"Olympia Watch": Keeping An Eye On The Democrats

This Monday, the gavel will sound in Olympia to signify the beginning of the 105-day Legislative Session. The central issue to be considered this year will be how to solve the multi-billion dollar deficit created by the overspending of Gov. Gregoire and the Democrats. In addition, legislation that affects every aspect of your life from education to health care to transportation to public safety will also be considered.

To keep you informed for every one of those 105 days, we are creating an "Olympia Watch" section of our WSRP website where we will feature news, analysis, and opportunities for you to comment and testify. You can also sign up for breaking news announcements through my Twitter postings. These short, 160-character announcements to your phone, PDA or website will warn you of the most urgent developments in Olympia and direct you on how to take action. You can sign-up to receive Twitter posts from me at @WAGOP.

Many Democrats have already made it clear that they hope to raise taxes in 2009 and reward their special interest allies with taxpayer-funded favors. Republicans are trying to provide common sense solutions in Olympia, but they need your encouragement and support.

Earlier this week the Associated Press held their annual preview of the upcoming session with leaders from the House and Senate as well as representatives of Gov. Gregoire. Sen. Joe Zarelli (R-Ridgefield), the ranking Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, predicted that the state's projected budget deficit could reach $7 billion! He urged ruling Democrats to make it a Day-One priority to pass a supplemental budget to immediately save money, but so far Gregoire & Co. have been non-committal.

House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) reaffirmed his support for expanding government health insurance to kids with household incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty line. Gov. Gregoire's proposed budget does not cover kids who are above the 250 percent level and Speaker Chopp seemed to indicate his willingness to challenge Gregoire on this issue. You can expect this to be one of a host of issues where Democrats will fight with other Democrats in 2009.

We'll do our best to help you stay educated about the latest development in Olympia, and we'll show you how to contact your legislators so that your voice can be heard. By following "Olympia Watch" and signing up for my Twitter posts you will help us stop the Democrats from implementing the far left agenda that so many of them hope to impose on our state.

Sincerely,

Chairman Luke Esser

P.S. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have fled their homes and businesses because of severe weather during the last week. We hope that your lives return to normal as soon as possible.