Gov. Inslee Could Go 0-3 with Agenda This Legislative Session

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has a "Big 3" on his agenda for the 2014 legislative session, but sources say he could end up getting none of it passed.

The Miami Herald ran a very informative piece in their financial section this week, outlining exactly what Inslee wants to see done this year.   His plans include:

1) Boosting the minimum wage to somewhere between $10.82 and $11.82-per hour.  Newstalk 870 last week reported Inslee going on the record publicly with that price range. However, despite almost guaranteed smooth sailing through the state House,  Inslee faces certain stiff resistance in the GOP-controlled senate.  Even some Democratic leaders question the feasibility of his plan.  Senator Jim Hargrove represents parts of Grays Harbor County which has the highest unemployment rate in the state.  Boosting the minimum wage, says Hargrove, would force small business owners in his region to lay off a lot of workers.   "I'm not seeing how it could work," he said this week.

2) Passing a gas tax to fund a transportation package.  Difficulties with the 520 Lake Washington bridge replacement, and the tunnel being bored to replace the Alaska Way Viaduct have cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.  Some critics refer to the tunnel as the "hole to nowhere."   The difficulties and cost overruns of both projects will make it VERY difficult, say legislators, to try to pass a gas tax in the neighborhood of $.10 cents-per-gallon for Inslee's transportation budget.  Plus, it's an off-year election year for many legislators, and supporting tax increases could cost them their jobs.

3)  Although the House has already approved their version of this measure,   Inslee will have a difficult time convincing the Senate to approve his expansion of the Dream Act, which offers tuition incentives and financial aid for students living here illegally.   The House tried it last year, but it stalled and died in the Senate.  The powerful Senate Coalition (23 GOP and two Democratic leaders) have already warned Inslee their caucus is "already focused on other priorities,"  as Democrat Rodney Tom put it. Legislators fear if they expand the Act it will deprive students who are here legally of their opportunities to receive tuition - there won't be enough money to go around.   The Coaltition  was successful in every budget battle during the 2013 legislative session, and there's no reason to believe they won't again get what they want this year.  The Coalition takes a simple but hard line on potential tax and spending programs:  voters and citizens don't want new taxes - period.

2014 could wind up much like 2013.  After a lengthy battle right up to the default line, the state did pass a budget, but Inslee was virtually shut-out when you consider his original legislative agenda.