HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 1759 - 2012 Legislative AgendaCity of Tukwila
Washington
Resolution No. /15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR USE
DURING THE 2012 WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
WHEREAS, the City Council has agreed to pursue certain legislative issues for
2012; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes this agenda is not all encompassing, in that
certain additional items may arise during the legislative session that require support or
opposition; and
WHEREAS, a legislative agenda outlines the priority issues that elected officials
may discuss when speaking to members of the Washington State Legislature; and
WHEREAS, the City Council agreed to these priorities at the Regular City Council
Meeting on January 17, 2012;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
The Tukwila City Council has identified priorities for the 2012 Washington State
Legislative Session that are integral to serving the Tukwila community in the manner in
which the residents and businesses have come to expect. The City of Tukwila 2012
Legislative Agenda is hereby incorporated by reference as Attachment A.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
at a Regular Meeting thereof this 1'4 day of Tait4.4 c{ , 2012.
J
ATTEST /,t UTHENTICATED:
Christy O'FlaTierty, CMC, City Ierk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Eelley M. K4rtrike, t ity Attorney
Attachment A: City of Tukwila 2012 Legislative Agenda
Verna Seal, Council President
Filed with the City Clerk: /
Passed by the City Council: t f r d/A
Resolution Number: i i q
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City of Tukwila
2012 Legislative Priorities • State Issues
During the second year of the Washington State Legislature's 2011 -12 biennium legislative cycle, the City of Tukwila will
focus on the following legislative priorities:
ATTACHMENT A
City Fiscal Health
MONITOR: Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Mitigation
Ensure that state monies committed for SST mitigation continue to remain dedicated to that source and are not utilized to
balance the state budget. The Governor's 2012 supplemental budget appropriates $47.4 million for SST mitigation which
reflects a 10% reduction ($2.2 million) from the budget which passed the Legislature last June. Legislation making this
reduction permanent will be considered during this session. Additionally, it is important to continue addressing
inconsistencies and applicability in SST mitigation where and when appropriate.
MONITOR & OPPOSE: Further Reductions to State Shared Revenues
Maintaining the level of revenues shared between the State and local governments is an integral part of local government's
ability to provide communities with basic services. Any reduction to these revenues will continue to negatively impact local
cities ' existing budget challenges. Shared revenues include: Liquor Revolving Account, Liquor Excise Tax and SST.
SUPPORT: Flexibility on Use of Existing Revenue Sources
Increase the flexibility of cities ' ability to spend revenue. Ease restrictions on how local governments can spend their own
revenue (including REET) to best meet local needs, and preserve local taxing authority that reflects community priorities.
General Government Operations
SUPPORT: Pro - Active Approaches to Reduce Impact of Public Records Requests to Cities
Actively support efficient responses to and delivery of public records while reducing requests that increase local costs without
enhancing transparency or the public's right to know. Provide legislative clarification that the public records process is not
intended to be used for commercial purposes.
Environment & Water
SUPPORT: Amending SEPA to Increase Efficiencies
The Growth, Shoreline and Water Management Acts have substantially strengthened environmental protection regulations
over the years, resulting in excessive SEPA applicability. Legislation that eliminates redundancies between SEPA and these
Acts will allow more. flexibility in local government and create efficiencies without backsliding in environmental protection.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SUPPORT: Transportation & Infrastructure Enhancements
Support legislation which increases flexibility of use of existing revenues and implements new revenues for use in expansion,
maintenance and repair of transportation mechanism; including such items as street utility capability for cities and counties.
This includes street maintenance, stormwater, local transportation and public works assistance.
Law, Justice & Public Safety
OPPOSE: Required Election of Municipal Court Judges
The City will continue to oppose legislation requiring the election of municipal court judges. Municipal court appointments
are cost effective, judges are qualified and ethical, and appointments give cities flexible options for efficient court operations.
MONITOR: Medical Marijuana
Additional legislation is expected to be introduced this session which will address restrictions and clarification of cities'
authority to apply local regulations regarding medical marijuana. Tukwila currently has a moratorium in place regarding
marijuana dispensaries and collective gardens.
SUPPORT: Tools for Combating Gang Activity
The City of Tukwila has firsthand experience with the results of gang activity within the community. As such, we are interested
in ongoing collaboration of activities and funding that provides tools to address gang prevention and intervention, as well as
civil and criminal ways to address gang activity.
Continued Funding for Human Services
Especially during turbulent economic times, the City of Tukwila recognizes and is committed to continue funding of human
services programs. In consideration of this local commitment, we encourage our State legislators to support human services
funding, recognizing the need of these vital services throughout our local communities, minimizing related human services
cuts in any way possible.
1/11/2012