Washington State redistricting

The Redistricting Commission will be rebalancing the state legislative districts to ensure each district represents approximately the same population. 

This redrawing of district lines is a result of the 2020 census.  The Article 2, Section 43, Washington State constitutional requirement for updated district lines (WAState Constitution) for years ending in one.

The redistricting commission has proposed this map for new voting districts -- it isn't final until it is adopted.  There are not a lot of changes over current maps, but you may wish to comment on how proposed changes that affect you.  

Comments can be made the Washington Redistricting Commission website.  The comment (which they call "testimony") form is located here.

Relevant RCW is at RCW 44.05.030.

Seattle Mayor Durken extends COVID eviction moratorium

Tuesday, September 21 Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced an extension of the Seattle’s eviction moratorium through January 15, 2022.

This eviction moratorium includes “residential, nonprofit and small-business tenants, with small businesses defined as those with 50 or fewer employees. Most evictions are prohibited for those tenants, including evictions for nonpayment of rent, though tenants remain legally obligated to pay rent and can accumulate debt.”

This is the sixth time since the pandemic that the Mayor has extended the city’s eviction moratorium.

(Text of the mayor's edict)

Washington High School canceled 9/11 Tribute to avoid offending...

... Which is far more offensive to a large swath of people. 

The Eastlake High School students planned to wear red, white and blue to the football game. 

But the principal, who blamed “leadership teachers,” said “I know tomorrow is 9/11 and understand the sacrifice and values our flag represents, but I think they just did not want to unintentionally cause offense to some who see it differently.”

(Source - My Northwest)

Washington State Income Tax Developments

The Freedom Foundation has filed lawsuit against the Washington State Capital Gains Tax the legislature enacted last May.  We all know that a capital gains tax is only prelude to a general income tax on all citizens.  All we citizens need is another tax... .

The state rulers attempted to dismiss the lawsuit based on the argument that our defendants would not know for a fact if they would have to pay the tax, since the new law doesn't go into effect till 2023 (the " citizens are too dumb" argument). 

The Judge didn't agree with the state and supported the Freedom Foundation's argument that we the people have standing (a technical term meaning "a right to make legal claims").

The case will proceed!

In addition to this the judge decided not to move case to Thurston County and it will be heard in Douglas County, a county that will give us citizens a better chance of winning.

Save our state from income tax!

Donate to the Freedom Foundation to stop the capital gains tax

https://www.freedomfoundation.com/donate/

Participate in Redistricting

Every 10 years the state's Redistricting Commission is charged with redrawing the shapes of Congressional and Legislative districts based on changes in population. All the districts are supposed to be similar in population. One of the changes being considered is cutting off parts of our district that are South of Hwy-410 and eliminating Sumner.  This would split most of the cities along 410 in half.

If you feel it is as important as I do to maintain the Hwy-410 corridor in one district, consider participating in the process. There is still time to let your voice be heard.

Here are some things to consider:

• It is important to maintain the continuity of all the cities in the 31st District along the Hwy-410 corridor and the Chinook Scenic Byway as the gateway to Mount Rainier.
• Many businesses rely on the important tourist trade, and splitting the corridor in multiple districts will make coordination of WSDOT and Capital Budget projects more difficult.

Phil Fortunato

Leave your comments here: https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/participate/describe