What's the government doing with my money?

Great question! Check out these interesting guides to state government to learn a little more about where it's spent.

State Budget
K-12 Education Finance (though this will likely change next year as a task force is coming up with a new funding formula right now)
Property taxes

It's some fascinating stuff if you have a few minutes and want to know more about your taxes.

Funny, very funny

I just heard about this website: The Naked Loon - funny news, with a northwest twist.

And I'm now on facebook: I've finally arrived.

What do people think about education?

Sounds like a public comment period.

Public comment - have you commented lately?

Do you have a thought on energy independence?

Whaling by Native Americans?

The Wonderland Trail in Mt. Rainier National Park?

Security reviews of foreign investments?

Lots to comment about - the government is actually asking what you think. Does anyone ever comment though?

I don't believe it...conservatives are happier than liberals

So says "research."

TVW! Woo hoo!

I was in Olympia today for the Washington Scholars awards ceremony. My little bro Chris won this award last year. Free tuition at any public college in the state or the equivalent at an in-state private. Not a bad gig. I was part of a panel with other legislative staffers to talk about our jobs and TVW was there to tape it for eternity. Not the best camera angle, but at least I'm in the shot.

Do liberals have to tolerate intolerance?

Today, students at Mt. Si High School in North Bend are engaging in a Day of Silence as a show of support for gay students. Rev. Ken Hutcherson (Hutch by his supporters), an outspoken pastor at a local church, is gathering activists in a protest, saying homosexuality is a sin.

As a liberal, I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm firm believer of gay rights and free speech but how can one be tolerant of intolerance? Is Hutch a bigot or standing up for his beliefs? Is it fair to compare him and his followers to white supremacists (some people like to call them a hate group)? He's black by the way.

Where does one draw the line?

Perfect: an online survey on social networks

My cousin Emily (here, here, and here) asked me to spread the word about a survey she's doing for one of her classes. What better way than my blog?

The survey asks about your use of social networks and airline travel. Check it out. No prizes for the best answers unfortunately.

Oh, yeah - Emily wants you to be betwen 18-28 and have flown JetBlue Airlines within the last year.