Washington State Senate Democrats: Joe McDermott

Tour the 34th Legislative District

Senate Democrats — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:01:00 GMT

Reps. Eileen Cody and Sharon Neslon and I last fall took the legislative camera crew on a tour of the 34th Legislative District. Watch us visit some of our favorite hometown spots.

News: Senate passes measure to create jobs and encourage tourism in Seattle

Senate Democrats — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:54:00 GMT

Today the Senate passed a measure that will create jobs and strengthen Washington’s tourism industry.

“For the past seven years, I have worked in Seattle’s tourism industry. I know firsthand how invaluable this industry is to our local economy,” Sen. Joe McDermott, D-West Seattle, said. “This positions our state’s convention center for future expansion, which puts our state in a good position for economic growth,”

Senate Bill 6889, sponsored by McDermott, grants the Washington State Convention and Trade Center a new management structure — authority similar to that granted to centers in other counties across Washington and which could lead to an expansion project.

“This measure could result in the creation of over 2,000 construction jobs and provide real relief to a sector that is facing 30-percent unemployment,” McDermott said.

The Senate approved the bill 39-1. It now moves to the House of Representatives.

News: Measure to provide relief to neighborhood community centers heads to Governor

Senate Democrats — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:49:00 GMT

The Legislature has approved a measure to provide tax relief for select neighborhood community centers.

“I am pleased that centers across Seattle, centers like the old Fauntleroy School in West Seattle, that provide vital community services in a time of great need will now see a financial lift,” Sen. Joe McDermott, D-Seattle, the bill’s prime sponsor, said.

Senate Bill 6855 provides a property tax exemption to neighborhood community centers that are housed in buildings determined to no longer be needed by school districts and are now owned by nonprofit organizations and used to deliver coordinated services for community members.

The measure also applies the leasehold excise tax to the rental property within these community centers, making the measure revenue positive.

“Organizations such as Crown Hill Small Faces Child Care Center and Phinney Neighborhood Center provide vital services to an increasing number of our neighbors. This measure may allow these organizations, which operate on small budgets, to serve even more of our neighbors,” said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, the bill’s cosponsor.

SB 6855 now awaits the Governor’s signature.

Video: March 10 Legislative Update

Senate Democrats — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:20:11 GMT

Video: Sen. Joe McDermott on SB 6250

Senate Democrats — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:45:00 GMT

Podcast - Feb. 26

Senate Democrats — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:06:31 GMT

Sen. Joe McDermott's podcast for Feb. 26, 2010.

Video: Legislative Update - Feb. 26

Senate Democrats — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:04:26 GMT

Video: Legislative Update - Feb. 19

Senate Democrats — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:57:42 GMT

Town Hall Saturday

Senate Democrats — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:14:04 GMT

This weekend, Reps. Cody and Nelson and I will be hosting a town hall. Please join us to discuss the issues facing the Legislature. As you know, the current session is scheduled to end March 11th, and the remaining weeks will be focused primarily on finalizing our budget. It's an important time to hear from you.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the High Point Community Center.

High point community Center
6920 34th Avenue SW, 98126
(206) 684-7422

Video: Legislative Update - Feb. 15

Senate Democrats — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:30:00 GMT