Legislative Democrats want to punish state voters for passing I-976 and rejecting Referendum 88 by limiting when Washington can hold statewide elections.  Since evidently enough liberal voters can only be bothered to vote in even numbered years, Democrats want to eliminate statewide votes in odd years. Maybe the Democrat party needs to do a better job of persuading its voters to return ballots in odd years instead of restricting when voters’ can express their opinions on state issues.  (Cornfield Report)

Seattle Times” Denny Westneat wrote about the homeless problem and ignored facts to conclude, “I don’t know, whatever strategy is chosen – more drug and mental health treatment, emergency shelter or permanent housing – it’s all going to cost money.”  Since over a billion dollars a year is currently being spent in the Puget Sound region on the homeless problem, maybe “money” is not the problem.  Maybe we should examine how the money is currently spent (often to increase the size of the bureaucracy) and government policies that encourage addiction and a criminal lifestyle. (Seattle Times)

Legislative Republicans offer to work with Democrats to implement homelessness policies in which success can be measured.  Senator Hans Zeigler (R-Puyallup) has introduced legislation to make it easier to build affordable housing and for cities provide employment programs. Senator Steve O’Ban (R-Lakewood) has proposed a bill to create a guardianship program for homeless individuals.  Senator Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) has introduced legislation requiring cities to provide a safe location for homeless individuals to camp and help them obtain employment. (News Tribune)

Representative Luanne Van Werven (R-Lynden) has introduced legislation that would allow children to operate businesses without a business license.  The “lemonade stand” bill would apply to children’s business activities which take place on private property for less than 30 days a year. (MyNorthwest)

Representative Joel Kretz (R-Wauconda) wants to “bring truth in labeling” to determine country of origin for beef products.  Kretz’ legislation would distinguish between USA beef versus imported beef.  To obtain a USA label the cattle would need to be born, raised, and processed in the United States. (Washington AG News)

Individuals representing Washington Asians for Equality have filed a complaint against Senator Patty Kuderer (D- Bellevue) for using a derogatory comment at a hearing on Tuesday.  Kuderer referred to confusion at the hearing as a “Chinese Fire Drill.” (Twitter and NPR)

Seattle is ranked 4^th in the country for having the most onerous government-imposed regulations for land use and construction.  The survey was conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.   The regulation burden is a significant factor is Seattle’s housing costs and why low-income individuals cannot afford to live in the city. (MarketWatch)

An upcoming public vote for the King County Conservation District will be the first vote in the country in which every voter can cast a ballot using a smart phone.  The vote will take place on February 11 and 1.2 million voters are eligible to participate. (NPR)

Even though the Everett AquaSox are NOT one of the 42 minor league teams which Major League Baseball (MLB) wants to eliminate, Congressman Rick Larson went to the team’s offices to show his support.  It was a rather curious demonstration of support for an organization that will not be impacted by the current negotiations between MLB and Minor League Baseball over restructuring the current 160 team farm system. (Everett Herald)

The Wenatchee Valley College’s (WVC) Board of Trustees stated its support for school president Jim Richardson after the faculty union called for his removal.  WVC has recently experienced a decline in enrollment and subsequent budget cuts and layoffs.  The board said in a statement that it “would like to commend the president for his commitment to putting students first.” (iFIBER One)

The Pasco City Council voted against selling city property to Catholic Charities so the non-profit could construct and operate a 52-unit development for homeless individuals.  The negative vote was due to community concerns about bringing homeless individuals into the neighborhood.  Catholic Services can still purchase property from a private landowner to build its project. (YakTriNews)

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