message from the chair - 34th district democrats executive board chair marcee stone-vekich...
TRANSCRIPT
Meeting Notice May 14, 2014
6:30 Social, 7:00 Meeting
The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave SW
Across from the YMCA
Proposed Agenda
7:00 Flag Salute, approvals of agenda,
minutes, treasurer’s report, PCO filing
7:10 Chair’s Report and First Vice Chair’s
Report
7:15 Update from Congressman Jim
McDermott
7:30 Endorsements
• Congressman Jim McDermott, 7th District
• Judge Carolyn Kimi Kondo, Seattle
Municipal Court, Pos. 2 (incumbent)
• Judge Karen Donohue, Seattle Municipal
Court, Pos. 6 (incumbent)
• Damon Shadid, Seattle Municipal Court,
Pos. 7
• Judge Anne C. Harper, King County District
Court, West Division, Pos. 5
• Judge Johanna Bender, King County
District Court, West Division, Pos. 1
(incumbent)
• Judge Roger Rogoff, King County Superior
Court Judge Pos. 47
• Judge John Chun, King County Superior
Court Judge Pos. 16 (No KCDCC
questionnaire)
• No announced candidate, Washington
Supreme Court, Pos. 1
• Justice Mary Fairhurst, Washington
Supreme Court, Pos. 3
• Justice Charles W. Johnson, Washington
Supreme Court, Pos. 4
• Justice Debra Stephens, Washington
Supreme Court, Pos. 7
Seattle Parks for All [Establishing
Seattle Parks District]
8:00 – Soap Box
8:30 Further Business
New Business
PCO Appointments
Old Business
Good of the Order
9:00 Adjourn to Elliott Bay Brewery
May 2014 www.34dems.org
In This Issue
Garden Party info ..................................... Page 2
LAC report ................................................... Page 3
PCO filing info ............................................. Page 3
Bulletin Board ............................................. Page 4
Dems & Transformational Politics .......... Page 5
In Case You Missed the Last Meeting ..... Page 6
Resolution on student debt ...................... Page 7
Outreach/activist pictures………………...... Page 7
All the Democracy You Can Handle
Message from the Chair
On the night of our endorsement meeting, May 14th, it will be my honor to
introduce Congressman Jim McDermott. He is seeking our endorsement
and will update us on what’s up in Washington, D.C. If you haven’t renewed
your membership, you must do so in order to vote for endorsements.
Please do so at www.34dems.org The full agenda with all endorsements is
on the website. Campaign contributions will also be considered.
There is more important work to do at this meeting. It’s e-filing time for
PCOs! The Precinct Committee Officer is the keystone of our Democratic
values. The party needs you to get out the vote. Computers will be
available so you can easily file at the meeting. Printed forms will also
available that you can fill out and we will deliver to King County Elections. If
you’re unable to attend the meeting, you can e-file from any computer
between May 12th and May 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. sharp. If you
know you’ll be out of town that week and away from any computers, you
can download the declaration form and mail it in now. For more detailed
information and a video explaining how to file click here http://
your.kingcounty.gov/elections/candidate/pdfs/PCO-filing.pdf
And now for something entirely different! We expect that our endorsement
process won’t be super long, so we’re introducing the “Soap Box.” After
endorsements have been completed, we’re going to open up the
microphone for soap box speeches. Democratic members have many
differing opinions on many issues. We want to hear from you. Since we’re
members of the Democratic Party, there have to be rules. Here are the
basics: Sign up by 8:00 p.m. and post your topic (this will be monitored) on
the sign-up sheets on the walls in the back. You get 2 minutes to speak.
There can be one rebuttal speaker for 2 minutes. Then 1 minute for the
initial speaker to respond, if they wish. All speakers must be recognized by
the Chair. More Rules: (1) Must be a member to speak (if you haven’t
renewed must do so by start of meeting); (2) Must be a political issue –
don’t complain about your neighbor’s dog; (3) Issue has to affect us locally;
(4) No swearing or slander; (5) No tinfoil hat speeches; and (6) Passion is
required.
Very special thanks to Pete Brubaker and Peter Quigley, who hosted our
very successful Earth Day fundraiser, and all our sponsors, and everyone
that participated!
Marcee Stone-Vekich
Chair
Candidate responses
to the KCDCC question-
naire are available at https://s.kcdems.org/
candq/index
-2-
Executive Board Chair Marcee Stone-Vekich 206-465-1963 [email protected] First Vice Chair Ted Barker 206.954.7755. [email protected] Second Vice Chair Legislative Action Chair Tamsen Spengler 206-932-2772 [email protected] Secretary Kathryn Sprigg 206-933-6754 [email protected] Treasurer Karen Chilcutt 206-935-3216 [email protected] State Committeeman Chris Porter 206-856-0182 [email protected] State Committeewoman Lisa Plymate 206-937-5050 [email protected] King County Committeeman Michael Arnold 253-377-2028 [email protected] King County Committeeman Alternate Parliamentarian Jimmy Haun 206-390-2761 [email protected] King County Committeewoman Maria Ramirez [email protected] 206-767-2724 King County Committeewoman Alternate Layne Bautista 206-938-1765 [email protected] Bylaws Chair Brian Earl 206-935-3731 [email protected] Communications Chair Open Diversity Chair Aileen Sison [email protected] Finance Chair Walter Sive 206-933-7577 [email protected] Fundraising Chair Carol Frillman 206-935-5745 [email protected] Hospitality Chair Mike Heavey 206-755-1576 [email protected] Membership Committee Chair Joy Pakulak 206-380-5448. [email protected] Outreach Committee Chair Steve Butts 206-935-0798 [email protected] PCO Coordinator Les Treall 206-948-5423 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Martha Koester 206-762-6417 [email protected] Webmaster Bill Schrier 206-937-8045 [email protected] 34dems.org
Newsletter changes
We have implemented our switch to online newsletter notification. The link will be
emailed to members on a monthly basis. If you want to opt in to a paper copy, please
contact our treasurer, Karen Chilcutt. Paper copies will be available at the monthly
meetings as well.
We will no longer be having mailing parties, as the editor is able to handle the opt in list. We are
not printing membership status anymore—this information will be available on the website.
Editorial policy remains the same. We are Democrats, and like most Democrats we have strong
opinions and like to express them. We welcome letters and articles.
All submissions are subject to editing. If submissions need to be shortened, you will be given the
option of editing your own work. Photos and notices of upcoming events are always welcome.
The deadline for the June newsletter is May 29th Mail to Martha Koester, 10015 2nd Ave S,
Seattle, WA 98168 or [email protected] Phone: 206-762-6417.
-3-
Legislative Action Committee Report April 2014
Tamsen Spengler, Chair
The LAC combined forces with the 34th District Dems PCO
committee and put together a rally and canvassing event on
April 12th for Proposition No 1. King County Executive, Dow
Constantine, KC Council person, Joe McDermott, City of
Seattle Councilman, Tom Rasmussen and 34th Distirct Dems.
Chair Marcee Stone rallied the members with speeches and
encouragement. Thank you to all of the PCO’s who attended
and walked their precinct and volunteered for phone banking.
Even though Prop 1 didn’t pass the 34th District Dems
participated in getting the word out to our community which
was truly appreciated by the campaign.
We will now be focusing on getting the vote out and
supporting Democrats for the November elections. We asked
Senator Sharon Nelson which races were the highest priorities
for regaining the state Senate and maintaining the House
majorities, respectively. At the bottom of this email is Sharon's
answer regarding the Senate. If we want to see progressive
policies move forward in Washington State, we can donate to
and/or volunteer for these candidates:
• Matt Isenhower, 45th District. Incumbent is Republican
Andy Hill
• Shari Song, 30th District. Tracey Eide is retiring and Mark
Miloscia, formerly a D, is running as a Republican
• Tami Green, 28th District. She's running against ultra
social conservative Steve O'Ban
• 42nd -- will be able to share the name on May 1st --
incredible candidate against Doug Ericksen
There also are Senate and House campaign committees to
which you can contribute and let the committee direct the
contribution. Here is that information for your use:
Washington Senate Democratic Campaign Committee
1000 Aurora Avenue N., Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98109
http://www.senatedemocrats.org
House Democratic Campaign Committee (same address)
Treasurer’s Report
Balance as of March 26, 2014 ......,,,,,......$8,273.15
Add Revenues ............................................ $3,871.00
Less Expenses .............................................$2,585.05
Balance as of April 27, 2014..........,,,........$9,559.10
Membership Report
Available at the meeting.
Ongoing need for help at the White Center Food Bank
When: every fourth Wednesday at 5:30 pm
Where: White Center Food Bank
10829 8th Ave SW Seattle WA 98146
http://www.whitecenterfoodbank.org/
206-747-0802
Let Aileen Sison know if you can help.
Filing for Election as PCO
Interested in becoming a precinct committee officer
(PCO)? The 2014 PCO Filing Information manual (pdf)
http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/candidate/pdfs/
PCO-filing.pdf contains filing details for PCOs. Online
filing is May 12-16 or download and return no later than
May 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Key dates and deadlines for 2014 All important dates and deadlines can be found in the 2014
Candidate Manual (pdf).
In-person candidate filing: Monday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m.
through Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Online candidate filing: Monday, May 12 at 9 a.m. through
Friday May 16 at 4 p.m.
Deadline for candidates to withdraw: Monday, May 19 at
4:30 p.m.
Local voters’ pamphlet submission period
For the primary election : Monday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m.
through Wednesday, May 28 at 4:30 p.m.
For the general election: Monday, July 21 at 8:30 a.m.
through Friday, August 8 at 4:30 p.m.
Help will be available at the May meeting.
Transformational Politics (Continued from p 5)
red areas, just give us a few more points in elections. A
stronger, more active party base would at least allow us to
check the rampant corruption that is proliferating under the one
-party rule Eastern Washington now enjoys.. Levels of spending
far beyond anything that could be contemplated by the party
will not win elections here. To start winning victories we would
need to reverse 40 years of the GOP's effective
transformational politics. The best (and probably the only) way
to convince anti-government voters that the government can
work for them is to make the government work for them. When
you go along with the Right and cut and privatize, you simply
reinforce their views, but that is what we have been doing. We
need effective action at the state and federal level on economic
programs.
Only the party can drive transformational politics, campaigns
don't have the time to play that game. Our party has not
participated effectively, allowing the Grange, Tim Eyman,
Washington Policy Center , Freedom Foundation and others to
define the public debate on tax policy, the value of political
parties, our elections, the role of government. Our labor allies
and NGOs try to fill the gap, but the party, and more
importantly, many elected Democrats actually undercut them
instead of helping them.
Nothing would be as effective at flipping these areas as action
at the state and federal level promoting the democratic values
in our platform. The action needs to be not on fluff but on dollar
and cents issues. Dramatic action, not nibbling around the
edges. We will have to get the necessary majorities in the
purple areas we are currently losing.
-4-
34TH DISTRICT BULLETIN BOARD
34th District Committee Meetings
PCO Committee Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 pm
Uptown Espresso, California and Edmonds Topics will be: PCO registration, voter registration canvass, and
any other items that arise between now and then. Send your
agenda ideas to me.
Executive Board Wednesday May 21, 7:00 pm Puget Ridge Co-Housing Common House 7020 18th Ave SW
Meetings of the Executive Board, as with all meetings of the
34th District Democrats, are open to all members.
Diversity Happy Hour
Friday, May 9, 4:00pm-7:00pm Contact Diversity Chair Aileen Sison for more information.
Everyone welcome.
Legislative Action Committee Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 pm
Uptown Espresso, California and Edmonds Contact Tansen Spengler at 206-932-2772
Other Meetings of Interest to Democrats
First Thursday Democrats Thursday May 1, 11:30 am
Daystar, Across from Westwood Village on Barton St
To volunteer,
contact Ann
Martin
Evergreen Democratic Club Tuesday May 13, 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Angelo’s Restaurant, 601 S 153rd St., Burien, WA
Join us for a special presentation by
Sam Matsui of the Nisei Veterans Com-
mittee Speakers Bureau on his experi-
ences in World War II. After being sent
away to the Minidoka Internment Camp,
he volunteered to serve in the US Army,
where he served in the Counter Intelli-
gence Corps. Club members will share
their memories of the era. Member Lily
Shitama was also at Camp Minidoka,
and member Rachael Levine grew up on
a ranch across the river from the camp.
West Seattle Democratic Women Thursday May 22, 11:30 am-1:00 pm
West Seattle Golf Course
The discussion group starts at 10:30 and registration at 11:30
at the West Seattle Golf Course. Please RSVP by Sunday, May
19 to reserve a lunch. Program details to be determined. Con-
tact Ann Martin ([email protected] ) for more infor-
mation.
King County Democrats Tuesday May 27, 7:00pm
Renton Carpenters Hall, 231 Burnett Ave N, Renton
-5-
Contact Information for Our Legislators
Senator Sharon Nelson Phone: 360-786-7667
218 John A Cherberg Building
P.O. Box 40434
Olympia WA 98504-0434
Representative Eileen Cody Phone: 360-786-7978
District Office: 206-923-5463
303 John O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia WA 98504-0600
Representative Joe Fitzgibbon Phone: 360-786-7952
305 John O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia WA 98504-0600
Democrats and Transformational Politics
By Walter Kloefkorn, State Committeeman from Stevens County,
where it's very hard to be a Democrat.
I remain amazed at how many in our party still refuse to grasp
the essential differences between transactional politics (winning
a particular election by mobilizing supporters) and
transformational politics (changing the way people think about
issues). Even many who do understand the difference prefer to
remain focused on the next election, because that is what they
know best and are most comfortable with. But if we do not start
effectively challenging the GOP's dominance in transformational
politics, we will squander our remaining advantages.
Local party organizations certainly must keep organizing. We can
achieve higher percentages simply by identifying more
Democrats, but it is virtually impossible for better transactional
politics to achieve victory. The party at every level needs to
practice transformational politics and start changing people's
minds. The GOP has been doing this effectively for forty years--
we don't even try. It will be difficult in rural areas, A lot of these
folks are too old and set in their ways to change, but we have to
start winning on generational succession.
Campaigns CANNOT spend much effort on transformational
politics and win, unless they are in a district that doesn't need to
be transformed. The people on the ground should generally be
local people, not folks helicoptered in. We have such people
everywhere in the state. But they are continually gainsaid by the
messaging of the state and national party, and undercut by the
actions of elected Democrats at both levels.
Our party has not practiced transformational politics for 40
years, focusing instead on "electing Democrats," often of dubious
provenance. Many of the candidates who have won those
elections have reinforced the opponent's message. Our
Washington party has specifically not responded forcefully to,
among others, the Grange's anti-party message on Top Two and
(repeatedly) Eyman's anti-tax message, because it would be hard. That has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. There are
consequences to screwing up for 40 years.
As Wayne Gretzky famously pointed out, you don't win hockey games skating to where the puck is. You win them by skating to
where the puck is going to be. Winning the hearts and minds of the Millennials needs to be part of our strategy to allow our nation to
realize it's progressive values. Both they and socially liberal, but economically Libertarian Gen Xers will not be won over with rhetoric
alone, they need real help with the dire economic predicament most of them are in. Among them, and the Boomers who share our
values but no longer believe the Democratic Party represents them, our biggest enemy is the idea that "There is no difference
between the parties."
We have a powerful tool to use in transformational politics. It is the result of what remains of our bottom-up organizing efforts, our
platforms (at every level) and resolutions. I hope that at the state convention we will take a strong step towards using the work of
those people we have on the ground in every corner of the state and change our by-laws to form a state committee dedicated to
holding our elected Democrats' feet to those fires. Majorities still share our values but they no longer trust that we will act on them
because of constant betrayals. We need to win that trust back. Small steps are being taken, a slim majority of Democrats opposed
the $9 Billion in SNAP cuts in a Trillion Dollar Farm bill (but almost as many voted for them). The object of neoliberal globalist and
corporatist desire, the Trans Pacific Partnership, seems to be foundering on a Democratic rock. But that is only a temporary setback
unless we send in reinforcements with the 2014 elections. The president is talking about income inequality, but proposing only what
amounts to more trickle-down to deal with it.
This is a moment when sane Republicans could be reached. Simply put, our party is not positioned to reach them. The economic
message our party has been promoting is simply more trickle down, help Wall Street, help big business and we'll eventually get jobs.
That kind of development has NEVER benefited the rural areas, it simply sucks resources out of them. That would include the young
people who do what they are told, go to college, and then have to move to get a job. Exporting grain and lumber at loss leader prices
because our agriculture policy is designed to profit Big Ag and depress commodity prices is NOT a route to prosperity. Economies
and prosperity are built from the bottom up.
A coherent strategy, better use of VoteBuilder on issues would do wonders, and build a rural base for the future. It will NOT flip hard
(Continued on p 3)
-6-
In Case You Missed Our Last Meeting. . .
34th District Democrats Minutes, District Meeting of April 9, 2014
By Kathryn L. Sprigg , Secretary
(Occasional references may be made to attachments distributed at
the meeting. These handouts—and the full version of the meeting
minutes—-may be accessed at the 34th District website or upon
request.)
Meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by First Vice Chair Ted Barker
Chair presented agenda for approval – M/S/P Unanimous
Minutes presented for approval – M/S/P Unanimous
Treasurer’s Report – Beginning balance on 3/12 was $8,657,
revenue was $1,121, including $969 in dues. Expenses were $1,264,
including a $500 donation to Move KC Now. Ending balance on 4/9 is
$8,514. Report was approved unanimously.
Elected officials and candidates were recognized Those not listed
on the agenda (presenting) were Damon Shadid, candidate for Seattle
Municipal Court position 7.
Chair’s report: Chair was out of town for the meeting.
First Vice Chair’s report: Ted Barker Rally for Transit is Saturday,
April 12. Check website for details. King County Convention is also on
Saturday, April 12 at 10 AM, at the International Performing Arts
Center in Bellevue. Karl de Jong was invited to talk about the
meeting. South King County Democrats Annual Spaghetti Dinner is
coming up, link is on the website; get your tickets now.
Second Vice Chair’s report: Tamsen Spengler spoke about Barb
Parker’s passing. Barb wanted a roast, not a memorial. A roast is
schedule for May 3 at Alki Bath House, time to be announced.
Tamsen called for a moment of silence.
Program General Meeting: Seattle Parks for All Ballot Measure
Sally Bagshaw, Seattle City Council spoke about the August ballot
measure for Seattle Parks maintenance. With the recession there
has been a 17% cutback over the past few years. Council prioritized
services like fire and police and the parks have suffered. Seattle
needs a sustainable maintenance fund. City council is voting this
month on a Seattle Park district. The reasoning is that levies are not
sustainable and can’t keep up with long term maintenance needs.
The RCW allows up to 75 cents per thousand to operate parks; the
mayor recommends 42 cents. Go to [email protected] to
learn more about the plan.
Questions – There’s a backlog on the asset management list, but are
we transferring general funds onto another revenue source, thus
supplanting funds and moving them from one fund to another?
Citizen Advisory committee will be created for oversight. Once there,
fund is in perpetuity, how do we control? If you don’t like what council
is doing you can vote them out. And if 10% of voters come forward
and want to dissolve the fund, legislation states that can be done.
Medical and Recreational Marijuana McDermott, King County
Councilman; Sharon Foster, Chair State Liquor Board. Chris Porter,
State Committeeman, facilitated.
Chris introduced the panel and then provided information on the history,
background and states’ policies in the United States. Issues that still need to
be resolved include intoxication levels and how to determine them, marijuana
arrest rates, control over tax structure, adolescent access, licensing with
regards to federal laws. For example: How do banks deal with dispensaries?
Consideration of jurisdictional control and local licensing is important.
Sharon Foster – I502 passed with 12% majority with an 81% voter turnout;
the initiative likely boosted the turnout. As of December 1 2013 rules are in
place but they are continuously changing. The LCB hosted many forums
across the state with the public, law enforcement, editorial boards and
communities. She wishes the legislature had dealt with the issue of medical
vs. recreational marijuana, but they did not. The first round of approvals will
be 334 stores, to be decided by lottery on April 23 and May 1. They will know
by May 22 who the lottery winners are. Seattle will have 21 outlets for now.
The Board can reopen a window to allow more stores. The amount grown can
increase or diminish based on demand. Initial analysis of revenue is $0 – 2
billion over 5 years. We will have better revenue if medical and recreational
marijuana is integrated. Retailers can’t be connected with producers or
processors. Stores are expected to get their licenses beginning in June; the
public should see stores beginning around July 4. Sharon provided two
handouts with highlights of adopted rules and common questions.
Eileen – why we didn’t get a bill passed. The House passed her bill with 2/3
vote, then the Senate passed their own version by 2/3. When it went back to
the House, they were unable to get 2/3 vote to pass the bill because
Republicans decided a share of the revenue should go to cities and towns.
Members did not want to promise a specific amount of funds because they
don’t know how much will be collected.
Pete – the issue is second only to gun control. The Liquor Board has
constructed a complete regulatory system in one year. It’s disappointing that
legislation didn’t happen to integrate the two systems. The Court of Appeals
ruled that existing law provides nothing except an affirmative defense; it
doesn’t give legal protection. The court said that there is no such thing as legal
medical marijuana. An Aug 29, 2013 statement on the Federal Controlled
Substances Act states marijuana is still illegal. However, US Attorney General
James Cole provided written guidance that if the state regulates the system as
promised and deals with their concerns the feds will stand down and not
enforce federal law. The Cole Memo indicates that we need to get there more
quickly than we’re thinking about now. There are 200 dispensaries that aren’t
legal under Court of Appeals ruling. Lacking state laws the city council needs
to act. Seattle City Council will zone marijuana and define collective gardens;
they need a state license. They need to deal with the arrest disparity, define a
framework for DUI and stop prosecuting simple possession. Of the pending
cases for minor possession, 59% are against African Americans. They have not
seen significant marijuana use in DUI stops. The THC limit is 5 nanograms per
milliliter of whole blood. As with alcohol, police must have probable cause to
believe a driver is impaired before a stop.
Joe – land use and zoning in unincorporated King County. Council didn’t
address zoning until December because they wanted to see what the state
would do. They saw concentrations of dispensaries in pockets of the county;
that creates an issue. There are 11 in White Center for example. King County
imposed a one year moratorium until the state acts. Two rules are moving
through the council that Joe expects to pass; they will deal with permits for
recreational marijuana in several land use areas. For information on zoning
regulations, contact the Department of Permitting & Environmental Review.
Members asked questions about changing marijuana to a Schedule II drug,
blood draws for DUIs, state banking, how small non-profit medical marijuana
providers would be protected, labeling and the Kohl Wells Senate bill. Details
of the discussion are in the full version posted on our website.
Election Endorsements: Representatives Eileen Cody and Joe
Fitzgibbon – Les Treall moved, Ann Martin seconded to endorse Eileen
and Joe for House of Representatives and Sharon Nelson for Senate.
Chris Porter spoke for. Endorsement passed by unanimous vote.
Eileen thanked the members for all three legislators.
PCO appointments: Two acting PCO volunteers Maggie Linstrom, in
34-1482 Morgan Junction, Joe McDermott is the PCO there. Marissa
Tsaniff was a PCO but moved to 34-1415, a district with a PCO.
Old Business/New Business: None
Good of the Order: Sign the petition for 1329; they need more
volunteers to circulate the petition and collect signatures. They need
300,000 signatures by June 25, have 30,000. The district will have a
booth at the White Center Cambodian New Year Festival; contact
Steve Butts to volunteer for the booth. There is a Survivor of Minidoka
Internment Camps remembrance on May 13, contact Martha Koester
for details. Burien needs 34th District attention, the council has
swung right and it’s frightening. West Seattle Democratic Women
meet at 11:30 on April 24 at the West Seattle Golf Course. Eileen
Cody and Sharon Nelson are guests. See Ann Martin for details.
Leafleting activity at Burien Transit Center for King County Metro
Transit Proposition 1 special election - details TBD.
Meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM
-7-
Resolution to Address the Student Debt Crisis
WHEREAS higher education not only a personal benefit, but is an investment the community makes in a well-prepared, diverse and growing workforce; and
WHEREAS student debt now totals $1.1 trillion dollars, second only to mortgage debt; and
WHEREAS the Federal government and Sallie Mae, by charging exorbitant interest rates on these loans, are prof-iting unconscionably from this debt, half of which is paid to predatory for-profit colleges and technical schools; and
WHEREAS half of student debt is incurred with for-profit schools that inflate their degree completion and job placement rates, leaving students with huge debts and no viable degree; and
WHEREAS student debt is limiting our economic recovery by slowing savings, marriage, household formation, mobility, new business start-ups and first-home purchases; and
WHEREAS at the University of Washington, tuition increased 118% from 2002 to 2012, and taxpayer support went from 70% to 30% of the cost of a degree; and
WHEREAS in Washington, the average amount of debt a college student carries is about $23,000, according to the Project on Student Debt; and,
WHEREAS today’s students did nothing to cause this inequity, yet due to disinvestment in higher education, we taxpayers have shifted the burden from public support to personal debt;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 34th Legislative Democrats urge our state and federal lawmakers to commit to making reduction of student debt a campaign priority by supporting the following policy proposals:
1) reversing the 2006 Federal bankruptcy law that excludes student debt from discharge orders regardless of cir-cumstances; 2) reducing interest rates on federally-backed loans to their cost and limit the profit Wall Street banks can make on servicing them; 3) doubling Pell grant funding and eliminate bank transaction fees on Pell grants withdrawn with debit cards; 4) making tuition affordable for state residents by returning to state support of 70% of the cost of higher education (i.e., 2002 tuition levels); 5) adopting Pay it Forward programs (both state and e.g., Federal HR 1330 Student Loan Fairness Act that limits loan repayments to 10% of discretionary income for 10 years up to $45,000 and caps interest rates at 3.4%; 6) proactively closing and prosecuting for-profit schools that lure students to take on huge debt with inflated graduation rates and job placement promises; 7) forgiving tuition for advanced professional degrees in teaching or primary care in exchange for 10 years of ser-vice.
Submitted to the 34th Legislative District Democrats meeting of May 14, 2014 by Sarajane Siegfriedt, 46th Democrats State Committeewoman
Out in the
community
Our first outreach
event this year
was our excellent
booth at the
Cambodia Fest
April 26th (left)
Supporting the
USPS union
members in
fighting to keep
the Staples in
Burien from
becoming a
privatized post
office (right).
Return Service Requested
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
SEATTLE WA
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