In brief: Education funding a work in progress, Legislature reports

BELLEVUE – The Legislature’s annual progress report to the Washington Supreme Court on its work toward fulfilling the court’s order to fix education funding is a mixture of accomplishments and wishes for the future.

The report approved Tuesday begins with a summary of the court’s 2012 McCleary decision, which said lawmakers weren’t meeting their constitutional responsibility to fully pay for basic education. It details the $4.8 billion added to the state education since the ruling.

The report checks off many boxes in the McCleary ruling, including all-day kindergarten, classroom supplies and smaller classes in kindergarten through third grade. It talks about a boost in education spending of about $1.3 billion over the next two years, raises for teachers and more money for school construction.

But on other, likely more expensive McCleary-related issues – including the reform of local tax levies and school pay – the report offers ideas and proposed bills but no action.

Last fall, the Supreme Court said the state was in contempt for not making plans to completely answer its orders. The court is expected to decide soon whether to sanction the Legislature.

In the report, lawmakers acknowledge they have not completed the work the court asked them to do.

But many of the lawmakers on the committee assigned to report to the Supreme Court said they believe they will be able to finish their work next year.

Brother sues CEO who set $70,000 wage

SEATTLE – A Seattle CEO who set a $70,000 minimum wage for all 120 of his employees is being sued by his brother.

Lucas Price accuses his brother and co-founder, Dan Price, in court documents of violating his rights as minority shareholder in Gravity Payments and breaching duties and contracts, the Seattle Times reported.

Attorney Greg Hollon, who represents Lucas Price, said the lawsuit is in response to a series of events spanning years.

The brothers co-founded the company in 2004, and Dan Price became CEO in 2006.

A trial date is set for May 3.

Conservation Corps hiring statewide

The Washington Conservation Corps is hiring for 300 positions statewide, including 10 in Spokane County.

The program partners with AmeriCorps to provide yearlong, full-time employment for young adults ages 18-25, according to a state Department of Ecology news release. Veterans of the Second Gulf War, reservists and dependents of any age may also apply.

Crews rebuild boardwalks and trails, plant native trees and shrubs, and provide emergency response for communities in need after natural disasters. This summer, they also are fighting wildfires.

Crew members work for minimum wage with health insurance and receive a $5,730 scholarship upon successful completion of one year of service.

To apply, visit www.ecy.wa.gov/wcc.

Police chief seeks guidance on pot tickets

SEATTLE – The chief of the Seattle Police Department has asked City Council members if they want her officers to stop issuing $27 fines for public pot use.

Chief Kathleen O’Toole said Monday that she didn’t want to report to the council every six months, as pot use tickets have been generating national news, the Seattle Times reported.

Results of a police department study found that in the second half of 2014, although blacks make up about 8 percent of Seattle’s population, they received about 27 percent of tickets issued.

Council members said they should provide O’Toole with better guidance but be wary that a complaint-driven ticket system may be reflecting the biases of callers and leading to unfair enforcement.