and tools like the SECURE Center vital to research security.

During the 2010s, the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory was targeted by a malign foreign entity during a sophisticated hacking and “phishing” email campaign to students and researchers over several years.

Mark Haselkorn, professor in the UW’s Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering and director of the College of Engineering’s Center on Collaborative Systems for Security, Safety, and Resilience (CoSSaR), will be director and principal investigator of the SECURE Center.

Sen. Cantwell is the Senate’s leading champion for U.S. science and technology research. In July 2022, she spearheaded passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, a $250 billion package that represented the biggest-ever investment in U.S. tech innovation.


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Your ballot has been mailed - and other useful information about the primary election

Monday, July 22, 2024

Important information about the primary election
  • Ballots were mailed to registered voters ahead of the 18-day voting period that began July 19.
  • If you do not receive your ballot within 5 days, call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).
To participate in the primary, you must be sure your ballot is postmarked or in a designated drop box by 8pm on August 6, 2024 - and not one minute later.

Local drop boxes:

Voters can register to vote online or by mail until July 29. After that, you can do so in person at a county election office up until 8pm on Election Day.

The top two vote-getters in primary races will advance to the November 5 general election.

The Washington State Standard published a Candidate questionnaire from Washington State Standard for all the major races.

The website Voting For Judges, which has been so very useful for past elections, is no longer in existence.

Sign up for King County Ballot Alerts to receive texts or emails as your ballot is processed and counted. This is very important to receive early notice if there is an issue with your signature.


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Voting begins Friday for Washington's August 6 Primary Election

Friday, July 19, 2024

King County Elections (KCE) has mailed nearly 1.4 million ballots for the August 6, 2024 Primary Election. KCE is projecting 40% turnout for this election.

Voters’ pamphlets, featuring statements from each candidate and about each measure, will also arrive in mail boxes this week. Voters can access a personalized voters’ guide on My Voter Information.

Voters will receive their ballots in the coming days and should have them by the Monday, July 22 mail delivery. 

Voters who have not received their ballots by Monday can call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

For the first time since moving to vote-by-mail fifteen years ago, KCE is sending I Voted stickers directly to each voter right inside their ballot packet.

Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, August 6, or returned to one of the 81 official drop box locations across the county. Drop boxes are open 24-hours, seven days a week, until 8pm sharp on Election Day.

The deadline to register to vote online is July 29. Voters can register and vote through 8 p.m. on Election Day at any of KCE’s Vote Center locations.

All voters are encouraged to track their ballot to make sure their voice heard. Voters can also sign up for ballot alerts to receive text and email notifications about their ballot status from when it’s mailed to when it’s verified and counted by King County Elections. Simply opt in online through KCE’s ballot tracker.


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King County, City of Seattle and community leaders unite for 100 Days of Action against gun violence

Sunday, July 14, 2024


On July 10, 2024 County Executive Dow Constantine joined Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and community leaders to launch 100 Days of Action against gun violence. This initiative, which comes as the U.S. surgeon general declared gun violence a national public health crisis, will expand community resources and promote safe gun storage.

King County is investing $1.6 million over the next 100 days, including $1 million to expand community-led violence intervention programs and $250,000 to support victims and families impacted by gun violence through the Harborview Medical Center hospital-based intervention program.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis that demands urgent action,” said Executive Dow Constantine. “This 100-day, intensive initiative to confront gun violence will expand vital community resources and intervention programs to pave the way for lasting change."

Today’s launch is bolstered by Mayor Harrell’s recently announced investments in youth mental health and safety. This includes $10 million in funding for a coordinated approach to youth mental health and safety resources for students and families, of which $2.4 million will be allocated to expand access to telehealth services and $2 million for violence prevention, intervention and interruption services.

“There have been too many instances of gun violence in and around our schools and throughout our city. Keeping our young people, families and community members safe requires regional alignment and bold action from everyone. The city cannot solve this issue alone, but we are committed to convening partnerships and leveraging our resources to make sustainable progress,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. 
“Together, with the County and our community partners, our 100 days of action will help us deliver on calls for action from our students, educators, parents and community members, not just for the summer, but this upcoming school year and beyond.”

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Measure to prevent phasing out of natural gas in WA is on track for November ballot

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Hospitality Association,
loads a box of signed Initiative 2066 petitions into a cart for delivery
to the Secretary of State’s Office on July 2, 2024. The proposed measure
would halt the state’s push to end natural gas use in homes and buildings.
(Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
By Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard

It’s now all but assured voters will get to weigh in this November on Washington’s polarizing efforts to phase out natural gas use in homes and other buildings.

Backers of an initiative aimed at reversing the state’s climate-oriented policies turned in more than 400,000 signatures in support of the measure on Tuesday. 

They delivered boxes of petitions for Initiative 2066 to the secretary of state’s office in Tumwater just 49 days after the first ones were signed.

Sponsors said they turned in 431,063 signatures, nearly 110,000 more than required to qualify for this fall’s general election.

“It is very simple. If you have natural gas, this protects you to be able to keep natural gas in your home or in your business. And it protects the freedom of every single Washingtonian to have the clean energy of their choice,” said Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, the measure’s main sponsor.

Initiative 2066 repeals provisions of a new state law meant to hasten Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas. It also bars cities and counties from prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging “the use of gas for any form of heating, or for uses related to any appliance or equipment, in any building.”

And the measure would effectively nullify recent changes to Washington’s energy code designed to get more electric heat pumps – instead of gas furnaces – installed in newly built houses, apartments and commercial buildings.

Critics of the measure say it would force the state to retreat from many fronts in its fight against climate change and pursuit of clean energy.

“I-2066 would take away communities’ choice, jeopardize rebate programs that help families and small business owners afford building upgrades, repeal common-sense measures that make homes and workplaces more energy efficient and healthy, and erode clean air protections,” said Caitlin Krenn, climate and clean energy director for Washington Conservation Action.

“Over time this measure will raise energy costs for hardworking Washingtonians,” she noted.

In a statement, Puget Sound Energy said it is “deeply concerned about the misinformation that continues to be spread about natural gas.”

“There is no ban on natural gas,” reads the utility’s statement. “PSE has an obligation to serve any customer who wants natural gas.”

House Bill 1589, the law targeted by the ballot measure, did not change that so those provisions in I-2066 would not affect PSE or its customers, according to the statement. PSE has posted information on HB 1589 on its website.

Lane disagreed. He insisted the intent of one section of the law “will be the electrification of the state. They can say what they want. I think they’re wrong.”

Gregg Small, executive director of the environmental group Climate Solutions, said the measure “would be a major misstep in our path toward a clean energy future that keeps costs lower.”

Planning is critical to keeping utility bills of existing gas customers as low as possible as the state transitions to other sources of energy to heat homes, he said. By repealing some requirements, the initiative “will cost ratepayers more and negatively impact our health by prolonging our reliance on burning polluting gas in our homes and buildings,” he said.

BIAW, the state’s leading voice for the home building industry, drew up the measure and assembled a coalition of backers including the Washington Hospitality Association, Washington Realtors and Associated General Contractors. BIAW formed a political committee, Main Street Matters to Washington, to help get the measure on the ballot and pass it.


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Kenmore city council unanimously opposes repeal of Climate Commitment Act - Initiative 2117

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Kenmore City Council. Back row from left: Councilmember Jon Culver, Mayor Nigel Herbig, Councilmember Joe Marshall, Councilmember Nathan Loutsis. From row from left: Councilmember Debra Srebnik, Deputy Mayor Melanie O'Cain, Councilmember Valerie Sasson

The sidewalks on 84th Avenue NE near Moorlands Elementary School don’t connect, forcing kids walking to school and bus riders taking Metro’s 225 to walk near cars.

The city of Kenmore recently received $3.1 million in CCA funds  to build new sidewalks on 84th, but those funds are now threatened by an initiative that will appear on the November ballot.

A map from the Washington State Patrol’s website shows the location of ten years of collisions near Moorlands Elementary School where new sidewalks are planned, paid for with revenue from the Climate Commitment Act

In a press release, the city of Kenmore announced the council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Initiative 2117 which would repeal Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA).

Passed by the legislature in 2021, the CCA established a market-based program to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by auctioning credits to polluters. The revenue from those sales are invested in programs that transition the state away from its dependence on greenhouse gas polluting activities.

Kenmore, like other cities in the state, expects to receive millions of dollars in CCA funds - including money for the sidewalks in front of Moorlands elementary school as well as funds for EV charging infrastructure and urban forestry.


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