Latest news with #LakeWashingtonHighSchool
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA lawmakers light up plan for cigarette tax hike
(Photo by) Increasing taxes on cigarettes, cigars and vapor products could be on the buffet of revenue-raising options Washington lawmakers consider to erase a looming budget shortfall. Legislation discussed in the House Finance Committee on Thursday would boost taxes on an array of tobacco products to generate $23.1 million for the general fund in the next two-year budget. While it will cover only a sliver of the projected $6 billion gap, the dollars would help pay health care and societal costs linked to the effects of smoking and vaping, the bill's sponsor told the committee. 'I feel very strongly that those who are most prone to utilize this product should be the people paying for the impacts of this product,' said Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way. Reeves shared that her mother started smoking menthol cigarettes at age 9, eventually becoming a three-pack-a-day smoker. She died of lung cancer when she was 60. Her nicotine habit, Reeves said, led to other addictions including substance misuse and alcohol abuse. Reeves said she's had a 'lifetime struggle' with asthma from her exposure to secondhand smoke. The bill is about 'ensuring accountability' and taxing tobacco products at a rate 'that is going to bring value to the community for those who are most impacted.' Students from Lake Washington High School urged the committee to back the legislation. 'I've seen peers struggle with nicotine addiction before they even turn 18. I've watched students hide in restrooms and sneak out during class because of this compelling dependence,' said Liana Khachatouriansoradehi. 'By passing House Bill 1416 you are choosing to help my friends, smokers or not, by taking a step in protecting us against addiction and investing in healthier futures.' Representatives of the Association of Washington Business, Washington Retail Association, Cigar Association of America and Washington Food Industry Association voiced opposition. They said higher taxes will push up product prices, leading to fewer sales and less income for small business owners. Some argued it could lead individuals to cross into neighboring states to make purchases. 'We understand the desperate need to get revenue this year. Unfortunately, we don't think this is the right answer,' said Katie Beeson of the Washington Food Industry Association. 'We know that tobacco tax increases actually result in a direct decline in sales which will have an impact on your smallest local retailers.' With the budget shortfall looming, Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate are batting around many ideas for raising enough revenue to avoid deep cuts to programs and services. Republican lawmakers say they soon expect to see proposals for a 'wealth tax' on intangible assets like bonds and stocks, a payroll tax imposed on companies with many workers earning high wages and surcharge on business taxes paid by the state's largest corporations. Democrats have floated these tax options but have not yet put them forward in bills. Taxing tobacco products is one of the smallest generators of new dollars now under discussion. The legislation would increase the tax on a single cigarette by one-and-a-half cents. That would raise the tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes by 30 cents to $3.33. The typical price of a single pack runs a little more than $10, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill. The levy on cigars would rise seven cents to a maximum of 72 cents apiece. Little cigars would be taxed one-and-a-half cents more, bringing the total to nearly 17 cents apiece. For smokeless tobacco, also known as moist snuff, the tax on a consumer-sized can or package weighing 1.2 oz or less would go up a quarter to $2.78 and by 21 cents to $2.31 on larger size cans. Vapor products, such as electronic cigarettes and cigars, are subject to sales and use taxes and an additional tax tied to the amount of liquid nicotine or consumable solution. As proposed, the tax on containers of 5 milliliters or more would go up a penny to 10 cents per milliliter. For all other vapor products, the tax would be 30 cents per milliliter of liquid or solution, a three-cent bump. If the bill is enacted, proposed increases would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington lawmakers consider expanding free food for students
The Brief Access to free breakfast and lunch would be expanded to all students across Washington under Senate Bill 5352. Supporters believe the free food would boost student outcomes, though the state's budget shortfall could shadow the proposal. The state would also provide more reimbursement to public schools to offset the costs. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington lawmakers are considering providing free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students, an expansion of current practice that could be challenged by the state's budget woes. Under current state law, public, charter and state-tribal education compact schools must provide free meals to any Kindergarten through fourth grade student if at least 40% of the school is eligible for free or reduced lunch under federal guidelines. Senate Bill 5352 would expand that benefit to all students, regardless of grade or school population, enabling any student to request a free breakfast or lunch. The state would also provide more reimbursement to public schools to offset the costs. What they're saying Prime sponsor State Senator Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), said students can thrive in school when they have access to quality nutrition. "They can learn, grow and play, and they'll do it in a healthy way," he told the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee on Tuesday. "We talk a lot about academic success, test scores here. We know none of that is attainable if a kid's got issues with being hungry in school." A representative on behalf of Governor Bob Ferguson (D) testified in support of the bill. The governor previously highlighted the proposal during his inaugural address last month. "Right now, if you're a single parent working 40 hours a week making $19 an hour, your child doesn't qualify for free meals," he said on January 15. "That's unacceptable. That needs to change." One student from Kirkland testified that expanding free meals would provide a great help to families economically struggling, but not enough to qualify for free and reduced food. "It's not that my family can't afford to add money to mine and my siblings' account, I personally just want to take that burden off my family," said Lake Washington High School student Eleanor Lenihan. "Having the assurance that I can get lunch anytime would relieve that stress for me, too." However, the state's projected budget shortfall of $12 billion dollars over the next four years is casting a shadow on the proposal. Committee chair State Senator Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer Island) said crucial funding increases for materials and operating costs, special education and student transportation are already slated to cost the state an additional $1 billion. She also raised questions about providing free meals to students whose families can comfortably afford the food. "I don't believe we'll be able to fund all of these items, plus meals on top of that, as much as we would like to be providing everything we possibly can to students," she said. Wellman pressed supporters on what priority would need to take a back seat. Some said the free meal expansion could be phased in over time, while others said new taxes could support all of the priorities and boost student outcomes. "I believe that Washington, still having the second-most regressive tax code in the country, creates an opportunity for you to pass progressive new revenue measures that would not only fully fund the big three, but would also add meals to that equation," said Aaron Czyzewski, Advocacy and Policy Director for Food Lifeline. Companion legislation was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on February 3. As of Tuesday, both bills have yet to be scheduled for a committee vote. The Source Information in this story is from Albert James, a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. 3 arrested, charged in connection to Renton, WA beauty store thefts First electric fire truck in WA unveiled in Redmond King County Metro purchase of 120 Teslas faces scrutiny Trump names Washington's Joe Kent to lead counterterrorism agency Armed suspect arrested after barricading in Thurston County, WA home Rare, endangered Malayan tapir calf born at Point Defiance Zoo in WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Washington bill aims to require bars to sell drug tests for spiked drinks
A new Washington State bill is aiming to require all bars to sell drug tests for spiked drinks. Senate Bill 5330 was introduced in a legislative session Monday, which would require all businesses, licensed to sell alcohol, to sell drug tests for spiked drinks. This would include hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and taverns. 'People should feel safe when they go out to bars and nightclubs, and we know that drink spiking is becoming a very real and serious problem,' said State Senator Manka Dhingra. According to the proposal, businesses would be required to sell the tests at a reasonable price based on the wholesale cost of the kits. A sign would also need to be displayed in a prominent area, reading, 'Don't get roofied. Drink spiking drug kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.' Businesses would not be held responsible for defective tests or inaccurate test results. State Senator Dhingra said the idea was brought to her by a group of students from Lake Washington High School after a similar bill was passed in California. 'We're seeing a rise in drinks that have been drugged, basically in order to rape individuals,' she told KIRO 7 News. 'This is about saying in this Washington, we do not tolerate sexual assault and this Washington, we are going to hold perpetrators accountable and do everything we can to stop this behavior from occurring.' KIRO 7 News spoke with customers and business owners about the new proposal, including Jean-Paul Pirio, the owner of Time Out Ale House in Federal Way. 'Safety has to be number one,' he shared. 'You want to protect the customers. You want them to be safe and comfortable here, potentially add to that safety and make people more comfortable.' While he supports the intention of the proposal, he said he also recognizes that other small businesses may push back because of the extra costs as many are struggling with high inflation. 'Restaurants historically are a low-percentage profit business. So, any new expenses potentially could take away from the profitability,' he said. 'I think it could definitely impact them.' KIRO 7 News took this concern to Senator Dhingra. 'They don't charge for toilet paper or other necessary products. They are in a position to buy Vodka, beer and wine so this is a matter of getting used to making sure this product is available, and this is really about prevention. Because once people know this product is available, I do think that people who are interested in spiking drinks will think twice before engaging in this behavior,' she responded. 'We don't want them (businesses) to lose money over this. They should be able to charge a fair market rate to the customers,' she said. Jennifer Rosentrater, a bartender, said she supports the idea as she is aware of the risks of going out at night to grab a drink. 'Women should be able to feel safe. You shouldn't have to worry about your drink if you get up to go to the bathroom, but unfortunately, in today's day and age, you have to,' she said. 'I think it's really sad. It's really sad that you even have to worry about that. As a woman, it's really important to feel safe when you go out, especially when you go out by yourself, and I think these kits will help that.' However, Rosentrater said she believes people would only buy test kits if they believe their drinks have been drugged, adding that the bill may not go far enough to stop perpetrators who are discrete. Senator Dhingra responded after KIRO 7 News shared Rosentrater's concern with her, 'We will not tolerate this behavior. We know it's occurring and here are some tools for us to identify what is going on, and if it's still is occurring, we do have statutes in place that are going to take it seriously and classify it as a level that they're engaging in drug-facilitated rape.' The new bill would take effect January 1, 2026, if passed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Washington proposal would require bars to sell drug tests for spiked drinks
The Brief Lawmakers in Olympia are considering requiring nightclubs, hotels and other places that serve alcohol to sell testing kits for spiked drinks. While proponents say the legislation is important for public safety, some businesses are trying to hit the brakes. The bill is championed in part by a class from Lake Washington High School. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Lawmakers are considering requiring nightclubs, hotels and other places that serve alcohol to sell testing kits for spiked drinks. Proponents say the legislation, championed in part by a class of high schoolers, is important for public safety. Though some businesses are trying to hit the brakes. What they're saying "People should feel safe when they go out to bars and nightclubs," said State Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) "And we know that drink spiking is becoming a very real and serious problem." Heard in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee Monday morning, Senate Bill 5330 would require bars, theaters and other places that serve alcohol to sell drug testing kits for spiked drinks. Dhingra, the prime sponsor of the bipartisan legislation, said the businesses could charge a market-rate price for the strips, stickers or other testing devices. While they would have to put up signs saying tests are available and check that they have not expired, the businesses would not be responsible for a defective test. "This is about just the alarming number in the rise of drug-facilitated rape that we're seeing," Dhingra said. "And I think as a state, I think we have to say that that culture needs to stop." She said a group of Lake Washington High School students in Kirkland pitched the bill to her. The group said they helped make the bill as part of their AP Government class and TVW's Capitol Classroom. "To be here today to speak to senators, have other people even testify in support or raising concerns with our bill – it was so cool to see the process first hand. It was so amazing for us," said Lake Washington senior Kira Ulrich. The students looked to similar legislation that became law in California – though that bill only covered bars and nightclubs. They even called businesses across the state to gauge their interest in the requirements. Why you should care While they are not of legal age to be drinking, the students said sexual assault, whether drug-induced or otherwise, can happen to anyone and have a lasting impact. "We have first-hand accounts of how often this happens and how life-changing it can be," said Lake Washington senior Addie Hafermann. "So it's just absolutely essential that something like this be passed so we can really make people be safe." "We really need to think about the survivors, victims or soon to be victims, and we just really need to do something to be proactive and preventive," Ulrich said. "And a big part of this bill is not only to give patrons some control and protection, but build awareness." An industry group representing restaurants and hotels supports bars being required to sell tests, but expressed concerns about the requirement extending to other businesses. They also spoke about the additional costs for businesses to stock a product they have never sold before and keep track expiration dates. "Businesses that cater to family and children should retain the option to offer these products and post signage about sexual assault," said Julia Gorton with the Washington Hospitality Association. "We look forward to continuing the conversation and aligning the bill with the California approach, but this bill needs many more conversations." Dhingra said she is looking forward to conversations with businesses to iron out concerns on signage and where the requirements apply. But ultimately, where there is a bar, there should be a way to test a drink. "This is really not meant to be onerous, but really meant to be a partnership to make sure all the patrons are safe," she said. "You never know who's around you and by putting in these safety procedures and allowing bars to sell these products to customers will protect everybody in Washington," said Lake Washington senior Ava Brisimitzis. Senate Bill 5330 is scheduled for a committee vote on Friday. The Source Albert James, a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. Las Vegas Raiders hire Pete Carroll as head coach, sources say Renton PD: Son threatens mother, talks about 'demons' before her murder Scammer charged for swindling $14K from 71-year-old WA woman Auburn police officer sentenced for 2019 shooting death of homeless man Cluster of tremors felt near Snoqualmie, WA after 3.5 magnitude earthquake To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX Seattle FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
