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repost: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Minimum Wage and Other New Laws for 2013 P repost


HappyNewYear

Here’s a sampling of new laws, rules and other government changes that kick in with the new year.

As 2013 begins, so do some new laws, regulations and fee increases. Here’s a sampling of what to watch for.

If you’re a renter, homeowner or landlord: Carbon monoxide alarms are now required in existing apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels and single-family homes, with some exceptions. Owner-occupied single-family homes, legally occupied before July 26, 2009, are not required to have the alarms until they are sold. (The law was passed in 2009, and portions of it have phased in over time.)

If you’re a Kirkland property owner: You will get a sense of the impact on your property taxes of the Nov. 6 voter approval of Propositions 1 and 2, the city streets and parks levies,  when King County mails 2013 bills on February 14. More details here.

If you’re a worker: The state minimum wage increases to $9.19 an hour, up from $9.04 an hour. (State law doesn’t let employers take a tip credit against the minimum wage.)

If you’re a garbage customer in King County: The basic fee for bringing solid waste to a transfer station or drop box will increase to $129.40 per ton, up from $117.42, including tax and a moderate risk waste fee. The minimum fee will increase from $20 to $22, including tax and the moderate risk waste fee.  An average residential customer who puts out one can of garbage per week for curbside collection is likely to see an increase of about 57 cents per month in the garbage bill.

If you’re a Pierce County Ferry System rider: A variety of service changes start Jan. 1. The system provides service between the town of Steilacoom, Anderson Island and Ketron Island.

If you’re unemployed: The federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program ends Dec. 29. EUC is a federal extension that provides additional weeks of unemployment benefits after you have run out of “regular unemployment benefits.”

If you’re a fish (or care about them, or drive a vehicle): In 2010 Washington state passed a law reducing the use of toxic material in automotive brake pads and shoes. This law restricts the use of several heavy metals and asbestos, and provides for a phase-out of copper over the next 15-20 years. Starting Jan. 1, manufacturers have to report the concentrations of copper, nickel, zinc and antimony in brake friction materials.

If you’re a fish, part 2 (or an angler): Barbless hooks will be required to fish for salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout in the mainstem Columbia River, including the north jetty, from Buoy 10 upstream to the Washington/Oregon border above McNary Dam

2ND Term Inaug2013


 

 
You and I, as citizens
 
“You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course. You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time — not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals.”
 
Our journey is not complete
 
“It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began…”

2013 Inauguration Ceremony


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Watch the complete ceremony marking the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Now Is The Time to Take Action Against Gun Violence


 

 
 
 
 
Now Is The Time to Take Action Against Gun Violence
 
President Obama reiterates his commitment to do everything in his power to implement a series of commonsense measures that would reduce gun violence in America. The President started off that effort with 23 concrete actions his Administration is taking immediately under its existing legal authority. But to have a lasting impact, Congress must join the administration by passing commonsense laws like requiring a universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun, and restoring a ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines. If they do that, we can respect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while helping to keep the irresponsible few from causing massive harm.

Secretary of Defense


 

votevets.org
What a way to kick off 2013! Today, after over 13,000 of you (including over 8000 Veterans and Military Families) signed a petition in support of Chuck Hagel, President Obama will announce him as the nominee to be Secretary of Defense.Be sure to tune into the announcement at 1pm EST today.This is a huge victory for us – but the fight is not over yet. Neocons will be doing their absolute worst to try to derail the nomination. The reason is simple – they’re wrong on defense, and Chuck Hagel is not only right, but is willing to call them out.

Here’s why Chuck Hagel will make a tremendous Secretary of Defense.

  • First, and foremost, as an enlisted soldier, who fought in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart twice, Chuck Hagel’s heart is still with the fighting men and women in uniform. When it comes to military action, Chuck Hagel will ask two questions: Is this good for American security, and is this good for our troops? That is something that is desperately needed.

  • Second, when it comes to American security, Chuck Hagel bravely broke with his party and his party’s President, to stand up against the war in Iraq, which will go down in history as one of our most misguided military ventures. Chuck Hagel has no fear when it comes to standing up to neoconservatives, and their preemptive war, nation building dreams. 

  • Third, and equally as important, Chuck Hagel is a vociferous advocate for cutting Pentagon waste – from outdated weapons to our over-bloated nuclear arsenal, both of which eat up billions and billions of dollars. In these tough economic times, Chuck Hagel will have no problem identifying waste at the Department of Defense, and cutting it.

So, this is a great moment for you, for the nation, and for VoteVets.org. If you have a moment, take to Twitter, and voice your support for Chuck Hagel! Thanks for your support!

Sincerely,
Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets.org
@jonsoltz