| 2013 Legislative Session Begins Washington State’s 63rd Legislature convenes on Monday, January 14th, for the start of the 105-day session. In the last election the Democrats lost a few seats but continue to hold a 55–43 majority in the House and a 26–23 majority in the Senate. However, two Democrats recently joined with the Republicans in the Senate giving the Republicans a working majority. This year the legislature will continue to face tough decisions regarding the State budget, realizing that $11 billion has been cut since 2009. Last November the public approved an initiative which restated the law requiring a 2/3 majority to raise taxes. Governor-elect Jay Inslee has also stated he believes the budget shortfall can be solved without broad tax increases, thus making tax increases highly unlikely. The state faces a nearly $1 billion projected deficit in 2013-15 biennial budget. In addition, a recent Supreme Court ruling on the McCleary lawsuit could entail K-12 public education receiving an additional $1 billion this session. With this nearly $2 billion shortfall, significant budget cuts are anticipated. The WSCC’s top priorities this year are life issues and preserving safety net programs for the vulnerable. The WSCC opposes legislation mandating abortion coverage in insurance plans, and will support legislation abolishing the death penalty. The Catholic Conference is working with policy leaders to improve and maintain programs which provide healthcare, housing, and basic needs for those living in poverty. Two important dates are rapidly approaching. Please join us on Tuesday, January 22nd, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, for the Mass for Life at Marcus Pavilion at St. Martins and the March for Life at the Capitol). Please join us also for Catholic Advocacy Day on March 22nd in Olympia. You can register today. |
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Published on Jan-22-2013 01:11 PM0 Comments
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