In the end, capital budget all about funding local priorities

Washington state lawmakers haggled for eight months over a $1.6 million revenue gap, and within minutes of a compromise voted overwhelmingly for a capital budget that spends another $1.1 billion

At last, Washington lawmakers pass supplemental budget

The Washington State Legislature at last agreed on a compromise supplemental budget at 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Senate OKs pension reform, clearing way for budget deal

Senate Republicans weren’t able to eliminate the early retirement option entirely for state employees, but they made it more difficult to do.

As budget waits, lawmakers OK $1.1B for capital projects

Washington state lawmakers have reportedly agreed on a capital budget bill that would spend $1.1 million on a long list of projects around the state even as the Legislature struggles to pay for its current spending plans.

A Closer Look at the State Budget Deal

Governor Chris Gregoire called for a special session on September 22nd of last year to address an impending budget shortfall. 201 days later, after a third special session and a budget-negotiation all-nighter, legislators have finally done their job and balanced the budget. Just after 6:00 am this morning, the Senate passed the final version of the budget bill by a 44-2 margin.

3 Things Every Washington Voter Needs to Know in 2012

The legislative process has been compared to a sausage factory, but this would be far too kind to apply to Olympia. The sausage factory does, after all, successfully produce sausage.

This year, and for several years, one-party control of Washington state government has failed. It has failed to meet deadlines, failed to balance budgets, and failed to enact simple and popular reforms.

This fall, voters will choose who will represent them in the legislature—who will sit in the 98 seats in the State House of Representatives and at half of the 49 desks in our State Senate.

It is worth remembering that state government is more involved in our daily lives than the federal government. And state government is easier to change.

5 Ways You Can Make a Difference in 2012

Everyone seems to agree: 2012 may be a pivotal year for our nation. And it certainly seems likely in Washington state.

In a system where the people get to vote and we send our representatives to local, state, and federal offices, it’s up to each of us to do our part. Here are five things you can do right now and over the course of this year to protect and advance freedom.

If Pension Reform is Class Warfare, Taxpayers Are Losing

The Senate’s proposal to eliminate early retirement benefits for new hires isn’t an act of class warfare, nor is it an assault on state workers. The reform idea, originally put for by Governor Gregoire, is an attempt to curtail a lavish benefit extended to retirees in times of plenty. The state has to face economic reality and cut excessive costs wherever possible. Given that public workers already average higher wages and earn more secure pensions than their private sector counterparts, there is absolutely no excuse for rewarding early retirement as well. Currently, Washington’s taxpayers are subsidizing the higher wages and better pensions of their neighbors who work for the state. Bringing a portion of these benefits back in line can hardly be called class warfare.

Tell WA Legislators: “Do Your Job!”

Enough of the games. Enough of the gimmicks. It’s time for Washington politicians to do the job people sent them to Olympia to do.

2012 Legislative Session Town Halls

At the midpoint, many of our legislators are hosting town hall meetings, over the phone and in person, to get feedback from their constituents.  You must be at these meetings to hold them accountable, tell your story, and ensure they make good decisions about how our state government spends our money.

Vancouver townhall was a preview of legislative session

There was no mention that the state is receiving more income now than ever, and the legislators just can’t seem to control spending—that would be speaking like a heretic. The truth of the matter is that government’s appetite for spending is outpacing the tax collector.

Get equipped, January Training Days

Citizen Activist? Here are some training dates you don’t want to miss. Register now!

Special Session finally ends, time to celebrate? The latest Radio Free Washington

Blake and I talk through the 2012 legislative session, and special session, and extra-special session, as well as the budget deal that wrapped it all up. Time to celebrate? Not quite. The real question is whether what has happened at the beginning of 2012 will shape what happens this November.

Last weekend’s RFW: Recapping the 20th Anniversary and lots more

The Freedom Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala was a packed house and a great success. Of course, it had to be a party with Blake and me there! On this show we hit a host of headlines and preview the special legislative session, starting on November 28.

DeBolt’s plan, I-1183, Occupiers, and Puget Sound Partnership—this week on Radio Free Washington

Blake Knoblauch and Scott Roberts discuss Richard DeBolt’s new plan to get Washington moving, I-1183—the liquor initiative, and Puget Sound Partnership.

OG Pod: Secrecy Concerns Over Tribal Gas Tax Rebates

Mike Reitz and Greg Overstreet discuss concerns that that the state is handed over tens of millions of dollars to tribes without adequate transparency or oversight.