jayinslee.com

I said we would get big things done this legislative session, and we did!

After six months — over two months longer than originally planned — we addressed some of the biggest issues facing our state and won:

• $1.3 billion in additional funding for our K-12 system
• A historic investment in early-childhood education and funding for all-day kindergarten
• $16 billion in crucial infrastructure funding through a transportation package
• Investments in our state parks
• The first cost of living adjustment for teachers since 2008

The Governor’s office was essential to producing this equitable budget and now more than ever, with a divided legislature, the Republicans understand the importance of who is Governor of our state.

Now our campaign has to make up for lost time. We just got out of a seven-month fundraising freeze. We have six months to go before the legislature resumes again. And we have one declared opponent with others looking to get into the race.

We need to make up for lost time. That’s why I’m kicking off our first week-long fundraising drive TODAY with a goal of $50,000 by ‌July 17. Will you contribute today?

Today’s Headlines

I’m Davan Maharaj, editor of the Los Angeles Times. A drug kingpin’s prison break is a huge embarrassment for Mexico; and a look at where it’s riskiest to step off a curb in L.A. Here are some story lines I don’t want you to miss today.

To Live and Walk in L.A.
Walking is often risky business in car-crazy Los Angeles. Now, a Times analysis puts some startling data behind the conventional wisdom. From 2002 through 2012, more than 58,000 accidents involving pedestrians happened on L.A. County streets. Downtown, Hollywood and Koreatown are especially perilous. Here’s the story, with a detailed map and tips on how to avoid being hit.

‘Seeing’ with Clicks
It’s not like seeing, but for blind people it could be the next best thing — a few clicks away. Not computer clicks. Tongue clicks are at the heart of an unorthodox program run by Daniel Kish in Long Beach. He teaches blind people to send them out as sonar, like dolphins or bats, to get a read on their surroundings. Some of the results have been remarkable. It’s today’s Great Read.

— A bill making progress in the Legislature would allow work permits for farmworkers here illegally.

— More jail trouble: New reports of abuse of inmates and staff suspensions or reassignments underscore a tough problem for new L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

— Malibu takes steps to bring traffic mayhem under control on the Pacific Coast Highway.

— Facing another court showdown over solitary confinement, state prisons begin to ease up on the practice.

— The close divide between Supreme Court justices on same-sex marriage portends more tough legal disputes.

— Stay home when you’re sick? A study finds that many doctors don’t.

— A suicide bombing kills dozens of civilians near a U.S. base in Afghanistan.

— In a Paraguay slum, Pope Francis speaks of equality and solidarity for the poor.

— Families are dropping euphemisms in obituaries to help expose heroin’s deadly toll (N.Y. Times).

— Crosscut: “The racist roots of a Northwest secession movement.”

— For Disneyland’s 60th, Smithsonian looks at hidden stories behind some of the park’s wonders.