Ballots have gone out to nearly all of the 3.59 million registered voters.  They may be filled out and returned right away or voters can hold onto them until closer to the Aug. 17 postmark deadline.

Reed, the state’s chief elections officer, noted that the average of the last seven even-year non-presidential year primaries is 34 percent.  The turnout four years ago, the last comparable year, was 38 percent, and Reed said the state should at least match that this year.

“We are seeing a surge of interest in politics and campaigns at both the national and state level, with people again talking about a `change’ election,” Reed said. “We have a great U.S. Senate race, some unusually heated legislative contests all around the state, an open 3^rd Congressional District, some Supreme Court races that could be essentially decided in the primary, and much more.

“While a minority of our voters will be deciding our November finalists — and I really secretly hope that we’ll get into the 40s — I’ll predict a reasonably strong 38 percent and just hope it’s even better.”

State Elections Director Nick Handy said the forecast is “at the top of the historic range” for mid-term elections, but can be achieved.

“There a many upward factors,” Handy said.  “A number of voters are being energized by the Tea Party movement, or reaction to it. There is general unrest about government and we hear national reports of anti-incumbency.

“The Senate race is certainly a big draw, particularly now that it is on the national watchlists, and there are many great races all around the state.

“Two other things that should help turnout: First, we will again be using the Top 2 Primary, which is quite popular with voters and allows everyone to participate and vote for their favorite in every single race, without regard to a party label.

“And secondly, nearly all of us will be voting by mail, and that has tended to improve turnout, since it is so convenient and voters will have a period of several weeks to consider their choices, study up on the issues and cast their ballots.”

Populous King County still had poll-site voting back in the last comparable mid-term primary, 2006.  Today, every county except for Pierce has switched entirely to vote-by-mail, and most Pierce voters have signed up for mail voting.

Reed and Handy noted that the primary, recently adopted by California voters, will not produce nominees for the two major parties, but rather voters will winnow the field for each office to two finalists. Typically, that will be a prefers-Democratic Party and a prefers-Republican, but in some districts, voters may be two finalists with the same party preference.  Minor party candidates are also taking part in the Top 2 process and in some cases, could advance.

For a full explanation of the system, you can visit http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/Top2PrimaryFAQ.aspx

Voters can find MyVote, the online voters’ guide, a link to TVW’s video voters’ guide by visiting www.vote.wa.gov

As Washington’s third running of the Top 2 Primary gets under way in just a few days, Secretary of State Sam Reed notes that the state Elections Division, in partnership with the County Auditors and TVW television, is providing a significant amount of information for Washington voters.

The state’s budget crunch doesn’t allow publication of a state Voters’ Pamphlet for the primary, but there is plenty of good, solid, unfiltered information for voters who want to do their homework, the state’s chief elections officer said Tuesday.

“Through our excellent `My Vote’ customized information service for individuals, our Online Voters’ Guide, our partnership with TVW’s Video Voters’ Guide, and county election websites, great information is just a mouse-click away on home or library computer,” Reed said.

“Certainly this 2010 primary is a pivotal one and I encourage all voters to bone up on the candidates and the issues, using these resources, media coverage, campaign literature, and websites, candidate forums and other opportunities to get informed.”

Although a handful of counties are producing a primary Voters’ Guide, state government typically does not publish one. Lawmakers did finance one in 2008, the first primary using the new voter-approved Top 2 system.  But due budget constraints, the Legislature could not pick up the cost for this year’s primary guide. The cost would have been about $1.3 million.

A printed General Election Voters’ Pamphlet is in the works and will be mailed out in October.

A quick look at the electronic services available:

My Vote

In 36 of the state’s 39 counties, voters can go to www.vote.wa.gov and click on the My Vote icon and fill in your name and birthdate. There you’ll find a variety of information, including your customized Voters’ Guide, including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, legislative and judicial contests, and local government races and propositions. You can click on each race you’ll be voting on and drill down for further information by clicking on the candidates’ names. You’ll find the candidate’s information, campaign statement and phone number, web link and email address.  Three counties host their own voter information links – King, Yakima and Kitsap.

Online Voters’ Guide

The Secretary of State’s official online guide includes the Top 2 contests for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Legislature, and multi-county judicial races.  Go to the Elections homepage, www.vote.wa.gov and click on the first item under Current Topics. Click on the materials you want to view.   The online guide is available in Spanish and Chinese.

Video Voters’ Guide

The state Elections Division and TVW have video clips by U.S. Senate and Supreme Court candidates. You can click on www.tvw.org.

Initiative activist Tim Eyman and his partners will again appear on the Washington state ballot this year.  Their Initiative 1053, making it harder for Olympia to raise taxes, cleared its last major hurdle on Monday when the state Elections Division announced that the sponsors submitted enough voter signatures to make the November ballot.

I-1053 became the fourth initiative to qualify for the ballot, and two others are widely expected to qualify, too.  That would equal the modern record set in 2000. The all-time record is seven, set in 1914, the first year the initiative process was available.

The I-1053 campaign turned in nearly 338,000 signatures, a large enough pad to allow a 3 percent random test.  More than 80 percent of the 10,325 signatures were valid — 9,187 were accepted and 1,138 were rejected, most because they weren’t registered voters. The error rate was 19.62 percent.

The measure would restore the two-thirds voting requirement for the Legislature to raise taxes. Lawmakers can also refer taxes to the voters.  Lawmakers suspended the supermajority requirement this year when passing $800 million worth of taxes by simple majority vote.

Last week, Secretary of State Sam Reed certified three measures to the ballot:

–I-1098, authorizing a state income tax on high-wage earners and lowering some taxes.

–I-1082, the plan to allow private insurers to offer coverage for workplace injuries.

–I-1100, which would end the state liquor monopoly and allow current retailers to sell hard liquor along with their beer and wine.

Next up: I-1105. This is a rival liquor initiative, supported by wholesalers, to take the state out of the liquor retail business. Whereas I-1100 would let retailers buy liquor stock directly from manufacturers, I-1105 would require use of wholesalers.

The last check will be I-1107. This measure would repeal new taxes on candy, pop, beer and bottled water.

The Legislature has sent three other measures to the statewide ballot this fall:

* Referendum  52 would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in 2013.

* House Joint Resolution 4220, known as the “Lakewood Police Officers Memorial Act,” would amend the state constitution on bail requirements for judges.

* Senate Joint Resolution 8225 would amend the state constitution relating to debt limits for the state.

The Washington state Elections Division has completed a review of apparent fraud by a signature-gatherer who submitted 349 names on 20 petition sheets in support of Initiative 1098.  The review showed that most of the names – 89.1 percent – were invalid, either because the person was not found on voter registration rolls or the signature and address did not match those on file.

All of the 349 names had been set aside and were none was included as part of the I-1098 signature-check this week.  The random sample showed that over 10,000 of the nearly 11,800 voter signatures were valid, and that the measure has earned a place on the November ballot. The error rate was about 18 percent, the historic average for Washington initiatives.  Because of a pending criminal investigation and a restraining order previously obtained by opponents of disclosure, the Office of Secretary of State is unable to release the petition sheets in question or divulge the gatherer’s identity.

Secretary of State Sam Reed announced that Washington State Patrol John Batiste on Friday agreed to his request to investigate, and then to refer the case to appropriate authorities, as warranted.  Initiative signature fraud is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

“The people of Washington demand and deserve an initiative and referendum process that is free of signature fraud, and we and law enforcement and prosecutors are taking this case very seriously,” Reed said. “This is the worst case of attempted signature fraud we have seen in modern times. It may be only a tiny percentage of the total signatures, but it does represent an attack on the process, which relies greatly on the integrity of the people who circulate the petitions. For that reason, we are bringing the full force of the law to bear.”

The state Elections Division has declared Initiative 1098 qualified for a spot on the statewide November ballot. This is the third of six expected ballot measures to qualify.  I-1098, backed by philanthropist and tax reform advocate Bill Gates Sr., and others, would institute a state income tax on high-wage earners and lower the state share of the property tax and exempt more small businesses from the business tax.

Although state officials are investigating apparent fraud by one of the campaign’s signature gatherers, the state Elections Division announced late Thursday that a 3 percent random check of the huge number of unchallenged signatures showed easily enough valid signatures to assure a spot on the ballot.

The campaign had turned in about 385,000 signatures and 11,786 were reviewed, with 10,090 accepted. The others were turned down because no registration could be found for the signer, the signature didn’t match the one on file or there was no usable image on file for the signer, or because they were duplicates.

The fraud investigation involves about 350 signatures on 20 petition sheets. The state Elections Division set these signatures aside and did not include any in the signature verification. The division is continuing a probe of the apparent fraud, and on Thursday requested the Washington State Patrol to investigate as well, and to turn over the case to local authorities as warranted.

The error rate for the signature check was 18.15 percent, or about the same as the historical average.

It is the third voter initiative to be cleared for a statewide vote, and three more await signature checks.

On Tuesday, Reed certified I-1082, the plan to allow private insurers to offer coverage for workplace injuries. Currently the state runs the main program, although some large companies are allowed to self-insure.  The plan is backed by the Building Industry Association of Washington, and opposition also has formed.

On Monday, Secretary Reed certified I-1100, which would end the state liquor monopoly and allow current retailers to sell hard liquor along with their beer and wine.

Next up for a signature check is I-1053, Tim Eyman’s proposal to re-establish the two-thirds vote requirement for the state Legislature to raises taxes.  It turned in about 338,000 signatures.

After that: I-1105. This is a rival liquor initiative, supported by wholesalers, to take the state out of the liquor retail business. Whereas I-1100 would let retailers buy liquor stock directly from manufacturers, I-1105 would require use of wholesalers.

The last check will be I-1107. This measure would repeal new taxes on candy, pop, beer and bottled water. Backed by the American Beverage Association, it brought in 395,000 signatures in only three weeks.

The Legislature has sent three other measures to the statewide ballot this fall:

* Referendum  52 would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in 2013.

* House Joint Resolution 4220, known as the “Lakewood Police Officers Memorial Act,” would amend the state constitution on bail requirements for judges.

* Senate Joint Resolution 8225 would amend the state constitution relating to debt limits for the state.

The state economy also picked up an estimated 8,600 jobs in May, the bulk of which were federal Census jobs. With the May job gains, Washington has added jobs in four of the first five months of 2010, for a net gain of 25,800 so far this year.

“It’s refreshing to talk about job growth and a falling unemployment rate,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “The momentum seems to be shifting in the right direction.”

In April, the unemployment rate decreased for the first time since March 2007. The rate went from 9.5 percent to 9.3 percent (earlier reported as 9.2 percent, but revised after more analysis).

Industries that added jobs in May were government, with a net gain of 8,400 (including 9,000 census jobs); construction, up 800; professional and business services, up 800; retail trade, up 600; other services, up 500; wholesale trade, up 100; and education and health services, up 100.

Jobs were lost in financial activities, down 1,100; manufacturing, down 600; leisure and hospitality, down 400; transportation, warehousing and utilities, down 400; and information, down 200.

Year over year, Washington had 27,000 fewer jobs last month than in May 2009, a 1 percent decrease.  Nationally, employment declined by 0.4 percent over the past year.

An estimated 310,069 people (not seasonally adjusted) in Washington were unemployed and looking for work, and more than 265,000 people received unemployment benefits from Washington in May.

Employment Security is a partner in the statewide WorkSource system, which offers a variety of employment and training services for job seekers, including free help with interviewing skills, résumés, and job referrals.

WorkSource also can help employers recruit and screen for qualified workers and provide information about federal tax breaks for hiring eligible unemployed workers.

Locations of local WorkSource offices are listed online at www.go2worksource.com.  Assistance also is available by phone at 877-872-5627.

In addition, more than 21,000 job openings are posted online at www.go2worksource.com.

The State Parks special emphasis is announced during National Dog Bite Prevention Week. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and nearly one in five of those bitten – a total of 885,000 – require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries.

In 2009, 22 people in state parks received dog bites, and seven of them required professional medical attention. In 2008, 31 people were bitten by dogs, with eight requiring medical attention. State Parks rangers made an increased effort last year to talk to dog owners about the importance of the leash rule in state parks, but because of continued problems and public safety concerns, this year rangers are more likely to issue infractions on first offenses.

State law (Washington Administrative Code 352-32-060) allows dogs to be in state parks, provided they are on a leash no longer than eight feet and are under control at all times. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and on established trails. They are not allowed in park buildings or in natural area preserves. Pet owners are expected to keep their pets quiet and to clean up after them. Many parks offer bags for cleaning up after pets.

“Even one case where someone gets a dog bite is too many,” said Robert Ingram, State Parks chief of visitor protection and law enforcement. “We want a park system that’s welcoming to the whole family, including pets – so our priority has to be safety.”

“The number of problems created by pets in the parks is growing as the population grows,” Ingram said. “State Parks is experiencing more of these problems, and so are county and city park systems. People need to remember that their pet, who may be completely friendly and reliable with family and friends, may react differently in a strange environment where there is open space, wildlife, other dogs, people, horses and unusual noises and smells.”

Adhering to the law also assures greater safety for the pet. One ranger cited incidents where dogs fell to their deaths from high-elevation trails, got lost, got hit by vehicles in the park or were attacked by other off-leash dogs. In a recent incident, two large dogs playing happily off leash, suddenly attacked a third large dog that was off-leash. The dog that was attacked was seriously hurt and required extensive medical care. Its owner tried to intervene and was bitten, also requiring medical care.

Ingram said it is also important to keep in mind that pets off-leash pose dangers for wildlife and can damage vegetation and other natural and cultural resources if allowed to run off trail. State Parks is charged with protecting these resources for everyone.

“We’re making it crystal clear to Washington window retailers that they have to be upfront and honest about the price of their products and can’t make misrepresentations in order to boost their profits,” said Assistant Attorney General Jack Zurlini, of the office’s Consumer Protection Division.

In its complaint, the Attorney General’s Office accused Harley of misrepresenting the price and quality of its windows, making false claims about the energy savings customers would achieve, failing to inform customers of their cancellation rights and providing misleading information to collect customer leads. Those practices violate the state’s Consumer Protection Act, the Attorney General’s Office alleged.

Harley denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement filed in King County Superior Court but agreed to restrictions on its marketing tactics.

The state’s complaint says Harley’s claims that its windows would save homeowners at least 40 percent on their monthly heating and cooling bills are false and that the company had no reasonable basis to support them. The Attorney General’s Office alleged that company representatives said Harley installs windows itself, when the company actually hires subcontractors to handle the installation.

The Attorney General’s Office agreed to suspend $25,000 in civil penalties provided Harley abides with consumer protection laws in the future. The company will pay $12,000 in attorneys’ fees and legal costs.

The office reached similar settlements with Evans Glass and Penguin Windows. In addition, its Consumer Protection Division sent letters to more than 30 window and home siding installation businesses last fall, as part of an effort to educate them about high-pressure pitches, inflated prices and fraudulent endorsements that are illegal and have the potential to damage the industry’s reputation.

State Attorney General Rob McKenna said the state will receive a total of more than $1 million as part of a $72.5 million nationwide settlement with the manufacturer of tobramycin, a drug to treat cystic fibrosis. Half of the proceeds will be split between the general fund and the state’s Medicaid program. The other half will cover the federal government’s contribution to the health care program for the poor and disabled.

“This settlement shows that once again, our Medicaid Fraud Unit leaves no stone unturned in its quest to protect the quality and cost-efficiency of public health programs,” McKenna said. “Every year, our team finds millions in waste, fraud and abuse – and makes sure the state receives refunds.”
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. were accused of improperly marketing tobramycin, sold under the trade name TOBI, for uses not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The practice of promoting drugs for unapproved treatments is called “off-label marketing.”

Under the settlement involving 49 states, the District of Columbia and the federal government, the amount paid to each state was based, in large part, on the Medicaid Program utilization rates for Novartis.

In court documents filed Friday, the states joined two whistleblower lawsuits against drug manufacturer Wyeth, which produces Protonix Oral and Protonix IV as treatments for stomach acid. The multistate lawsuit alleges that state Medicaid programs were overcharged for the drugs.

“While most drug companies play by the rules, we’re ready to confront those whose practices amount to costly abuses of taxpayer-funded health insurance programs,” Washington state Attorney General Rob McKenna said.

According to the suit, Wyeth intentionally failed to report discounted prices they were offering to large commercial customers, including hospitals. As a result, Wyeth avoided paying hundreds of millions in rebates owed to state Medicaid programs.

Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, manufacturers must report the “best price” offered for their drugs and pay rebates to state Medicaid programs based on those prices.  Congress created the program to ensure that the federal and state-funded health insurance program – one of the largest purchasers of medications – receives the same discounts offered to big commercial customers.

Between 2001 and 2006, Wyeth offered steep discounts to thousands of hospitals nationwide. The states allege that under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Wyeth was required to report the prices paid under these deals, and to pass along the lower prices to state Medicaid programs.

The case is being handled by AG McKenna’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Kirkland Municipal Ordinance 8.04.060 adopted King County Code (KCC) 11.28.030, which prohibits the possession of exotic animals without a permit. Exotic animals are defined in KCC 11.28.020 to include “…the order of crocodilian; alligators, crocodiles, caiman and gavials.” Possession of an exotic animal may be a misdemeanor offense.

The owner fully cooperated with animal control officers, and the alligator was transferred to a reptile specialist in Monroe who is equipped to foster the animal until a suitable home can be found.

For pictures of the alligator, visit the King County photo pool.

The New Orleans area was where Batiste was born and raised. “I would
welcome the opportunity to give something back to a community that gave so
much to me during my formative years,” said Batiste.

“There are several other excellent candidates and I’m honored to be
considered alongside them.  Until I receive an offer from the city you can rest
assured that my full energies are devoted to supporting the men and women
of the Washington State Patrol in their service to the citizens of our state,”
said Batiste.

In his third argument before the US Supreme Court, McKenna will ask the court to uphold a Ninth Circuit ruling, supporting the constitutionality of the state’s public disclosure law and allowing the release of the names and addresses of petitioners who signed Referendum 71. R-71 placed the state’s expanded domestic partnership law on the November 2009 ballot. Lower courts blocked the release of the signatures, ruling that the state’s disclosure law violated petitioners’ rights to anonymous political speech.

Washington’s public records law, overwhelming approved through the initiative process roughly 40 years, requires broad public disclosure of government documents unless the Legislature provides a specific exemption. Despite legislation introduced during the 2010 session, the Legislature has approved no such exemption for initiative or referendum petitions.

“This case will have an overwhelming impact on elections not just in Washington but across our country,” McKenna said. “It does not only address the Ref. 71 petitions but all petitions gathered in support of any referendum or initiative. Should the court rule against us, people will have no way to double-check the work of signature gatherers or government – and no way of knowing who is behind a proposed new law. Making law is too important to be conducted in secret.”

“In Washington, we honor and promote broad participation in civic life, access to voting, freedom of expression, and to use of the right of initiative, referendum and recall, which we have had in our State Constitution for nearly 100 years, “ said Secretary of State Sam Reed. “We are confident that Attorney General McKenna will successfully defend the public’s right to their records, and that our election laws will safeguard against harassment or intimidation of signers.”

Starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, WSDOT traffic engineers will begin a 20-day testing period that will run 24 hours a day. During the testing they will send messages to confirm the connection between WSDOT’s traffic management center in Shoreline and the electronic signs. The test messages will create a small dot on each of the signs. Drivers do not need to take any action when they see the test dots.

Traffic engineers will conduct several phases of sign testing in the next few months as they prepare to activate Smarter Highways this summer. The signs will alert drivers to reduce their speed or change lanes when there are collisions or backups on the road. For more information about smarter highways, visit www.smarterhighways.com.

###

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, McKenna will argue Doe v. Reed, asking the Court to uphold a Ninth Circuit ruling that the state’s public disclosure law was constitutional and petitions including the names and addresses of those who signed Referendum 71 should be released as a matter of public record. R-71 placed the state’s expanded domestic partnership law on the November 2009 ballot. Lower courts originally blocked the release of the petitions, ruling that the state’s disclosure law violated referendum-signers’ rights to anonymous political speech.

“This case has broad implications for public disclosure and transparency in elections across America,” McKenna said. “Of the 24 states who have both an initiative and referendum process, 23 release information about the petitioners under their public records laws.  We look forward to the opportunity to defend transparency in the elections process–not just for the people of our state but for people in all states that offer the right to directly participate in lawmaking through the initiative and referendum process.”

McKenna will depart for Washington, DC, on Tuesday, April 20, to prepare for the argument and participate in two “moot courts” – simulated court proceedings used to provide additional preparation. The last opportunity for media interviews with McKenna will be April 19. Reed will be available for interviews through the date of the argument.

“We firmly believe that participating in the initiative and referendum process is a public act of citizen legislating, with disclosure of petitions required under the framework of our Public Records Act,” Reed said. “We also believe we can provide transparency and accountability in elections without violating voters’ constitutional rights, as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals correctly decided.

“When people sign petitions in malls, at county fairs and in other public settings and those petitions are viewed by other signers, petition-gathers and campaign staff, it’s clear this process does not carry the expectation of the privacy we have with voting,” he said. “We are confident that Attorney General McKenna will successfully defend the public’s right to their records, and that our election and criminal laws will safeguard against harassment or intimidation of signers.”

Briefs and other legal documents are available on the Secretary of State’s Web site.

A backgrounder on the case, including information about the US Supreme Court, is available on the Attorney General’s Web site.

Attorney General Rob McKenna argues U.S. Supreme Court case

<h2>King County</h2>
King County was selected to receive two brownfields assessment grants totaling $400,000. The funds will be used to conduct four environmental site assessments throughout the county, with a focus on the unincorporated White Center-Boulevard Park area. Grant funds also will be used to conduct cleanup planning and community outreach activities. Many sites are located near residential areas, posing risk to residents from exposure to contamination. In the White Center-Boulevard Park area, 47 percent of residents are minorities, making the target area one of the most diverse in the county. The area has struggled to attract economic development, and brownfields present environmental and financial barriers to property reuse. Brownfield assessments are an important first step toward site cleanup and reuse, and are expected to catalyze community redevelopment.

Washington State Patrol troopers enforce a $124 fine for those who use studded tires after the deadline. No one can guarantee ice and snow-free roadways, so WSDOT encourages drivers, especially those heading into the higher elevations, to plan ahead and drive for conditions.

On the WSDOT Winter Driving Web site (www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter), you can find out about WSDOT’s winter roadway operations and alternatives to studded tires.

WSDOT advises drivers to know before you go:

· Get information before you leave about traffic and roadway conditions, including the mountain passes, on our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov.

· 511 – This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388. Out-of-state callers can access the information at 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

Know On the Road:

· Overhead and roadside electronic signs

· Highway advisory radio – WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio.

The following is a statement from state Superintendent Randy Dorn:

First, I want to apologize for my actions and the distraction they have caused.  I drank alcohol and got behind the wheel of a car.  That is a mistake, no matter how much you drink.  I apologize to my family, the students and the educators across our state.

As part of this legal proceeding, I agreed to take an alcohol assessment.  The assessment confirmed what I already knew: alcohol is not a problem in my life.  Alcohol does not affect my ability to serve Washington’s citizens.

Given this assessment, and the other facts in this case, my attorney believed we could have plead not guilty – but it is time for me to put this incident behind me and accept the consequences of my actions.

I want to be clear that this incident has not affected my ability to do my job as state schools chief.  I will continue to work hard to move my agenda forward, especially as it relates to achieving real reform of education funding.

Also, I will do what I can to earn back the public’s trust. I want to turn this experience from a negative into a positive.  For me, as a career educator, this is a teachable moment.

I am going to continue to seek out opportunities to help young people learn from my mistake.  I owe that to the people of this great state.

Work to launch federal health care reforms is already underway, Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said Thursday.

“This is a time of exhilarating change, and we’re already in the thick of it,” Kreidler told reporters in Seattle. “Every single health insurance plan in Washington state – and there are thousands of them – will change this year.”

Here are six key changes to policies that will take effect by the end of 2010:

• No more out-of-pocket costs (like co-pays) for preventive care.
• No more lifetime caps on benefits. (Many policies now include $1 million or $2 million limits.)
• Children can no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions.
• Parents will be able to keep adult dependent children on their health plans until age 26.
• For seniors, the coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug plan (the very unpopular “donut hole”) will gradually close, starting with a $250 rebate this year.
• Individuals with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for several months can get financial assistance for coverage through Washington state’s Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP).

“These changes all apply regardless of whether you buy coverage on your own or through your employer,” said Kreidler.

The public is clearly watching this issue closely. Within hours of the legislation passing Congress, the Insurance Commissioner’s Office began receiving emails and phone calls from people wondering how health care reform will affect them. The agency is posting detailed information on its home page at: www.insurance.wa.gov/consumers/reform/National_health_care_reform.shtml

“We have our work cut out for us,” said Kreidler, whose staff must review and approve an estimated 2,000 new health insurance policies over the next few months. “But given what’s at stake, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Federal health care reforms underway in state

King County Executive Dow Constantine today hailed the historic health reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Sunday for the benefits it will provide all King County residents in improving health and reducing rising health care costs.

“One in eight adults in King County doesn’t have health insurance. This legislation will help most get coverage through expanding Medicaid, providing subsidies for purchasing insurance, and funding the community health system,” said Executive Constantine. “This national reform will put downward pressure on the price of health insurance for everyone, including King County government, and more small businesses will be able to buy health insurance for employees.”

“We are on the brink of joining every other developed nation in expanding health care to all of our citizens,” said King County Councilmember and  Board of Health Chair Julia Patterson. “This legislation promotes prevention, equity and affordability, and is the first important step in fixing our broken healthcare system.”

For people who already have insurance, benefits of the legislation include preventing discrimination by insurance companies based on pre-existing conditions, providing coverage for our children and closing the Medicare “donut hole”.

For the approximately one in eight King County adults – over 150,000 people — who don’t already have health insurance, this legislation will work to get most covered by extending existing public programs like Medicaid to more low income families, providing additional financing for community health centers and through subsidies to low and moderate income Americans to help them buy health insurance. Additional support will come to small businesses to purchase health insurance for employees.

“We have a golden opportunity to enact comprehensive health reform that emphasizes disease prevention instead of just disease treatment,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The unprecedented investments in wellness and prevention are both smart for our health and our economy, and will create a better quality of life for everyone.”

In addition to strengthening and expanding health insurance, this legislation provides additional investment in prevention. It eliminates cost sharing for preventative services in Medicare and Medicaid, public insurance programs for aged and low-income individuals. It supports community-based funding such as the recent $25.5 million competitive prevention grant awarded to King County. And it creates a Prevention and Public Health Fund to expand and sustain funding for prevention and public health programs.

This week, the U.S. Senate is expected to act on the final legislation and President Obama has indicated he will sign it.

Risk to general public is low

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON – Local public health officials have learned of a confirmed case of measles in a King County child who was exposed while outside the United States.  The child developed a measles rash on Monday, February 15 after arriving in King County on February 12.  The child was contagious during travel, and had health care visits and community exposures subsequently.  The child was hospitalized during the illness and is recovering.

Because most people in our area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low.  Persons who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants less than six months of age and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles and should contact their health care providers promptly if they develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash illness.

The period of time when members of the public could have been exposed is February 12 through February 15.  If they become ill with measles, they would be expected to develop rash onset between February 19 and March 8.

Public Health notified affected healthcare facilities and locations where community members may have been exposed.

Persons who were at the following King County sites between February 12 through February 14 (times noted) were possibly exposed to measles:

February 12, 2010

SeaTac Airport    11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Arrival on American Airlines, Concourse A, and baggage claim area

Mercy Vet   2:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

2707 76th Avenue SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040

February 13, 2010

Target-Westwood Village 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

2800 SW Barton St
Seattle, WA 98126

QFC-Westwood Village 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

2500 SW Barton
Seattle, WA  98126

February 14, 2010

PCC-West Seattle 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

2749 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA 98116

Target-Westwood Village 11:45 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

2800 SW Barton St

Seattle, WA 98126

Mayuri Food and Video 3:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

2560 152^nd Ave NE

Redmond, WA 98052

People who may have been exposed are asked to look out for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they become ill.

Background on measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly infectious and usually severe illness that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Fever (often greater than 101° F), cough and other symptoms begin two to four days before the rash appears.

People are immune to measles if they had measles or were properly vaccinated. People who lack immunity can get measles if exposed. Exposed people who are either not immune or unsure of their immunity should contact their health care provider. This is especially important for people at the greatest risk for severe illness: those under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems.

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after the exposure to measles occurred.  Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.

Measles spreads easily among susceptible persons and can result in serious infections complicated by pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Most persons born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger persons are routinely vaccinated against measles, both of which provide protection against the disease.

Persons with possible measles should call their health care provider before coming in to be seen to avoid exposing other vulnerable patients, and should wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, avoid public places, and minimize contact with others.

For more information about measles, a fact sheet is available in multiple languages at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/measles.aspx

For measles or other immunizations, contact your health care provider.

For help finding a doctor, please call:

Community Health Access Program (CHAP): 206-284-0331 or 1-800-756-5437   CHAP staff can refer you to a local a Public Health Family Health Clinic and/or a Community Health Clinic. These clinics offer full health services, including immunizations. If you do not have medical coverage, clinic fees are based on your income.

The 1-1/8 mile $200,000 stakes will be the Pro-Ride surface main track.

The 4-year-old son of Malabar Gold won the $100,000 Gottstein Futurity as a 2-year-old at Emerald Downs and ran second in the Sir Beaufort Gr. 3 Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park.

Alex Solis will be in the iron for owners Chris Randall from Bellevue.

The Tahoma High senior competed in hurdle and relay event at the state tournament last year. She took the bronze medal in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles at state in 2009.

Look for a story with pictures taken by her father, Steve, posted on the Web and in the Feb. 11 print edition.

Letter to Army Corps of Engineers calls for speedy completion of study to ensure safe and permanent fix to Howard Hanson Dam, requests follow-up from Corps leadership

Today, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Congressman Adam Smith, Congressman Dave Reichert, Congressman Norm Dicks, Congressman Jim McDermott, Congressman Jay Inslee, and Congressman Brian Baird, and Congressman Rick Larsen sent a letter to Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp urging the Army Corps of Engineers to continue working at full speed to complete the study phase of the Howard Hanson Dam fix and move into the design and construction phase of the project.

The delegation called on the Corps to explain in full how they plan on completing the study phase by June, 2010 in order to ensure that the project can be considered for fiscal year 2012 construction funding. The delegation also requested a meeting with Major General William T. Grisoli, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, to review this timeline and impress upon him the importance of this project for families and businesses in the Green River Valley. Members of the delegation also requested a conference call with Army Corps leadership and local officials to discuss the Howard Hanson Dam project and give them an opportunity to ask additional questions.

“Our priority at the federal level is to achieve the safest and fastest permanent fix to the Howard Hanson Dam, which requires no delays in the study, design, and construction of the project…This decrease in the probability of flooding is a critical achievement. However, it is difficult for those who live, work, or own businesses in the Green River Valley to rest easy until the full protection offered by Howard Hanson Dam is restored.” the members of the delegation said in the letter.

The full text of the letter follows:

February 4, 2010

Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp

U.S. Army Chief of Engineers and Commanding General

U.S Army Corps of Engineers

441 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000

Dear Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp

A little more than one year ago, severe storms and record water levels held behind Howard Hanson Dam damaged the dam’s earthen abutment, resulting in a reduction in the amount of water that can safely be stored behind the dam. Left unchecked, the flood protection the dam could provide at that point in time was estimated at a one in three probability of flooding.

Since that time, the federal, state, and local governments have worked together to provide interim measures of protection until a permanent fix for the dam can be fully implemented to restore flood protection to the full authorized levels.  Progress has been made and due to those interim measures, including the completion of the grout curtain,  work on the dam’s drainage tunnel, repair and improvement of levees, and deployment of flood barriers in the most vulnerable areas, the estimated probability of flooding has decreased to one in thirty.  This decrease in the probability of flooding is a critical achievement. However, it is difficult for those who live, work, or own businesses in the Green River Valley to rest easy until the full protection offered by Howard Hanson Dam is restored.

Our priority at the federal level is to achieve the safest and fastest permanent fix to Howard Hanson Dam, which requires no delays in the study, design, and construction of the project.  It is our understanding that the study phase of the project is progressing at an aggressive pace and has a goal of completion in June of this year.  Given the realities of the federal budget process, it is imperative the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) achieve this goal in order for the construction project to be included in the fiscal year (FY) 2012 President’s budget submission to Congress. Furthermore, the completion of the study in June provides ample time for the USACE to focus efforts on the design phase of the project for the remainder of FY2010 through FY2011, allowing for full advantage to be taken of construction funds in FY2012. We would like clarity on the policy regarding the progression of construction projects as they move from the completion of a study into the design and engineering phase.

To review this timeline, the ultimate completion of the project, and to discuss the importance of achieving it, we respectfully request a meeting with Major General William T. Grisoli, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations.  We view his experience as former Commander of the Northwestern Division as an invaluable asset.  This experience affords him a local perspective of the importance of Howard Hanson Dam, not only to those living downstream but for the economic engine it protects in the region.  We are looking forward to working with Major General Grisoli as well as we did with his immediate predecessor, Major General Temple.

Additionally, we request the participation of a member of your direct team in a conference call with our local elected leaders. The inner workings of the USACE are not an intuitive process and leaves those working through it with many questions. In particular, it has become evident that prior experience with the USACE does not directly translate when working on a dam safety project.  It would be most helpful to have these important differences acknowledged and directly addressed in a forum that offers time for questions to be asked and answered by the USACE with one voice.

We are acutely aware that a permanent fix for Howard Hanson Dam is not a simple task and that such construction projects take time to execute properly and safely.  Thank you for your attention to these requests.  We look forward to your response regarding the timeline as we have laid it out and the immediate next steps necessary to achieving it.