July 3, 2007
Oregon Higher Education Gets Budget Boost
Washington was not the only northwest state to provide strong budgetary support for its higher education system during the 2007 legislative session. Oregon lawmakers recently wrapped up work on their 2007-09 biennial budget and the Oregon Department of Higher Education (Oregon University System) received a two-year increase of more than 18 percent. This is the largest…
June 28, 2007
State Population Growth Shows No Signs of Slowing
The 2007 population estimates prepared each year by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) were released yesterday and it shows Washington state’s population has surged to about 6.5 million as of April 1 this year. The represents an additional 112,400 residents or 1.8 percent over the previous year. According to OFM analysts, about two thirds…
June 26, 2007
State Route 520 Mediators Appointed
Governor Christine Gregoire has announced the appointment of Jody Erickson and Michael Hughes of The Keystone Center as mediators for the State Route 520 bridge replacement project. The appointment of a mediator was called for in Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6099 which was signed into law in May 2007. The Keystone Center is a Colorado based firm. …
State Elected Officials Who Are UW Alums — Update
One of the first things I tried to figure out when I was selected for this position three and a half years ago (has it been that long?) was which state elected officials have degrees from the University of Washington? Most all of the other flagship universities around the country keep close track of this…
June 22, 2007
House Appropriations Committee Visits UW
Just finished saying so long to ten members of the House Appropriations Committee who visited the Seattle campus today to learn more about some high profile initiatives recently funded in the 2007 legislative session. Committee chair Rep. Helen Sommers (D-Seattle) was joined by Vice Chair Rep. Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish), Rep. Lynn Kessler (D-Hoquiam), Rep. Skip…
June 21, 2007
But Where Will We Eat?
Some disturbing news from the state capital surfaced early this week with the announcement that the Liberty Cafe located on the main floor of the Pritchard Library will close next Friday June 29th. The eatery which serves as a quasi- “town square” during annual legislative sessions apparently can’t make a financial go of things due…
June 19, 2007
WSU Hires New VP for Economic Development
Today’s Olympian has a story about a new hire at WSU. In an interview with the Associated Press yesterday, President Elson Floyd announced the hiring of John C. Gardner to become WSU’s new Vice President for Economic Development and Extension. Gardner worked with Floyd at the University of Missouri and his job will be focused…
Taxes and Spending: How Does Washington Measure Up?
I’m still “on call” for jury duty but haven’t been summoned to the courthouse today so I thought I’d post a couple of items you might find interesting. The state Department of Revenue (DOR) issued a press release yesterday that indicates that Washington residents pay less state and local tax relative to their incomes than residents in…
June 18, 2007
Light Blogging Ahead
I will be on jury duty for the next several days and away from the blog during that time.
June 15, 2007
Senate Leader Represents Washington at Paris Air Show
State Senator Lisa Brown (D-Spokane), Majority Leader of the Senate is leading the state delegation to the 47th Paris Air Show. The June 18-19 event is held annually and Governor Chris Gregoire tapped the Spokane democrat to lead this year’s Washington contingent, which also includes Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. Washington State is home to the largest number of…
