Washington State Senate Democrats: Tracey J. Eide

Sen. Tracey Eide appointed to statewide transportation committee

Senate Democrats — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:59:32 GMT

Olympia - Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, was appointed to the state's Road User Assessment Steering Committee Tuesday. The purpose of the committee is to explore new revenue options for the state's transportation system.

Estimates by the Connecting Washington Task Force, convened by Gov. Chris Gregoire, project fuel tax revenues to fall by more than $5 billion by 2023. Recommendations from the task force include investments of $21 billion over a 10-year period to preserve and enhance transportation infrastructure for the timely movement of people and goods across the state.

“It’s a great honor to represent Federal Way and Senate Democrats on the committee,” said Eide, vice-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and one of four legislators appointed to the select committee.

“We know that state reliance on gas taxes to fund our transportation infrastructure continues to become more tenuous due to increases in fuel economy, reliance on transit and other alternative transportation methods, and the emergence of electric cars,” Eide said. “It’s time that we sit down and take a look down the road about how we can build a system that is affordable and meets our statewide transportation needs. I look forward to helping lead this conversation.”

The committee was established as a provision of HB 2190, the bipartisan 2012 supplemental transportation budget which added nearly $800 million to the $9 billion two-year budget to create 43,000 jobs across the state. Meetings for the committee have yet to be scheduled. Representatives from an array of stakeholder groups also have been appointed to the committee.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326

Sen. Tracey Eide honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Senate Democrats — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:46:00 GMT

Olympia - Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, received an award Friday from Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognizing her legislative contributions in passing critical updates to Washington's impaired driving laws. Eide serves as vice-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

House Bill 2216 raises the sentencing range in Washington for DUI-related vehicular homicide to the same level as first-degree manslaughter, from 6½ to 8½ years for a person with no previous criminal history.

“For too long Washington has had a double standard for drunk drivers,” said Eide. “Kill somebody unintentionally and face about eight years in prison. Kill somebody while driving drunk and the standard sentencing range is significantly lower. That’s simply wrong.”

Over 200 prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers, court professionals, traffic safety stakeholders, and treatment providers from across the state attended the luncheon and award ceremony.

Eide has sponsored and supported legislation cracking down on distracted driving since a Federal Way constituent contacted her in 1999 about his concerns regarding motorists who drive and talk on their cell phones. Since then, that focus has expanded to not just distracted driving but also drunk driving.

“I am so grateful for the good work you all do on behalf of our communities and families,” Eide said. “I look forward to continuing to work together in keeping drunk drivers off our roads.”

HB 2216 was signed into law on March 30th and will take effect June 7, 2012.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326

Sen. Eide issues statement on Sen. Brown’s decision to not seek re-election

Senate Democrats — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:16:00 GMT

OLYMPIA - Senate Majority Floor Leader Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, released this statement following the announcement of Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown's decision to not seek re-election:

"I was disappointed this morning to learn that my friend and colleague, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, has decided to not seek re-election this fall. Serving alongside Sen. Brown has been an extreme honor.

"Sen. Brown and I have served in the Legislature since 1992, when we were both first elected. We came to the Legislature in similar circumstance – trying to represent our communities while nurturing our young families. We were bound together early on by a commitment to children and education.

"She is one of my closest friends that I have had the honor of serving with and I will miss her sorely."

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326

BLOG: Washington has strong history of welcoming back, supporting veterans

Senate Democrats — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:21:00 GMT

If you rode or passed a bus this month, you may have noticed a new series of banners on the sides of busses relating to veterans. They highlight the service of those in the National Guard and Reserve and are meant to remind us of the sacrifices made by these courageous men and women and their families.

Here’s a picture of one running in Spokane:

The ads are sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as part of their “On the Road” campaign in parts of King, Thurston and Spokane Counties. ESGR is the agency within the Department of Defense that promotes the service and integration of National Guard members and Reservists back into the civilian workforce.

The campaign consists of transit bus ads that say "We All Serve," highlighting the service of those in the National Guard and Reserve who get called to active duty, leaving behind both their families and civilian employers. The goal of the campaign is to increase public awareness about the complex and challenging reemployment issues facing veterans and reservists.

In my time as a Washington State Senator, I’ve heard from innumerable constituents about the difficulty of reintegratnig back into the civilian world, particularly back into the workforce.

Which is why I’m proud of our history of leadership when it comes to creating innovative programs supporting veteran reemployment.

In 2011, we took a strong step forward and passed legislation allowing military training and experience to count towards professional licensing requirements in the private sector.

That same year, we expanded the Puget Sound Corps and placed an emphasis on veterans’ employment and job training.

This year, we continued to uphold our commitment by passing legislation making employment a little easier for the spouses of servicemen and women. Under the bill, military spouses whose civilian licenses expired while they served in the military – whether they are dental assistants, land surveyors or professionals in some other field – will be reinstated when they return to Washington and reapply to activate their licenses.

Fortunately for Washington reservists looking to get back into the civilian workforce, there is no shortage of reputable businesses dedicated to supporting veterans in their reintegration. This year, 3,236 employers were nominated nationwide for the ESGR Freedom Award in recognition of their exceptional support of veterans in their communities. This includes nominations by 66 Guard and Reserve members in Washington State. The full list of nominated Washington businesses and organizations can be found here.

As our forces in the Middle East continue to draw down, more and more veterans will return home to Washington.

During these trying economic times, we have an obligation to honor the service of these courageous servicemen and women and help them find good paying jobs. We owe them no less than our unwavering gratitude.

I will continue to lend my voice and advocate for legislation helping make life after service easier for them every chance I get and encourage all Washington business owners, small and large, to contact ESGR to find out how they can do the same.

Senator Eide’s Week in Review – Mar. 26-30

Senate Democrats — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Eide human trafficking bill signed into law

Senate Democrats — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:08:38 GMT

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, to combat human trafficking was signed into law today.

Senate Bill 6253 allows for the civil seizure and forfeiture of property used in the commission of certain crimes, including commercial sexual abuse of a minor and promoting prostitution in the first degree. The profits from these crimes also are subject to seizure and forfeiture.

“Unfortunately, human trafficking is a much bigger and more pervasive problem than many realize. I became personally involved in the effort to increase awareness a few years ago when a serious case in my district came to public light,” said Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way. “It shook the ground of our community. Never did we imagine that such atrocity was possible in our city.”

Eide’s bill treats property used in certain human trafficking crimes similarly to property seized in drugs cases. Forfeiture of the property requires a conviction and innocent owners of property are protected from loss.

“In my mind, the two types of crime are equally dangerous to our communities,” said Eide. “Following their release, we don’t give drug dealers their tools and equipment back. Why should human traffickers be allowed to keep their means of production? By focusing on the source of the crime and the means to execute it, we can undercut its recurrence in the future.”

Proceeds from civil forfeitures will be applied to efforts to prevent trafficking and to provide rehabilitative services for victims.

The bill was passed with strong bipartisan support and takes effect in 90 days.

Eide regulatory assistance bill signed by governor

Senate Democrats — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:07:00 GMT

Legislation to simplify Washington's permitting process was signed into law today.

Senate Bill 6359, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, reforms the Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA) to streamline environmental and business regulatory processes at the local level. The office serves the public in a variety of capacities, including acting as the central point of contact for project proponents and assisting in conflict resolution.

“While our state’s regulatory processes serve a laudable public purpose, navigating them can prove difficult and confusing,” said Eide. “The ORA is here to help. This bill will help them work with the public in a more effective and streamlined manner.”

Under the legislation, the ORA is required to provide new information to local jurisdictions regarding best permitting practices, methods for improving early communication with state agencies, and effective ways to assess and communicate project timelines and costs.

“This bill signifies a renewed partnership between not just the public and the state but also the public and the local level,” said Eide. “It is my hope that with this legislation, the process of moving a project forward will be a little easier for Washingtonians.”

The bill was passed with strong bipartisan support and takes effect in 90 days.

Tire socks approved as new traction device by governor

Senate Democrats — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:02:00 GMT

OLYMPIA - Bipartisan legislation signed into law today, Senate Bill 6112, will provide Washingtonians with an alternative to traditional tire chains when it comes to improving traction in inclement weather conditions.

They're called tire socks, an alternative tire traction device that originated in Scandinavia and has found its way into 35 countries. The socks slide over the surface of the tires and grip the roadway, allowing a safer drive on slippery roads without the hassle and time of equipping tire chains.

Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, prime sponsor of the legislation, says they have several advantages over studded tires and chains.

“Not only are they quick and easy to use, they make less noise and cause less vibration,” said Eide. “These devices are particularly helpful to those like me who may have difficulty hoisting large, heavy chains over their tires.

“Most importantly though, they’ll improve the longevity of our roadways,” said Eide. “The tire socks do far less harm to our roads than studs or chains, which erode the durability of asphalt and cause millions of dollars in damage. Hopefully with this legislation, we’ll see not only safer roadways during inclement weather, but savings for the state as well.”

The bill was approved unanimously and takes effect in 90 days.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326

Sen. Eide legislation aiding Young Life of Federal Way signed into law

Senate Democrats — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:58:57 GMT

Olympia - Legislation aiding operation and maintenance of Young Life of Federal Way was signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire today.

In late 2010, the Department of Revenue concluded that Young Life of Federal Way did not qualify for an annual property tax exemption due to a technical error. Under current law, property leased to a nonprofit organization engaged in youth character building activities, such as Young Life, is exempt from property tax only if that property is owned by an organization already exempt from the tax.

While Young Life, the organization leasing the property, is a qualifying nonprofit, the owner of the property, Young Life of Federal Way, LLC, is a for-profit company and therefore not qualified to receive the exemption.

Loss of the exemption places further pressure on an organization already buckling due to a prolonged economic recovery.

“Reputable, character building organizations like Young Life of Federal Way ought to be commended, not taxed out of existence,” said Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, prime sponsor of the legislation.

Under Senate Bill 6600, property owned by a middle party for the purpose of leasing to a qualifying nonprofit will now qualify for the property tax exemption. This provision means Young Life of Federal Way will again qualify.

“While this legislation is very technical and difficult to piece together, its effect is easy to see,” said Eide. “With this bill signed into law, it’ll be easier for youth character building organizations here at home and across the state to continue their laudable work shaping kids into responsible young adults and ultimately productive citizens.”

“We’re grateful for Sen. Eide’s leadership on this critical issue,” said Trent Erickson, former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton staffer, former member of the Federal Way Young Life Committee and current member and Elder of Steel Lake Presbyterian Church. “Nonprofits like Young Life have faced increased demand and constrained financial resources during the Great Recession and throughout our state’s economic recovery. This legislation is critical for Young Life to continue its good work in our community and across the state.”

The bill passed with wide bipartisan majorities in both chambers and takes effect in 90 days.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326

Senator Eide’s Week in Review – Mar. 12-16

Senate Democrats — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:50:00 GMT