For this Legislature, it all comes down to money
January 5, 2009
When the Legislature convenes Jan. 12, its members will attempt to accomplish one primary task during their 105-day session: close a budget gap of $5.7 billion. The whopping deficit is largely due to the national economic depression, according to a statement issued by Gov. Chris Gregoire with her budget proposal. Sharp declines in consumer spending have dramatically reduced state sales tax revenues, the backbone of the budget.
Forum set for elections chief
January 5, 2009
The election season is upon us once again. A little less than two months after the Nov. 4 general election, King County voters on Feb. 3 will decide for the first time who they want heading up the county’s elections department.
Legislators from 41st District weigh in on top state issues
January 5, 2009
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41st Legislative District map
The Legislature convenes Jan. 12 with the daunting task of closing a projected $5.8 billion shortfall.
Last month, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed slashing more than $3.5 billion in funding for schools, social services and other areas to close the biggest budget shortfall in state history.
In addition to budget cuts, Gregoire proposes using $609 million from the state’s rainy-day fund. She’s also banking on the federal government sending the state at least $1 billion to help pay for Medicaid and welfare programs. Read more
Scouts tree removal service
January 5, 2009
Troop 571 volunteer Ben Thompson (left) hands a Christmas tree to parent volunteer Joel Dauterman as Boy Scouts line trees up for chipping Jan. 3 at the Beaver Lake ball fields. Photo by Christopher Huber.
Nonprofits upset with school flyer policy
January 5, 2009
The Issaquah School District’s decision to end the practice of allowing businesses to distribute flyers to children at school has drawn the ire of nonprofits that counted on them for recruitment and fundraising. But the school district says by eliminating so called “kid mail,” school officials have more control over inappropriate content from some businesses.
Child and Adult Care food program funds available
January 5, 2009
Federal funds for meal assistance are available to area organizations that serve children and eligible adults. Read more
Television stations will test signals
January 5, 2009
The U.S. Government has mandated that all television stations cease broadcasting on their analog frequencies and upgrade to digital broadcasts Feb. 17. Read more
Press Editorial
January 5, 2009
Plenty of goals for all of Issaquah in ’09
The year 2008 was one of few accomplishments, based on the list of goals we published last year. Yes, the proposed Southeast Bypass was put to rest, a plan for saving Park Pointe property was proposed, school boundary reviews were completed and the city moved closer to having a human services campus. But there is much left undone, and some of the goals are repeated on this year’s list.
To The Editor
January 5, 2009
Reflecting on 2008
Thank you to everyone who helped reader make it through the year
It is the eve of New Year’s Eve. I am sitting at the Issaquah Library, contemplating the year 2008. It has been a challenging year — a year full of friendships, growth, family and personal issues, and health crises, all rolled into one.
I have to say that although the year has not been my favorite one for a variety of reasons (many of the reasons being related to the news of a brain tumor I received in April), I have to say the blessings have far outweighed the pains. Read more
The Chavez family lives, works together
January 5, 2009
The Chavez family, Yasmin, Adolfo and Olga (from left), all work at the Providence Marianwood assisted living facility in Issaquah. By Greg Farrar.
Olga and Adolfo Chavez are rarely apart. Where one goes, so, too, does the other. The pattern started the day after she arrived in America from her native Guatemala.
“I remember I came to the United States on May 10, 1986, and I met Adolfo the next day,” Olga, 51, said. “We were married nine months later.”
Adolfo, a 59-year-old native of Mexico, confirmed their attachment at the hip. She left California to visit her sister-in-law here while on vacation. She liked it so much that she stayed. Read more
