Washington State Measures

Okay, I’ve just selected for myself a daunting task. I am trying to make my way through the muddy waters of American politics…not easy.
So, let’s just jump in with two feet:

Measure 1053, it’s all about taxes. Basically it would undo any changes in taxes made during 2010 and make it harder for the powers that be to change any taxes or fees imposed by the Washington state government. Any increases must be approved by 2/3 legislative majority AND voters approval…that mean us.

This measure would add a feeling of security which is especially needed in this crazy economy.

However…on the flip side, California enacted the same measure and they’ve reported party gridlocks, where nothing is getting done because it only takes and small number of legislators to kill anything. We also have to remember that our taxes pay for schools, clinics, police stations, fire stations and a ton of other government programs that keep us safe and taken care of…cut taxes and we’re cutting jobs, teachers, nurses, construction workers, social workers…etc. we don’t want to shoot ourselves in the foot.

However-ever, if it is harder or even impossible in some cases for taxes to be increased it would force Olympia to be more innovated, and instead of milking the tax payers they could prioritize…you know, like not give themselves raises…but that might be a gamble…they like their money…

Okay…so here is who’s really behind all this stuff:

YES for 1053: business owners: Erma Turner (beauty shop), Darryl Ehlers (Farmer), Eric Phillips (Label Company), Larry Stanley (retired business owner), Brad Carlson (evergreen memorial gardens) Wes Uhlman (former mayor of Seattle)

No for 1053: teachers, nurses, firefighters, and state funded programs: Reverend Paul Benz, Jerry Reiller (Eldercare Alliance), Pam Keeley (Nurse), Andy Coons (Math teacher and president of Tacoma Education Association), Greg Merkley (firefighters)

You decide…Yah or Nah

Measure 1082, it’s all about insurance for business…Basically L&I right now insure most of our business in Washington. If you get injured at work L&I are the people that investigate and then take action…or not. This measure would allow businesses to seek private insurance starting 2012.

As it is L&I is government ran and paid for by tax payers. Taxes paid toward L&I have increased 53% in just the past ten years! Oregon has privatized business insurance and their taxes haven’t moved in 20 years…what is Oregon doing right?

There’s no real argument here. It’s a bunch of he said she said BS. Those against 1082 say it will be a hugely corrupt insurance industry F-up full of unethical business practices and suffering workers…those for 1082 say it was written by small business owners and all the same protections that are in place now won’t go anywhere…

Okay…so here is who’s really behind all this stuff:

YES for 1082: business owners: Patrick Connor (State Director, NFIB/Washington), Betty Neighbors, owner, TERRA Staffing Group) Joel Kretz (State Representative and owner, Promised Land Ranch), Steve Robinson (Spokane Rock Products/AWB Board member), Mark Shaffer (owner of Mark’s Drywall), and Mike Gilmartin (Commercial Creamery Company)

No for 1082: Government workers and business owners: Mike Kreidler (Washington State Insurance Commissioner), Brian Sonntag (Washington State Auditor), Don Orange (owner of Hoesly ECO Auto/Tire), Don Grillot (Business manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 77), Judy Huntington (MN, RN, Executive Director, Washington State Nurses), and Kelly Fox (President, Washington State Council of Fire Fight)

You decide…Yah or Nah

There is sooooo much more… I’m going to post this but continue trying to decipher the crazy mambo jumbo political jargon BS…