Governor Inslee opposed to new taxes on internet access

What seemed almost impossible a few months ago is becoming more probable with each passing day; taxes being charged for internet access. The return of taxes on internet access may occur due to the failure of Congress to either extend temporarily or permanently the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA). The current ban on internet access taxes expires on November 1 . . . READ MORE

Does Harris v. Quinn apply to individual providers in Washington?

That was the question I was hoping to answer today but after reviewing the state's August 20th response to the Centeno v. Dept. of Social & Health Services lawsuit in federal court the elusive answer will have to wait. While requesting that case "be dismissed with prejudice" one section of the state's brief today said . . . READ MORE

State dodges new pension bullet

A unanimous Supreme Court today gave budget writers much needed good news when Justices rejected two union initiated pension lawsuits that could have added an additional $1.3 billion in new costs for the 2015-17 budget (state and local). Writing perhaps the sweetest words lawmakers have heard recently from the Court, Justices said . . . READ MORE

Attorney General declines Senator’s request for Harris v. Quinn impact opinion

Last week I highlighted a letter from Sen. Braun to the Attorney General requesting an informal opinion in response to the June 30 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Harris v. Quinn, which called into question the forced unionization of some Washington residents. The Senator asked these three questions . . . READ MORE

Senator requests opinion from Attorney General on Harris v. Quinn impact in Washington

On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Harris v. Quinn calling into question the forced unionization of some Washington residents. More than a month after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, however, there has been no official word yet from the Governor or Attorney General on how the ruling will be implemented in Washington. On August 5, state Senator John Braun sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting an informal opinion to answer these three questions . . . READ MORE

Protest planned for tomorrow's secret union contract negotiations

Tomorrow the Governor's Office will continue secret contract negotiations with state employee unions focused on compensation related issues for the 2015-17 budget. Not only is the public and media not allowed to monitor these conversations but the legislative committee created in the same law that authorized closed door contract negotiations still hasn't been consulted as required by law. This lack of legislative consultation isn't new, however, as the committee the Governor is charged to consult with has never met since the law went into effect in 2002 . . . READ MORE