Up Front AM: Parting words from the state’s chief economist
First take on the day’s political news from the Up Front team.
Mandatory retirement: State lawmakers heard several bills yesterday that would revise laws requiring mandatory retirement for judges at age 75. Among those testifying: Former State Supreme Court Justice Gerry Alexander, who had to retire last year—one year short of finishing his term. The legislation wouldn’t affect Alexander personally, but the Justice says, if voters elect someone to the bench, that person should be able to serve out his or her term.
Plastic bag ban: Democratic state representative Joe Fitzgibbon holds a press conference at noon, introducing a bill to ban disposable plastic bags in Washington state. Washington would be the first state to ban plastic bags.
Education reform: Also at noon today, four lawmakers will introduce bills aimed at teacher and principal accountability, targeting reliance on the seniority system.
Parting words: From Arun Raha, the state economist who unexpectedly announced yesterday that he’s resigning to go back to his old company in Cleveland, a suggestion on how to get the Washington state economy going. “Buy a car, or a house, or at least a strip mall,” Raha says.
