Up Front AM: Governor proposes sales tax hike
First take on the day’s political news from the Up Front team.
Sales tax hike: Governor Christine Gregoire is proposing a half-percent sales tax hike for the next three years. In delivering her proposed budget, she said the tax increase would reduce the impact of cuts to social services, public safety and education. She wants the legislature to put it on a March ballot to take effect July 1, 2012.
Round two: Today Seattle City Council Member Mike O’Brien is expected to propose a ban on single use plastic bags — the kind stores use. His proposal is also expected to include a five cent fee for using a paper bag. In 2009 voters struck down a ban on plastic bags passed by the city council.
Need a job? We received this release from reichert’s office:
“Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 22, 2011, U.S. Reps. Dave Reichert (WA-08) and Adam Smith (WA-09), will host the HIRE America Jobs Fair at the ShoWare Center in Kent from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM PT. Nearly 90 local employers and hundreds of eager job seekers will be available for comment. While interviews will be held throughout the event, the Representatives will only be available for side-by-side remarks during the first half-hour of the jobs fair.”
It’s official: The White House Christmas tree is a 19 foot white balsam from Wisconsin. On Friday the National Christmas Tree Association will present the First Lady with the tree at the north Portico of the White House. It will be displayed in the Blue Room.
