This Week in Olympia

Week of June 5

It was another week in Olympia, much like the others. Meetings behind closed doors. Offers exchanged, but no deals made. 

That can be frustrating, but it also means we still have opportunities to influence the outcome. Visit the Take Action page to see how you can make a difference. 

We are starting to hear whispers about progress. Of course, until the deal is final, it’s all subject to change. Here’s a roundup of recent rumors: 

• The salary allocation model is likely to be retained for the 2017-18 school year, but not beyond. 
• The two chambers are looking at spending between $5 and $7 billion over four years, likely with more money weighted toward the end of the cycle. 
• Testing and licensure issues remain on the table. 
• Lawmakers continue to talk about revenue sources. 
  • As reported earlier, the Governor has backed away from the Capital gains tax. 
  • The state property tax will likely go up. This will be accompanied by a decrease in local levies. What we don’t know is how “decrease” will be defined. Will it mean no increases moving forward, or a real cut in dollars collected? 
  • Internet sales tax is still under consideration, as is a real estate tax on expensive properties. 

Again, all of this is subject to change. 

As we know, time is ticking. Some people are getting worried that if there is no deal, and no bill drafted soon, the job won’t be done by the July 1 deadline. They could pass a 30-day budget, but Democrats and the Governor are pushing hard to avoid this. 

Without sufficient progress, we can expect to hear from the Governor as early as next week, with a list of “non-essential government services” that would be cut with no budget. Things like closing state parks for the 4th of July weekend, and other high-profile programs that could increase the pressure to reach a deal. 

Next week, there are hearings on school siting issues and Community and Technical College issues. All legislators are being called back to Olympia for those. 

Inslee Rally for Funding

Friday afternoon, Governor Inslee joined Federal Way EA and WEA for an education funding rally at Thomas Jefferson High School, where he called on legislators to meet their McCleary obligation and finalize a budget. In addition to the Governor, WEA President Kim Mead spoke, calling out Senate Republicans. 

“We are reminding legislators – and Senate Republicans in particular – that quality public education is a civil right for all students, and it’s the Legislature’s paramount duty to pass a state budget that amply funds K-12 public schools. We must raise the revenue needed to protect and fund the social and health services our students and their families need.”

Other speakers included Christine Carlson, a Lakota Middle School special education teacher and foster parent; Aida Sanchez, parent and Washington Federation of State Employees union member; and Rebecca Friedman, an IB Spanish teacher.

Doorhangers are working 

Among the many actions WEA members are taking to raise awareness about the bad Senate proposals, we’re hearing from lawmakers that the doorhangers are particularly effective. Senators don’t like them, but House members do. There’s still time to organize neighborhood walks. Contact your local president if you are interested in helping out. 

Meetings with local legislators are also working, and of course, locals from across the state are sponsoring advertising, waving signs, and holding rallies. Many locals are calling for General Membership meetings in August to decide if conditions warrant a strike. Port Angeles recently voted to support this motion,

"We will meet in August for a strike authorization vote if necessary, depending on what happens in the legislature over the next weeks."

Similar votes are occurring in locals across the state.