WFSE Political Blog

Rep. Liias Says Nice Things About State Employees

2011-03-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

The War On Public Servants: Part IV

2011-03-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

[The following is Part IV of a staff report presented to the WFSE Legislative & Political Action Committee on 3/11/11. Go to Part I. Go to Part II. Go to Part III.]Make a DifferenceFight back against the corporate interests attacking your collective bargaining rights by making a donation to PEOPLE.Stand with your sisters and brothers in Wisconsin by making a donation to AFSCME Wisconsin Council

The War On Public Servants: Part III

2011-03-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

[The following is Part III of a staff report presented to the WFSE Legislative & Political Action Committee on 3/11/11. Go to Part I. Go to Part II.]Washington State ResponseInterview with Gov. Christine Gregoire on NPR (Feb 27):“HANSEN: Budget deficits are the primary focus of many state legislatures across the country. Many governors are taking a get-tough approach with public employee unions.

The War On Public Servants: Part II

2011-03-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

[The following is Part II of a staff report presented to the WFSE Legislative & Political Action Committee on 3/11/11. Go to Part I.]What Is the Reaction?USA Today/Gallup (Feb 21, adults nationwide): “Additionally, the new poll finds Americans opposed to their own state adopting a deficit-reduction proposal, like the one that has triggered a legislative standoff in Wisconsin, that eliminates

The War On Public Servants: Part I

2011-03-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

[The following is Part I of a staff report presented to the WFSE Legislative & Political Action Committee on 3/11/11.]What Is the Latest In Wisconsin?“Gov. Scott Walker signed his bill Friday repealing most collective bargaining by public employee unions, dealing a blow to the labor movement that turned out massive demonstrations in an effort to kill the proposal…In addition to ending most

Labor Ads Go On the Attack In Wisconsin

2011-03-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

From Greg Sargent's Plum Line Blog in the Washington Post:"Unions are going up with a hard-hitting new ad in Wisconsin, a labor source says, that takes direct aim for the first time at Republican state senators who continue to stand by Governor Walker, even as he sinks in the polls and the unpopularity of his budget repair proposal continues to mount.The ad, which is paid for by the labor-backed

A Message From AFSCME President McEntee

2011-03-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

Dear AFSCME Sisters and Brothers,There are new developments in Ohio and Wisconsin that we want to share with you. As you know, what happens in the coming weeks and months in Columbus and Madison will be critical to the future of our union, our jobs, and the services that we provide everywhere.In Ohio yesterday, after more than 20,000 Ohioans rallied on Tuesday to save the middle class, the State

Rally For the American Dream

2011-02-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

2,500 union members and supporters decended on the State Capitol last Saturday. My feet didn't thaw out for hours -- and it was worth it!

On Wisconsin!

2011-02-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

President's Day, 2011

Rachel Maddow: The Republican War On Public Employees

2011-02-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

In a recent installment of her show, Maddow takes a look at Republican attacks on public sector jobs. "It has become mainstream, centrist Republican policy -- a mainstream, centrist Republican point even in punditry -- to congratulate any Republican politician who declares war on people who work in the public sector," she said.Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the

Introducing the Electronic Bill Book

2011-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

If you've been to the Legislature for a public hearing lately you might have noticed that copies of bills, bill reports, fiscal notes, and other supporting documents are no longer provided. That's because all of that, and more, is available online in the Electronic Bill Book. Legislators and lobbyists are using the EBB and so can you.The House Democratic Caucus' official blog recently offered a

We're Dismantling Government All Across America

2011-01-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Daily Show reports on the budget crisis facing state and local governments throughout the nation:The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cMain St. Anytown U.S.A.www.thedailyshow.comDaily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogThe Daily Show on Facebook

New Political Strategy: Blame Public Employees

2011-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

During the first Rachel Maddow Show of the new year, guest host Chris Hayes looked at the new scapegoat for our nation’s economic woes: public workers. Check it out:Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy-- Dennis

Stop the Lies!

2010-12-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee recently announced the union is launching a "Stop the Lies" campaign aimed at those who seek to degrade public servants in pursuit of their own agendas. In a column posted on the AFSCME Greenline Blog, McEntee described the union's campaign as follows:"...By blaming public service workers and working families, the right wing tries to divert attention from the

AFSCME Takes On the Lying Liars

2010-11-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

One Theory About Why Democrats Lost

2010-11-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Tim Eyman Wants You To Stay Home On Saturday

2010-10-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Tim Eyman and his corporate cronies are waging a war on public servants, as well as public services, on the ballot in 2010. If some of the initiatives on the ballot this year come to pass it will have a devastating affect on the entire state. But, thanks to the power of solidarity, we can join other union members all across the state to show ol' Eyman that we've got a lot of fight left in us. As

AFSCME Rocks the 2010 Elections

2010-10-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that AFSCME is "now the biggest outside spender of the 2010 elections..." In a year when independent expenditures have dominated the election landscape, it's heartening to know that AFSCME is in there swinging on behalf of our members.According to the Journal, "the 1.6 million-member AFSCME is spending a total of $87.5 million on the elections after

More Endorsements In Legislative Races

2010-07-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Our union has continued to interview candidates for the Legislature, and some additional endorsements have been made, although it hasn't always been easy. We've had interview sessions where members have met with all the candidates and then decided not to support anyone at this time. In other instances, endorsements have only been agreed to after lengthy discussion. It's a strange year.The new

More WFSE Endorsements

2010-06-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

The reader(s) of this blog know that there were only a handful of politicians receiving an early endorsement at the WFSE Endorsements Conference in April. Our rules allow for additional endorsements, but it's a labor-intensive process.There were a few candidates we endorsed for the House and who are now running for open Senate seats, and a phone poll of the appropriate local Presidents was

WFSE Rocks COPE -- Now What?

2010-05-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

WFSE members made a huge impact at the WA St Labor Council’s biennial COPE Convention. COPE is where political endorsements on behalf of the entire state federation are debated and voted, and we had 90 members there, representing 26 different locals and over 32,000 votes. We didn’t have enough votes by ourselves to block an endorsement, but our delegates where highly motivated to send a message

Reactions To WFSE's Endorsement Conference

2010-05-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't commented on the decisions made at WFSE's biennial Endorsement Conference, held on April 17, because Tim covered it well in the Hotline. The bottom line is out of more than 130 races considered, delegates voted to make just 27 endorsements -- including just 18 incumbent House members and one incumbent Senator.Olympian reporter Brad Shannon wrote about our early endorsements in his blog,

Our Candidate Endorsement Process

2010-04-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

WFSE's biennial Endorsements Conference will be held Saturday, April 17, in Seattle. This conference will serve as the beginning of our process for making our union's endorsement decisions for candidates running for office this year.There are a variety of ways that our union can make an endorsement in a political campaign, but each method is built on two common principles:- All endorsements are

Questions To Ponder For Political Junkies

2010-02-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

It's the time of session where we spend hours standing in the hallway. I might as well post some items of interest while I'm waiting.> Can Democrats win back the support of labor?Following up on a story I've mentioned before, NPR's Austin Jenkins reports that relationships remain uneasy between legislative Democrats and the labor movement. "The trick for Democrats is striking the right balance,"

Rep. Williams Proposes Reducing Legislative Per Diem

2010-02-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

SB 6503, the "furlough bill," has been sitting on the House floor calendar for several days now and could be brought up for a vote by the full House at any time. A couple of different amendments have been submitted but the most provocative is the amendment proposed by Rep. Brendan Williams (D-22).Williams' amendment would "reduce the per diem compensation paid to legislators during the 2011

It's Raining Cash Bonuses In the Attorney General's Office

2010-02-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

Joel Connelly of the Seattle P-I recently reported that the Attorney General's office awarded $599,000 in cash bonuses to exempt employees in FY 2009 -- more than any other state agency. A spokesperson for Attorney General Rob McKenna, a Republican, is quoted as defending the bonuses as "a fiscally responsible and highly accountable form of recognition."The Northwest Progressive Institute isn't

Will the Legislature Close Some Tax Loopholes?

2010-02-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

A recent cover story in the Seattle Weekly went into some depth on the issue of tax loopholes. "Over the past two years alone," Rick Anderson reported, "[tax loopholes] have accounted for a record $98.5 billion in potential tax revenue the state never got... When Seattle Weekly detailed the breaks in a cover story six years ago, the headline was '$64 Billion Falls Through the Tax Cracks.' There

Republican Response to Gov. Gregoire

2010-01-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette (R-Wenatchee) gave the Republican response to Gov. Gregoire's address. Sen. Parlette said the state should be contracting out more services and criticized the Governor for renegotiating state worker contracts. "Employers and employees in the private sector are making sacrifices," said Sen. Parlette, "we in the public sector should share in the sacrifices as well."--

Gov. Gregoire's State Of the State Address

2010-01-12T18:28:00.001-08:00

Governor Chris Gregoire gave her state of the state speech today, and for WFSE members it was a somber message. The following are a few excerpts that jumped out at me."In all corners of our state, families are struggling to survive the great recession. These people are good people. People who have always worked and now for the first time are filing for unemployment... The loss of jobs has created

Waiting For the Storm To Hit

2009-12-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning the Governor will reveal her budget proposal. The Governor is constitutionally obligated to submit a balanced budget -- based on existing revenues -- prior to the Legislative Session. With revenues plunging, we are all going to see what almost $3 billion in cuts looks like -- and it's going to be bad.The problem is exacerbated because most of the state budget is "off limits."

Understanding the State's Fiscal Crisis

2009-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Last week's announcement that the state budget deficit facing lawmakers in January had grown to $2.6 billion is staggering. It's hard to even comprehend the magnitude of the deficit, let along how and why we got here.Fortunately, the good folks at the WA St Budget & Policy Center have put together a 12-minute slide show, complete with audio, to explain it all for us.[Note: Click on the green “

Labor vs. the Democrats?!?!?

2009-11-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

A recent article in the Seattle Times raised, once again, the issue of the labor movement's unhappiness with the Democrats in Olympia. The Times then followed up with an editorial criticizing labor's "kamikaze effort."As you might imagine, I have a number of strong opinions about this topic. Yet there is nothing I could compose that would be as articulate or effective as what our old friend

Get Your Ballots In Today!

2009-11-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's election day. Whether you vote by mail or vote at a poll site, today is the day to get 'er done. Remember: Only you can stop Tim Eyman.-- Dennis

Stephen Colbert Tackles the Tough Issues Raised By R71

2009-10-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

I get all my news from the Comedy Channel. It's more accurate and more balanced than the garbage the networks churn out.The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30cThe Word - Don't Ask Don't Tellwww.colbertnation.comColbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical HumorReligion-- Dennis

Approve R71 -- It's the Patriotic Thing To Do

2009-10-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

America is built on the idea that "all men are created equal" yet some still want to draw lines between us. The good news is we all have an opportunity to strike a blow against hate and division. We can vote to approve R71. It's the patriotic thing to do. -- Dennis

Attention King County Voters!

2009-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of confusion over the unfortunate placement of I-1033 on King County vote by mail ballots. It would be a shame if folks didn't get a chance to vote "No" on the latest knuckle-headed tomfoolery from professional demagogue Tim Eyman just because they didn't notice the appropriate box in the lower left-hand corner.Tell your ma. Tell your pa. Vote No on I-1033!

Trick Or Vote 2009

2009-10-22T11:43:00.001-07:00

From our friends at the Washington Bus:"The Last Halloween, 300 of our closest friends knocked on over 6,500 doors to get out the vote and we're doing it big again this Halloween.The Bus is looking for organizations to sign on as co-sponsors and for individuals to sign up as captains. All you need is a costume and a love for democracy. Sign up here and get all you need to know to be in the know

Mainstream Republicans oppose I 1033

2009-10-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

No matter how you look at it, 1033 is a bad idea with bad timing and a insidious agenda. Here is a story that tells us that the word is finally getting out about this wrecking ball of an initiative.http://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2009/10/mainstream-republicans-of-washington.htmlThis is what they had to say directly from the MSR blog page:Mainstream Republicans urges voters to vote “No” on I-

Why We Need a Public Option -- In 30 Seconds!

2009-10-12T10:53:00.001-07:00

The latest TV commercial from Health Care For America Now! explains, in simple terms, why a public option is a critical component to any health care reform legislation.-- Dennis

I-1033: The Colorado Experience

2009-10-07T12:47:00.001-07:00

Tim Eyman's I-1033 is actually an old idea -- known as TABOR -- that has been on the ballot in numerous other states over the years. I-1033 would put a restrictive and arbitrary cap on all state, county and city government spending -- with the current recessionary budget levels as the baseline. In 2009, TABOR is on the ballot in two states: Washington and Maine. [Note: I'm not sure if Maine also

Yours truly visits Eastern Washington

2009-10-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a 4-day tour of Eastern Washington last week. While there I had the pleasure of visiting some of our folks at Pine Lodge, Lakeland Village and Ahtanum View Correctional Center. All three of these facilities are being considered for closure or vast down sizing in this year’s legislative session. The “meat saw”, designed by last years legislature to tear apart institutional

Adrienne For Edmonds: Hop On the Band Wagon

2009-09-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

Our friend Adrienne Fraley-Monillas is in the stretch run of her campaign for Edmonds City Council. Adrienne is an adult training supervisor at Fircrest School and a member of the WFSE Executive Board from Local 341.The exciting news is Adrienne finished first among three candidates in the August 18th primary -- and the incumbent council member was eliminated. The task now is for Adrienne to

Will Ferrell's Call To Protect Insurance Companies

2009-09-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

Have Insurance? You Need Health Care Reform

2009-08-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Opponents of health care reform have certainly had their voices heard over the past few weeks. It appears the main arguments against reform are “socialism is bad” and “Obama is Hitler.” My proposed response is to engage in a rational discussion about public policy.Much of the debate so far has been focused on the uninsured, the public plan, and death panels. What we really need to be talking

Health Care Terrorists Are a Riot (Get It?)

2009-08-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

I've already written at length about the shameful tactics some conservatives are waging in their campaign to oppose health care reform. Rather than debate the issue on its merits, well-heeled interest groups have engaged in a program of deception and intimidation in a partisan effort to derail the Obama Presidency.The chanting, bullying health care terrorists, -- who shout out their opposition

Health Care Terroists In the News

2009-08-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a report on how “health care terrorists” were engaged in an organized campaign to disrupt Congressional town hall meetings using tactics that bring shame on every responsible conservative. Since then, the news has been filled with stories focused on health care opponents behaving badly.The “death panels” are a big lieThe Associated Press published an independent Fact

Top Five Health Care Reform Lies

2009-08-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of MoveOn.org:"Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!!The truth: These accusations — of "death panels" and forced euthanasia — are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill." What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a

David Horsey On Health Care Reform

2009-08-12T10:35:00.001-07:00

-- Dennis

I-1033: Tim Eyman's Latest Tomfoolery

2009-08-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t already heard, Tim Eyman’s latest terroristic attack, Initiative 1033, will be on the ballot this November. WFSE has joined the coalition to oppose I-1033 because the measure will destroy vital public services at the state, county and city level. Initiative 1033 is already a proven failure. Tim Eyman’s latest Initiative uses the same failed formula as the “TABOR” law passed in

Health Care Terrorists

2009-08-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

The political battle for health care reform is raging at levels beyond anything I've seen in my 25 years in the business. Developments over the last couple of days ought to serve as a powerful wake-up call to proponents.Case in point: It's now being reported that some conservative "think tanks" -- funded by lobbyists and corporate interests -- are orchestrating a nationwide effort to mobilize

I Survived Candidate Survivor

2009-08-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

My trip up to Seattle to take in the Washington Bus' Candidate Survivor forum was well worth the effort. There were hundreds of people -- mostly under 35 -- who packed into the Showbox to watch the candidates for Seattle City Council compete for the affections of the crowd.The candidates came out on stage dressed in track gear, dancing and mugging while the audience cheered. The first challenge

"Candidate Survivor" -- Tonight!

2009-07-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

I'm heading up to Seattle this evening to attend the "Candidate Survivor" event sponsored in part by the Washington Bus. I've been impressed by the work of the Washington Bus as they engage young people in our democracy by making politics both fun and productive. I am expecting to be entertained, and I am expecting beer. I hope to see you there. -- Dennis

Taking a Time Out -- Politically Speaking

2009-07-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the WFSE Executive Board voted to adopt a resolution that suspends our endorsement process for 2009, withholds certain contributions, and creates a member-driven process to reconsider how our political program will work. I was expecting a vigorous discussion but the resolution was adopted overwhelmingly.State workers suffered a terrible beat-down during the 2009 Legislative Session

...And the train keeps a rollin'... WMS and Disability Retirement

2009-06-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

We have had some calls wondering where a few projects left over from the Legislative session were at, so we thought we'd update our reader, and maybe he/she will spread the word.EHB 2049, the WMS study bill called for a study of WMS/EMS. We are happy to be able to report that the state auditor, Brian Sonntag's office will be conducting the state wide performance study. We are very excited about

Debating the Direction Of the WFSE Political Program

2009-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

The sense of anger and betrayal among our members since the conclusion of the 2009 Legislative Session is widespread and deep. Our members feel like they were thrown overboard by elected officials (from both parties) that we had endorsed and supported.A couple of weeks ago an old friend reminded me that when things are going badly, the first response should be to look in the mirror. Right now

"Government Reform" On the Table

2009-05-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Adam Wilson of the Olympian has the story:"In a meeting with The Olympian's editorial board Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Chris Gregoire outlined some rather ambitious plans for future changes in state government.Ambitious, that is, considering the Legislature started by eliminating a 18 boards and commissions out of hundreds and renamed CTED the Department of Commerce. Most of the savings in the new

HB 2049, a small victory in a session of losses

2009-05-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well Reader (optimistically, in the singular;-), we're back! After a long hiatus and a longer legislative session, I find a minute to jot a line or two.I have gotten several phone calls and questions regarding what we have affectionately named the WMS bill. Rumors are floating around about what the bill is, or is not, so I thought I would talk about that so that you, our reader, can spread the

More Fun Budget Provisos: Consolidating Natural Resource Agencies

2009-04-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Another proviso in the budget bill that will be of interest to our members is Section 907, which reads as follows:"The governor shall convene a work group consisting of representatives from the natural resource agencies. The work group shall consider the experience of other states and their organizational structures to identify consolidation opportunities to improve service delivery and reduce

Final Budget Mandates Study Of All Institutions

2009-04-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Whenever a budget comes out, I always make it a point to skim through the text of the actual budget bill. The Legislature is adept a slipping provisos -- instructions to agencies -- in the budget that can have a profound affect on WFSE members, and this year is no exception.The final budget compromise this year doesn't close any institutions immediately, but a proviso has been included that

Major Battles: Child Welfare Services

2009-04-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Senate continues to push hard for the privatization of child welfare services on a massive scale. ESSB 5943 as passed by the Senate (and 2SHB 2106 as amended by the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee), represents the broadest contracting out proposal to receive serious consideration by the Legislature in more than a decade. Adding insult to injury, the Senate continues to wage a

Major Battles: Community Corrections

2009-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Both budgets make significant cuts to community supervision, but the House budget cuts are much deeper and will result in a decimation of our entire transitional system. Not only is community supervision more cost-effective than incarceration, it provides offenders with the support structure necessary to change their behavior once they are released from prison. These cuts will result in higher

Major Battles: Institutions

2009-04-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Senate proposal to close Yakima Valley School would result in traumatic disruption to 90 of the most vulnerable people in our society, eliminate respite services for over 100 families a year, eliminate hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity – all to save (optimistically) $2.5 million over the biennium. The proposed closure of YVS doesn’t appear to be motivated by cost

Major Battles: State Employee Health Care Benefits

2009-04-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

There are 17 days left in the Legislative session and the pressure is building daily. The House and Senate are both expected to be on the floor, in either session or caucus, all day every day (and often into the night) until they adjourn (or not) on April 26th. Legislators will take two days off for Easter weekend and then work straight through to the end.A lot of issues are resolved, for better

Schoolhouse Rock: How a Bill Becomes a Law

2009-04-01T11:17:00.001-07:00

This posting is for my boss who never thought I’d read our blog, let alone post to it.DW

TVW Covers Impact Of Budget Crisis On State Employees

2009-03-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

This week's edition of The Impact, one of TVW's weekly news programs, covers in some detail the impact of the budget crisis on state employees. The program starts with an interview with WFSE Executive Director Greg Devereux, and then features an insightful discussion with Rep. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) and Rep. Bruce Dammeier (R-Puyallup). The total segment relating to state employees is about 15

This Post Is For You, Joe

2009-03-12T11:46:00.001-07:00

Ever since the link to the WFSE Political Blog was removed from the WFSE main page (against my wishes) I figured our readership would drop from four to zero. However, I have since learned that Joe still checks the blog regularly and he's disappointed that I'm not adding any new content. Buoyed by the notion that I actually have one reader, I'll try to go ahead and post something once in a

Budget Crisis Update

2009-02-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10) sends out a regular e-newsletter and the edition I received yesterday has an outstanding description of the state budget crisis. Here is the text of her article, in its entirety:- - - - - - - - - -"STATE BUDGET NEWSThe Legislature has been concerned about the growing shortfall in state revenues for quite some time, which is why we requested that the Department of

Welcome to the SEIU Member Resource Center

2009-02-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

As someone who is a "true believer" when it comes to the labor movement, I found this SEIU video about their Member Resource Center to be fascinating. I'd love to hear what others think.-- Dennis

Public Safety Cuts In the Governor's Budget

2009-01-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

Public safety is an area that gets hit pretty hard in Governor Gregoire's proposed budget. According to the House Appropriations Committee staff, the Governor’s budget proposal cuts corrections and other criminal justice programs by $162 million (NGF-S).DOC Community Corrections (parole) takes the single biggest hit: $77 million. A savings of $42 million is achieved by discontinuing all

The Legislative Session Pauses

2009-01-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

The entire state Legislature came to a grinding halt for about an hour and a half this morning. Hearings and meetings were cancelled. Obligations were set aside. Instead, everyone huddled around the handiest TV to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. It was amazing.I'll leave it to those more articulate than me to write about the poinancy of Obama's

The Other Washington: House Democrats Unveil Economic Stimulus Plan

2009-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

Back in Washington DC, Congressional Democrats announced their $825 billion economic recovery plan. Thanks to the handy-dandy AFSCME Federal Legislative Report, we have the details:"On Thursday, House Democratic leaders outlined details of an $825 billion Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act which includes substantial and significant AFSCME-supported provisions. As outlined below, the proposal

The Governor's State of the State Address

2009-01-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

The highlight of the first week of session is always the Governor's State of the State Address. Obviously, the huge fiscal crisis our state is facing right now was going to be going to be the focus and I, along with countless others, was eager to hear what she was going to say on that topic.The Governor said she had four goals for this legislative session (as quoted from an e-mail sent out to

"Major Heartburn" List

2009-01-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

As we've been wading through the Governor's budget proposal we've been putting together a list of the specific cuts and closures that do the most harm to our members and the public. With the understanding that this is very preliminary, this is what we have so far:1. Elimination of negotiated collective bargaining agreement (WFSE GG contract = $86.5 mil GF-S; WFSE HE contract = $10.7 mil GF-S).2.

Preliminary Lobbying Assignments

2009-01-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy week. We've been digging through the Governor's budget proposal to try and understand the depth and breadth of the cuts she is proposing, and we've been scrambling to get ready for the first week of session.While it's impossible to anticipate everything, we do have a preliminary list of lobbying assignments. Members and staff who have comments/questions/suggestions about a

Town Hall Meetings Coming Your Way!

2009-01-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

The House Democrats have posted the following town hall meetings on their blog and Members are encouraged to attend : Thursday, January 8 in Redmond with Rep. Ross Hunter and Sen. Rodney Tom. 7 p.m. at Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th Street). Thursday, January 8 in Mukilteo with Rep. Marko Liias, Rep. Mary Helen Roberts and Sen. Paull Shin. 6-8 p.m. at Mukilteo City Hall Council Chambers (

Santa Visits Maryland State Workers

2008-12-22T11:27:00.001-08:00

State and local governments across the nation are reeling from declining revenues, and balancing budgets on the backs of employees is certainly not unique to the state of Washington. Our AFSCME affiliate in Maryland released a humorous but also poignant video in response to the state's efforts to cut spending. WFSE members will be able to relate.-- Dennis

Governor Budget Proposal Highlights (and Lowlights)

2008-12-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

I'm saving any and all editorial or analytical comments for another time. For now, I just want to provide our reader(s) with the nuts and bolts of the Governor's 2009-11 budget proposal. The following is a quick list of cuts by functional area:EARLY LEARNING- Suspension of career and wage ladder for child care teachers.- Suspension of the Family, Friends and Neighbors program.- Elimination of

Gregoire's Statement On Salaries

2008-12-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

In the Budget & Policy Highlights document for Governor Gregoire's proposed 2009-2011 budget, the following statement appears regarding why she is proposing that our collective bargaining agreement be rejected:"Specific laws govern the granting of cost-of-living adjustments or raises to teachers, state employees and care workers.These hardworking individuals provide immeasurably valuable services

Gov. Gregoire Press Conference On 2009-11 Budget Proposal

2008-12-18T14:09:00.001-08:00

Quick Notes On the Governor's Budget Proposal

2008-12-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

I attending a briefing this morning on elements of the Governor's budget proposal, and I took notes as best as I could.Overall: None of the collective bargaining agreements -- including WFSE's -- are funded. However, the Governor does retain the funding to keep the employee share for health care benefits at 12%. She proposes suspending several initiatives, including the long term care training

Partners for Our Children

2008-12-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to the 12/5 Senate Human Services & Corrections committee work session. The "Partners for our Children" (POC) Executive Director, Mark Courtney, reports on the division of labor between the public and private sectors in the delivery of child welfare services, using other states as examples.Comments?--Alia

Tis the season to give thanks

2008-11-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

This summer and fall have been such a whirl wind here in our lil' ol Leg. department, it has been kind of hard to sit back and gain a bit of perspective. Today, the day before Thanksgiving (and a 4 day weekend!!!!), the boss (Dennis) is somewhere on a beach in Mexico. Since it is noon here, I am sure he has popped the top on some kind of refreshing beverage. Diana is at her desk plugging away at

I'm Out Of Here

2008-11-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm heading off on a vacation to where the weather is warm. I don't know if anybody else on the team will post to the WFSE Political Blog in my absence, but in any event I'll be back after Thanksgiving. Hopefully, you won't miss me too much while I'm gone. -- Dennis

ADDENDUM: Backseat Driving In the Governor's Race

2008-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

After the long-winded essay on the Governor's race I wrote yesterday, you might think I'd have exhausted all of my thoughts on the subject. Well, think again, because there are a couple of more points I'd like to make.> This was a close race right up until the end.Pollster Stuart Elway argued nobody should have been surprised that Gov. Gregoire won re-election handily, but the fact is this race

Blatant Self-Promotion

2008-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

We were quite surprised to discover that the little ol' WFSE Political Blog hit the radar screen in Washington DC. The Democratic Governors Association picked up and ran with one of our blog posts, which in turn caught the attention of the AFSCME Greenline Blog.If this keeps up our readership could hit double-digits!-- Dennis

Backseat Driving In the Governor's Race

2008-11-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

A lot of people were surprised by Governor Gregoire's decisive win over Dino Rossi on election night. I knew the trends looked favorable at the time but, like everyone else, I was mentally preparing myself for another close contest. In the end, Gregoire won by six points, 53% to 47%, and the race was decided on election night.The difference from 2004 to 2008 was significant. In 2004 the race was

Jon Stewart vs. Bill O'Reilly

2008-11-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

FOX News blowhard Bill O'Reilly recently appeared on the Daily Show for a battle of wits with host Jon Stewart. Personally, I think Stewart eviscerated him. It just doesn't seem like O'Reilly has much to offer once you get past the slogans. Regardless, it was a fun debate.The role satire played in the most recent election is significant. This is nothing new of course, but some of the most

We Did It!

2008-11-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

On Halloween, Governor Gregoire and First Mike greeted young trick or treaters (including my daughter) at the mansion dressed as Dora the Explorer and Boots. That probably explains why all day Wednesday I had Dora's victory song running through my mind: "We Did It!"Election night was a wonderful celebration. [Note: Personally, I was doing fine until the tequila shots appeared around midnight.]

NEW UPDATE: Gregoire's "Fighting For Working Families" Tour

2008-10-30T16:09:00.001-07:00

Additional details about Gov. Gregoire's final campaign tour are now available. Some times/locations have changed.Friday, Oct. 31 (Olympia)What: Small business walking tour with candy to hand out When: Friday, Oct. 31Governor arrives 3 p.m., departs 4 p.m.Where: Batdorf & Bronson, 200 Market St NE, OlympiaSaturday, Nov. 1 (Spokane and Pullman)What: Canvass kickoffWhen: Saturday, Nov. 1Governor

Endorsements Round-Up

2008-10-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

QUOTES ABOUT GOV. CHRIS GREGOIRE"Gregoire is a woman of depth who has a commitment to solving problems with rational solutions and compromise." [The Olympian, 10/12/08]"Rossi's campaign advertising faults Gregoire because she's been in government for 39 years. We don't understand why extended public service is a blemish as long as she's performed honorably. In her nearly four decades, Gregoire

AFSCME: Dino Rossi Will Take Us Backwards

2008-10-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

A new independent expenditure ad sponsored by AFSCME has hit the airwaves. The ad refers to Dino Rossi's harmful record on health care, education and unemployment benefits. If you've missed it, you can watch it here: AFSCME has been incredibly supportive during this contentious Governor's race. Hopefully our members appreciate the international union's efforts on our behalf. -- Dennis

ABC News: Rossi Trying To Hide From "Republican Party" Label

2008-10-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Our friend Mark Murphy from AFSCME forwarded this video clip from ABC News talking about how Dino Rossi has listed himself as the candidate of the "GOP Party" rather than the "Republican Party" in an effort to distance himself from an unpopular Republican president whose policies Rossi actually embraces. Rossi's decision to file with the Secretary of State as a "GOP Party" candidate, rather

UPDATE: Gregoire "Fighting For Working Families" Tour

2008-10-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

We can now fill in some of the gaps in the schedule for Governor Gregoire's "Fighting For Working Families" Tour. The following are the times and locations where Gov. Gregoire will be campaigning over the last week of the election.Wednesday, Oct. 294:15 pm Vancouver Canvass KickoffCampaign HQ, 10621 NE Coxley Dr., Vancouver6:00 pm Rally in LongviewLongshore Hall, 617 14th Ave., LongviewThursday,

Gregoire Announces "Fighting For Working Families" Tour

2008-10-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

Governor Gregoire will be touring the state in the final days before the election, and we have just received a copy of the schedule. The Gregoire campaign has announced that the "Governor is launching her Fighting for Working Families Tour this weekend in Tacoma. She will spend every day until election day talking to voters, supporters and working families about how she is going to fight for them

Seattle P-I Editorial: "Don't Split Ticket"

2008-10-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Seattle P-I Editorial Board urged readers to vote for both Barack Obama and Chris Gregoire, arguing that voting for Obama and Dino Rossi "is not a split ticket that would promote effective government." The P-I wrote,"Rossi is campaigning as an agent of change. Fair enough. But what kind of change?He'd promote Bush economics -- that simplistic idea that tax cuts solve every problem

More Newspapers Endorse Gregoire

2008-10-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

According to Brad Shannon at the Olympian, the Seattle Times' decision to, once again, endorse Dino Rossi for Governor "is bucking a trend... Other significant papers that went with Rossi in 2004 have switched, backing Gregoire this time around. These include The News Tribune in Tacoma, the Columbian in Vancouver, and the Spokesman-Review in Spokane — all battlegrounds where Rossi had an edge

Gen. Powell Endorses Obama

2008-10-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone has heard that Gen. Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for President during an interview with Tom Brokaw on Sunday's "Meet the Press." Powell, who had been Secretary of State under President Bush, told Brokaw, "I have some concerns about the direction the party has taken in recent years... [T]he approach of the Republican Party and Mr. McCain has become narrower and narrower."

Obama, McCain Bring Down the House

2008-10-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

Flying around the internet today are the video clips of Barack Obama and John McCain at yesterday's Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City. Both candidates make fun of themselves and each other, and they interject a huge dose of humor and class into an otherwise rugged presidential campaign. So, for a Friday afternoon treat, here are the two candidates.Barack Obama: John

Update On Total Contributions In the Governor's Race

2008-10-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

I mentioned yesterday that the governor's race had exceeded $30 million in contributions received so far. Andrew Garber of the Seattle Times wrote, "supporters running independent campaigns that back Rossi have raised an additional $8 million this month. Combined with the money Rossi has raised, that puts more than $22 million behind his candidacy." Based on press reports, the breakdown is as

In Case You Missed It: Quick Notes From the WA State Campaign Trail

2008-10-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

> Governor race to exceed $30 million in spendingSeattle P-I writer Joel Connelly is reporting that "the campaign warchests of Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire and 'GOP Party' challenger Dino Rossi have topped $20 million, with partisan front groups pouring an additional $12 million into the race. The result is Washington's first $30 million-plus governor's race, exemplified by the relentless