Arrogant Democrats Decide Democracy Does Not Apply To Them 1/3/2010

On Wednesday, Olympia's Democrats introduced their long-anticipated, yet still maddening repeal-of-Initiative-960's-policies bill. The public hearing on it was scheduled less than 24 hours later, illustrating perfectly their lack of desire to hear from the people. What follows are excerpts from Tim Eyman's address to the Washington State Legislature.

"The taxpayers have to follow the law, but this bill exempts you from it. The people must abide by the Constitution, but this bill means you are above it.

"Voters have approved I-960's policies 3 times, in 1993, 1998, and 2007. Yet without hesitation, Olympia's Democrats are getting rid of them. Voters have made clear that if state government is going to raise taxes, it must be a last resort requiring either 2/3's of politicians or a majority vote of the people. But I-960 also required more public transparency and more public notice to deter you from sidestepping the rules -- but you're sidestepping them anyway.

"Democrats in Olympia are violating the law, sidestepping the Constitution, and eliminating the publics right to know what they're doing.

"What's particularly galling is to watch you take a hatchet to the sunshine provisions of this initiative. To make an argument that the voters don't have a right to know what you're doing, don't have a right to know what your voting records are, especially when you slap emergency clauses on bills to make them exempt from the citizens' right to referendum, is a belief that you are somehow above the law and that the people don't have a right to know what you're doing.

"When the voters elect you, they don't elect you to rule over them, only to represent them.

"And they asked you, told you, 3 times in a row that it ought to be tougher to raise taxes. Now for those who say 'we can't possibly live under these rules' well, you just have for the past two years. The system is working exactly the way the voters wanted it to be done. The voters are being told when you are introducing bills, finding out how much they cost, they're having an opportunity to interact with their elected officials. You don't like the reaction you're getting because all your bills are raising taxes and fees on 'em, but that's the kind of interaction the voters had in mind when they voted for it.

"But they also said if you can't get 2/3's of your colleagues to sign on to a tax-raising bill, put it before the voters. You're not even trying that, you're not even giving the facade that you're even trying to abide by the provisions of it. You're just chucking 'em because the 2 years is up, so now you don't have to the listen to the people anymore.

"I'll close with this Madam Chair because there are other people who want to testify....

"No citizen can do what the Legislature is doing now. Imagine an average citizen saying, well, you know what, I'm not going to pay my taxes, I'm going to wait 2 years and exempt myself from those rules. Or a trucker who says, you know what, I don't want to pay my rent, I'm going to wait 2 years and exempt myself from the requirement. You're abiding by rules that no citizen would ever be able to get away with. And everybody is wondering why are we doing an initiative that's restating a law (the 2/3's) that's already on the books.

"And it's because you guys are saying that 3 times from the voters isn't enough. And that apparently you need to hear 4 times from the voters before you actually start listening to them. I really encourage you to drop going after this stuff about the transparency provisions, getting rid of the 2/3's is bad enough.

"And for you to stick your finger in the eye of the voters and tell them they have no right to know what's going on, that is the height of arrogance."

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We must indict, convict, and punish the politicians who would overthrow our democracy.

Anti-Democracy movement gains steam

There are two reasons to be against anti-initiative bills: (1) the democratic system is working (2) the enemies of democracy want to stop it from working. In Washington State, the union bosses are anti-democracy.

"If you see a signature gatherer, we suggest you ask signature gatherers if they are being paid, find out their names and take their pictures (alone). We would like to identify as many as possible." -- Washington State Council of County and City Employees (AFSCME - AFL-CIO) Quote source Incidentally, they took my photo at a Tea Party rally.

"Keep an eye out. The best way to beat this is at the signature gathering stage. Please let us know if you see those paid signature hunters in your area and let them know in no uncertain terms what their job will do to your job!" -- Washington State Council of County and City Employees (AFSCME - AFL-CIO)

"If you see a signature gatherer, call us. We want to do all we can to stop them." -- Washington State Council of County and City Employees (AFSCME - AFL-CIO)

The essence of democracy is the legislature that is under the control of the people at large. In Washington state, the control is manifest in both balloting and the initiative process. A legislature that attempt to control the people will eventually face their wrath.

To the Legislature: Leave the people's initiative process unmolested. Its good advice. We must resist the anti-initiative bills: HB 2614; HB 2613; HB 2397; and HB 2615.

Add Income Taxation - The Swindle Continues

HB 3070, titled "AN ACT Relating to fiscal reform," has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The Office of Financial Management has identified this bill as requiring a ten-year projection of increased cost to the taxpayers or affected feepayers.

The cost of this tax is massive: $69,655,191,008 in income taxes over a ten year period. That's over $1000 more tax per resident! It's over $2000 per taxpayer!

Democrats in control of Olympia tells us we have a $2.6 billion shortfall in the budget. Meanwhile, state workers get $19,500 more per year than comparable private sector employees. Don't you think the shortfall is caused by the Democrats' poor and intrusive planning, not a lack of taxation?

We need open government in Washington State. We got a Democratic Party Machine. Expect Washington State's economic downturn to last until we get the Democratic Party out.

Olympia boring us with stupidity or arrogance.

This notice was sent out January 28 at 12:01 AM. The notice was for events later that same day. Yep. Plenty of time to drop everything and get over to Olympia and see the Democreep circus. Nice of them to follow I960 requirements in such reluctant fashion.

"HB 2966, titled "AN ACT Relating to establishing a state meat inspection program," has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is scheduled for a public hearing by the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

"Date and Time: 01/28/2010 8:00AM (Subject to change by the Legislature.)
Location: John L. O'Brien Building, House Hearing Rm B, Olympia, WA"

The Office of Financial Management projects this bill to increase cost to the taxpayers or affected feepayers by only $3,750 over the next ten years.

But it sets up a whole new agency, Washington State Meat Inspectors. Isn't the United States Department of Agriculture's meat inspection program enough that we have to have another layer of bureaucrats?

In the same I960 notice, they announced SB 6648, titled "AN ACT Relating to protecting and assisting consumers and homeowners from unfair lending practices and during foreclosure proceedings," has been introduced in the Senate and is scheduled for a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

Date and Time: 01/28/2010 3:30PM (Subject to change by the Legislature.)
Location: J.A. Cherberg Building, Senate Hearing Rm 4, Olympia, WA

The added cost to house purchasers? A mere $6,370,000 per year.

They're making a making a mess.

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Legislative Bill Information Website: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/
Initiative 960 Website: http://www.ofm.wa.gov/tax/default.asp

The One What Brung Her

There was an old expression I used to hear at square dances, "Remember the one what brung ya." Only 15 months ago, Governor Gregoire got labor union political contributions while negotiating labor contracts. But Gregoire owes her genuine allegiance to the ordinary citizens who voted for her, not the union bosses.

Governor Gregoire and the Democrazy slice of the legislature have forgotten to be faithful to the people of the state. They plan a merciless campaign of tax increases which could be more than 25%, plus a severe infringement of firearms ownership, and a demolishing of right of the people to petition the government. Sounds just like tyranny.

If this state government actually implements any of this arrogant stupidity, political blood will be shed. The Leftists stupidly plan this mayhem at a time when working class taxpayers have to tighten our belts to make ends meet; cutting back, working more, eating out less, spending savings, making do, and trying to cover the basics of life. Meanwhile, Gregoire and the Democrats go on a spending binge.

To hand is the deal Gregoire negotiated in November 2008 with the state's workers' union. She promised them the moon and they took it. Now she says she has to make good on her extravagance or she "could be sued." "Extravagance" like the fact that state employees already make $19,500 more per year than comparable private sector employees.

So Gregoire announced she will screw over the people in order to stay in good stead with her union dancing masters.

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We must resist. Here is sample text of the petition to the state government to straighten up and fly right.

Resolution for the Washington State Legislature

WHEREAS, the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council has projected a $1.68 billion revenue decrease for the 2009-11 biennium; a decrease that can be defined as a significant revenue shortfall; and

WHEREAS, the state’s Office of Financial Management has projected a $2.6 billion general fund budget deficit for the current biennium; and

WHEREAS, the existing measures Governor Gregoire has taken to curb this deficit, such as hiring freezes, travel restrictions, and personal service contract restrictions, have been insufficient to close the general fund budget deficit; and

WHEREAS, our state’s economy cannot sustain tax increases without harming economic recovery; and

WHEREAS, the significant general fund revenue shortfall necessitates a modification of the collective bargaining agreements in accordance with RCW 41.80.010(6);

NOW, THEREFORE, the duly elected legislators of the State of Washington do hereby declare that a financial emergency in the state General Fund exists because anticipated revenues are insufficient to meet anticipated expenditures for the remainder of the biennium.

Pursuant to RCW 41.80.010(6) and effective immediately, we hereby direct both parties to all state collective bargaining agreements to immediately enter into collective bargaining for a mutually agreed upon modification of the agreements that results in a significant reduction of state spending.

Moreover, we hereby direct a revision of allotments of appropriations from the state General Fund to all state agencies including those agencies headed by elected officials and to the budgets of the Legislature and Courts. Each affected agency shall reduce its expenditures from the state General Fund by 8.4 percent of the agency's total biennial state General Fund appropriations to be effective January 31, 2010, unless the legislature takes action prior to that date to save a corresponding amount.

The Director of the Office of Financial Management will issue detailed instructions necessary to implement this resolution.

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If you live in Washington State, sign the petition.

Democrats to Overthrow Democracy

Democrats are working to overthrow Democracy (with a few neutered Republicans thrown in for good measure). This is list of Olympia politicians, led by Governor Gregoire, who are sponsoring and pushing anti-initiative bills. Tell them “Hands off the people’s initiative”

House of Representatives
Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), 360-786-7934, appleton.sherry@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Mike Armstrong (R-Wenatchee), 360-786-7832, armstrong.mike@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Don Barlow (D-Spokane), 360-786-7922, barlow.don@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen), 360-786-7870, blake.brian@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle), 360-786-7814, carlyle.reuven@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Maralyn Chase (D-Shoreline), 360-786-7880, chase.maralyn@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle), 360-786-7860, dickerson.marylou@leg.wa.gov
Rep. John Driscoll (D-Spokane), 360-786-7962, driscoll.john@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish), 360-786-7804, dunshee.hans@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Deborah Eddy (D-Kirkland), 360-786-7848, eddy.deb@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Dennis Flannigan (D-Tacoma), 360-786-7930, flannigan.dennis@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Mike Hope (R-Lake Stevens), 360-786-7892, hope.mike@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Zach Hudgins (D-Tukwila), 360-786-7956, hudgins.zach@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia), 360-786-7992, hunt.sam@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Phyllis Kenney (D-Seattle), 360-786-7818, kenney.phyllis@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Joel Kretz (R-Wauconda), 360-786-7988, kretz.joel@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Dan Kristiansen (R-Snohomish), 360-786-7967, kristiansen.dan@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo), 360-786-7972, liias.marko@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver), 360-786-7872, moeller.jim@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes), 360-786-7970, morris.jeff@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane), 360-786-7946, ormsby.timm@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Joe Schmick (R-Colfax), 360-786-7844, schmick.joe@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-Covington), 360-786-7918, simpson.geoff@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake), 360-786-7932, warnick.judy@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Scott White (D-Seattle), 360-786-7886, white.scott@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Brendan Williams (D-Olympia), 360-786-7940, williams.brendan@leg.wa.gov
Senators
Sen. Darlene Fairley (D-Lake Forest Park), 360-786-7662, fairley.darlene@leg.wa.gov
Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Kent) 360-786-7664, keiser.karen@leg.wa.gov
Sen. Adam Kline (D-Seattle), 360-786-7688, kline.adam@leg.wa.gov
Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle), 360-786-7670, kohl-welles.jeanne@leg.wa.gov
Sen. Joe McDermott (D-Seattle), 360-786-7667, mcdermott.joe@leg.wa.gov
Sen. Ed Murray (D-Seattle), 360-786-7628, murray.edward@leg.wa.gov

Governor Christine Gregoire (D) Click to contact

Tell Speaker Frank Chopp to kill all these anti-initiative bills: 360-786-7920, chopp.frank@leg.wa.gov

State Republicans Provides Early Endorsement

At its quarterly state committee meeting in Tukwila yesterday (all 39 counties were represented), the State GOP provided an unprecedented early endorsement for an initiative campaign -- they endorsed our "Save The 2/3's Vote For Tax Increases" Initiative before the signature drive has even begun - it's never happened before.

Statement by WSRP Chair Luke Esser: "The State GOP strongly opposes the legislative effort by Governor Gregoire and the Democrats in Olympia to overturn voter approved I-960 requiring two-thirds legislative approval for tax increases. Republicans oppose higher taxes, especially during the middle of a recession when the legislature should be focused on creating -- not destroying -- jobs.

"Gregoire and the Democrats are making a huge mistake by overturning I-960, raising taxes, and ignoring Republicans' call for reforming government.

"The two safeguards against higher taxes this November are electing more Republicans and passing this initiative."

The GOP has always followed the practice to not take a position on initiatives until after they've turned in enough signatures to qualify. But yesterday, they voted to suspend the rules and overturn longstanding precedent to endorse the initiative (ironically, it took a 2/3's vote to suspend the rules).

"Especially because the legislature is in session, it is critical that we as a Party endorse this initiative now to send a clear message to Olympia's Democrats to not take away I-960," Skagit County Chairman Bob Eberle said when he made the motion to suspend the rules.

2010 Washington State Legislative Session: Anti-Initiative Bills

Here are the bills the legislature is considering to restrict citizen access to government (and what else is wrong with them).

Senate Joint Resolution 8202 - sponsored by Sen. Ken Jacobsen (D-Seattle) -- Amends the Constitution and removes the people’s initiative and referendum powers.

Ken Jacobsen is the most honest elected official on this issue. He’s plainly pushing to take our Constitutional rights away from us. The sponsors of the other anti-initiative bills listed below hide their opposition and seek to impose unneeded, costly requirements on citizens so as to effectively repeal the initiative process with a stealth “regulate to death” strategy.

House Bill 2614 - Sponsored by Rep. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) – Citizens who exercise their First Amendment rights by signing an initiative petition must have their signature invalidated if the person who gathered their signature forgets to fill out the back of the petition.

Why should perfectly valid voter signatures be rejected, and thus voters be disenfranchised, if the person who gathered those signatures forgot to fill out the back of the petition? This bill says that the Secretary of State must reject petitions, and thus reject valid signatures of interested voters, based on whether the person gathering the signatures publicly identifies himself/herself on the back with their signature, name, address, city, state, zip code, and date.

In 2006, the Initiative 917 campaign turned in 17,000 petition sheets and 3000 of them did not have signature gatherers’ names on the back; all 3000 came from volunteers. If HB 2614 had been in effect, tens of thousands of valid voter signatures would be rejected, and thus Tens Of Thousands Of Voters Would Be Disenfranchised, because some of our volunteers either forgot or chose not to fill out the back of the petition. The tens of thousands of voters who signed those petitions wanted their signatures to count and they shouldn’t be penalized, and thus be disenfranchised, based on the person who gathered their signatures.

The US 9th Circuit Court struck down a 1993 Washington state law that required the names and addresses of people collecting voter signatures for ballot measures to be publicly reported. They ruled that citizens who ask voters to sign petitions have a right to anonymity ("There can be no doubt that the compelled disclosure of this information chills political speech.”). People who gather signatures are regularly harassed and forcing them to publicly identify themselves will make them even more susceptible to intimidation.

Citizens should not be deterred from exercising their free speech rights because of a legitimate fear of retaliation caused by laws like this.

Sponsors of HB 2614 claim they just want to find the people collecting ‘bad’ signatures. This problem does not exist – from 1999 through 2009, 36 ballot measures submitted 10,516,645 voter signatures to the Secretary of State. In response to a public records request, their office confirms that they’ve had “no instances of verified forgeries or fraud in the signature gathering process for statewide measures during those years.” 10 years, 10 million signatures, zero instances of verified forgeries or fraud. It's clear that initiative campaigns are doing a very good job and the Secretary of State is making sure that only initiatives with enough valid voter signatures qualify for the ballot. This bill is unnecessary and oppressive.

Under current law, the Secretary of State rejects a voter's signature on a petition if it doesn't exactly match the signature on the voter's registration – valid voter signatures count, 'non-matched' voter signatures don't. Under this bill, perfectly valid voter signatures must be rejected also. With HB 2614, the Secretary of State's top priority will be to take petitions filled with valid voter signatures and throw them in the garbage.

House Bill 2613 - Sponsored by Rep. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) – “They-gotta-register-and-be-licensed-by-the-government-to-gather-voter-signatures-and-if-you-don't-then-perfectly-valid-voter-signatures-will-be-rejected” bill – free citizens exercising their First Amendment rights who ask voters to sign petitions be subjected to criminal background checks – people collecting signatures must be registered & licensed by the government valid voter signatures gathered by unlicensed people must be rejected.

HB 2613 conditions First Amendment rights on receiving government permission – no license, no First Amendment rights. Requiring citizens who collect voter signatures to first register with the government is clearly unconstitutional and absurd (the state budget office’s 10 year cost projection for this new tax on signature gathering: $66,300 for “Paper-Copy Fingerprint-Based Background Checks”). People who collect signatures must give the government “A conventional photograph showing head, neck, and shoulders and is appropriate for copying and processing.”

Most disturbingly, the bill says that valid voter signatures must be rejected if they’re collected by non-licensed people. If HB 2613 passes, voters who are given the opportunity to sign a petition will first need to make sure that the person gathering their signature has been found “acceptable” by the government (if they don’t, then their signature won’t count). It even says that if there’s an invalid voter signature found on a petition sheet – even just one – then the person who collected that signature is banned from collecting voter signatures for 5 years. HB 2613 also contains the same noxious policies as HB 2614 described above. HB 2613 would stigmatize and deter citizens from exercising their First Amendment rights, require the rejection of perfectly valid voter signatures, and limit and impair the initiative process.

House Bill 2397 - Sponsored by Rep. Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver) -- The “Initiative Petitioners Stink Like Smokers” bill – treats people who collect petition signatures like smokers and orders them 25 feet away.

This is, by far, the stupidest, goofiest anti-initiative bill we’ve ever seen. It’s laughably unconstitutional, under both our state Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. For decades, the Courts have consistently ruled that people who collect signatures for ballot measures are exercising First Amendment rights and their free speech activity is subject to the highest protections. The Courts have also ruled that big box stores are public forums where this right is guaranteed – the rulings say that if these stores allow any First Amendment activity (like Christmas bell ringers, Girl Scouts, etc) that they can't discriminate amongst them (if they allow some, they must allow all). Most importantly, our state Constitution guarantees the right to initiative and referendum and only laws that facilitate the process (make it easier) are permissible – laws that make the process tougher are de facto unconstitutional. HB 2397 clearly makes the process tougher – the people’s right to initiative, guaranteed by the Constitution, is violated by this.

Absurdly, the bill’s sponsors took the language for the state’s smoking ban, which keeps smokers 25 feet away from "entrances, exits, & windows," and copied it & applied it to people who ask fellow citizens to sign petitions.

The collection of signatures for ballot measures is protected free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment and our state Constitution – smoking is not. HB 2397 is, again, the stupidest, goofiest anti-initiative bill we’ve ever seen.

House Bill 2615 – Sponsored by Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) – a 5000% increase in the filing fee for initiatives.

The Code Reviser’s office drafts over 12,000 bills for legislators every session (the politicians pushing HB 2615 are sponsoring 1216 bills in 2010). Legislators are not required to pay ANY fees to have their bills drafted and reviewed; instead, the Code Reviser’s office is funded with a fixed yearly budget of $4.6 million per year. They don’t work on commission – they aren’t paid on a per-bill basis – it’s a fixed cost regardless of the number of bills introduced by legislators. The Code Reviser’s office also reviews the handful of initiatives that are filed each year (23 initiatives to the people were filed in 2009).

If there were no initiatives filed, there would be no reduction in the Code Reviser’s $4.6 million budget. It costs taxpayers the same for them to review 50 initiatives or 10 or 1. Same goes for the Secretary of State and Attorney General’s offices. This bill radically increases the cost to file an initiative and is clearly intended to deter citizens from petitioning their government for change. The huge number of signatures required to qualify for the ballot already provides a big enough hurdle.

Our state Constitution makes clear that only laws that facilitate the process are allowed – HB 2615 certainly doesn’t make it easier. If legislators are interested in deterring legislation and revenue-generation, why not require legislators to pay $5 for each bill they introduce? That would put them on par with what citizens pay for initiative filings. The people overwhelmingly support the initiative process and oppose legislative sabotage, like these, imposing additional burdens on the citizens.

More Gun Ban Legislation

Now the state senate has introduced its own gun restrictions, SB 6396, sponsored by Senators Fairley, Kline, Kohl-Welles, and McDermott. Get a copy

Future sale of every self-loading and pump action rifle or shotgun which has a detachable magazine and a pistol style grip near the trigger is banned. This description fits nearly every type of rifle and shotgun.

Magazines may not hold more than ten rounds.

For those already possessing this newly defined assault weapon class, and who decide to keep it, every year storage must be inspected on site and certified by the county Sheriff.

SB 6396 defines possession in the presence of children of a firearm with more than 10 rounds in the magazine as felony.

Even a concealed pistol license holder in possession of a self-loading self-defense pistol containing more than 10 rounds is a felony.

As always, please contact both of your State Representatives and your State Senator TODAY at 800-562-6000 and urge them to oppose SB 6396. More contact information for your legislators can be found here, then click on the Find Your District tab.

Washington State Income Tax Proposal

Its here. The Washington State Senate proposes to keep the massive state sales tax and add a massive income tax.

SB 6250 (get your copy), titled AN ACT Relating to fiscal reform, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Franklin, Kohl-Welles, and McDermott. The Office of Financial Management identified this bill as requiring a ten-year projection of increased cost to the taxpayers (This published projection is in accordance with I960, which the legislature is also trying to bypass. Apparently the legislature is more comfortable with the public not knowing what the legislature is doing).

As proposed, this Washington State Income Tax will increase taxpayer burden by 23.3 billion over the next ten years, according to the state's Office of Financial Management projection. That's an annual tax increase of at least $925 per wage earner. In the very least, there will be more paperwork to do.

In the current state of economy, Washington State will fare very badly under such a massive increase in taxation.

Will Washington State will have an income tax, or not. Please contact both of your State Representatives and your State Senator at 800-562-6000 and politely urge them to oppose SB 6250. More contact information for the legislators can be found here, then click on the Find Your District tab.