Dino Rossi's State of the State Speech

See it here.

2008 Lincoln Day Dinner

Please join the Whitman County Republicans for their annual Lincoln Day Dinner, Sunday, February 10. A reception will be held at the Hawthorn Inn and Suites in Pullman beginning at 12:30, followed by dinner across the parking lot at The Hilltop Restaurant.

Special guest speaker this year is: Washington gubernatorial candidate DINO ROSSI!

UPDATE:

- Dinner and membership in WCRP $50
- Dinner only $35

Send checks to WCRP, P.O. Box 203, Pullman, WA, 99163

"Washington lawmakers bring back 1-percent cap; Whitman County officials hope Legislature revisits issue during upcoming session"

I missed this before as I was in Mexico when it happened.

The restoration of the 1% property tax cap established by I-747 during a special legislative session last month was a huge victory for the Washington State Republican Party and a huge loss for the Democrats. Even though the GOP is crippled with a historic low number of seats in Olympia, the specter of Dino Rossi winning the 2008 gubernatorial race and sweeping in more Republicans in the House and Senate with his coattails sent the Rats running away from their left-wing environmentalist/big labor special interest base and towards the taxpaying citizens of Washington. Thank God we still have a two-party system in this state.

From the November 30 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Whitman County officials aren't surprised the Washington Legislature reinstated a 1-percent cap on annual property tax increases during a one-day special legislative session.

Gov. Chris Gregoire called for Thursday's special session in Olympia after the Washington Supreme Court ruled Initiative 747 and its 1-percent cap unconstitutional earlier this month.

Whitman County Commissioner Greg Partch said the cap makes it difficult for cities and counties to operate. He hopes the Legislature re-examines the cap when it convenes Jan. 14 and takes the interests of small taxing districts into account.

"I am really hoping during the session they really sit down and take a look at the effects," Partch said. "I think they will realize a lot of people are hurting - 1 percent does not cover it. (Olympia) does not live under a 1-percent cap, but they expect us to. I think it is rather interesting that they lift their caps and do what they want and then they expect local government to bear the brunt."

Whitman County and three nonprofit organizations challenged the constitutionality of I-747 in King County Superior Court in January 2005, claiming the voters were misled by the Voters' Pamphlet. The trial court ruled in favor of the challengers and the Supreme Court upheld the ruling, finding voters were deceived by the initiative and that the Voters' Pamphlet was ambiguous as to whether the effect of I-747 would generally lower the property tax levy limit by 1 percent or by 5 percent.

The ruling meant city and county governments and taxing districts could revert to the - percent limit that was in place before voters approved Initiative 747 in 2001.

Gregoire praised lawmakers for approving the cap and a second property tax relief bill, and said the measures would help soothe Washingtonians' worries about soaring tax bills.

"All of those legislators recognized the literal fear that is out there with regard to property taxes," she said.

Lawmakers were in session for less than 12 hours Thursday, rushing through a pair of bills that minority Republicans sometimes jeered. In the end, the Democrats' robust majorities and the politically touchy nature of tax votes ensured both measures would pass.

The main bill approved Thursday reinstates a 1-percent cap on annual property tax increases, which voters endorsed in 2001 under I-747.

Also enacted was a tax deferral program for people making less than the state's median income, presently about $57,000.

Both measures take effect immediately.

A handful of majority Democrats voted against the property tax cap in both chambers, saying a limit below the rate of inflation hurts local governments that are being squeezed to provide services.

The tax cap bill was "based on a flawed law that never should have been approved by the voters in the first place," said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle.

Minority Republicans in both chambers seemed generally happy to vote for the tax cap, although some of them - along with GOP governor candidate Dino Rossi and anti-tax activist Tim Eyman - said the measure didn't go far enough.

The 1 percent cap under I-747 "has dampened tax increases. It hasn't stopped them," said Sen. Mike Carrel, R-Lakewood.

Thursday's vote in favor of the property tax cap bill was 86-8 in the House, and 39-9 in the Senate. In both cases, Democrats cast the only "no" votes.

The court ruling on I-747, which came just days after voters displayed a penny-pinching mood in the statewide election, prompted Gregoire to call the special session.

The initiative was sponsored by one of the Olympia establishment's biggest antagonists, anti-tax activist Eyman. It capped annual increases of certain property tax collections at 1 percent, unless voters approved a higher levy.

The property tax cap doesn't stop a homeowner's tax bill from increasing more than 1 percent per year.

Each taxing district affected by the cap can get its 1-percent increase. Some taxes, such as new construction and school levies, also aren't subject to the cap.

The state Department of Revenue estimates the average homeowner's property tax bill has climbed 5 percent per year in recent history.

Eyman criticized lawmakers just after the session got under way Thursday morning, saying Democrats weren't going far enough to limit property taxes.

About $100 million in old, unused taxing capacity - which Eyman unsuccessfully tried to wipe out with an earlier initiative - also should be repealed, he said.

"Gregoire and the Democrats don't care about the taxpayers. They're pretending to care about taxpayers," Eyman said.

Rossi and Republican lawmakers echoed that criticism.

Democratic leaders largely dismissed their complaints, but some said the issue could be part of a deeper look at property taxes expected once the Legislature returns in January.

Democrats, however, already appeared split on just what those reforms would look like.

House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said the 1-percent cap would be a closed issue after the special session. But Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, didn't rule out more changes.

"When we come into a new legislative session, all the property tax proposals will be on the table," Brown said.

Thursday's second bill, the tax deferral program for lower-income homeowners, was modeled after an existing plan for seniors and the disabled.

It would allow homeowners making less than the median state income to put off paying as much as half of their yearly property tax bill until their home is sold.

State dollars would replace what local governments normally would get, and the state would get repaid with interest when the property changes hands. There are some conditions for participating in the program.

Some Democrats and activists on the political left have been unhappy with the entire special session, saying it amounts to a politically calculated cave-in that gives a victory to anti-tax forces.

At a committee hearing earlier Thursday, Washington State Council of Fire Fighters spokesman Bud Sizemore said the 1 percent limit hurts local government.

"The business world wouldn't live with this, and I don't think that we should," Sizemore said.

QUICKREAD

IN AND OUT: Washington state legislators met in an unusual one-day mini-session Thursday to adopt two property tax relief measures. They convened at 8 a.m. and wrapped up less than 12 hours later despite political skirmishing.

747 FLIES AGAIN: Washington lawmakers reauthorized a 1-percent annual growth limit for property taxes. It was a reaction to the state Supreme Court throwing out similar provisions of Initiative 747 on technical grounds. House Bill 2416 was quite popular, passing 86-8 in the House and 39-9 in the Senate.

DEFERRAL TIME: Less popular was a voluntary program to let some property owners defer paying as much as half of their annual tax bill, to be repaid with interest at the time of sale. The Senate vote on Senate Bill 6178 was 27-21; the House vote was 55-39.

JUST A BEGINNING: House and Senate leaders say the broader issue of property tax equity and the needs of local government will be aired at the upcoming regular session.

GOVERNOR'S ROLE: Gov. Chris Gregoire, a Democrat locked in a potentially tough bid for re-election, called the special session and happily signed the bills Thursday night.

Join Team Rossi's O-Line

A messsage from former Coug and Seahawk great, Robbie Tobeck:

Dear Team Rossi Member,

As a former Seattle Seahawk and Washington State Cougar, I know the importance of building a cohesive team who can work together to secure a win for everyone. Team leadership and hard work are essential to success both on the football field and within our own state. But today, our state is in desperate need of new team leadership. Our current governor, Christine Gregoire has built a culture of failure in Olympia that needs immediate change and that's why I'm writing to you today.

I'm supporting Dino Rossi in his campaign to be our next Governor because I know he's the right candidate who will bring the change we need. Dino is proof that if you do the necessary hard work and you are willing to do what it takes to build a great team, you'll achieve success.

So, I'm asking you to take the time today to join me on Dino's team by following this link. Early supporters are essential to the Rossi campaign, so we're working hard to get as many supporters as possible to make a financial commitment by Monday, December 31st.

The polls show this race is already a dead heat. There's no doubt in my mind that the Rossi campaign will need to build a strong offensive line early on to block negative attacks from Christine Gregoire and the special interests supporting her failed agenda. Will you join the Rossi campaign's offensive line today by making a special donation of $61 in honor of my Seahawks number?

Our goal is to raise $100,000 online by the 31st and we're less than $10,000 away from this goal. Please make your immediate donation today to help us reach our goal by December 31st!

I have been proud to call Washington my home for many years. As a family man and businessman, I have a personal stake in this election. I'm as concerned as my friends and neighbors about the tax increases, crowded roadways, unsafe neighborhoods, and my children's education. I'm ready for new leadership- I'm ready for a leader who will go to Olympia and bring real reform to our state.

Because of the competitive nature of this campaign, Dino needs each and every one of us to make a commitment today to his campaign. There's no doubt in my mind the negative attacks will start any day now. As Dino's supporters, we need to band together to build an effective offensive line to combat these attacks. Your immediate gift of $1,400, $1,000, $500, $250 or even $61 will go a long way in helping to build the "Rossi O-Line." Please join us today!

Thanks for your time,

Rob Tobeck

P.S. Your support is needed to elect Dino as our next Governor. He knows how to lead an organization to produce positive results for our state. Please join me in helping Dino build a winning team by making a generous donation of $61 or more today so we can reach our goal of raising $100,000 online by December 31st! Thank you for your support.

Dino Rossi December Campaign Update

Here's the latest from Dino Rossi:

Dear Friends –

Before I update you on the campaign, I would like to start with a few words about the floods that have devastated communities in Western Washington. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been impacted by this natural disaster. I encourage everyone to help the flood victims by donating money and/or goods.

· Red Cross, call 1-800-RED-Cross or visit http://www.rainier-redcross.org/
· Salvation Army, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visit http://www.salvationarmynw.org/

A small donation can make a big difference to families who have lost everything this holiday season.

Campaign Update

Since publicly kicking off my campaign on October 25th, we have been overwhelmed by the support and response we have received from all over our state. It is clear that people are tired of business as usual in Olympia and are ready for new leadership. We have had an unbelievable month on the campaign trail and I want to share with you some of the highlights.

I am excited to report that as of the end of November, our campaign has raised over $1.1 million! Here are some fun facts you should know:

· More than 7,000 people have given to our campaign;
· Over 39% of our contributors are brand new donors;
· We received over $78,500 in online contributions;
· In our last campaign, it took us until late February of 2004 to raise as much as we have already collected for this campaign.

Over 1000 people have already signed up on our website as volunteers.

We’re well on our way to catching up with the incumbent's campaign cash on hand totals, but she’s had a 3-year head start on us. If you can, please contribute through our website by clicking here. Thank you.

More Good News

Christine Gregoire’s strategy is to attack my character. Her agents filed a Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) complaint against me in June claiming that I was already a candidate for Governor and thus should be subject to public disclosure requirements. The PDC conducted a long and expensive investigation and last week ruled to dismiss these baseless charges. In a letter, the PDC staff confirmed that we had been telling the truth the entire time. Christine Gregoire’s agents were spreading lies and launching personal attacks, all in a failed attempt to smear me. They will say and do anything to cling to power in Olympia.

We also had a victory when Christine Gregoire caved to political pressure and held a special session to reinstate I-747. It wasn’t until after I called for a 1 percent cap and a special session that the incumbent suddenly decided she should “support the will of the people.” Unfortunately, she only got half the job done by not repealing banked capacity, which means taxing districts can still raise property taxes above 1 percent without a vote of the people. I will continue to lead on this issue and ensure that property tax increases are held to a true one-percent cap.

From neglect of our state ferries, to dangers in the child care system, to the hand-picked leader of an open government committee defying the state’s new reporter-shield law, every day, we see stories that illustrate the incompetence and failures of the Governor’s administration. She has been in state government for 38 years. She has run out of new ideas. It is time for fresh leadership…and people feel this all across the state.

Issues

We’ve recently launched two new pages on our website. Visit our issues page to learn more about my position on important topics such as education, transportation, public safety and fiscal responsibility. The Case for Change documents Gregoire’s long list of broken promises.

Get Involved

The incumbent is on the defensive, vulnerable and clearly worried by our continued strength. All polls show us in a statistical dead heat with Gregoire, and the incumbent has yet to poll above 50 percent.

But we need your help to keep this energy going. Will you go to our website to volunteer? Thank you to all who have and please encourage your friends to sign-up as well.

This campaign is a people’s movement, and together we will bring change to Olympia.

- Dino Rossi

Queen Calls Special Session to Save Her Throne

Last year, a King County Superior Court judge struck down I-747 as being unconstitutional. I-747 was the ballot measure passed on 2001 that limited property tax increases to 1% a year without voter approval. One of the plaintiffs in that lawsuit was Whitman County.

Legal technicalities notwithstanding, it is clear what the intent of 58% of Washington voters was when they passed I-747. The Democratic supermajority in Olympia was urged last session to take action and restore the 1% property cap via legislation. The Rats punted, saying the Washington Supreme Court would reverse the decision. The Supreme Court, by a 5-4 margin, upheld the lower court decision last month. Oops. Bad timing for Queen Christine and the Dems, what with Dino Rossi throwing his hat into the 2008 gubernatorial race and recent polls showing the election a virtual dead heat. The recent passage of I-960 by voters shows, that despite numerous obituaries being written by the left, the taxpayer revolt in Washington is alive and well. Allowing a big tax increase to go forward is political hemlock for the Rats. And they only have themselves to blame. Earlier this year, they passed the largest spending increase in Washington history.

Now Queen Christine has called a special session of the legislature to restore the 1% property tax cap. As usual, she is demonstrating the cowardly, waffling, blow with the wind, lead from behind approach to governing she showed with the Alaskan Way Viaduct. As the Seattle Times story reported:

"I'm glad she has called the special session because we need to protect the will of the voters," Rossi said in a statement. "But I have a feeling she only took this step out of political expediency, not concern for the taxpayers."

But who cares as long as the 1% property tax cap gets restored.

Predictably, the "progressive" moonbats are howling, for example, here, here, and here.

And from the "strange political bedfellows" department, so are the Whitman County Commissioners. According to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News website:

Whitman County Commissioner Greg Partch said the 1 percent cap makes it difficult for smaller taxing districts to operate and the move to reinstate the initiative is based on politics alone. For Whitman County, 1 percent only amounts to $37,000 a year in tax revenue.

Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson and City Supervisor John Sherman have applauded the overturn of I-747 and the Daily News editors opined last week that:

Bottom line, the control of property taxes was returned to the local governments where it belongs - but not before some budgetary belt-tightening.

Capping tax increases made it difficult to provide some services.

If Pullman or Colfax needs a 3-percent increase in property taxes to provide the services local residents demand, then those city councils should have the power to do so.

Local voters are an excellent barometer - through the ballot box - of how well those elected officials budget tax dollars. That power should not be in the hands of west side voters who think they can dictate - through the initiative process - how much tax is too much for people in Whitman County.

No one likes to raise taxes and responsible local government is no exception. But the need to increase taxes is necessary from time to time and is best done at the local level by those who know just how precious each penny is.

I sympathize with our local governments. But the reforms in Olympia need to be regulatory, not to the tax code. What would help Pullman and Whitman County more are drastic changes to the State Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Ecology. Wal-Mart would be in Pullman now, contributing over a million dollars a year to the tax base if not for the long, drawn out SEPA appeal process. The Pullman City Council must take some of the blame for this by mandating that SEPA appeals go through the superior court, which is why we have this latest delay of over a year in the appellate court. In most Washington towns, SEPA appeals are heard by the city council. In Whitman County, the Hawkins Companies development in the Pullman-Moscow corridor would be contributing $3 million plus to the tax coffers if not for the meddling by the Deprtment of Ecology. And let's not even get started on Ecology's business-killing stormwater requirements.

All this environmentalist nitwittery from Olympia cannot, and should not, be balanced on the backs of home owners. Housing in Whitman County is already among the least affordable in the state. Can you imagine how much more unaffordable housing would be with annual 4% property tax increases?

And its not just Whitman County. A recent WSU Center for Real Estate Research study concluded that the Growth Management Act has increased the cost of homes in Washington. The voters of this state spoke in 2001. Enough is enough. If cities and counties have a hard time making ends meet, then its time to clear away the dead wood of bureaucratic regulations, not reach deeper into taxpayer's wallets.

Queen Christine's First Term Report Card

As graded by Dino Rossi:

At the end of each school term, my kids come home with their report cards ready for me and my wife to see just how they're progressing in each of their school subjects. These report cards got me thinking... what if we were to grade Christine Gregoire on what she's done since taking office?

In looking at the issues, I think you'll agree... she'd receive straight Fs for her failed policies. Christine Gregoire's policies have produced an alarming string of failures- and the effects are felt by all Washingtonians. These failures include:

Failure to get serious about providing property tax relief to hard-working homeowners.

Failure to address traffic congestion - something the 9.5 cent gas tax increase was supposed to improve.

Failure to practice fiscal discipline - spending has increased 32% ($8.2 billion) under Gregoire!

Failure to cut taxes- in fact Gregoire has raised taxes by $500 million (including a death tax).

Failure to reform our educational system. Washington's kids aren't properly prepared to compete in a competitive global economy.

Failure to keep our neighborhoods safe. Our state has granted early releases to more than 3,000 dangerous felons per year since Gregoire took office.

The bottom line is that Christine Gregoire has failed to set the right priorities for Washingtonians and their families and we need new leadership in Olympia. She has broken too many campaign promises and I'm here to say enough is enough!

Will you join my campaign today in sending a message to the entrenched liberal special interests and Christine Gregoire by making an immediate donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more? I am leading a campaign for change that says, "We can definitely do better!" I need your support today to communicate with voters across our state in our campaign for change.

Washingtonians statewide are clearly excited about our campaign. In just a few short weeks, we've raised well over a half a million dollars. This money is a tremendous start, but is small compared to the millions of dollars the entrenched special interest groups will spend to keep Gregoire and her failed policies in office.

That's why it is so important that we keep our fundraising momentum going. And this is why it is so important you follow this link today to make a contribution showing your support for change!

Like any parent, if my kids came home with straight Fs on their report card, my wife and I would tell them a big change is needed. Christine Gregoire's failures are no different. Change in our state is needed and that's why I'm running for governor. Please follow this link to make a donation of whatever you can afford today to help me spread this message.

Thank you,

Dino Rossi

P.S. Washingtonians deserve more than a governor who has failed them- we deserve better and I hope you will join me today in saying, we can definitely do better! Our campaign for change has been met with tremendous support- and I'm asking you to help us continue this momentum by making a contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more right away by following this link. Thanks for your support!

BREAKING NEWS: It's Official, Dino's In!!!

I just received the following e-mail from Dino Rossi:

Dear Supporter,

Today, I am very excited to announce that I am a candidate for Governor of Washington.

While I've enjoyed getting back to being a regular dad and spending more time with my family and friends over the last three years, I am keenly aware that our state is headed in the wrong direction.

After a great deal of thought and discussions with Washingtonians across our state, it is clear to me that the best thing I can do to ensure a better future for is, indeed, to run for governor and make the change our state needs.

Our campaign will not be about "What could have been?" Instead, we're looking to the future and saying "We can and will do better."

To help kick-off my campaign, will you be one of the first to sign the "Pledge of Support" by immediately following this link and making a generous contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500 or more to Dino Rossi for Governor?

Our current governor, Christine Gregoire, is on a four-year spending spree and leading a culture of failure in Olympia that is failing citizens in every corner of our state:

* State spending has increased by 32% - or $8.2 billion - in just four years.
* Accountability has been stripped out of school spending.
* Thousands of dangerous felons were released early onto our streets.
* Our roadways have become even more crowded and dangerous.

The polls show we can win - the race is a statistical dead heat- and we're just getting started! Christine Gregoire is reading the same polls we are and there's no doubt that she and those who have a stake in maintaining the status quo will say, do or spend whatever it takes to try to tear me down. But with you on my team, I'm confident we can win and bring the kind of change our state so desperately needs.

Washington state is full of promise. But to harness our opportunities, we need new leadership that is not afraid to take on business as usual and change the culture in Olympia.

As the campaign unfolds, you'll hear a lot more about my ideas to make Washington great - to cut taxes, reduce out of control state spending, keep our neighborhoods safe, and bring the kind of accountability and reform to our schools that will allow our children to compete in the global economy.

I can't do it alone - I need your help to get my campaign off to a strong start. Please follow this link right away to sign the online "Pledge of Support" and at the same time make a generous contribution of whatever you can afford.

You and I both know that money is important in political campaigns. But we also know that most important of all is leadership, accountability, integrity, and a willingness to move forward long-term ideas that bring the real solutions Washingtonians need.

If I can count on your support today, please take a moment right now to follow this link and sign the "Pledge of Support

Thank you for your time -- I look forward to seeing you as I travel our state in the weeks and months ahead.

Your friend,

Dino Rossi

BREAKING NEWS: Dino Rossi to Announce Election Plans October 25 in Spokane

Dino Rossi will announce his decision whether or not to run for Governor in 2008 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Spokane this Thursday, October 25. No time has been set yet, but it is anticipated to be around 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

Please spread the word. Whitman County needs to have a big presence at this event.

UPDATE: The announcement will be made at 4:30 PM