Mon., April 13, 2009

Questions — and suggestions — rolling into Lisa Brown’s online “town hall”…

...which this morning hit its 100th question. The site has also logged nearly 4,000 votes for best question.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the most popular question asks for more details about a possible state income tax being floated by Senate Democrats:

"Can you describe your vision for how a WA State income tax would grow over the net decades in terms of rates and income levels of those affected? Which States have, in your opinion, done this well? Which States are your role models here?"

-Peter W., Kirkland, WA

Another topic of great interest: not cutting the state's General Assistance (for the) Unemployable program, which provides a $339-a-month stipend and health care to people judged unable to work, often due to mental illness. The program is supposed to be temporary aid or a stepping-stone to the long-term, federally funded social safety net. Republicans say that people are staying on the program too long, costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Supporters say it's a critical lifeline that helps keep people able to see a doctor and not living on the street.

And education. Lots of comments here, mostly urging lawmakers to put more money into schools. From CH98074 in Sammamish:

"Have you ever spent 1 week in an elementary school and actually seen and experienced the dedication and incredible teaching that DOES happen in this state every day and with less and less dollars every year?"

As for the less-popular questions, many involve ideas: legalizing prostitution, taxing Indian casinos, putting the bulk of the state colleges' curricula online, etc. Here are some ideas from Eric L., from Bainbridge Island:

"Legalize sin and tax it! It works for gambling, so let's try prostitution. Legal in parts of Nevada, so let's give it a try. It will also eliminate crime, improve public health. Remember Prohibition? Let's tax this stuff."

Posted April 13, 2009, 11:43 a.m.