The Pomp Is Over And The Serious Work Begins

The 2009 Legislative Session is officially underway. The first week is filled with much pomp and ceremony as elected officials are sworn into office and outgoing elected officials are honored for their service. Now it's time to get down to business, and it's clear the Democrats intend to give the business to the taxpayers!

Gov. Gregoire and the Democrats have two main goals this session: 1) raise taxes, and 2) avoid responsibility for raising taxes. They are very clever, and we will all have to stay vigilant if we are to avoid a massive tax increase.

Please take advantage of the "Olympia Watch" section of our WSRP website throughout the 105 days of the 2009 Legislative Session. You'll find news, analysis, and commentary that will keep you truly informed. We'll keep you updated on developments you simply won't find in the mainstream media.

At the national level Barack Obama will be sworn in as President next week, and we will soon find out whether he intends to govern as the fiscally conservative moderate he portrayed during the presidential campaign, or as the consistent liberal ideologue who turned left at every corner as a State Senator and U.S. Seantor.

We'll keep our eyes peeled so that you have all the information you need to be an effective grassroots advocate for limited government and lower taxes. Thanks for all your efforts.


Sincerely,

Chairman Luke Esser

• SB 5104 - Proposed by Sen. Rosa Franklin (D-Tacoma) to create a Washington State Income Tax.
• HB 1193 - Proposed by Rep. Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo) to allow children as young as 13 to submit applications to register to vote after meeting all other requirements except the age requirement.
• HB 1189 - Proposed by Rep. Maralyn Chase (D-Shoreline) to ban retail stores providing a carryout bag that is not paper, reusable or compostable, for free or at a cost.
• HB 1177 - Proposed by Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines) to reduce the penalty from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction for possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana for persons under the age of 18.
• SB 5063 & SB 5192 - Proposed by Sen. Ken Jacobsen (D-Seattle) to allow dogs in bars (tried this last session) and one to allow pets to be buried in human cemeteries.