The passing or our former colleagues

I was just informed of the passing of Sheri Schermehorn and Capt Lundgren. A memorial service for Capt Lundgern will be on Banbridge Island on the 23rd of May. I will Post more information when it becomes available.

Mark Willmes

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Legislators propose new federal ferry funds (Seattlepi.com)

Washington would get tens of millions more dollars a year for its ferry system, under a new congressional proposal.

"It's not always easy convincing some of our colleagues here in Washington, D.C., of the importance of a robust ferry system," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a news conference with U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, and Washington State Ferries chief David Moseley to announce the plan. "They understand investments in roads, highways, and in rail. But many don't realize that for many states, ferries are a crucial link in the transportation chain."

Moseley said nearly one quarter of the nation's 100 million ferry riders use Washington State Ferries, which is the nation's largest ferry system in all measures except route miles, where Alaska places first.

"The federal government has long seen the wisdom of providing financial support for our transportation system in terms of highways and bridges and rail and transit," he said. "Really, the ferry system is all of those things wrapped into one system."

Moseley also noted that four of Washington's 10 ferry routes serve U.S. Navy installations.

The new plan would increase federal transportation package funding for ferries from $67 million to $200 million a year from 2010 to 2015, with half the total distributed based the number of ferry users and route miles, and the rest through a competitive grant process.

The proposal would increase Washington's annual share of preset funding from $5 million to $40.7 million, not counting competitive grants.

The economic stimulus package Congress approved earlier this year allocates another $60 million for ferries. The U.S. Department of Transportation is setting up criteria for allocating that money.

The new measure has support from legislators in ferry-dependent states such as Alaska, North Carolina, New York and Connecticut, and boat-building states, such as Mississippi and Wisconsin, Larsen said. The goal is to make it part of the transportation reauthorization bill, which the House aims to vote on in July and the Senate will take up later this year or next.

Washington cannot use federal money for new ferry hulls because of its requirement that ferries be built in state. But the money could go to other systems for planned new ferries, overhauls such a planned $9 million renovation of the Hyak, and terminal improvements, such as a $26 million project in Anacortes and a $30-million plan for Mukilteo, Larsen said.

The measure also would, among other things:

Allow ferry systems to compete for funds through the federal Clean Fuels Grant Program;
Set up a Ferry Joint Program Office in U.S. Department of Transportation to coordinate federal programs affecting ferries and promote ferries as a component of the nation's transportation system;
Authorize funding for a college or university-based National Ferry Transportation Institute that would focus on improving ferry operations and safety.

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News From the Washington State Labor Council

A fitting end to an
anti-worker session
In the final hours, Legislature removes benefits
from unemployment bill, cuts health funding
for state employees, passes new tax breaks

OLYMPIA -- If there was any doubt remaining about whether corporate interests superseded those of working families in the 2009 Legislature, it evaporated in the session's final weekend.

The State Senate, where Democrats have a 31-18 majority, refused to concur with the House-approved version of SSB 5963, the unemployment insurance bill. The Senate voted to strip the bill of its restoration to a 4.0 benefit multiplier, an $8 to $19 weekly benefit increase that would have taken effect next year when the temporary benefit increase expires. The Senate also voted to CUT benefits by taking away the discretion of the Employment Security commissioner to award benefits in unique circumstances of good-cause quits.

What remained was a permanent business tax cut lowering 2010-2015 rates about $377 million, and when the economy recovers, about $1.6 billion every five years after that.

The Senate did approve a small technical change that will allow unemployed workers who've exhausted their yearly benefits in Washington to continue to receive federal benefits. This no-brainer doesn't cost the state a penny and helps an estimated 22,000 workers.

Even so, what it took to pass even this amendment was absurd. And the Senate added insulting unaccountability to working-family injury by taking extraordinary steps to try to keep you from finding out how they voted on all this.

Here's how this black comedy played out.

When it became clear the Senate would strip the amendments from SSB 5963, Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Kent) did the right thing to create some accountability by demanding a roll-call vote on each of the three House amendments. Nine votes are all that are needed. But unfortunately, five of the nine Senators who said they would sustain the motion for a roll-call vote did not.

Shock at this betrayal led to chaos on the floor as Democratic Lt. Governor Brad Owen, who presides over the Senate, went forward with a stand-up non-recorded vote on the first amendment before Senators even understood what they were voting on. Sen. Chris Marr (D-Spokane) had posed the original motion as non-concurrence rather than a positive motion and... well, we're getting a little "inside baseball" here. In the end, many Senators not only didn't know what amendment they were voting on, but they were also confused whether to vote "yes" or "no."

By the time Owen finally clued Senators in on what they were voting upon -- this is what democracy looks like! -- the Senate had rejected all three House amendments, including the 100% federally funded technical fix. Labor lobbyists went to Sen. Linda Evans Parlette (R-Wenatchee) and Sen. Jim Kastama (D-Puyallup) to explain that they had just accidentally refused free money that could be spent by struggling families in local businesses, and this amendment was subsequently brought up for reconsideration and passed.

SSB 5963 then went back to the House, where State Representatives ultimately receded from their amendments on the 4.0 multiplier and commissioner discretion. In this case, a group of progressive legislators demanded roll-call votes on receding, but given House Speaker Frank Chopp's reportedly tearful plea to caucus members to back off on the amendments, the votes to recede weren't even close.

The Washington State Labor Council very much appreciates the courage it took for 53 State Representatives to stand up to opposition from Boeing, other corporate interests and their own House Democratic leadership to pass the labor-backed amendments in the first place. But in the end, what prevailed was a "deal" agreed to by Democratic leaders -- and without labor's knowledge -- to do nothing for unemployed workers in 2009 except pass the temporary economic-stimulus benefit increase that expires Dec. 31. In exchange, business got hundreds of millions of dollars in permanent tax cuts plus they took away commissioner discretion. Nice deal.

Chopp to GOP: I'll give you U.I., if you'll shut up

An interesting side note to Speaker Chopp's role in convincing his colleagues to recede on unemployment benefits, was that he reportedly used SSB 5963 as a bargaining chip to get Republicans to shut up as time was running out. In the end, it backfired when the Republicans reneged -- by not shutting up -- and time expired before everything got passed.

As you've probably heard, the House was unable to pass all of the bills Democratic leaders and Gov. Chris Gregoire had agreed were needed to implement their all-cuts budget. That means there will likely be a special overtime session, perhaps as short as one day and perhaps as soon as next week.

Gregoire hopes to limit the scope of the session to three or four bills that are needed for the budget, including a school levy equalization bill. Opposed by Republicans and some Democrats, this bill would cut about $60 million in state "levy equalization dollars" intended to help poor districts that can't raise much tax money. To make up for it, the bill increases the limit on what the districts can raise for themselves.

With only a few hours left in the session, this bill was being talked to death by Republicans, and the Democrats still had a lot of bills requiring action. So Speaker Chopp called a timeout and cut a deal with Republicans. He would move the unemployment insurance bill -- sans benefit amendments -- if they would stop delaying and let him move some bills.

So the House receded on U.I., and for a while anyway, the Republicans let a couple bills move.

One of those late bills -- approved 85-11 amid unconscionable cuts to the state's Basic Health Plan, state employee and teacher layoffs, and the slashing of various public services -- was SB 6170, an assortment of tax cuts for Hanford contractors, log haulers, solar energy producers, and others. They passed this bill, complete with an "emergency clause," before they even got the fiscal note. That's right. They aren't sure what all the tax breaks will cost.

And let's not forget that on the session's final day, the Senate resurrected a tax break for newspapers that was previously reported to have died. It will cost $1.2 million in the first year and about $1.3 million thereafter.

Anyway, getting back to Chopp's "I'll-give-you-U.I.-if-you'll-just-shut-up" deal, the punch line is that after Republicans got what they wanted on U.I. and a few bills like these tax breaks passed, they decided not to shut up after all. They again began speechifying and floor-amending in the last hour and Chopp ran out of time before he could revisit the GOP-opposed school levy equalization bill.

The moral of this story? Well, morals have nothing to do with it.

Brother, can you spare another $3 per month?

Where, you ask, were Democrats coming up with the money to pass final-hour special-interest tax breaks?

Well, they found some of it in state employees' pockets.

"Funding for state employee health insurance was reduced yet again in the budget proposal released Friday by majority Democrats," wrote Adam Wilson of The Olympian. "The change means workers will be more exposed to cost increases in health care. The bill specifies some ways to make up the difference, including higher co-payments paid by workers."

The final budget set aside $745 per employee, per month, for the next year to cover health insurance. That’s $3 less than the lowest figure Democrats previously had considered.

State employees already had their union contracts tossed, their wages frozen, payments into their pension deferred, and their out-of-pocket health costs increased -- and that's IF they were fortunate enough to keep their jobs. So, hey, what's another $3 a month, when special-interest taxes need a-cuttin'?

Senate to police, firefighters' widows: Stay single

Here's another gem of an outcome from the final days.

Last Friday, we thought we had reached agreement with Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle) on concurring with the House on HB 1212, which would allow surviving spouses of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty to continue receiving survivor benefits after they get remarried. The agreement was to include a study to look at whether this policy should be extended to other groups of workers. We had received assurances from the Governor's office that the governor would be OK with this, as was L&I.

But by Saturday, Sen. Kohl-Welles had changed her mind. She stuck with her committee, which wanted to turn the bill itself into a study. Even the offer of a sunset and review of the policy would not budge her. This time, the losers are widows and widowers. But quite frankly, we all lose when agreements shift from moment to moment -- a tragedy replayed many times over this legislative session for working people.

Paid family leave: See you in 2012?

Paid family leave. Remember that?

Historic legislation was approved back in 2007 -- when Democrats were Democrats -- to grant Washington workers up to five weeks of partial wage replacement of up to $250 per week upon the birth or adoption of a child. It was scheduled to begin in October of this year, but the legislature never figured out how to pay for it. That wasn't going to happen in the Year of the Axe, so legislators approved SB 6158 delaying implementation for three more years until October 2012.

Our 2009 Legislative Report & Voting Record

It will be published in late May or early June. If you are on the mailing list to receive these Legislative Updates, you will receive that publication as well. Until then, we wish we could say it's been a pleasure.

Please share this message with your friends, family and co-workers by visiting the web address below.
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Washington ferry rates go up Friday

SEATTLE -- The Washington state ferry system raises fares on Friday for the peak summer season.

The 25 percent surcharge will apply to most vehicle-driver tickets. For example, the fare for a car and driver on the Seattle-Bainbridge run will be $14.45.

On most routes the surcharge will not affect passenger-only fares. The Anacortes-San Juan routes are an exception. Summer rates also begin Friday at the parking lot at the Anacortes terminal.

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puget sound time lapse

From the Kitsap Sun

$7.5 Billion Transportation Budget Has $300 Million for New Ferries

The state Legislature passed a $7.5 billion transportation budget Saturday, including money for new ferries, statewide road paving, and some financing to replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle.

The Senate gave the transportation plan final approval Saturday night with a 41-8 vote. The House approved the measure earlier in the day. Gov. Chris Gregoire has the final say.

Many of the road projects included in the budget will begin this summer and are part of the plan to spend about $5 billion on what lawmakers are calling the state's most ambitious construction season, creating 49,000 jobs.

Also Saturday, lawmakers approved the state's main, $35 billion operating budget. The Senate still must approve the state construction budget — the last of the three major spending plans laid out by government every two years. That vote is expected Sunday, the last scheduled day of the 2009 Legislature.

Using a combination of $372 million in federal stimulus money and revenue from the state's gas tax, the proposed transportation budget provides money for more than 400 projects statewide, lawmakers said. Still, some 18 projects had to be delayed or shelved because state gas tax revenue is shrinking.

The budget includes a portion of the $2.4 billion the state has set aside for the multi-year replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle. The budget also pays the 2009-2011 share of an estimated $2.6 billion for replacing the State Route 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington.

Also set aside in the budget was nearly $300 million for new ferry construction.

Also Saturday, the House, on a 52-43 vote, concurred with the Senate on a bill approving a plan to toll drivers crossing the State Route 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington in King County. Tolls would be collected before construction of a replacement for the aging structure, which is vulnerable to earthquakes and rough weather. The measure now goes to Gregoire.

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can't get a printed license after April 15

With all the conversations about the new MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential), and the fact that the Coast Guard apparently has decided that you can no longer get a printed license, here's an interesting tidbit.

I'm sorry, did I write "license"? I meant "officer endorsement".

I have read that the Coast Guard says that one of the reasons they don't want to issue printed licenses anymore is the fact that they will be able to eliminate a lot of paper and printers and other infrastructure that goes along with handling said printed licenses. Uh huh. So, enter the new "Document of Continuity". Have you seen one? You can, here. This will pop up a cute little slideshow about how cool the new MMC is. Click through to slide number 9.

Schedules

More news on the scheduling aspect of things, the State came back to the table with nothing good to offer us. They want to keep 7 hour days on the table and be able to use them when ever they want or need to do so, we've told them "NO"! We are willing to look at them when nothing else works for that run, but nothing in between. We gave them lots of good options, with 8, 9 and 10 hour watches. We had a meeting with the Unions and our lobbyist on Monday of last week, we were also to meet with David Moseley, but he got sick and couldn't attend. So far we have not got a response to another meeting with Moseley on that front. So it looks like we could be, well we are at a stale mate! So, the next move will be made, but who knows who will make it? Unions or the State? Make your voice heard come to meetings.

This is being made by Teresa as a employee, not as a delegate

Subject: Several Ferry Community Members Meet with Governor

From Debbie Lester

Last Thursday, I got a wild hair idea that we should meet with the Governor to let her know our preference of building the 144-car vessels (at least one) as soon as possible.

I'd worked the normal channels to arrange an appointment and then asked our legislators to advocate for the meeting as well.

Mid-day Saturday got word from Rep. Rolfes that we had a meeting on Tuesday, April 21, at 1:30. It was requested that we limit the attendee numbers to 4 in addition to myself and that each be from a different ferry community.

My apologies to those that I was not able to ask to attend: Plan C, Ferry Advisory Committees, and Ferry Community Partnership members. Know though that all your prior good work and lobbying efforts got us the appointment! Thank you!

Here are the notes from the meeting:

April 21, 2009 Meeting with Governor Gregoire from 1:40 – 2:10

In attendance: Governor Chris Gregoire, Head of DOT Paula Hammond, Jill Satran, Rep. Christine Rolfes, Rep. Larry Seaquist, John Stokes (Bremerton), Greg Beardsley (Vashon Island), Walt Elliott (Kingston), Debbi Lester (Bainbridge Island) and Howie Rosenfeld (San Juan County).

The Governor said she wanted a 144-car ferry to be built along with a 64, that she understood the need for both vessels, but that nothing will be final until the legislative session is over. She talked about the need for sustainable funding, that the problem was the loss of the MVET in Proposition 695, that nothing has been done since, and that she had hoped the legislature would define that new source of sustainable funding during this legislation session. She then spoke about the fare increase, that she wants 2.5%, but with the legislature still in session it could end up a little higher, possibly 3%. She said this will still be way better than the earlier Transportation Commission proposed 5-6% increase annually for the next five years.

Debbi led off the comments by reviewing the citizen effort that included people (riders, legislators, mayors, WSF personnel, council members, chambers of commerce, and others) from all the ferry served communities, and that over 10,000 have so far signed the Save Our Ferries petition (http://www.ferrywatch.org).

Howie handed off a letter from the San Juan County Council to the Governor that supported the moving up of the construction of the 144-car ferry and spoke to the San Juan County request to continue the Anacortes/Sidney ferry run.

Howie talked about the need for the 144-car ferries for their capacity and flexibility. The 144-car vessel would provide for greater commercial (tall semi trucks) capacity, [more room for walk ons] as well as over double the per vehicle space of the 64-car ferries. The 144-car vessel could be the back-up vessel in an aging fleet. A 144-car vessel would be able to serve the majority of the routes. He also spoke about the 64-car ferries being fine for the short Pt. Townsend route because of multiple sailings, but that on the longer San Juan routes where everyone needs to get to the mainland in the morning and back in the evening, capacity is critical. Others made additional comments about the need and efficiencies of the 144s.

The Governor spoke about why the Sidney run was canceled. The increase in dock fees was unacceptable to WSF. Gregoire tried to work with BC Premier Campbell until he informed her that the dock was privatized and there was nothing he could do. Gregoire said she felt she had no choice but to cancel the run to “get their attention” and willingness to negotiate. She said the current reduction is something WSF can work with but that she still feels it’s too high.

She also told the story of the 4 diesel electrics. How Paula Hammond is an engineer and said during the inspection, let’s not just look at the outside, let’s look at the inside, and ordered a circular hole be cut. This showed deterioration that she felt no choice but to immediately pull them out of service.

Other comments included:

The role of ferries in disaster preparedness: the ferries would be greatly needed should a natural disaster occur and the captain and crew are ready to respond as floating hospitals, etc. [We only need to look at San Francisco and how after its recent earthquake San Francisco ramped up the purchasing of ferries as part of its disaster preparedness plan. Our state should view our ferries in the same light and work towards increasing our fleet and being prepared as best as we possibly can.]

We should contract building ferries at a “fleet rate” instead of the more expensive one-off “yacht rate.” If the vessels are built in sequence, the state would get a better price reduction with each consecutive vessel that is constructed as the shipyard would have tooled up for the production and through the multiple constructions the shipyard would gain efficiencies and cost savings.

Vashon Island and Bremerton community members spoke of the many breakdown of vessels on their routes which caused upwards of 3 hour delays. The point is that the system is now beyond breaking point with nothing but a 34-car vessel as a back-up boat. This is impacting peoples lives, jobs, and businesses.

Even though funding for construction of all 144-car vessels may not be available presently, this group recommended that the state consider purchasing materials now as in this time of an economic downturn, costs of materials (steel, copper, aluminum, etc) have fallen.

What was failed to be brought up at this time, but was sent to the Governor in the briefing for the meeting, was the fact that Congressman Jay Inslee has requested $3 million dollars in federal funding for the purchase of the 144-car ferry propulsion systems. This is another reason to advocate and plan on moving the construction of at least 144-car ferry up immediately.

A core purpose of this meeting was to plant the seeds for the future to encourage WSF, our legislators, and the Governor to use the expertise available in the ferry communities as a source to help with issues of efficiency and economy, and to in the future consider the possibility of a ferry community advisory committee to play a part in fare discussions.

The ferry community members were incredibly impressed with generosity and the serious attention the Governor gave in providing a half an hour of her time in the last week of the legislative session. The Governor not only met with the ferry community members but she also requested that the Head of DOT, Paula Hammond and Jill Satran Transportation Policy Advisor Governor's Executive Policy Office to be on hand to hear what the ferry community members had to say.

The Governor means business and she is one to keep her word.

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From the Kitsap Sun

Kitsap Transit buying high-speed ferry
BREMERTON — Kitsap Transit commissioners have approved spending $9.5 million on ferries, vans and a park-and-ride lot expansion.

By The Associated Press
BREMERTON — Kitsap Transit commissioners have approved spending $9.5 million on ferries, vans and a park-and-ride lot expansion.

All the money approved Tuesday comes from federal and state sources. The transit system is buying 73 Rideshare vans, and will contract with All American Marine of Bellingham to build a new $5.3 million passenger ferry and test it in Rich Passage. The system wants a high-speed boat that won't kick up a huge wake that could damage the shoreline in the narrow passage south of Bainbridge Island.

The system also is expanding a park-and-ride lot near the Southworth ferry terminal, and commissioners agreed to buy a used, backup ferry for the Bremerton-Port Orchard route.

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From the Washington State Labor Council

Sen. Joe Zarelli (R-Vancouver), the ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, pushed an amendment Thursday that would, in his words, "spread the pain" and "say we are all in this together."

Was he talking about removing one or two of the 580 tax breaks for various businesses and industries in Washington? Nope. He was talking about requiring state employees to pay a greater share of their health insurance costs.

Thankfully, the Democrats on the committee held their ground and rejected Sen. Zarelli's amendment.

As it is, neither the Senate nor House budget proposals provide enough money to pay for increases in the state's share of health-insurance costs. That means state employees are already facing higher co-payments or other fees in the future.

The Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME Council 28 estimates that state employees have already given up $1 billion, including the loss of negotiated pay raises, a freeze on hiring, expected layoffs, $400 million in deferred pension payments, and other cuts.

Zarelli's suggestion that state employees are due more suffering adds insult to injury.

"We've frozen their raises, eliminated their step increases. ... We've now taken away from their pensions and we're going to do layoffs," Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Kent) told The Olympian. Cutting health benefits would be "just too much," she said.Powered by Qumana

Obama supports the jones act

A campaign pledge of support for the Jones Act has earned President Barack Obama the cover spot on the 2008 Annual Report of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, a Washington, D.C.-based coalition promoting the domestic U.S.- Flag fleet.

In August 2008, then candidate Obama declared “America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag Merchant Marine … That is why you … can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act….”

Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF) also drove the development and passage of a new statutory requirement that the Maritime Administration (MarAd) be consulted before any decision to waive the Jones Act. MarAd now must make an affirmative determination that U.S.-flag vessels are not available to address the situation prior to the issuance of a waiver. No Jones Act waivers were issued after Hurricanes Gustav or Ike.

During 2008, MCTF was also active in addressing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposed rulemaking on country of origin rules that could have had potentially adverse impacts on important prior Jones Act rulings.

MCTF also supported a proposed Interpretive Rule from CBP to prevent circumvention of the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Foreign-flag cruise ships do not pay U.S. taxes and operate largely outside of U.S. laws, and gain significant competitive advantages over U.S.-flag cruise ships. A Final Rule remains pending. Another highlight for MCTF in 2008 was joining the Navy League of the United States.

On a sad note, MCTF bid a final farewell to Board Member Charles T. Crangle who died in August. Crangle was a founding member of MCTF and Director of Congressional and Legislative Affairs for American Maritime Officers, a U.S. merchant marine labor union.

MCTF’s 2008 Annual Report is available at www.mctf.com and printed copies are also available upon request.

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The State of our Unions Via Stranger.com

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/the-state-of-four-unions/Content?oid=1393334

Information on alternate funding plans for the Washington State Ferries

http://www.citizenswriteplanc.com

from Debbi Lester

--- On Mon, 4/6/09, Debbi Lester <debbilester@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Debbi Lester <debbilester@yahoo.com>
Subject: Please contact the legislature now regarding WSF legislation
To: debbilester@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, April 6, 2009, 1:22 PM

1. Buy only one (two max) more 64-car ferries & begin construction of 144-car ferries series asap. 2. Act to reduce projected costs of 64-car ferry and 144-car ferry contracts.     3. Defer Mukilteo construction, use that money to build 144-car ferries.     4. Insist on major ferry system cost reduction by cutting consultants & staff and by implementing all the other cost savings ideas developed by Plan C and by the crews.  Reinvest all the saved money in the ferry system. 5. Do not waste any money on a reservation system now. Send WSF back to the drawing board, insist that WSF consult with communities its recommending for a reservation system. That $45 million not spent on a reservation system now could go towards building a 144-car ferry. 6. Please support a Ferry Community Advisory Council. Ferry fares are the highest state toll and should just as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge have a tolling advisory group to evaluate fare costs and drive savings. What follows is the list of the Senators and House Representatives on the Transportation Committees with their e-mail addresses and phone numbers.   Now is the time for all citizens to come to the aid of their ferries. Please email or call the Senators and House Representatives today. Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen: haugen.marymargaret@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7618, (360) 682-6274 Sen. Chris Marr: marr.chris@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7610 Sen. Dan Swecker: swecker.dan@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7638 Sen. Randi Becker: becker.randi@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7602 Sen. Don Benton: benton.don@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7632 Sen. Jean Berkey: berkey.jean@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7674 Sen. Jerome Delvin: delvin.jerome@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7614 Sen. Tracey Eide: eide.tracey@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7658 Sen. Ken Jacobsen: jacobsen.ken@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7690 Sen. Fred Jarrett: jarrett.fred@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7641 Sen. Jim Kastama: kastama.jim@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7648 Sen. Claudia Kauffman: kauffman.claudia@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7692 Sen. Derek Kilmer: kilmer.derek@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7650 Sen. Curtis King: king.curtis@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7626 Sen. Kevin Ranker: ranker.kevin@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7678 Sen. Tim Sheldon: sheldon.timothy@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7668 Rep. Judy Clibborn, clibborn.judy@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7926 Rep. Mike Armstrong, armstrong.mike@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7832 Rep. Tom Campbell, campbell.tom@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7912 Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, dickerson.marylou@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7860 Rep. Deborah Eddy, eddy.deborah@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7848 Rep. Doug Ericksen, ericksen.doug@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7980 Rep. Fred Finn, finn.fred@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7902 Rep. Dennis Flannigan, flannigan.dennis@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7930 Rep. Jaime Herrera, herrera.jaime@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7850 Rep. Norm Johnson, johnson.norm@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7810 Rep. Brad Klippert, klippert.brad@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7882 Rep. Dan Kristiansen, kristiansen.dan@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7967  Rep. Marko Liias, liias.marko@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7972 Rep. Jim Moeller, moeller.jim@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7872 Rep. Jeff Morris, morris.jeff@leg.wa.gov, (360) 786-7970

News from Teresa Moore

To all, yes there is some news but not much. We did meet with the 2 Unions on Monday at the IBU hall to go over schedules run by run. We went over what hours would work on each said run whether it be 8, 9's or 10. We did make it to E/K from Pt D, but we didn't make it any farther north as we ran out of time. We met again on Tuesday with the State players at the 2901, to go over the contract language changes. So far we have any where from 5 to 7 meetings with them over the language changes and I do believe we have made a lot of progress. 2 steps forward to 2 steps back, sometimes I feel like they are just stalling us so as to when the time comes, they can say "Oh we haven't come to an agreement so here are the schedules". Other times, I feel like they really do want our input and we might have a chance at something, we hand over some schedules and we never see them again! At the last meeting on Tuesday we handed over quite a few schedules up to E/K runs, so at the next meeting we will see what the out come will be, if we talk about them or they went into the black hole! April 15th we have maybe the last meeting on language change, (hopefully) then we can actually move on to schedule talks and what we can actually do and work. So, to that we have a meeting scheduled for April 17th at 8am at the 2901 on actual crew schedules. So, now is the time to get any schedules that you have been working on to anyone on the scheduling committee to take to the meeting. So, here is a final run down on what the qualifications are as we know them now. 
A- No 7 hour days
B- 8, 9 and 10 hour days
C- No traveling watches
D- Stay within the guideline hours of work unless you can jusify any addition of hours.
E- Give the most crews as possible all or part of the weekend off
F- 12 hours in a 24 hour period
G- Move forward in the time clock
H- Be as close to 40 hours in a week as possible, ie; 38, 39 hours might be OK- No less
I-  All tours are off the table

After next weeks meetings I will put more on the sight as I haven't been able to get the news letter up and running. Until that fact I will do my best to keep members up on the news through the LDO sight, everyone has my number, if I fail to keep up please do as Jerry has and either call or remind me through this sight as I do get busy. But will try to do so in a timely manner when time allows. Please any and all get ahold of your Senators, Legislators, send letters or emails and phone calls stating your concern on the ferry issues that concern us! We need all the help we can get, get political

PS- I have to put in, that this is not coming from me (teresa) as a delegate, but (me) as a concerned employee looking for input.

Teresa 

Captain Barry Stone

Barry Wrote via Facebook

"So, to all my friends, here is the latest. I fell down the stairs in the middle of the night while visiting my daughter in Florida. I broke my left clavical and tore a couple of ligaments. It will have to be operated on, but the 2 orthopedic doctors my doctor son-in-law recommends are both out of town, so I leave for Seattle tonight. I have an appointment with an orthopod at 9:00 tomorrow morning"