DAILY NEWS
A hero lost, ‘Bush v. Gore’ 2, We Are Family…
Friday, July 24, 2015
LOCAL
STATE GOVERNMENT
► In today’s News Tribune — Nonbinding vote ahead on state gas-tax increase — Washington’s Nov. 3 ballot will include an advisory vote on a 12-cent gas-tax increase that is the centerpiece of a $16 billion transportation package. It’s one of the advisory votes required by a Tim Eyman initiative.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
► In today’s NY Times — Push to lift minimum wage is now serious business — It started in New York City as what seemed a quixotic drive confined to fast-food workers. But the movement to raise the hourly minimum wage took root in other parts of the country, and is emerging as a significant, and divisive, element in the presidential campaign.
► In the Washington Post — Is the Supreme Court headed for ‘Bush v. Gore’ II? (by Harold Meyerson) — This fall, the court has a splendid opportunity to deliver the most partisan decision it has rendered since Bush v. Gore. When the court rules in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association , which will be argued in the coming months, the Republican-appointed justices will be able, if they so choose, to create a long-term advantage for their party over the Democrats.
NATIONAL
► From AP — Applications for U.S. unemployment aid plummet to 42-year low — The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid plunged last week to the lowest in nearly 42 years. Applications for jobless benefits are a proxy for layoffs, so the low level indicates that employers are keeping their staffs and likely hiring at a steady pace.
► In today’s NY Times — Government pension cuts tangled in patchwork of legal rulings — Steps taken by states and cities to rein in pension plans have resulted in a tide of litigation, with vexing and sometimes contradictory results.
► From FOX 5 San Diego — Hundreds protest as ALEC conference begins — More than 1,000 protesters aligned with organized labor and social justice organizations demonstrated Wednesday in downtown San Diego against an organization that they contend allows corporate lobbyists to cozy up to lawmakers.
T.G.I.F.
► At the WSLC Convention yesterday, this song was played as state Attorney General Bob Ferguson was escorted to and from the podium for his address to delegates. Before beginning, he expressed amazement at the level of research that went into the event, given that this very song was featured prominently at his wedding. The Entire Staff of The Stand, the WSLC’s resident DJs, would love to take credit for the choice, but it goes to none other than WSLC President Jeff Johnson. Full disclosure: Jeff picked it because he likes it, not because he knew of Ferguson’s fondness for it. Enjoy!
The Stand posts links to Washington state and national news of interest every weekday morning by 10 a.m.