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FRIDAY, April 8 -- Just the U.I. facts, Senators (WSLC Legislative Update)
— In today's Olympian -- Union faces key votes -- Editorial: The Legislature is poised to give state employees their first cost-of-living increase in four years. How ironic is it that the union that negotiated that pay raise is under fire -- facing decertification votes in multiple state agencies?
...plus -- Union pulls out of Health Care Authority -- WFSE says it would not survive decertification vote.
— In today's News Tribune -- Voters could decide on roads plan in fall 2006 -- Central Puget Sound voters might decide a $10.7 billion plan to raise taxes to fix roads in fall 2006 under the latest proposal.
— In today's Tri-City Herald -- Bechtel lays off 185 more workers, says more job cuts imminent
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Gorton's shabby role -- Editorial: How sadly shabby was the former senator's exploitation of the problems within the King County elections department for crass political gain.
Legislative news: — In today's Olympian -- GOP rolls out budget alternative -- No-new-taxes budget outline calls for mass layoffs of state employees, contracting out of state services and some other timeworn ideas (that have landed that party firmly in the minority).
— In today's Everett Herald -- "Anti-business" legislature chided by EFF's Williams -- "This is the most anti-business session of the Legislature that I've seen," says hyperbolic gubernatorial reject.
— Today from AP -- Senate passes bill for agency audits, grading
— In today's Spokesman-Review -- State budget cuts threaten INTEC job-training program
— In yesterday's Columbian -- Legislators want village to do more (column opposing paid family leave)
National news: — In today's NY Times -- Illinois victory caps effort to organize -- Capping one of the biggest unionizing efforts in the nation's history, the SEIU announced yesterday that 49,000 child care workers in Illinois would be members after workers voted overwhelmingly to join.
...plus -- States told not to steer beneficiaries to drug plans -- The Bush administration has told states they cannot steer Medicare beneficiaries to any specific prescription drug plan, even if state officials find that one or two insurance plans would provide the best deals for elderly people with low-incomes.
— Today from AP -- Poll: Bush, Congress approval slumping -- Bush's job approval rating at 44%, down five points from January. GOP-controlled Congress' job approval is on life support at a measly 37%.
— In today's Washington Post -- Behind Bush's slump -- Ignatious column: The public is uneasy with a president who seems to be playing for political advantage on Social Security with his promises about private accounts, rather than offering a plan for making the system solvent.
...plus -- As government cap on work visas rises, so does confusion 
— In today's SF Chronicle -- Gov. Schwarzenegger gives up on overhaul of public pensions
— And finally this newsflash from AP -- Attractive people get paid more than ugly ones

THURSDAY, April 7 -- Sweeney blasts Bush on Social Security: "Shame on you"
— In today's NY Times -- Shameless photo op -- Editorial: Bush wants us to believe the Social Security trust fund is a joke. But if the trust fund is a joke, so is the full faith and credit of the United States.
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Surrounded by IOUs -- Editorial: Is the president really advocating that the United States renege on all its debt instruments? Or only those debts involving Social Security?
Also today -- Webmaster blasts AWB for exploiting Kent layoffs: "Shame on you"
— In yesterday's Skagit Valley Herald -- Lennox closing Burlington plant -- About 70 will lose jobs when production moves to facility in Mexico.  One employee, for whom his Lennox job is the sole source of support for his wife and 8-month-old son, says, "When they told us, I asked them how much I would make if I moved to Mexico." (Look for another shameless AWB "business climate" press release.)
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Responsible employers protect workers -- Op-ed: 90% of Washington's large employers already provide health insurance for their workers -- it's the 10% who don't that pass on their costs to the rest of us. We can solve health care problems by working together, not by shirking our responsibilities. Almost all employees contribute to their health care costs. Allowing employers to opt out creates a race to the bottom that we cannot afford. This is a problem we can fix.
— In today's Wash. Post -- Wal-Mart denounces Maryland bill mandated health benefits -- Wal-Mart "will have to rethink its future growth in a state that is willing to pass such a bad business bill." (Bonus!)
— In today's News Tribune -- Alaska Airlines union offers deal to thwart outsourcing
Olympia news: — In today's Seattle P-I -- House Democrats' budget aids education
— Today from AP -- State Senate votes to allow Sunday liquor sales
— In today's Olympian -- Legislators say they're on track to adjourn early
...plus -- Senate holds off on gas-tax vote to work on a similar plan
— In today's Oregonian -- Nickel and diming the wait staff -- Editorial on "tip credit:" Something's chintzy and embarrassing about chronic legislative efforts in Oregon to limit the wages of waiters and waitresses. It's as though a legislative paw periodically rifles through a collective tipping jar, picking out the biggest coins. Again and again, Oregonians are compelled to slap that paw away.
National news: — In today's Washington Post  -- Bush's Social Security blitz has unprecedented cost
...plus -- Fix health care first -- Broder column: Social Security trustees say the financing problem can be solved with a 1.9% tax increase, split evenly between employers and workers. The Congressional Budget Office, using slightly more optimistic economic projections, says the increase would have to be only 0.7%. By comparison, the rise in health care expenses has put a much greater dent in the pay packets of workers -- and threatens to continue to do so.

 

WEDNESDAY, April 6
— In today's Seattle Times -- United to close Kent call center; 400 jobs (IAM) will be lost -- Other call centers, including in India, will get the work as the bankrupt airline continues to lay off workers.
— Today from AP -- State must pay live-in care workers after DSHS hours cuts ruled illegal -- SEIU 775 calls the ruling "a big slap at DSHS for trying to use backdoor rules to slash care for clients."
— In today's News Tribune -- Washington gets average grade on health care report card -- State rates poorly in such areas as nursing home and in-home care, according to a massive new federal study.
...plus yesterday -- Longshore applicants narrowed to 1,800 -- More than 18,000 postcards poured in to fill between 400 and 500 Port of Tacoma positions over the next few months.
— In today's Spokesman-Review -- Sacred Heart layoffs fewer than expected -- Hospital says 155 took early retirement or voluntary separation packages, and up to 20 are now likely to be laid off.
Legislative news: — In the Seattle Times -- A state House foolishly powerful -- Editorial describing EHB 2255 as a "foolish about-face" on unemployment insurance and dismissing Boeing's support as being related to impending contract negotiations with the Machinists union. The editorial fails to mention that EHB 2255 sunsets in two years and is revenue-neutral, not costing businesses a cent.
— In today's Everett Herald -- $1.5 billion budgeted to build schools -- "This will be the most money in K-12 construction in state history," said Rep. Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish).
— In today's Seattle Times -- Two Dems (Hargrove & Sheldon) help Senate GOP derail gay-rights bill -- Making it illegal to fire or evict someone for being gay could "put us on a slippery slope" to gay marriage, says GOP Floor Leader Sen. Luke Esser (R-Bellevue). That's one slippery slope of logic.
...plus yesterday -- House budget to look a lot like Senate's
— In the News Tribune -- Gas-tax backers count votes -- Senate may vote today on 15-cents increase.
— In today's King Co. Journal -- Transportation plan is pricey, but appropriate (editorial) -- Read: We do OK.
— In today's News Tribune -- Senate road plan is highway robbery (editorial) -- Read: We didn't do so well.
...plus -- Estate tax opponents enjoy public benefits but want free ride (Burbank column)
— In today's Salem S-J -- Oregon governor quashes proposed minimum wage freeze for tipped workers
— In today's Washington Post -- Maryland passes rules on Wal-Mart health insurance -- Legislation approved that would effectively require Wal-Mart to boost spending on health care.
More "Great for America" news: — In today's NY Times -- Wal-Mart chief calls critics unrealistic -- After pointing to headlines on editorial pages that say "Wal-Mart's low prices come at too high a cost," CEO H. Lee Scott says, "I'd suggest a better headline, 'Wal-Mart is great for America'."
— In today's Olympian -- Area residents should be able to patronize Wal-Mart (op-ed)
New guy at L&I news: — In today's Olympian -- L&I gains new leader from Oregon -- Gary Weeks is  touted by Gregoire for his management and conflict-resolution skills. Director of AFSCME in Oregon: "I dealt with him over a number of years. He's honest but tough. I think he's a good manager."
— In today's Seattle Times -- Man known as bridge builder tapped for restive agency -- WSLC President Rick Bender said he came away encouraged after a 45-minute meeting with Gary Weeks: "He wants to make sure we have strong communication, which is important."
— In today's Salem S-J -- State human-services director Gary Weeks moving north -- "At a time when there may not be a lot of respect for state workers and public service, Gary Weeks has shown an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of human service delivery systems and a deep respect for the public sector," said the president of SEIU Local 503, Oregon's largest state employee union.
Boeing news: — In today's King Co. Journal -- Mulally: Boeing on upswing -- "I couldn't be more bullish about Boeing's future," says the prospective CEO. After cutting more than 27,000 Puget Sound-area jobs between Fall 2001 and the middle of last year, Boeing has added 3,771 jobs in this state since June 2004 to bring its total number of workers in Washington to 56,534 as of March 3.
— Today from Bloomberg -- Boeing raises forecast, says it will top Airbus
— In the PS Business Journal -- Boeing Commercial delivers 70 plans in 1st quarter
— In yesterday's Seattle P-I -- Malaysian firm will install 737 winglets
Other national news: — In today's NY Times -- A side order of human rights -- Schlosser op-ed: Taco Bell's recent commitment to farm workers' rights should be an example to the rest of the industry.
...plus -- Bush renews focus on plan to revamp Social Security -- "There is no 'trust fund,' just I.O.U.'s," says our president, calling into question the U.S. government's commitment to the repaying its securities and bonds. These "I.O.U.s" are evidence that our president and Republican-controlled Congress treat Social Security as an extra tax (one that's capped for those with high incomes) to fund general government expenses, like corporate welfare and tax cuts targeted to the wealthy.
— Today from AP -- Workers' comp can be death wish -- Anti-U.S. insurgents mark recipients of benefits for execution. Says BIAW boss Tom McCabe: "That's not a bad idea for a ballot initiative."

TUESDAY, April 5 -- EHB 2255: Myth vs. Reality -- The House-approved Unemployment Insurance bill "stops the bleeding," but retains employer-sought reforms and savings. This fact sheet dispels some of the myths associated with the bill and the UI system.
— In yesterday's Columbian -- Forced allegiance -- Editorial: Making Washington a right-to-work state, along with 22 others, is right on and long overdue.

MONDAY, April 4 -- Are you a Hanford downwinder? Get the latest health information
— In Saturday's Seattle Times -- House bill raises jobless benefits that were cut in '03 overhaul
— Saturday from AP -- House passes unemployment insurance bill
— In Sunday's King County Journal -- Unemployment reforms gutted by House Dems (editorial)
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Legislature ready to reinstate the estate tax
— In today's Spokesman-Review -- Very few people will be affected by estate tax -- 199 out of every 200 people who die in Washington each year wouldn't leave enough cash behind to trigger the tax.
— Sunday from AP -- Dems tie taxes to education -- After a full decade of penny-pinching conservatism and anti-tax warfare by lawmakers and Tim Eyman-led voters, the Democrats are back in charge of Olympia and are cautiously re-entering the scary territory of boosting revenue.
Local news: — In Saturday's Tri-City Herald -- Bechtel announces plant layoffs -- 92 union craft workers, mostly pipefitters, notified they are being laid off at the Hanford vitrification plant under construction.
— In Saturday's Olympian -- Some state workers file to vote on bond with union
...plus today -- DSHS group doesn't have signatures needed to get vote on representation
...plus -- Manager cuts worry state employees -- Column: With 1,000 middle manager positions being cut, changes to the pension plans proposed, and proposals to decrease state contributions to non-represented employees' health benefits, is it any wonder state workers are feeling unsupported?
— In Saturday's Everett Herald -- Murray: Don't trust Airbus -- U.S. Sen. Patty Murray: Claims by Airbus that it will produce military refueling tankers in the United States are a sham. So are claims by the European Union that it will seriously negotiate its subsidies for new Airbus models.
— In today's Seattle Times -- "Doughnut" health insurance reigns in costs -- It's a new type of health plan that is becoming increasingly popular in this state, as companies look to claw back spiraling costs.
National news: — Sunday from Knight Ridder -- Bush campaign on Social Security failing -- At the halfway point in Bush's "60 cities in 60 days" tour to promote private investment accounts, he appears to be, at best, marginally closer to his goal than when he launched the public-relations effort.
— In today's Wash. Post -- Social Security a low priority -- Small business owners say top priority issues are health care reform, budget deficit reduction and tax reform. Only 15% say Social Security.
— In today's LA Times -- Wal-Mart woos reporters to fix its image -- Wal-Mart will play host to nearly 100 journalists this week for meetings with top executives and tours of its Bentonville, Ark., home office.
— In Sunday's NY Times -- Opponents of Wal-Mart to coordinate efforts -- In the next few months, critics including organized labor, environmentalists, community organizations, state lawmakers and academics will speak with one voice in print advertising, videos and books attacking the company.
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Blacks failing to benefit from latest jobs rally -- Unlike the recoveries from the recessions of the early 1980s and 1990s, the prospects for black adults searching for work have been getting worse, not better, after three years of economic expansion.

Previous weeks' news: March 28-April 1 -- March 21-25 --  March 14-18

THURSDAY, APRIL 7
Sweeney blasts Bush on Social Security: "Shame on you"

The following statement was released Wednesday, April 6:

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney

On President Bush's Remarks Casting Doubt on Social Security Trust Fund

As part of his crusade to privatize the nation's oldest and most reliable guaranteed retirement income program, President Bush yesterday traveled to the Bureau of the Public Debt in Parkersburg, West Virginia, which houses the U.S. Treasury bonds in the Social Security Trust Fund.  Using a Treasury bond as a prop, the president called into question whether Americans should have any "trust" in this important "fund."

The president's trip was a campaign stunt -- and a cynical and irresponsible one at that. 

For decades workers have paid in more to Social Security than has been needed to pay benefits -- $67 billion more in 2004 alone -- in order to partially pre-fund future benefits by accumulating surplus assets in the form of U.S. Treasuries.  To suggest now that workers have been had and that there is no trust fund to pay the benefits they paid for is an extraordinary betrayal.  A default on the trust fund-held bonds would represent a $1.1 trillion transfer from low- and middle-income households to the richest 5 percent, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. 

Pension fund managers, workers saving for retirement through their 401(k)s and foreign investors and central banks must have been surprised to learn from President Bush that the trillions of dollars in U.S. Treasury securities they own are not "real assets."  This is an extraordinary suggestion by a president who has relied on bond investors to finance a package of big tax cuts for the wealthy and enormous amounts of added federal debt.

As Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently told Congress, the "U.S. Treasury issues" in the Social Security Trust Fund are "actually real savings" that are "the safest in the world."  Perhaps the Fed Chairman is wrong.  Or perhaps in the president's zeal to privatize Social Security, Mr. Bush is deliberately trying to convince the American people and lenders around the world they cannot trust the United States government to keep its promises. 

Moreover, the latest nonpartisan analysis of the president's privatization plan indicates how misleading his proposal is.  Today's report by the Congressional Research Service underscores the fact that privatization threatens Americans' retirement security and shows that Social Security benefits could disappear entirely for higher income earners.

Yesterday marked an unprecedented event in our nation's history.  No other American president in history has undertaken to cast doubt on the full faith and credit of the United States. 

Shame on you, Mr. President.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7
AWB exploitation of Kent call-center layoffs is "shameful"

TUESDAY, APRIL 5
EHB 2255: Myth vs. Reality
Unemployment Insurance Bill "Stops the Bleeding,"
But Retains Employer-Sought Reforms and Savings

MYTH:  The 2003 U.I. reforms were carefully considered, striking a delicate balance, and EHB 2255 would destroy that balance.

REALITY: The 2003 reforms were not negotiated in public, they were thrown together at the last minute without a public hearing.
Given the testimony that legislators have heard about the dramatic negative impact of those 2003 benefit cuts, now is the time to stop the bleeding and assess whether those cuts were necessary and fair to unemployed workers.

MYTH:  EHB 2255 "guts" the 2003 U.I. changes.

• Cutting the maximum potential benefit weeks from 30 to 26.

• Cutting the maximum benefits from 70% of the state’s average annual wage to 63%.

• Imposing one of the most severe misconduct statutes in the country, which employers can use to deny benefits to workers that they fire.

• Eliminating the L&I director’s discretion in determining "good cause" voluntary quits and severely reduced what constitutes "good cause." The Association of Washington Business estimates that the eligibility restrictions enacted in 2003 will save the system $65 million in benefits. (AWB press release, 3-30-05)

• Creating a new employer-backed tax structure designed to address U.I. tax equity issues.

• Lowering average trust fund reserves from the national recommendation of 12 months to 8 months.

REALITY:  EHB 2255 is a minor adjustment that merely "stops the bleeding" from unintentionally severe benefit cuts, and won’t cost employers anything.  Employers will still save hundreds of millions of dollars on their U.I. taxes from the benefit cuts that remain in place.

MYTH: Our U.I. system is being used by "seasonal" workers as a lifestyle, as opposed to an emergency safety net. 

Rep. Cary Condotta (R-East Wenatchee) said the "snowboard effect" is a prevalent problem, where people work in the summers and take winters off snowboarding while collecting UI benefits.  This offensive suggestion perpetuates a myth that the UI system is being exploited by workers who deliberately avoid jobs that run 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year.

REALITY:  Fully 86.6% of claimants had just one or two successful claims during a 6-year period. Only 1.4% managed to make successful claims in six straight years. Whether steps should be taken to discourage or prohibit this tiny minority from repeat claims is exactly the kind of issue the Task Force established by EHB 2255 will consider. But it clearly should not be motivation for cutting construction, agricultural and other cyclical workers’ benefits by hundreds of dollars per week.

MONDAY, APRIL 4
Are you a Hanford downwinder? Get latest health information

About the Hanford Community Health Project

The Hanford Community Health Project (HCHP) is an outreach and education initiative sponsored by ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). The project provides educational resources to individuals, and their health care providers, who were exposed as young children to radioactive iodine (I-131) released from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in south central Washington state. The focus is on releases of I-131 that took place between 1944 and 1951.The project's goal is to assist concerned individuals and their health care providers in making informed health care choices concerning these exposures. For more information visit www.hanfordhealth.info.