Steady Drumbeat for Support of New Taxes
More and more media outlets are focusing on programs that could be cut in light of the budget shortfall since leadership has promised no new taxes. However, with people like the state's incoming Superintendent of Public Instruction, Randy Dorn, clearly reminding the state that education is not an area where budget cuts are acceptable – and with mounting debt – new taxes grow more and more likely.
The Seattle Times already focused an article on education cuts, while the Seattle PI has also recently written an article about how the budget will affect health care. The media has not focused much on other areas where cuts can be made or possible taxes. With the spotlight on these areas it is possible that the public is being primed to favor a tax increase.
Read More...
A Preview of What Session Holds for Architects
The legislature met for Committee Days this week. This time at the hill is often a close preview of what legislators have in mind for the upcoming session. The AIA|WA is monitoring several hearings and meetings. This week the AIA|WA will be attending hearings on:
Read More...
back to top
The Viaduct Debate Continues
The final choice of what becomes of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is turning more and more political. The eight ideas for the Viaduct were released last month and their individual merits are being discussed at length.
The Speaker of the House, Frank Chopp is in favor of an integrated elevated alternative. This idea was panned by most media outlets initially and titled the “Choppway.” However, after the attraction of well known architects and developers to a raised park in New York some media, and citizens, are rethinking their position against the Speaker’s favored solution. Some even think Chopp may be a visionary.
Read More...
back to top
The Climate Action Team Hopes to Implement New Strategies despite the Budget
The governor’s Climate Action Team met for the last time in November and has released final recommendations on how to curb climate change in Washington state. The AIA has been represented in this process by Bert Gregory, AIA, of Mithun. Gregory presented his results to members at the AIA|WA Annual Meeting.
The report outlines two dozen recommendations, but doesn't say how state agencies plan to carry them out. Specifics are expected in two weeks. Some of the highlights from the report that affect architects are:
Read More...
back to top
|
