House committee vote on furlough vote today

We have received word that the state employee furlough bill, SSB 6503, is now up for a vote of the House Ways and Means Committee at a special meeting at noon today (Friday, Jan. 29).

We understand some improvements have been made, but not much.

So, it's still a bad bill.

Continue to call the Legislature's Hotline Message Center at 1-800-562-6000 and urge your two House members to oppose SSB 6503, the state employee furlough bill. 

Its unintended consequences will cost more, not less. 

IF YOUR LEGISLATOR ASKS...

Here are our alternatives to the deep cuts in programs, closures of institutions and the furlough bill:

Ask us where to save:

• Repeal or furlough some of the $14.8 billion in tax loopholes identified by the Department of Revenue as sources for "potential revenue collections."

• The Washington State Budget and Policy Center has proposed a revenue-loophole closing package that would generate $1.675 billion in revenue in FY 2011.

• The Economic Opportunity Institute has identified a revenue-tax loophole-closing package that could generate $2.285 billion in revenue in FY 2011.

• Significant cuts could be made in the ranks of the Washington Management Service and exempt service, including special pay and bonuses.

CAPITOL NUGGETS YOU SHOULD KNOW
 
Nugget No. 1: The Keno to support parks and recreation bill, SB 6615, was pulled from a scheduled hearing Thursday before the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
 
Nugget No. 2: Mark your calendars for the Public Employee/Revenue Rally and Lobby Day on the Presidents’ Day Holiday, Monday, Feb. 15. The rally will be at noon on the Capitol steps. But you can get a pre-rally briefing, lunch and lobbying appointments. Register now. Go to the Federation website at www.wfse.org and click on the RALLY icon in the upper right corner.