Initiative and referenda are actions that allow the voters of a city, state, or county a certain amount of direct control over lawmaking. It allows people to take direct political action if their representatives decline to pass some legislation that the people want. Sam Reed states, “The initiative process is the direct power of the voters to enact new laws or change existing laws. It allows the electorate to petition to place proposed legislation on the ballot. The initiative’s only limitation is that it cannot be used to amend the State Constitution.” Initiatives enable the voters to introduce a law while referenda enable a proposed law to be submitted to the people for approval. In the States that use initiative, any individual can draw up a propose law. If a certain number of voters sign a petition, the proposed law goes either to the voters or to the lawmaking in which they must vote on it.
There are two types of initiatives: the initiative to the people and the initiative to the legislature. The initiative to the people is the method in which certified to have enough signatures are submitted for a vote of the people at the next state general election. On the other hand, initiative to the legislature is the process in which certified are submitted to the legislature at its regular session in each January and once submitted, the legislature will either adopt the initiative as proposed, refuse to act on the proposed initiative, or approve an amended version of the proposed initiative.
Referenda is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may be the adoption of a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. The referendum puts a proposed law on the ballot at the next general election or at a special election. Sam Reed states, “The referendum allows citizens, through the petition process, to refer acts of the legislature to the ballot before they become law. The referendum also permits the legislature itself to refer proposed legislation to the electorate for approval or rejection” The process also includes the filing of a petition with a required number of registered voters, prior to the effective date of the ordinance.” Dr. Sell states, “Referenda allow the legislature to pass measures along for a public vote; it also allows citizens to grab a recently passed law and force it to the ballot.”
There are two types of referenda: the referendum bill and the referendum measure. These referendums allow the voters to either approve or reject laws proposed or enacted by the legislature. Referendum bills are proposed laws referred to the electorate by the legislature and referendum measure are laws passed by the legislature that are placed on the ballot due to the petition signed by legislature. On the other hand, a number of cities and states hold a statutory referendum, in which it allows citizens to vote on laws passed by the legislature or proposed by an initiative. There are three kinds of statuary referendums: compulsory referendum, optional referendum, and referendum by petition. A compulsory referendum requires that the city or state to submit a certain kinds of measures to be vote by the people. Those measures may include proposals to issue municipal bonds, to raise property taxes for local schools, or to change the boundaries of city. An optional referendum allows the legislature to submit controversial measures to a direct vote of the people. A referendum by petition is the process in which it required a number of citizens demand that a bill be submitted to a vote. The required number of voters must sign a petition objecting to the bill during the waiting period. Washington State holds a referendum when 4 percent of the voters request it.
Initiative and referendum has plays an important role in the Washington State politics. It has given the citizens direct voice in the State and local government. Initiative and referendum has established important laws such as the Public Disclosure Commission. The Public Disclosure Commission was formed and empowered by initiative of the citizen to provide timely and useful public access to information about financing of political campaigns, lobbyist expenditures, and the financial affairs of public officials and candidates, and to make certain compliance with disclosure provision, contribution limits, campaign practices and other campaign finance laws.
The initiative measure No. 397 concerns traffic flow on public roads and highways. This initiative was filed on 9/06/2007 by Mr. Tim Eyman. The initiative No. 397 proposed the opening of carpool lanes to everyone during non-peak hours, requires synchronization of traffic lights on heavily-traveled arterials, and expands for emergency roadside assistance. In addition, it also proposed the dedication of portion (4.4%) of existing vehicle sales taxes to help funding increase traffic flow policies. Heavy traffic on highways and roadways result in long delays which could have negative impact on business. Heavy traffics are caused by collisions, disabled vehicles, spills, or other events that impede the normal flow of traffic.
Tim Eyman states, “The objective of synchronizing traffic signals is to allow progression through the arterial with the fewest stops at intersections, while minimizing delay for the side street. Synchronizing traffic lights creates more uniform speeds along streets, increases traffic flow, reduces time delays at intersections, and creates opportunities for traffic from the side streets to safely enter the main street.” The initiative No. 397 measure includes opening carpool lanes to all vehicles Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and from 6:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 a.m. Monday. Opening our carpool lanes to everyone during non-peak hours will make travel times faster, increase traffic flow, decrease traffic congestion, increase safety and freight mobility.
Work Cities
Sell, T.M. “Elections”: State & Local Government. Highline Community College, 2007. http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
Reed, Sam. Filing Initiatives and Referenda in Washington State, “Introduction” 2007. http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/pdf/Filing_Initiative_and_Referenda_Manual_2005-2008.pdf
Eyman, Tim. Initiative 397. “Policies and Purpose”. 2007 http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/text/i397.pdf
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Legislature
Legislature is a branch of government that has the power to make and pass laws. It is divided into two groups; the senate and the house of representative. In Washington State, the senate is consists of 49 members and the house of representatives is consist of 98 members. Senators are elected for four years term and representatives are elected for two years term. Even thought the house of representative have more members than senate, there are more responsibility. However, Senate and House of Representative operate independently, but both branches have to pass the same bill before it can be sign to the law by state governor.
Legislature plays representative role in the government. As representative, legislators can act as the voice of their citizens. Smith states, “The bulk of the work legislators do involves formulating the law and trying to keep on eye on the executive branch, but their primary responsibility is to provide representation for their constituents (191).” It is the obligation of the legislators to ensure the interest of their citizens is well represented at the state government. Legislators invest amount of time to service their constituent. They help in solving problems constituent are facing and they help solving problems between different branches of agencies and constituent. In most cases, legislators are most like to respond to an issue related to their constituent problem that demand change in law. It is the interest of the legislators to ensure that their citizens legitimize their government. Legislators address constituent problems first in order to satisfy constituent.
As matter of fact, legislatures are responsible for passing laws, levy taxes, representation, spend money, and oversee various branches of government agencies. According to Dr. Sell’s lecture, “Budget writing is the legislature’s biggest job.” In addition, legislature is also responsible for writing operation budget, capital budget, and transportation budget. Their primary job as budget writer involves setting up a budget for public school institutions, public assistance, states agencies, transit, and State infrastructure. Budget writing isn’t an easy task, but legislature’s professionalism allows them to pass a reasonable bills. Legislators are professionally train and well equip to carry out their job effectively.
Every year thousand of bills and constituent complaints are presented to legislature to be addressed. Bills are introduced for various reasons. It can range from common problem to individual or group problems. However, the structure of legislature likes congress makes it hard for any bill to pass without being well thought. Each bill must go to different stage of legislature before it could be debated by Senate and the House of Representatives. Since legislatures are divided into two chambers, each chamber must pass identical bill or otherwise the bill will die even thought it is pass by one chamber.
Through the system of check and balances, legislators are entitled to oversee how the governors and executive branch are operating. Executive branch is in charge with the implement of the new laws or bills. Their responsibilities involve putting the bill to the action. In order to avoid the risk of the corruption, legislators call on governor and executive agencies to carry out hearing, investigation, and reviews for how new laws have been implemented. As I mention above, legislature are responsible for write a budget, however, it is significant for legislature to oversight how the money are been used. Legislators carry out supervision for the purpose of maintaining laws and avoid corruption within the government.
Legislators are divided into various committees. Each committee is a sign to a particular job such as education, transportation, and taxes. Every time a new bill is presented to legislators. The bill must make it first to the appropriate committee stage before it can be debated by the House of Representatives or Senate. Most of the bills get killed without hearing. According to Smith, the following procedure will be taken to either prove or kills the bill. Smith states, “A bill goes in one side, gets debated, marked-up, reported out, and then comes out the other side as it get, returned to the legislature for an override, or it gets “killed” (194).” One the other hand, a bill must be passed by both Senate and the House of Representatives.
Work cities
Sell, T.M. “lecture note” Legislature. 2007 < http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D >
Smith, Kevin. “How It Works” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 194
Smith, Kevin. “Representation” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 191
Legislature plays representative role in the government. As representative, legislators can act as the voice of their citizens. Smith states, “The bulk of the work legislators do involves formulating the law and trying to keep on eye on the executive branch, but their primary responsibility is to provide representation for their constituents (191).” It is the obligation of the legislators to ensure the interest of their citizens is well represented at the state government. Legislators invest amount of time to service their constituent. They help in solving problems constituent are facing and they help solving problems between different branches of agencies and constituent. In most cases, legislators are most like to respond to an issue related to their constituent problem that demand change in law. It is the interest of the legislators to ensure that their citizens legitimize their government. Legislators address constituent problems first in order to satisfy constituent.
As matter of fact, legislatures are responsible for passing laws, levy taxes, representation, spend money, and oversee various branches of government agencies. According to Dr. Sell’s lecture, “Budget writing is the legislature’s biggest job.” In addition, legislature is also responsible for writing operation budget, capital budget, and transportation budget. Their primary job as budget writer involves setting up a budget for public school institutions, public assistance, states agencies, transit, and State infrastructure. Budget writing isn’t an easy task, but legislature’s professionalism allows them to pass a reasonable bills. Legislators are professionally train and well equip to carry out their job effectively.
Every year thousand of bills and constituent complaints are presented to legislature to be addressed. Bills are introduced for various reasons. It can range from common problem to individual or group problems. However, the structure of legislature likes congress makes it hard for any bill to pass without being well thought. Each bill must go to different stage of legislature before it could be debated by Senate and the House of Representatives. Since legislatures are divided into two chambers, each chamber must pass identical bill or otherwise the bill will die even thought it is pass by one chamber.
Through the system of check and balances, legislators are entitled to oversee how the governors and executive branch are operating. Executive branch is in charge with the implement of the new laws or bills. Their responsibilities involve putting the bill to the action. In order to avoid the risk of the corruption, legislators call on governor and executive agencies to carry out hearing, investigation, and reviews for how new laws have been implemented. As I mention above, legislature are responsible for write a budget, however, it is significant for legislature to oversight how the money are been used. Legislators carry out supervision for the purpose of maintaining laws and avoid corruption within the government.
Legislators are divided into various committees. Each committee is a sign to a particular job such as education, transportation, and taxes. Every time a new bill is presented to legislators. The bill must make it first to the appropriate committee stage before it can be debated by the House of Representatives or Senate. Most of the bills get killed without hearing. According to Smith, the following procedure will be taken to either prove or kills the bill. Smith states, “A bill goes in one side, gets debated, marked-up, reported out, and then comes out the other side as it get, returned to the legislature for an override, or it gets “killed” (194).” One the other hand, a bill must be passed by both Senate and the House of Representatives.
Work cities
Sell, T.M. “lecture note” Legislature. 2007 < http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D >
Smith, Kevin. “How It Works” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 194
Smith, Kevin. “Representation” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 191
The Governor
The Governor
The governor is the head of the executive branch of state government. The executive department consists of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and a commissioner of public lands. In Washington State, the Governor holds his/her office for a four years term until his successor is elected, and there is no term limits. Other executive officers are chosen by the qualified electors of the State. Governor has the power to maintain State government by appointing the heads of department and agencies, veto legislation, create State budgets, grant pardons, and call legislatures into session.
Christine Gregoire is the 22nd governor in Washington State. Gregoire serves three successful terms as attorney general before she was elected into the office in 2004 as Washington State governor. Governor plays an important role in balancing the State’s budget and appointing the heads of State department, agencies, and institutions. “The governor proposes budgets that detail the amount of money that will go to every State agency, welfare program, highway department, and school district (233).” The governor is in charge for creating State budget and expenses. However, the Governor has to cooperate with legislature in order accomplish the budget propose. The budget must be approved by legislature in order to by execute. On the other hand, the governor carry out the accountability of oversee State’s budget expenditures and to ensure that the laws are truly implemented. The governor addressed the State annually on state affairs include the budget proposal. Bills can not become law without governor signature. The governor has the power to veto legislature, unless the two-thirds of legislature can veto governor.
Dr. Sell states, “Governors also are the leading pitchmen for their states. They lead trade missions; they push their states’ prospects in regional and national arenas; they are looked at to the charge of efforts to revitalize sagging economies and manage booming ones.” The governor serves as a representative between other States and federal government. Governor Gregoire can represent Washington State to other States, federal government, and other countries. The governor has the priority of improving State’s economic, education, health care, and much more.
Washington State governor Chris Gregoire is committed to invest in education, expand health care coverage, and improve State economic. Governor Gregoire believes that investing on a skilled workforce, research, development, and infrastructure will improve Washington State’s future economic. On March 12, 2007, Governor Chris Gregoire signed legislation awarding of $71 million in infrastructure loans to 19 communities in Washington State. This money was use to develop sanitary sewer systems, domestic water, and storm water services in which it will protect environmental health, and promote economic in the areas. Governor Gregoire has fighting to limit government regulation on business in order to encourage big cooperation and small business to do business in Washington State. Developing economic system that will enrich Washington State is the goal of governor Gregoire. Gregoire states, “Providing a good education for all of our citizens is the single greatest contribution we can make to the future of our economy.”
Building the best school system is the key factors to the success of citizens and the state’s growing industries. Most of the advance industries require higher education. It is the top priority of governor to ensure that Washington State meets the industries standards. Since Chris Gregoire was elected as governor, she is committed to reform school systems. Governor Gregoire has established Washington learning. Washington learning conducted a review of Washington State’s education system, its structure, and funding. In 2006, the Washington learning committees submit a final report that has guide governor to improve school system. “She helped increase financial aid by $26.9 million, expand grand eligibility for working families, create enrollment slots for 7,900 new students and create four-year programs in Tacoma, Vancouver, Bothell and the Tri-Cities.” governor Gregoire believes investing in the best education system is the key to move Washington forward.
Governor Gregoire believes, “Good health is a central to our quality of life, the vibrancy of our community, and our ability to remain competitive in a global market.” Expand health care is one of the top priority of Washington State governor. Governor Gregoire has proposed four key health care goals to increase access to affordable health care to citizens of Washington State.
1. “Create a sustainable, affordable, quality health system;
2. Increase access to health care coverage and prescription drugs;
3. Improve the health of Washingtonians; and
4. Ensure everyone has access to quality health care providers;”
The Governor serves as commander in chief of State’s National Guard. However, the president has the power to call up State’s National Guard to perform federal service. For example, the president can request a unit for State to participate in Iraq war, Afghanistan, and other federal service around the world. On the other hand, the governor has the power to command the National Guard during State disaster if needed. The State governor organizes to face disaster if it occurs. Smith states, “State laws require the governor to carry out emergency preparedness, response, and recovery actions (93).” The governor has the power to mobilize National Guard, evacuate residents of disaster area, prescribe routes, authorize emergency funds, etc.
Work cities
Sell, T.M. “The Governor”: State & Local Government. Highline Community College, 2007.
http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
Smith, Kevin. “Powers, Roles, and Responsibilities of a Governor and State Agencies” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 93
Sabato, Larry J., “Chief Legislator” 304, "in Smith, et al." Goodbye to Good-Time Charlie, 2nd ed. Washington, D.D.: CQ Press, 1983.
Governor Gregoire’s website, “Taking Charge of Our Health” 2006 http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
Governor Gregoire’s website, “Improving Our Health” 2006
http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
The governor is the head of the executive branch of state government. The executive department consists of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and a commissioner of public lands. In Washington State, the Governor holds his/her office for a four years term until his successor is elected, and there is no term limits. Other executive officers are chosen by the qualified electors of the State. Governor has the power to maintain State government by appointing the heads of department and agencies, veto legislation, create State budgets, grant pardons, and call legislatures into session.
Christine Gregoire is the 22nd governor in Washington State. Gregoire serves three successful terms as attorney general before she was elected into the office in 2004 as Washington State governor. Governor plays an important role in balancing the State’s budget and appointing the heads of State department, agencies, and institutions. “The governor proposes budgets that detail the amount of money that will go to every State agency, welfare program, highway department, and school district (233).” The governor is in charge for creating State budget and expenses. However, the Governor has to cooperate with legislature in order accomplish the budget propose. The budget must be approved by legislature in order to by execute. On the other hand, the governor carry out the accountability of oversee State’s budget expenditures and to ensure that the laws are truly implemented. The governor addressed the State annually on state affairs include the budget proposal. Bills can not become law without governor signature. The governor has the power to veto legislature, unless the two-thirds of legislature can veto governor.
Dr. Sell states, “Governors also are the leading pitchmen for their states. They lead trade missions; they push their states’ prospects in regional and national arenas; they are looked at to the charge of efforts to revitalize sagging economies and manage booming ones.” The governor serves as a representative between other States and federal government. Governor Gregoire can represent Washington State to other States, federal government, and other countries. The governor has the priority of improving State’s economic, education, health care, and much more.
Washington State governor Chris Gregoire is committed to invest in education, expand health care coverage, and improve State economic. Governor Gregoire believes that investing on a skilled workforce, research, development, and infrastructure will improve Washington State’s future economic. On March 12, 2007, Governor Chris Gregoire signed legislation awarding of $71 million in infrastructure loans to 19 communities in Washington State. This money was use to develop sanitary sewer systems, domestic water, and storm water services in which it will protect environmental health, and promote economic in the areas. Governor Gregoire has fighting to limit government regulation on business in order to encourage big cooperation and small business to do business in Washington State. Developing economic system that will enrich Washington State is the goal of governor Gregoire. Gregoire states, “Providing a good education for all of our citizens is the single greatest contribution we can make to the future of our economy.”
Building the best school system is the key factors to the success of citizens and the state’s growing industries. Most of the advance industries require higher education. It is the top priority of governor to ensure that Washington State meets the industries standards. Since Chris Gregoire was elected as governor, she is committed to reform school systems. Governor Gregoire has established Washington learning. Washington learning conducted a review of Washington State’s education system, its structure, and funding. In 2006, the Washington learning committees submit a final report that has guide governor to improve school system. “She helped increase financial aid by $26.9 million, expand grand eligibility for working families, create enrollment slots for 7,900 new students and create four-year programs in Tacoma, Vancouver, Bothell and the Tri-Cities.” governor Gregoire believes investing in the best education system is the key to move Washington forward.
Governor Gregoire believes, “Good health is a central to our quality of life, the vibrancy of our community, and our ability to remain competitive in a global market.” Expand health care is one of the top priority of Washington State governor. Governor Gregoire has proposed four key health care goals to increase access to affordable health care to citizens of Washington State.
1. “Create a sustainable, affordable, quality health system;
2. Increase access to health care coverage and prescription drugs;
3. Improve the health of Washingtonians; and
4. Ensure everyone has access to quality health care providers;”
The Governor serves as commander in chief of State’s National Guard. However, the president has the power to call up State’s National Guard to perform federal service. For example, the president can request a unit for State to participate in Iraq war, Afghanistan, and other federal service around the world. On the other hand, the governor has the power to command the National Guard during State disaster if needed. The State governor organizes to face disaster if it occurs. Smith states, “State laws require the governor to carry out emergency preparedness, response, and recovery actions (93).” The governor has the power to mobilize National Guard, evacuate residents of disaster area, prescribe routes, authorize emergency funds, etc.
Work cities
Sell, T.M. “The Governor”: State & Local Government. Highline Community College, 2007.
http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
Smith, Kevin. “Powers, Roles, and Responsibilities of a Governor and State Agencies” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 93
Sabato, Larry J., “Chief Legislator” 304, "in Smith, et al." Goodbye to Good-Time Charlie, 2nd ed. Washington, D.D.: CQ Press, 1983.
Governor Gregoire’s website, “Taking Charge of Our Health” 2006 http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
Governor Gregoire’s website, “Improving Our Health” 2006
http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)