Sen. Sharon Brown Senator Brown's Bridges to a Better Government E-Newsletter Update
Sen. Sharon Brown sent this bulletin at 04/23/2013 10:09 AM PDT|
|
|
| Ag, Water & Rural Economic Development | Energy, Environment & Telecommunications | Early Learning & K-12 Education | Transportation |
|
STAY UP TO DATE!
|
|
APRIL 23, 2013 Budget negotiations continue in earnest
As you know from the numerous instances in recent years, special session cost taxpayers money. They stretch out the length of time state government has to interfere with your lives and are generally regarded as bad news. Of course, special sessions could be avoided if only the House and Senate would begin the process of finding compromise a bit sooner, and with the true intent of finding a middle ground. Unfortunately, though the Senate adopted a bipartisan budget proposal that would put more than a billion-and-a-half dollars more into education (about a billion of that going directly to meet the state Supreme Court-mandated McClearly obligation), reduce college tuition by three percent (something that's never happened in the history of Washington State) while increasing funding for colleges and universities, responsibly using the increase in revenue to boost funding for state programs across the board, institutes a number of government reforms that reduce the overall cost to taxpayers while streamlining services, AND includes no new taxes or tax increases...the House seems unwilling to seriously consider the measure. In the meantime I'll continue to work across the aisle and across the rotunda, with the House of Representatives, to try to find a middle ground on which we can all stand. However with just under a week before the Legislature adjourns "Sine Die" (pronounced "SIGH-nee-DYE," Latin for "without a day" to reconvene), it may not be possible at this point to reach a budget agreement before the deadline. Be sure to keep checking my website, www.senatorsharonbrown.com, for updates on budget negotiations. If we should reach a breakthrough at the 11th hour, I'll send you an e-mail notification via a special Bridges e-newsletter update.
Business bills to grow the economy and create jobs
To that end, I've partnered with several of my colleagues, representatives from the state Department of Commerce and others to try and convince Governor Jay Inslee that we need to make changes to the way Washington handles business operations. It's no secret that our state is one of the most challenging in the country to create and build a successful business...in fact, we have one of the highest small business failure rates nationwide. That's why it's so important to all of our state's residents that government get out of the way of developing private businesses so that they can get back do doing what they do best...creating jobs and driving our economy. Here are some of the business reform ideas we're seeking in Olympia:
Some of my proposals are set to become law
HB 1403 (the companion to my SB 5680) is inspired by a report from the state auditor’s office in 2012. It would remove two agencies and add 16 to the list required to provide all their licenses online through the state’s Business Licensing Service, the state’s primary business-licensing portal. Each agency would also provide an annual report to the state Department of Revenue. SB 5701 also passed unanimously in the House and Senate. It would add the Professional Educator Standards Board to the list of organizations that may file complaints with the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and allow OSPI to issue a reprimand to educators as a penalty for submitting fraudulent test scores.
Washington celebrates the Day of the Cowboy and Beef Day
It was my honor to speak in the Senate chamber about the cowboy and ranching traditions that have been part of the American landscape and culture since 1523, noting that today’s cowboys and cowgirls continue to strive to preserve and perpetuate this unique element of America’s heritage. In fact, I even got to interview a few cowboys and cowgirls myself...click the video below to watch and enjoy!
In closing... A big priority for me is getting your feedback as often as possible. It is one of the best tools I have to help me better represent you. I value your opinion highly and - as always - if you would like to contact me you can write, phone, e-mail, or stop by. It remains my honor to serve you in the Washington State Senate. Sincerely,
|
|
CONTACT ME:
|
In odd years, the Washington State Legislature meets for 105 days. In even years, we're only in session for 60 days. This Sunday marks the 105th day of the 2013 legislative session, and therefore it is the constitutionally-mandated final day of the "regular" session...and regular is in quotes because if the Senate and House can't agree upon a two-year proposed operating budget then we're in for a "special" session following the regular one.
Despite an uptick in state revenue and a slightly lowered unemployment rate, many of our friends and neighbors are still looking for employment and struggling to make ends meet. That's why it's vitally important that we do what we can at the state level to help businesses thrive, because a thriving business needs to hire more employees. That's how government should help to create jobs...not by simply materializing new taxpayer-funded state positions, but by reforming the way government interacts with private businesses to make it less of a burden to operate in Washington.
I've been fortunate enough to see some of my bill proposals make it through both the House and the Senate, and will now become law barring any potential veto by the governor during his ceremonial bill signing. Another proposal I support is going to pass in the form of a House bill that is 
On April 11, I had the pleasure of introducing a resolution to the Washington State Senate commemorating the National Day of the Cowboy! It just so happened to be "Beef Day" here at the Legislature, an unofficial holiday that unites the Washington Cattlemen's Association with the Washington Dairy Association and is a favorite among staff and members alike. People line up for blocks to get a taste of the tri-tip sandwiches prepared by the cattlemen slaving over hot barbecues, and washing it down with milk from the dairy folks.
E-mail: