Legislative Money

We’ll start with initiatives, the process by which a group of Washington voters can propose a law. Let’s look at spending on initiatives in recent years. How much was spent in each of these years?
    2010: $60 million
    2009: $7 million
    2008: $9 million

 1. Under ‘Search the database,’ navigate to ‘Committees’ and then ‘Initiatives.’ 2011 is too young -- let’s look at spending in 2010.
    a. How much was been raised for initiatives in 2010? $61 million
    b. How much was spent? $60 million


2. We now have an alphabetical list of committees. That’s great if we know the name of the committee we’re interested in examining. But in this case, we don’t.

3. Each column header allows us to sort the data in different ways. For example, if we click on the ‘Spent,’ we can rank the committees by spending.

   a. Click on ‘Spent.’ (You’ll notice that it shows the money from lowest to highest. We’re interested in big money, so let’s click on the column header again to reorganize most to least.)
        I. Which committee has spent the most money this year? Stop the Food & Beverage Tax Hikes
        II. Which initiative is the committee opposing? CIT To Protect our Economic Future
        III. What would the initiative do? Stop food and beverage tax increases
        IV. How much have the supporters of this initiative raised? (Hint: Click the column header ‘Ballot’ to group by initiative.) $16 million
        V. Who won? Check Google. Stop Food and Beverage Tax Hikes
 c. Let’s look closer at the committee that outspent all others. Who funded it? To the left of the committee’s name, click on ‘Details.’
        I. Which individual group has contributed the single largest donation to this committee? American Beverage Association
        II. Where is this group based? DC
        III. When was the last donation from this group sent to Washington state?(Specifically, what’s the date?) 8/26/2010

IV. How many separate contributions did the group make to this committee? 9

V. In total, how much money did it send to the committee in August 2010? About 17 million

SB 5621

What would it do? Students who are 14 years of age as of the date of a school board election
are entitled to vote in the district election where they are enrolled.

Sponsored By: Senator White

Fiscal Note: Not available

Legislation

SB 5749:
1. Modifies the terms of the Washington advanced college tuition payment (GET) program for future purchasers.
2. 119,000
3. The definition of tuition and fees includes operating fees and building fees, but no longer includes services and activities (S&A) fees. Students will pay S&A fees at the time of enrollment.

HB 1325
1. Sponsors are Representatives Hunt, Dammeier, Darneille, Liias, Carlyle, Roberts, Jenkins, Orwall, Kenney, Hasegawa, McCoy, Fitzgibbon, Tharinger.
2. Summary:  Requires the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) to lead a
district reorganization initiative to streamline and provide efficiencies in the
operation of school districts and Educational Service Districts (ESDs).
Establishes a Statewide School District Reorganization Commission (Commission) if
the Superintendent of Public Instruction finds the WSSDA initiative has not resulted
in sufficient cost savings or efficiencies by January 1, 2014.
Directs the Commission to prepare a reorganization plan to result in no more than
150 school districts and a revised number and boundaries of the ESDs.
Requires the reorganization plan to be submitted by December 1, 2016 in the form of
proposed legislation.
Provides that the proposed legislation containing the list of districts and their
boundaries may be amended only by a two-thirds vote of each house of the
Legislature.
Provides for districts to appeal their reorganization to the Commission or submit an
alternative proposal that will achieve significant efficiencies and reductions in
operating costs.
3. 150
4. 62% pf districts enroll 2,000 or less students
5. $397,653

Politics: To Publish or Not to Publish

I wouldn't publish it because the story is coming from one person with an anonymous third-party source that I've never met or talked to. It could very well be a hoax to ruin this politician's campaign. I would need more evidence before publishing something that would have such a huge impact if it were true or even if it were false.

Homecoming Lede

Homecoming royalty will no longer be named at WSU due to lack of student interest, said Student Entertainment Board Programmer Karen M. Jones.

Speech Story

Anime and manga are playing a central role in Japan’s rebranding campaign, said Lucy Craft, CBS Japan correspondent in a presentation at WSU Friday.

Craft’s lecture focused on the economic ramifications of the popularity of anime and manga both in Japan and around the world as well as the history of the phenomenon.  

Anime is the name for a specific style of Japanese animation, characterized by its unique artistic design.  Manga is the Japanese word for “comics” and is descendent from Japanese woodblock prints, said Craft.

Both art forms, in their modern structure, originated after World War II and were influenced by Western animation and art.  During this time Osamu Tezuka immerged as the father of manga and anime.  Later Hayao Miyazaki rose to prominence and is responsible for much of the anime known in the Western world.  

Anime and manga have won fans from around the world.  Vincent van Gogh, the famed Dutch painter, was even a fan of early manga, said Craft.

“I was really surprised that van Gogh like manga so much,” said Kassandra Zwick, an Asian Studies major.

The epicenter for modern manga and anime is Akihabara, Japan, after its transformation from consumer electronics to cater to all things anime and manga.

“The city has become a nerd paradise,” said Craft.  “With the cosplay and manga shops and maid cafes, it has become a geek playground.”

For many of the students in attendance, Japan and Akihabara are must-see destinations.

“I’ve already planned on going to Japan,” said Kerri Simpkins, an Asian Studies major. “But now I have a destination in mind, I want to go to Akihabara. Japan or bust!”

Japan is hoping that the popularity of anime and manga in the west will continue to grow and spur their economy, especially through tourism.  Japan has become a cultural superpower, said Craft, and the effort to export its culture overseas is in full swing.

“Japan is involved in a ‘cool Japan’ promotion strategy,” said Craft. “Cool Japan will be the project for fixing the Japanese economy.”

Japan is currently budgeted to spend $200 million on the project in hopes that the concept will increase the number of tourists, students and businesses coming into Japan.  Manga is already sold in over 150 countries in many different languages, said Craft.

The project is inspired by Joseph Nye’s argument for soft political power, wherein countries use diplomacy and friendly relations to achieve political progress.  Additionally, Douglas McGray’s article entitled Japan’s Gross National Cool arguing for Japan’s cool factor as being a largely underestimated asset furthered governmental thought into the matter.

Additionally, it is seen as a way to save the Japanese economy as it is being outpaced by South Korea and Taiwan in consumer electronics production.  

While the government of Japan has gotten behind the movement, with many government agencies even adopting manga-styled mascots, many of Japan’s intellectuals are concerned about the movement.

Many Japanese scholars see the “cutification” that comes with anime and manga as a soulless void which arose out of the collapse of true Japanese culture after World War II, said Craft

.

Craft believes that the Japanese government has much more important things to consider than the world view of Japan as a cool nation because of anime and manga.

“Focusing on slashing greenhouse gasses, immigration reform and agriculture,” said Craft, “now that would be cool.”

Peer Edit Redux

We’re a team. Help out your peers. Correct the following sentences.

1. Washington State provided a subsidy of over $2000 for in state students.
The state of Washington provided a subsidy of more than $2,000 for in-state students.

2. “The 13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg,” Coordinator of Arts and Culture, Jerry McCollum, said.
"The $13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg," said Jerry McCollum, coordinator of Arts and Culture.



3. “What I know if the system is broken right now, we can’t live in a world with 14% tuition increases,” President Floyd said.
"What I know is the system is broken right now," said Floyd. "We can't live in a world with 14 percent tuition increases"

4. The Co-President’s announced a club to meet more people that are interested in hiking.
The presidents introduced a club to meet more people interested in hiking.

5. Williams said, “There are still new things to say with art music, it’s hard to stop and listen, but when you do it can be an extremely pleasant surprise.”
"There are still new things to say with art music," said Williams. "It's hard to stop and listen, but when you do, it can be an extremely pleasant surprise."

6. In Sept. 2010, the wine tasting endorsement will be available to stores, according to Jane Westman, Culinary Coordinator for Metropolitan Market.
The wine-tasting endorsement will be available to stores in September., said Jane Westman, culinary coordinator for Metropolitan Market.

7. He died from a massive heart attack in Sept. 1996.
He died of a massive heart attack in September 1996.

8. In fact, the club even has their own audio engineer.
The club has its own audio engineer.
 

9. When it blasted off, the shock of excitement from the noise of the cannon added to the emotion of the game.
The shock from the noise of the cannon added to the emotion of the game.


Shorten the following sentences.
 
1. It is evident that sleep becomes less of a priority for many students.
Sleep becomes less of a priority for many students.
 
2. In fact, there is a new workout routine that is sweeping the country.
A new workout routine is sweeping the country.

Interview Tips from Wallace

1. Have specific questions backed up with evidence
2. Ask open ended questions
3. Allow the person being interviewed to do most of the talking
4. Be persistent
5. Come to the interview prepared with background research

Peer Edits

1. Treasurer Alex J. A. Fortune says he thinks California will be the first state to legalize cannabis use.
- Treasurer Alex Fortune said California will be the first state to legalize cannabis use.

2. Public Works Director, Mark Workman said, the ordinance went into affect on January 19, 2011.
- Public Works Director Mark Workman said the ordinance went into effect on Jan. 19.

3. Needless to say, the last 3 years have resulted in drastic cuts to the WSU’s budget.
- The last three years have resulted in drastic cuts to WSU's budget.

4. Senator Will Jones criticized the timing of the 5% increase in parking rates.
- Sen. Will Jones criticized the timing of the 5 percent increase in parking rates.

5. 21 businesses replied.
-  Owners of 21 businesses replied.

6. The all day event will allow the group the chance to plan it’s agenda for the year.
- The all-day event will allow the group to plan its agenda for the year.

7. Parsons said “I think it would have been cool to do something like that as a freshman, I know my parents would have loved it”
- "I think it would have been cool to do something like that as a freshman," Parsons said. "I know my parents would have loved it."

8. Just over 10 thousand fans piled into Beasly Coliseum in Pullman, Wash. to watch the Cougars take on the Huskies.
- More than 10,000 fans piled into Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, Wash., to watch the Cougars take on the Huskies.

9. Entertainment, drink specials and giveaways welcomed back the 21 and over crowd.
- Entertainment, drink specials and giveaways welcomed back the 21-and-over crowd.

10. “Turn your passion for social justice into action.” Said Marguerite Medina, UI GSA Co-Chair.
- "Turn your passion for social justice into action," said Marguerite Medina, Co-chair of UI GSA.

11. The legislation initiative was filed Wednesday January 26. The proposed initiative would legalize marijuana for Wash. residents 18 years or older.
- The proposed initiative to legalize marijuana for Washington residents 18 years or older was filed Jan. 26.

12. Mark Workman, Public Works Director, said police distributed twenty-nine parking infractions last Veterans day.
- Public Works Director Mark Workman said police distributed 29 parking infractions last Veterans Day.

Define the following acronyms. If you are unsure, guess.

EIS
SAAC-
WSURF
UI GSA- U of I Gay Straight Alliance
IEW
NORML
BSU
GIESORC- Gender Identity, Expression, and Sexual Orientation Resource Center
VIBES- Visionaries Inspiring Black Empowered Students
DOLA- Director of Legislative Affairs

Speech Ledes

1. Higher education is at risk in this economy after cuts to the university budget have caused a 14 percent increase in tuition said District 9 Sen. Mark Schoesler.


2. Associate Professor Andrew Storfer believes global climate change may be to blame in the decline of 43 percent of amphibian species worldwide.

Best Ledes

Parking and Transportation Services proposed an increase for all parking rates during the ASWSU meeting Wednesday.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will hold a fundraiser at the Washington State University men’s basketball series Feb. 10-12 to rebuild the Auchenflower Basketball Stadium that was destroyed in the recent Australian floods.

MEETING STORY

Washington State University Parking and Transportation requested approval of a three year parking rate increase at Wednesday’s Associated Students of Washington State University Senate meeting.

The rate increase would be approximately 5 percent each year. Both hourly garage and parking lot rates would increase under the proposed plan.  The increase would vary from an additional 46 cents per month for a blue permit to an additional $2.40 per month for an orange permit.  

Parking and transportation says they need the increased revenue to pay for maintenance and repairs in several of the parking garages on campus.

“There are several facilities currently with deferred maintenance,” said Bridgette Brady of the Parking and Transportation Task Force. “Deferring maintenance costs much more in the long term.”

Parking and transportation made the same request last year.  The proposal was turned down due to the economic climate.

“The needs from last year still exist,” Brady said

.

Brady answered some frequently asked questions before opening the floor to Senate question, including why the rate increase is being proposed now, where the revenue from parking sales goes and what has parking and transportation done to keep prices low.

In addition to the regular annual maintenance needed, Brady also stated that unless the proposal is improved the fine arts parking garage may be forced to close due to safety concerns. 

Brady stated that all parking and transportation revenue goes into one pool of funding which is then used on maintenance on all garages and lots on campus.  She also said that while some may balk at paying for garage maintenance when they never use garage parking, the revenue from the garages has often gone towards parking lot maintenance.

To keep costs lower for students parking and transportation has reduced the number of positions and left several positions vacant. They are also currently restructuring to remove an additional two positions.

During the question and answer period, Senator Derrick Skaug was the first to question Brady.

“After the three years are up, will the raises be permanent?” said Skaug. “If so, what will the increase in revenue go towards?”

Brady answered that the rates would stay the same and the increased revenue would be used to build up a reserve for maintenance projects. Additionally, the construction of the fine arts garage would begin in the summer of 2013 and most of the money would go to that project.

Senator Grant Eastey was concerned about the cost of the fine arts garage project.

“How much of the maintenance budget is spent on the fine arts garage?” Eastey asked.

Brady stated that the necessary repairs to the fine arts garage would account for around 50 percent of the maintenance budget.

Brady also stated that only those students who park on campus in lots or garages would be paying for the increases under the proposal.  She also stated that due to the bidding process required it is unlikely that the use of volunteers would be able to decrease the cost of the project.

Brady stated that this is the second round of constituent review and that more discussions will take place before any new rate increase will be implemented.

Meeting Story OUTLINE

Elizabeth Lutch

Jour 305

Meeting Story Outline

1.      What happened?

a.       Parking and Transportation proposed a three year rate increase

2.      Why did it happen?

a.       Request was turned down last year

b.      Many buildings in maintenance deferment

c.       Deferring buildings any longer could result in closures

d.      Deferment of maintenance costs more in the long run

3.      Reactions:

a.       Is this permanent?

b.      Who has to pay?

c.       How much will it be a year?

d.      Is there any way to use volunteers to lower costs?

e.       How much of budget is fine arts garage

Contact Information

Bridgette Brady- Parking and Transportation Task Force

509-335-2737

b.brady@wsu.edu

Derrick Skaug- ASWSU District 1 Senator

509-944-0265
derrickskaug@gmail.com

Grant Eastey- ASWSU District 4 Senator
206-795-6526
geastey@gmail.com