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Audubon Supports Carbon Tax I-732, Urges Action on Climate Change to Save Bird Populations

Birds exist everywhere we do, so it’s little wonder that they have been important to human culture from time immemorial. Their songs thrill along with their incredible display of speed and strength. Audubon has been dedicated to ensuring their survival since it was founded in 1905. From its work in stopping the sale of feathers of native birds for the fashion industry, to the ban of DDT in 1972, the organization has been on the front lines of conservation and grassroots advocacy. In this bird-rich radio feature, Martha Baskin takes a look at Audubon’s work in Washington state and why they support I-732, the carbon tax.

Check out KBCS’s recent discussion on I-732 here.

Backers Say Potential Ballot Initiative Empowers Small Donors

Backers of an initiative aimed at amplifying small donations to politicians are waiting to hear if they’ve qualified for the November ballot. Initiative 1464 would give Washingtonians three 50-dollar “democracy vouchers” to donate to the politicians of their choice for each election.

The measure has support from groups that span the political spectrum, who say that a voucher system would allow politicians to spend more time with their constituents, and less time fundraising. Critics are worried about how the measure would be funded.

Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more information on the proposed initiative:

Ballots Due Tuesday, November 3rd

The 2015 General Election is Tuesday, November 3rd.  You can vote:

  • By mail. Ballots require first class postage and must be postmarked by November 3rd.
  • At an accessible voting center by 8 p.m.
  • At a 24-hour drop box or a scheduled van drop by 8 p.m.

Don’t forget to sign your ballot envelope! (It is not valid without a signature on the envelope.)

Voting information is available on your county election website:

Election overview at Secretary of State website – http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/

Will Initiative 1351 be sent back to voters?

By  Top Story Network

Just three months after voters approved Initiative 1351 calling for smaller class sizes, lawmakers are thinking about sending the initiative back to voters–what would be a historic move. I-1351 passed in November with 51% of the vote.  State Senator Steve Litzow, R-Mercer Island, calls the initiative “irresponsible” because it directed smaller class sizes in K-12, but did not provide any funding to pay for the idea. The Secretary of State’s office says it would be the first time in state history that lawmakers have attempted to return a recently-passed initiative to the ballot. Sen. Litzow talks about the options and the status of education funding in the legislature with Seattle Top Story’s Robert Mak.

Click here for more 2015 Olympia coverage.

Seattle Transportation – Proposition 1

Seattle voters will take up the issue of transportation funding for the Seattle Transportation Benefit District Proposition 1.

If approved, this proposition would fund the preservation of transit service on existing routes (primarily serving the Seattle area) proposed to be cut beginning 2015 .  A portion of the funds collected would be to support regional transit service and improved access for low income transit riders.

This proposition would authorize an additional annual vehicle license fee of $60 per registered vehicle with a $20 rebate for low income individuals and authorize a .1 percent sales and use tax.  Both the fee and tax would expire by December 31st, 2020.

KBCS News Director, Sonya Green interviews Administrative Manager and Former president of the League of Women Voters Seattle King County, Allison Feher about the proposition.

You can listen to the interview below:

Visit our Elections page for KBCS’ coverage of issues and candidates in the upcoming election.

A Tribal Perspective on Genetically Engineered Salmon

How might some people from cultures that have centered their diet and spirituality around salmon feel about genetically engineered salmon?

KBCS News & Public Affairs Director, Sonya Green speaks with Rob Purser, Fisheries Director of the Suquamish Tribe, Valerie Segrest, Community Nutritionist and registered member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, and Anne Mosness, long time Fisherwoman and President of the Women’s Maritime Association about their take on the possible approval of genetically engineered salmon for commercial sale.

Resources:

Center for Food Safety

Tatoosh Group of the Sierra Club’s Cascade Chapter

Listen to the discussion here

 

Genetically Modified Crops and the Environment

According to recent study, more pesticides are being used than ever before on genetically modified, “Round-up Ready”, corn crops and genetically modified cotton.  Host Sean Donovan interviewed Dr. Chuck Benbrook, Faculty Member of Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.

General Election: November 5th, 2013

In King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties the last day to register to vote is October 28th.

The 2013 general election is Tuesday, November 5th.  You can vote:

  • By mail. Ballots require first class postage and must be postmarked by November 5th.
  • At an accessible voting center by 8 p.m.
  • At a 24-hour drop box or a scheduled van drop by 8 p.m.

Don’t forget to sign your ballot envelope!

For extensive election coverage from KBCS, check out Sonya Green’s interviews with candidates for Bellevue City Council, Bellevue School Board, Seattle City Council, Seattle School Board and Initiative 522.

Voting information is available on your county election website:

For a progressive take on the upcoming election, check-out the Progressive Voter’s Guide.

Genetically Modified Foods

You know the saying, you are what you eat? Well what if you don’t know what’s in the food you’re eating?

Genetically modified food (GMO’s) is a hot topic of debate. What is genetically modified food? Is it good or harmful?

In Washington State come November, voters will decide the fate of Initiative 522, which would to require special labeling of genetically modified foods. Federal law does not require genetically engineered food labeling.

To discuss GMO’s versus non-GMO’s and i-522, Sonya Green speaks with three guests:

Listen to the interview: KBCS_M+I_2013-05-01_GMO

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