Legislation that would improve how the state identifies highly capable students unanimously passed the House Education Committee last week.
House Bill 1641, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Vick, would require school districts to develop an assessment, referral, and placement process for highly capable students. Each student would be screened at least once prior to 6th grade. The legislation would also ensure students are able to receive transportation services to and from school.
“School districts are currently doing their best to identify and educate highly capable students, but the simple fact is, there are a large number of students who remain unidentified and are falling through the cracks. By standardizing the process across rich and poor districts, we should be able to identify the students who need and deserve the service,” said Vick, R-Vancouver. “Not only does House Bill 1641 benefit our highly capable students and their futures, but it will have a positive impact on our state’s economy and workforce.”
The legislation would:
Modify school district procedures related to identification, selection, and placement of highly capable students.
Direct the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to designate staff to provide technical assistance and guidance to school districts regarding the Highly Capable Program.
Require that the state fund, and school districts provide transportation to and from programs for highly capable students.
Specify staff training requirements related to identifying and serving highly capable students.
“Education is not one size fits all. What I am trying to accomplish with this legislation is ensure each student is getting the education they deserve regardless of their socio-economic status,” said Vick. “This legislation will assist in unlocking lifelong potential for our highly capable students. There should be no barriers or limits to what these students can accomplish in or outside the classroom.”
The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 105-day legislative session on April 28.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082639/F7077245-5EBD-4C2C-AB0D-33C7991CF7F1.jpeg9751872Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-25 11:56:132019-02-25 11:56:27Legislation to Help Identify Highly Capable Students Passes House Education Committee
Bellevue, WA — The Camas Girls Gymnastics team won their second consecutive State Championship Friday night at Sammamish High School, with a team score of 184.825, which is the third highest score in state history.
Camas sophomore Shea McGee finished first in the all-around with a score of 38.175 across four events.
Two other Papermakers medaled in the all-around — sophomore Alyssa Shibata (36.925, sixth) and freshman Peyton Cody (36.850, tied-eighth). A total of five Camas gymnasts advanced to individual finals (top-16 ) on Saturday morning.
McGee finished first in the vault with a 9.750 in the team’s last event of the day. With their rotation completed, and knowing their overall score, they felt strongly they would earn their second consecutive title. Archrival Woodinville still had to finish, and would place second, five points behind Camas.
Camas also performed well during Saturday’s individual finals. McGee, Shibata, Cody, Olivia Bane, and Lili Ford arrived early ready to compete. Bane, who was to compete in Bars, injured her knee during a fall during warmups, which eliminated her from competition.
“As a team, everyone was just so amazing and so helpful,” said Ford. “I’ve never been in this experience before. It just felt so good!”
On floor, McGee placed third.
On bars, McGee placed second, and Cody fourth.
On vault, Ford placed third, while McGee placed eigth.
On beams, Shibata, McGee, and Ford placed second, third, and fourth, respectively.
Shea McGee on floor routine.
Coach Perspective
“Camas did so well because we were well prepared,” said Camas Head Coach, Carol Willson. “We peaked at the precise time. We are blessed to have athletes that are club gymnasts or in some gymnastics training year round and are still able to manage the grades, and juggle the schedule of late night practices to follow High School rules. We have incredible depth.
“Almost every one one of the gymnasts on the State roster are in multiple sports or activities ranging from Gymnastics, Crew, Cheer, Dance, Worship Ministry, Young Life, etc. They sacrifice a lot to make a State title happen and let WIAA gymnastics know now that Camas exists. Last year I had a lot of people asking ‘Where is Camas?’ and this year they knew we were the team to beat. We went in as not only defending champions but also with the highest team score at Districts. We also went in with the highest individual AA score in the State from Shea.”
From left: Camas coaches Tricia Hoppa and Carol Willson.
“Out of four AA competitors 3 were in the top 8 in the State. Camas has an amazing AD that expects accountability from his Coaches and athletes. I expect my gymnasts to be kind, gracious, and to serve their teammates. They have jobs to do and they do them.”
“This has become a well working machine. Joy and Madison will be missed not just for their gymnastics but for their ability to lead. Annika and Lizzy will continue in that role and are already tremendous leaders. Forty kids came together as one. Not by coincidence but by the leadership that I was able to put in place and empowered these Captains to thrive under and grow as young women. Grace and Morgan bring the quiet lead-from-behind spirit. All of the kids go the second mile.”
“There is a deep heart connection with these kids. They bring out the best in myself and Tricia and the best in their teammates. 24 routines competed, 24 routines with not one fall. 20 10.0 start values…just amazing. Hours spent on team building and cohesive development added to their super hero ability and each of them owning their job! In watching these kids mature they will be bright stars among their generation. I am a better person having the amazing opportunity to Coach them.”
Camas, WA – Camas-Washougal area residents have a growing local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) community right in their backyard! With new ways to engage and purchase whole foods consumers may have questions regarding new and expanding choices. February 23 is National CSA Day and is a perfect time to feature all the local farms in the area. Additionally on March 10th, 10am-3pm at The Redd 831 SE Salmon St. Portland, Or. the Portland Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition (PACSAC) is hosting a CSA Share Fare, an opportunity for consumers to meet and talk with local Farmers!
CSA Memberships are a subscription to a season’s worth of sustainable, locally grown produce that is distributed to members throughout the harvesting season. It is a form of investment that allows small farmers to continue growing on a small scale that may not be sustainable without the CSA model. CSA members enjoy the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables for their family, while supporting their local farmer through their figurative and literal ‘seed’ money investments. Getting food from a CSA is different from going to a farmers market or using a grocery delivery service. As a CSA member, you make a seasonal commitment to a small farmer in your area, and the produce is either delivered to your door or you pick it up at a nearby distribution location.
CSA members take pleasure in knowing where and how their food is grown, and typically have an open line of communication with their farmer. Building a relationship with your local farmer also changes your relationship with your food; you have a closer more informed view of how your food starts from simple seeds, and end up in your families’ bellies. Other simple, yet incredibly impactful benefits are, learning how to cook seasonally (and therefore more sustainably), introducing new healthful foods into your diet, and reducing the amount of fossil fuels used to transport your produce from farm to plate.
According to Small Farm Central’s CSA Farming Annual Report, the most popular time to join a CSA each year is at the end of February. To promote this important time for farmers, CSA Day was coined, and each year it falls on the last Friday in February. It’s an entire day dedicated to the celebration of community-supported agriculture, and CSA farmers enjoy an influx of sign-ups from members, which gives them revenue when they need it most for the growing season.
Cabbage
Good Rain Farm (formally 50Fifty Farm) is now accepting applications for their 2019 season. To find out more about the farm—and fill out an application—visit www.goodrainfarm.wordpress.com, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Goodrainfarm, or contact them at [email protected]
You can find a listing of CSA’s offered in Clark County here: www.clarkcountygrown.org/csa which is hosted by SW Wa Slow Foods chapter. The Chapter also host monthly socials, 1st Wednesday 5-9pm at Brother’s Cascadia Brewing, where farmers often talk about their production practices, market barriers and what drives their passion to farm and feed their community.
Washougal, WA — Washougal High School is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) student successes and exploring training opportunities as a part of national CTE Month during February.
“CTE Month gives us a platform to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of our CTE programs and students,” said Margaret Rice, WSD CTE Director. “We want all students to be ready for their next steps after high school by facilitating the teaching of relevant skills and knowledge for learning, career and life.”
A goal of CTE education is to increase graduation rates and prepare students for employment by engaging them in learning related to career interests and workplace readiness with 21st Century skills. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 93 percent, compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 80 percent and 91 percent of high school graduates who earned 2-3 CTE credits enrolled in further education or training.
“There are many paths to a desired career and our job is to assist students in understanding those various paths, so they choose the best one to fit their needs,” Rice said. “We believe all students, when provided the opportunity, will flourish in an environment that engages them in learning. We strive to keep programs current by staying connected to what is happening in business and industry. Through this collaboration we can positively impact our students learning and their preparation for the world of work.”
In order to align with State graduation requirements and to meet district goals of preparing students for their future, students are being asked to begin to build their High School & Beyond Plan in middle school. Student use program tools to learn more about their interests and learning styles which connect them to potential careers and determine a pathway. This work begins at the middle school level in WSD.
Washougal School District CTE courses fit into a variety of the 16 National Career Cluster Pathways. Their courses include:
Intro to Culinary, Baking & Pastry, Advanced Culinary
American Sign Language
Family Health and Medical Detectives offered at the middle school with new classes at the high school in the Health Sciences pathway, which include Intro Med Careers & Term and Biomedical Body Systems, Applied Math, Basic Construction, FA Woodworking, Metals Crafts & Production, Metals Tech & Manufacturing, Small Engines as well as Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics and Flight & Space offered at the middle school
Computer Applications, Yearbook, Leadership in Project Management, Financial Fitness, Digital Photography and a new class called Visual Design & Marketing
WHS senior, Dylan Van Horn, has a goal is to work as an American Sign Language Interpreter and is following the Education & Training pathway. “The classes at WHS that helped me are ASL classes, Yearbook classes because of the interpersonal skills needed to interview people, and Leadership in Project Management (ASB),” he said. VanHorne is also WHS Student Body President.
“ASL Club has also helped along with Mrs. Ritchie and Mrs. Grant,” he said. “The knowledge and support of these teachers has assisted me a lot in determining my path and helping me plan for my future.” In the fall, VanHorne will be attending Western Oregon University to major in American Sign Language/English Interpreting.
Dylan Corbitt, a WHS senior, plans to work as a chef and is following the Hospitality & Tourism pathway
He has taken WHS Culinary Arts classes and the Cascadia Technical Academy Culinary, Baking & Pastry Program. “I am in an internship now at Nuestra Mesa in Camas,” he said. “I work at Dish and Line Prep.” Corbitt’s internship is a part of the Washougal Adult Transition Program.
WHS sophomore, Kirstyn Bisig, has selected her pathway as Architecture & Construction. Her career goal is to be a Heavy Machine Operator. “I am a member of SkillsUSA which has given me the opportunity to work with people I wouldn’t normally get to work with and learn more about the business-side of things,” she explained. “The WHS Metals and Wood classes helped as much as they could because there are age restrictions to operate heavy equipment.”
Wyatt Grindy, WHS sophomore, has chosen Transportation Distribution & Logistics as his pathway with a career goal to work as a Diesel Mechanic. He has taken both WHS Metals and Small Engines classes. “Next year, I plan to attend the Diesel Technology Program at Cascadia Technical Academy to gain more skills and better prepare myself to be a Diesel Mechanic,” he said. “Before I finish high school, I plan on getting an internship and use my skills and that connection to get a job after graduation.”
Additional CTE Month activities at WHS include opportunities for students to explore CTE programs available to them. These included:
A field trip to the Cascadia Technical Academy
Clark College Professional Technology Day field trip
Construction Pre-apprenticeship Presentation by Clark College
Professional Dress Day during the week of Feb. 11-15.
Lunch time activities such as “how to tie a tie”, Learn how to weld, CTE trivia, information about Leadership clubs
“Did you know” fact of the day posted on Facebook and in the morning announcements.
“We have packed a lot into the month for these students. We are so proud of the accomplishments of the students in our high school programs currently and can’t think of a better way to celebrate them than National CTE Month” said Rice. “Our goal is to get the word out about the great work we do for and with kids, the amazing accomplishments of our current students as well as demonstrate what these classes can provide for our future students,” Rice said.
Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic, which is located in Downtown Camas, offers an abundance of services, one of which is Ultherapy.
We spent some time with Master Aesthetician, Lori Keller, who explains this part of her business.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that utilizes the power of focused ultrasound technology, and sound waves to simulate collagen to lift, tone and tighten the skin. The Ultherapy procedure can be performed on the eyes, brow, face, neck and under the chin and chest. This technology stimulates the production of collagen resulting in continuous improvement of the tone and tightness.
Does it hurt?
There may be a little tingle or pain during the treatment, but it quickly goes away.
How long does the treatment take?
An Ultherapy procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the area treated.
Is there any downtime?
Ultherapy delivers outstanding results without surgery or downtime.
Our patients typically see results in three to six months.
About Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic
With more than 30 years of aesthetic laser experience and skin expertise, Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic knows that looking and feeling confident play a big part in our well being.
Keller is an active member of the local community, where she spends time assisting the YWCA Safe Choice Program, which helps abused mothers and their children, giving them hope and skills for a new future.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082759/EFC55D53-7104-4960-82F9-023EF6E5A434.jpeg7871334Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-20 18:40:192019-02-20 18:40:30What is Ultherapy? Lori Keller Answers Common Questions, Myths About Treatments
Anyone still unaware of the Camas Small Business Revolution needs only to walk down Main Street (4th Avenue) to get an idea of the competition’s scale. Small businesses throughout the downtown area are sporting town pride. Windows are plastered with signs asking for votes, all of which contribute to a grand prize. If Camas is declared the winner of the Revolution, $500,000 will be awarded to help six of our small businesses. Not to mention the TV crew that will come to town.
One small business hoping to benefit from a top spot in the national competition is Natalia’s Café. Since the February 12 announcement declaring Camas one of the top five competitors, owners Erica Slothower and Wendy DelBosque have been working nonstop to make sure anyone nearby is aware of the competition.
“I have been keeping my café hostage because people cannot eat until they have voted,” Slothower said.
— Erica Slothhower, owner of Natalia’s
Hoping to drum up as many votes as possible during the final stretch of the competition, the two owners performed a brief skit as Two Broke Camas Girls, which can be seen on the Lacamas Magazine YouTube channel. They dressed up in the classic yellow and red waitress costumes to encourage the community to cast their votes. While the video itself was hilarious, seeing the behind-the-scenes of filming it showed why everyone should be participating in the Revolution. I was only present for the filming, but I could tell that the skit was a final push in a long fight for Camas’s victory. Everyone was exhausted, and yet the energy in the café was so high you wouldn’t be able to guess that this campaign has been running for a long time. It’s no wonder everyone is so excited. Camas is one of the top five finalists out of over 12,000 nominations.
Natalia’s Café, in particular, is hoping Camas wins so they can get a new grill. No matter the outcome, they agree that making number three in the competition would be a huge achievement for the community. “We do have a voting booth here,” DelBosque said. “We’ve been trying to get as many people to come in and vote here from the community, so business owners, customers from other places, our own customers. We have hit people up on the street, and we’re calling ourselves the voting capital of Camas.”
As if to prove that point, Slothower ran outside a couple of seconds later to ask a passersby if they voted, something everyone present did at least once while making the video.
There have been a couple of bumps in the road, and the most difficult thing has been getting the word out. “We’ve had a couple of people that don’t have any kind of digital footprint,” DelBosque told me. “And the most frustrating thing has been how many people are completely unaware of it. That has been the biggest shocker.” As I can attest firsthand, that has not been for lack of trying. Everyone in the café had information cards practically spilling out of their pockets, encouraging people to participate.
The push for the Small Business Revolution win demonstrates one of the things people love about small towns: community. From the decorations on store windows to the social media shout outs, there is a massive involvement from citizens. An opportunity to shine a light on Camas and its businesses has fired up town pride and earned a ton of votes, and every single one counts. If anything, the competition has brought out a large amount of small-town pride.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082807/4FA05BC5-FBD6-4031-AF2D-9DEF3F17C140-scaled.jpeg17943643Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-19 17:40:052019-02-19 17:40:18Natalia’s Café Finds New Voice With Small Business Revolution Campaign
Today is a historic day for Camas, WA – the city has qualified for the Top 6 Towns in the Small Business Revolution Main Street competition and is in the running for a $500,000 investment, a starring role on a Hulu TV series, and life-changing makeovers to local businesses. Typically only 5 towns are chosen, but this year they threw in a twist and chose 6 towns. Camas is the only town on the west coast chosen in this competition and with a win, would be the first west coast town in this acclaimed series.
And now, Camas needs your help.
The winner among the six remaining towns will be determined by a public vote – and the voting period is open now for a week. Camasonians, local businesses and advocates are calling on everyone who loves Camas to cast their vote on the Small Business Revolution website (www.smallbusinessrevolution.org) once per day per email. In addition, people can spread the word via social media using the hashtag #MyCamas, and you can see more about the #MyCamas movement at www.mycamas.net
Camas has overcome long odds to get into the Top 6 Towns, having been one of more than 12,000 towns from across the country to submit nominations for the competition. With voting underway, the community accumulating the most votes will receive a $500,000 investment, which includes assistance and transformation of six small businesses—all of which will be filmed on location in Camas as part of an 8-part original Hulu TV series hosted by Ty Pennington and Amanda Brinkman.
“We are beside ourselves with excitement to be in the Top 6. This is an incredible opportunity for all of us here in Camas to receive not just funding, but national exposure along with advice and mentorship from nationally-renowned marketers,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director for the Downtown Camas Association. “Cities that have previously been featured on the show have said it’s been transformational for them, and we couldn’t be more excited to be in the running to be part of this incredible project.”
“Camas is a mill town in transition. We have worked hard together to revitalize our town and keep our authentic small town experience which is so important to preserve. We have an extensive amount of growth all around us and we want to stay vibrant and relevant. We need help preserving and strengthening this little slice of Americana.”
“The pride Camas residents have in our town is one of the city’s best attributes, and we’re calling on people to display that pride by taking just a few moments every day for the next week to vote,” continued Schulstad. “The #MyCamas movement has been phenomenal to watch and we need to take it to even greater heights over the next week.”
In November it was announced that among the 12,000+ applications submitted to the show, Camas had made the Top 10 Towns. In January, a crew from the show, including host Amanda Brinkman, visited Camas as city leaders, local businesses and advocates made their pitch for why Camas should make the Top 5.
The Small Business Revolution Main Street series showcases one small town and six of its small businesses each year. 2019 will be Season 4. The efforts are funded by Deluxe Corporation, a company that has been working with small businesses in marketing and finance for over a century.
The goal of the show is to document the joys and challenges of owning a small business, why supporting small businesses is so important to communities everywhere, and the powerful changes that can happen when effective and creative marketing and business management techniques are employed. The overall efforts lead to community pride and investment on a grand scale. Prior seasons can be watched on Hulu, YouTube or on www.smallbusinessrevolution.org.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082821/8A9C3D09-943B-4396-B18F-C1E0544890B4.jpeg6341200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-12 08:26:252019-02-12 08:26:33Camas a Finalist to Appear in Ty Pennington, Amanda Brinkman Show
Twelve thousand nominations from across the U.S. submitted nominations for the Small Business Revolution Main Street competition, and now Camas, Washington is just days away from finding out if they will make it into the Top 5. The final Top 5 Towns will be announced Tuesday morning, February 12, at 5:30 a.m. Pacific time. People can watch the announcement on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/smallbizrev
Upon the announcement, the voting period will begin immediately and last for a week, with people able to cast their ballots on the Small Business Revolution website (https://www.deluxe.com/small-business-revolution/main-street/season-four/) once per day per email. This link will be active at 5:30 am on February 12.
The community accumulating the most votes will receive a $500,000 investment, which includes assistance and transformation of six small businesses—all of which will be filmed on location in Camas as part of an 8-part original Hulu TV series hosted by Ty Pennington and Amanda Brinkman.
Camas leaders are calling on the community to spread the message far and wide on social media with the #MyCamas hashtag – get ready to vote as often as possible beginning on Tuesday should the town make the final Top 5. You can see more about the #MyCamas movement at www.mycamas.net and by viewing this video (https://vimeo.com/315772233).
www.lisaleproperties.com
“We’re on the cusp of the rest of America finding out what everyone here already knows: that Camas is truly a great American small town,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director for the Downtown Camas Association. “With that in mind, the opportunity to receive funding along with expertise from world-class marketers will help our merchants grow, thrive and overcome the obstacles that are challenging them at present.
“Camas is a town with unlimited potential and helping unlock it could be life-changing for our business owners,” continued Schulstad. “Having said that, even just making the top-10 has been a jolt of energy for our town. People are rallying together to help spread the word through the #MyCamashashtag on social media, and no matter what happens, this energy will continue and help drive pride and growth in the city.”
In November it was announced that among the 12,000+ applications submitted to the show, Camas had made the list of Top10 Towns. In January, a crew from the show, including host Amanda Brinkman, visited Camas as city leaders, local businesses and advocates made their pitch for why Camas should make the Top 5.
The Small Business Revolution Main Street series showcases one small town and six of its small businesses each year. 2019 will be Season 4. The efforts are funded by Deluxe Corporation, a company that has been working with small businesses in marketing and finance for over a century.
The goal of the show is to document the joys and challenges of owning a small business, why supporting small businesses is so important to communities everywhere, and the powerful changes that can happen when effective and creative marketing and business management techniques are employed. The overall efforts lead to community pride and investment on a grand scale. Prior seasons can be watched on Hulu, YouTube or on www.smallbusinessrevolution.org.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082945/2A90B9C7-8CB3-49E7-9270-BEF401B1AF7E-scaled.jpeg30244032Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-10 12:54:112019-02-11 12:15:32Small Business Revolution Top 5 Announcement Coming Feb. 12 — at 5:30 am
Join your art-loving friends and neighbors for a new downtown event – Little Art Camas! Come enjoy, buy and support local art!
February 8 and 9, 2019 Friday 5-9 pm Saturday 12-5 pm Fuel Medical Lobby, 314 NE Birch, Downtown Camas
What is Little Art Camas? It’s a 2-day community exhibition of original small-scale artworks created by local artists. All ages and skill levels welcome. It will be a spectacular display! All artists will create art on 3 “little” panels and these will be showcased at the exhibit on February 8th and 9th and all sales benefit downtown public art efforts!
The event will have music, drinks, goodies, prizes and art demos to to add to the fun. This event celebrates local art, providing artists a place to showcase their creativity and making art accessible to all. Enjoy live music by local musician, Bret Malmquist!
Tickets to event are $5 at the door and good for both Friday and Saturday. Children under 12 are free.
Each art piece is priced at $20 and supports public art in Downtown Camas. **Purchased art to be picked up after show (see times below). You purchase “buyer’s buttons” to claim the art you want. You can purchase up to 5 each day.
We are honored to host this event in the beautifully restored Fuel Medical Building at 314 NE Birch (3rd & Birch):
Friday, February 8th 5-6pm Art Preview 6-9pm Exhibit Browsing and Buying Starts!
Saturday, February 9th 12-5pm Exhibit Browsing and Buying (New art pieces will be offered today!) 5-6pm Art Pick up (continues on Sunday)
Sunday, February 10th 12-2pm Art Pick up continues
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082959/ACC93B3B-0A71-4DC8-A89E-211C64EBF6C1-scaled.jpeg18963592Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-08 09:46:442019-02-08 09:47:23Downtown Camas Little Art Show Begins Friday Night; It’s Pretty Stunning!
With the city of Seattle, and now some state lawmakers, continuing the push for a local income tax, state Rep. Brandon Vick has again introduced legislation that would prevent local governments from implementing an income tax.
House Bill 1588, with 16 co-sponsors, would prevent local governments from imposing an income tax on an individual’s or household’s income. It is similar to legislation Vick introduced in May of 2017 in response to the cities of Seattle, Olympia and Port Townsend trying to find a way around the local income tax law.
“Once again, this measure clarifies the prohibition on the ability of local governments to impose an income tax,” said Vick, R-Vancouver. “This issue is not going away until we tighten the local income tax statutes even further. Despite many of us believing that current law is clear, Seattle along with the support of legislators in the Puget Sound region are pushing the state Supreme Court to allow an income tax.”
In January, the Washington State Supreme Court declined to take up a lower-court ruling that struck down Seattle’s income tax and instead sent the case to the Court of Appeals. However, the city of Seattle indicated they were not giving up and were taking their arguments to the Court of Appeals.
Since then, several Democrat lawmakers have filed an amicus brief arguing Seattle and cities across Washington state already have the right to impose an income tax.
From left: Representative-elect Larry Hoff, Senator Ann River, and Representative Brandon Vick.
“With local governments and now some lawmakers in Olympia working in favor of an income tax, along with the governor’s push for a capital gains income tax, someone needs to stand up and protect our taxpayers,” said Vick. “Voters in Washington state have repeatedly rejected income tax proposals. Let’s quit ignoring them and pass this bill once and for all.”
Washington state voters have rejected a statewide income tax seven times since the Washington State Supreme Court overturned Initiative 69 in 1933. The latest being in 2010 when the proposed income tax measure failed in all 39 counties with a 64 percent “no” vote.
“The drive to implement local and capital gains income taxes comes at a time when we are seeing record taxpayer revenues come into the state,” said Vick.
Current Washington state law reads “a county, city, or city-county shall not levy a tax on net income.” It is a result of Camas’ Citizen of the Century and former Sen. Hal Zimmerman introducing Senate Bill 4313 in 1984. He drafted the legislation in response to an Attorney’s General (AG) opinion initiated by questions from Clark County. Zimmerman wanted to clear up any doubt created by the AG opinion about city-county government being able to have an income tax.
Vick’s bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee. The Legislature’s 105-day session is scheduled to adjourn on April 28.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/07084524/16DBA05E-5032-4380-A147-92275BCFB2BE-scaled.jpeg40006000Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-07 20:49:032019-02-07 20:49:40Rep. Vick Introduces Legislation to Prevent Local Govt’s From Implementing Income Tax
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