Final Essay

Journalism 305 Final Paper

Julia Connacher

University of Washington will host the 2011 Apple Cup at Quest Field.

Moving the location of Apple Cup will allow UW to get a three-week early start on the Husky Stadium renovations.

As well as saving the school $3 million in labor and other costs, said Scott Woodward, Washington athletic director.

The game will be a UW home game and WSU will get only the same percentage of tickets that would normally be given for an Apple Cup at Husky Stadium, said Shawn Deeds, WSU Coordinator of Football Operations.

That means the pricing structure might be different from a normal UW game, and wont be included in UW season-ticket packages for 2011.

However, UW officials said season holders will have priority on buying tickets for Apple Cup. One potential hitch is that Pac-10 scheduling changes that arise from adding Utah and Colorado could change the date of the 2011 Apple Cup, along with other aspects of Washington State’s schedule.

Washington State and Washington were discussing the possibility of moving Apple Cup to the Seahawks’ home field in 2009.

An agreement was near and both schools would be guaranteed about $2 million per year from it. Compared to $800,000 apiece when the teams play at Husky Stadium and some $240,000 when they meet in Pullman.

The game had been played at home sites since 1980, the last of 13 consecutive times the Cougars “hosted” Washington in Spokane, said Deeds.

In 1982, after strong efforts from WSU athletic director Sam Jankovich and football coach Jim Walden, the Cougars’ home game returned to Pullman.

That year produced one of the memorable upsets in Apple Cup history, WSU’s 24-20 victory. 

The Boeing Company has sponsored the game since 2007 as part of a four-year deal.

However, some WSU students aren’t very happy about the Apple Cup being played in Seahawks’ home stadium in Seattle.

“The Apple Cup is something that everyone looks forward to every year and it is such a big deal,” said Cassie MacLean, a junior at WSU. “It just wouldn’t be the same and have the same atmosphere if it were played somewhere else other than Martin or Husky Stadium.”

It is such a big tradition that has gone on for years now and it would be sad to see it change and become something else, said MacLean.

On the other hand, some WSU students are excited to have Apple Cup at Quest Field.

“Having Apple Cup at Quest Field will be a great experience and the energy from all the fans in the stands will be amazing,” said Anthony Martinez, Senior WSU football player.

Since Apple Cup is such a big event, having it hosted at Quest Field next year seems like a good place, but I wouldn’t want it to be permanent, said Martinez.

The move has nothing to do with negotiations between UW and WSU a few years ago to move the Apple Cup to Qwest Field on a yearly basis.

SOURCES:

Shawn Deeds- WSU Coordinator of Football Operations

-       Phone Number: (509) 335-0206

-       E-mail: Shawn_deeds@wsu.edu

Anthony Martinez- WSU Football Player

-       Phone Number: 1 (951) 207-6968

Cassie MacLean- WSU Student (Junior)

-       Phone Number (509) 209-1724

-       E-mail: Jcmaclean@email.wsu.edu

BACKGROUND:

            Shawn Deeds is in his 12^th season as the Coordinator of Football Operations at Washington State University. His responsibilities include future scheduling, team travel arrangements, and the management of the football budget. Deeds also coordinates preseason camp and serves as assistant director of Cougar Football camp each year. He is a former quarterback for the Cougar Football team. During his senior season, Deeds suffered a shoulder injury on the fourth play of the game against Stanford, ending his football career. Deeds is a 1991 graduate of Kitsap High School, where he earned 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball.

OUTLINE OF STORY:

What Happened?

a.     Lede- University of Washington will host the 2011 Apple Cup at Quest Field.

b.     Moving the location of Apple Cup will allow UW to get a three-week early start on the Husky Stadium renovations.

c.     As well as saving the school $3 million in labor and other costs, said Washington athletic director Scott Woodward.

d.     The game will be a UW home game and WSU will get only the same percentage of tickets that would normally be given for an Apple Cup at Husky Stadium, said Shawn Deeds, WSU Coordinator of Football Operations.

e.     One potential hitch is that Pac-10 scheduling changes that arise from adding Utah and Colorado could change the date of the 2011 Apple Cup, along with other aspects of Washington State’s schedule.

Background:

a.     Washington State and Washington were discussing the possibility of moving Apple Cup to the Seahawks’ home field in 2009.

b.     An agreement was near and both schools would be guaranteed about $2 million per year from it.

c.      Compared to $800,000 apiece when the teams play at Husky Stadium and some $240,000 when they meet in Pullman.

d.     The game had been played at home sites since 1980, the last of 13 consecutive times the Cougars “hosted” Washington in Spokane, said Deeds.

e.     In 1982, after strong efforts from WSU athletic director Sam Jankovich and football coach Jim Walden, the Cougars’ home game returned to Pullman.

f.      That year produced one of the memorable upsets in Apple Cup history, WSU’s 24-20 victory.  

g.     The Boeing Company has sponsored the game since 2007 as part of a four-year deal.

How it Affects Others:

a.     However, some WSU students aren’t very happy about the Apple Cup being played in Seattle at Quest Field.

b.     “Quote from MacLean”

c.     It is such a big tradition that has gone on for years now and it would be sad to see it change and become something else, said MacLean.

d.     On the other hand, some WSU students are excited to have Apple Cup at Quest Field.

e.     “Quote from Martinez”

f.      Since Apple Cup is such a big event, having it hosted at Quest Field next year seems like a good place, but I wouldn’t want it to be permanent, said Martinez.

g.   The move has nothing to do with negotiations between UW and WSU a few years ago to move the Apple Cup to Qwest Field on a yearly basis.

My Secret:

I like to relate the show Friends with my life.

Ethics #4

1. The concerns are deception to the public by creating this bar. Another concern is intrapment.
2. An alternative is to interview employees at a bar that has knowledge about bribes.
3. I don't think that opening a bar and having reporters pose as bar employees is a good idea. I think that there are other alternatives that aren't as extreme.

Peer Edit

1. Beat Officer Chris Engle, who was the one to write Felt’s citation, agrees underage drinking will remain an issue in Pullman and that beat officers are important in helping control underage drinking.

2. WSU reported no homicides, two aggravated assaults, and several other incidents, according to the data.

3. “If it was not for financial aid,” Smith said, “Then I would have had a much harder time getting my bachelor’s degree; not to mention my master’s.”

4. Though the university is losing money, it is receiving applications from more potential students, Jones said.

5. The Whitman County housing market decreased 31 percent in the past year. (Shorten by five words)

6. As a 22-year-old student at Seattle University, Stephanie Marie did not know the different risk of having unprotected sex. (Correct and shorten by three words.)

7. The Washington State Liquor Control Board has banned Four Loko effective on Nov. 18. (Combine into one sentence and cut any unnecessary words.)

8. Despite criticism for its lack of change, the ban on cell phones while driving will eventually lower accident rates.

9. Police said they do not know who attended the party last month.

Two Ledes

1. “Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.”
This phrase shadows many advertisements, political messages and just about anything nowadays.
2. Sexually Transmitted Infections(STI) are the most frequently diagnosed and reported conditions in Washington state according to a report by the Washington State Department of Health(WSDH).

Otto Zehm: Lead

After investigating the death of Otto Zehm, there is no evidence of criminal acitivty for the officers involved, according to the Spokane Police Department Report.

Who or Whom?

1. Whom did you go to the game with?

2. She's the student who writes the best articles.

3. Whom did you vote for?

4. Who failed the quiz?

5. We know who pulled that prank.

6. We want to know on whom the prank was pulled.

Liable or not?

1. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
     -Not libelous because she wouldn't be able to prove it damaged her reputation because no one is going to believe it's a true statement.
2. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
     -Not libelous because Johnson is already dead. Truth is the ultimate defense.

3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist,” the prosecutor told the jury.
     -Not libelous because this is occuring in the court of law so you are protected by the Fair Report Privilage.

4. "In my opinion, he's a murdering rapist," the man said at the rally.
     -Libel because this statement is not protected by the Fair Report Privilage.

Trend Story

Last November, Teresa Ramirez found out it was her last day of work after meeting with her Regional Sales Director.

Employees of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals were aware that the company was down sizing and they all had speculations of who would be laid off.

Based on Ramirez’s nine years with the company and her excellent performance, she figured she was safe.

“When my manager told me that unfortunately I was going to get laid off, I was shocked,” Ramirez said in disbelief. “I heard the words but they didn’t sink in right away.”

After a month of job searching, Ramirez was able to find a pharmaceutical position with the same company, however the job required her to relocate her family to San Francisco.

Thousands of Washington citizens have faced many struggles due to company down sizing.

As of September 2010, Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains at 9 percent compared to last years unemployment rate of 9.2 percent, according to the Employment Security Department.

Whitman County’s unemployment rate is at 5.2 percent, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Washington has lost 3,200 seasonally adjusted jobs while private sectors have lost 4,200 jobs between August 2010 and September 2010, according to the Washington State Employment Situation Report for September 2010.

The sectors losing jobs over the month were construction; leisure and hospitality; warehousing, and utilities; retail trade; and mining and logging.

On the other hand, manufacturing led all sectors with 900 additional jobs over the month, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department.

The five industries with positive job growth over the year are: professional and business services; education and health services; retail trade; information; and wholesale trade.

However, employees who are being laid off are not the only ones affected by this economic crisis.

Unemployed citizens who are searching for jobs and the family members whose parents have lost their jobs are being affected as well.

Due to the mass layoffs, the job market has become more competitive and specific.

“They no longer want a business major that is well rounded and can do accounting, payroll, human resources and benefits,” said Debbie Meehan, who is currently unemployed and searching for a job. “Now they want someone with a human resource degree that can’t do anything else.”

Companies are looking to hire someone younger for cheaper, rather than hiring someone with 20 years experience who would demand a higher salary, said Meehan.

Company down sizing is also affecting family members.

Ramirez’s daughter was greatly affected after her mother lost her job.

“It was hard for me because it all happened during the middle of my senior year in high school,” said Natalie Ramirez, freshman at WSU. “Luckily my mom allowed me to stay in Washington alone and finish school while my entire family moved to California.” 

Interview Source for Story Ideas

Source: Teresa Ramirez
Phone #: (253) 219-0775
Job Title: Pharmaceutical Rep for Astra Zeneca

1. The stories that aren't being covered are the health care reform and the lays offs that are occurring. When it comes to the health care reform, the media isn't giving much detail on how it is going to affect people, when things are going to happen and when it is going to take affect. The other issue that is not getting much media is the affect the lay offs are having on people. Details such as the statistics on how many people that are laid off are finding jobs, are they making more or less than they were, how much less money or more money are they making now, how has it affected their life and their families life.

2. I think the story that I would be able to report on is the people that have been laid off and how it has changed their life. One of my mom's co-workers she worked with was laid off so she would be a good source for me to interview. I could ask her about the process she went through to find her new job, how long it took her, the different struggles she went through, how it changed her life and her families life, and also how the lay off affected her income and budget.

Tracking Info from the U.S. Census Bureau

1. What’s the population of Washington state? 6.6 million

    a. What's the percent change since 2000? 13.1 percent

    b. Go back to the main page. Now look at 'Washington' under the 'Area Profile with QuickFacts.'

            1. In terms of percent increase, which has grown faster in the past decade --                Washington or the U.S.? Washington

            2. What's the median household income in Washington as of 2008? $58,081

            3. What's the national median income? $52,029

            4. Let's look at ethnicity: Identify one way in which Washington's population differs from the U.S. population.

2. Now look at Whitman County.

    a. What's the population? 42,689

    b. What was the percent increase from 2000 to 2009? 4.8 percent

    c. In 2000, what percent of the population had a bachelor’s degree? What was the percent statewide? 44 percent

    d. Median household income? $39,691

    e. Persons below poverty in 2008? 23.7 percent

Pictures

1. A 81 year-old woman pushes her walker through water that is up to her knees. She has a grocery bag hanging from both her arms. There is a also an army truck with 7 men on it in the background that is passing the elderly woman.

2. A family is trapped on the roof of an apartment complex waiting to be rescued. The woman is waving an american flag in the air while her 2 sons sleep on the ground.  There is a spray painted message on the roof top that reads, "Help, the water is rising please."

Edit Your Peers

1. Sen. Patty Murray has raised $11.8 million, according to the website “OpenSecrets.org.”

2.  “I am for state taxes,” said Alexa Mays, junior broadcast production major. “They pay for everything from firefighters to the Legislature.”

3. The state-run liquor stores have a monopoly on sales, said Wes Smith, Principal at Pullman High School.

4. “I’m a big fan of the initiative, said Kevin Wilson, president of the Washington Restaurant Association. "It is all about the little guy trying to get bigger.”

5. Seventy percent of the revenue would fund public education beginning Nov. 14, 2011.

6. Last month, U.S. Army officials asked Congress to clarify its policy on gays in the military.

7. Washington state marks up hard alcohol 51.9 percent.

8. Many WSU students travel 17 miles round-trip to Moscow, Idaho, to purchase cheaper alcohol.

9. Jennifer Sessions, a senior Spanish major, posted fliers in support of I-1098.

10. “I think it would have been cool to do something like that as a freshman," Bobson said. "I know my parents would have loved it.”

Finding 2 Compelling Angles in a News Story

1. A full-time worker earning minimum wage ($8.07 per hour) in Washington
would need to work close to 80 hours per week for 52 weeks a year in order to afford
a two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent.

2. Among the homeless children in Washington State, close to 11,000 are under six
years old, about 9,500 are between kindergarten and eighth grade, and over 4,000
are in high school.

The Web's New Gold Mine: Your Secrets- 2 Questions

1. How does the writer use personal accounts to enrich the story?

The writer uses personal accounts to enrich the story by adding specific stories of real people that this has happened to. The stories explain how the websites were able to get personal information about these users who have used the websites. The type of information they are able to retrieve is their age, the type of movies they like, and also the kinds of things that are being searched by each user. The story uses a couple of real life examples that have happened to show that this happens to multiple people and how common it is. The writer also adds quotes from each personal account that shows how shocked they were that these websites know all this personal information about them and how they are upset about it.

2. What evidence does the writer provide to demonstrate the subject's story is part of a larger trend or problem?

The evidence that the writer provided to demonstrate how it is part of a larger trend or problem is first by giving popular websites that uses tracking technology. By using examples of websites that are well-known shows that it is a bigger problem then what people might think and it is a good possibility that their searches are being tracked. Another way the writer shows that the issues is a large trend is by providing hard facts that show this issue is a trend that has been going on for awhile now.

Political Story (Initiative 1105)

Political Story (Initiative 1105)

Julia Connacher

Pullman liquor stores anticipate voting on Initiative 1105 this November that adjusts state laws regarding the distribution of spirits in Washington.  If I- 1105 is approved, it will close all state liquor stores and to license qualified private parties as spirit retailers or distributors, generally major corporations such as Costco funding the initiative. 

However, the initiative posses financial risk for both Pullman and Washington as a state. The state’s Office of Financial Management estimates a total state revenue decrease of $486-520 million. Along with a total local revenue decrease of $205-210 million, both over the next five fiscal years if I- 1105 passes.

The state previously charged a 51.9 percent markup from the delivered cost, according to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, and would now only receive a minimal tax rate.

Supporters understand these revenue losses, although they still see more advantages than disadvantages. Supporters have raised an estimated $2.2 million in campaign contributions.

“The proposal will allow for lower prices of spirits, greater convenience outlets, in addition to cutting government costs,” said Glenn Avery, Treasurer of Modernize WA/ YES 1100 committee.

Liquor distributor licensees are assumed to be subject to the wholesaling business and occupation tax, explained Avery. There will be fewer dollars expended on governmental funded pensions for the employees of government run liquor stores, said Avery.

More efficient business model; the state will still benefit from alcohol taxes, explained Linda MacLean, Chair and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy at WSU. However, the inefficiencies of the state run business will disappear.

“Competition in general is good for business,” MacLean said. “I don’t believe government run agencies are the most effective or efficient.”

In contrast, opponents argue that the loss of these funds would have a notable effect on ongoing local projects and services. According to the Liquor Control Board, Pullman collected $345,909 in alcohol tax returns this year.

According to the board, money returned to local governments is used for prevention programs, law enforcement support, affordable health care coverage and health benefits for children and pregnant women, and many other related programs and services. 

Committees opposed of I- 1105 have raised a total of $8.5 million in campaign contributions.

“If voters approve, it will lead to an increase in minors legally buying alcohol and more drunk driving accidents,” said Jason Bennett, Treasurer of Protect our Communities.

Additionally, state and local governments will also lose millions of dollars in liquor tax revenues if I- 1105 passes, explained Bennett.

The citizens of eastern Washington will be positively impacted by not having to pay for the burdensome line items in the state budget, said MacLean.

“The citizens of the state of Washington should not be responsible for paying the salaries and pensions of the individuals currently employed by the state run liquor stores,” said MacLean.

On the other hand, some small local wineries may have a difficult time getting their specialty wines in front of consumers if I- 1105 passes, said Bennett.

SOURCES:

Glenn Avery- Treasurer of Modernize WA/ Yes 1100 Committee

- Phone Number: (206) 286-1498

            - E-mail: gravery@gmail.com

Jason Bennett- Treasurer of Protect Our Communities Committee

            - Phone Number: (206) 325-5013

Linda MacLean- Chair and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy at WSU

            - Phone Number: (509) 995-4926

            - E-mail: lmaclean@wsu.edu

OUTLINE OF STORY:

What Happened?

a.     Lede- Pullman liquor stores anticipate voting on Initiative 1105 this November that adjusts state laws regarding the distribution of spirits in Washington.

b.     If I- 1105 passes, it will close all state liquor stores and to license qualified private parties as spirit retailers or distributors, generally major corporations such as Costco funding the initiative. 

c.      However, the initiative posses financial risk for both Pullman and Washington State.

d.     The state’s Office of Financial Management estimates a total state revenue decrease of $486-520 million.

e.     Along with a total local revenue decrease of $205-210 million, both over the next five fiscal years if I- 1105 passes.

f.      The state previously charged a 51.9 percent markup from the delivered cost, according to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, and would now only receive a minimal tax rate.

Supporters:

     Supporter #1:

a.     Supporters understand these revenue losses, although they still see more advantages than disadvantages.

b.     Supporters have raised an estimated $2.2 million in campaign contributions.

c.      “The proposal will allow for lower prices of spirits, greater convenience outlets, in addition to cutting government costs”, said Glenn Avery, Treasurer of Modernize WA/ YES 110 committee.

d.     Liquor distributor licensees are assumed to be subject to the wholesaling business and occupation tax, explained Avery.

e.     Fewer dollars expended on governmental funded pensions for the employees of government run liquor stores, said Avery.

     Supporter #2:

a.     More efficient business model; the state will still benefit from alcohol taxes, explained Linda MacLean, Chair and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy at WSU.

b.     However, the inefficiencies of the state run business will disappear.

c.      “Competition in general is good for business, MacLean said, and I don’t believe government run agencies are the most effective or efficient.”

Opposed:

a.     In contrast, opponents argue that the loss of these funds would have a notable effect on ongoing local projects and services.

b.     According to the Liquor Control Board, Pullman collected $345,909 in alcohol tax returns this year.

c.      According to the board, money returned to local governments is used for prevention programs, law enforcement support, affordable health care coverage and health benefits for children and pregnant women, and many other related programs and services.  

d.     Committees opposed of I- 1105 have raised a total of $8.5 million in campaign contributions.

     Opponent #1:

a.     “If voters approve, it will lead to an increase in minors legally buying alcohol and an more drunk driving accidents,” said Jason Bennett, Treasurer of Protect our Communities committee.

b.     Additionally, state and local governments will also lose millions of dollars in liquor tax revenues if I- 1105 passes, explained Bennett.

How it will affect eastern Washington:

a.     The citizens of eastern Washington will be positively impacted by not having to pay for the burdensome line items in the state budget, said MacLean.

b.     “The citizens of the state of Washington should not be responsible for paying the salaries and pensions of the individuals currently employed by the state run liquor stores,” said MacLean.

c.      On the other hand, some small local wineries may have a difficult time getting their specialty wines in front of consumers if I- 1105 passes, said Bennett.

Math

1. Last year, your business spent $83,000 for computer upgrades. This year, it will spend 5 percent less. How much will it spend this year?
     ** $78,850
2. The AP Style quiz was taken by 177 students. Twenty-three failed. What percent passed?
     ** 87 percent
3. A college’s budget increases from $100 million to $120 million. What's the percent increase?
     ** 20 percent increase
4. a. Times are tough on College Hill. Your pizza budget has been cut from $200 to $150. What was the percent decrease?
     ** 25 percent decrease
    b. Bonus! You win $50 in a local pageant. Your pizza budget just jumped from $150 to $200. What was the percent increase?
     ** 33 percent increase
5. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase?
     ** 11 percent
6. Research funding at WSU increased 40 percent this year to $218 milllion. What was the funding last year?
     ** $155 million
7. Joe Smith wants to build a 2,500-square-foot house for him. The builder tells him it will cost $112 a square foot to build. How much will the house cost?
     ** $280,000
8. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax was 5 percent. But now it's jumped to 6 percent.

     a. What’s the percent increase?
          ** 20 percent
     b. What’s the percentage increase?
          ** 1 percent
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. So, Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502. Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000. How do we compare those two numbers? Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? (Again, not real figures.)
     ** Pullman, for every 1,000 people 7 people will be assulted
10. Five houses sold in your neighborhood for the following prices: $225,000;  $207,000; $3.2 million; $129,000; $192,000.

     a. What’s the mean price?
     b. What’s the median?

Politics and Ethics

The reason why this should not be published is because the blogger doesn't have real proof that the senator did have a sexual relationship with the unnamed source. Another reason is because this story will ruin the reputation of the senator when it is unnecessary. There just isnt enough proof that this blogger is correct. There also isnt any proof that the unnamed source is credible. However, if the blogger did have more hard facts about the senators sexual relationship, then I think it should be published.

Comma Drama

1. He looked through the door, but he did not see anyone inside the church.

2. "We could wait to see if anyone else came or we could go back home," she said.

3. Reed, a graduate of Washington State University, was elected Secretary of State in 2000.

4. The organization paid the speaker $1,000, but its officers were unable to attend the event.

5. According to Washington state law, bars will become smoke-free on Feb.15.

6. He saw Karen and they had coffee.

7. The bales are then sold to a processing center in Tacoma, Wash., which ships them to Moscow, Idaho.

8. It was raining. We stayed home.

9. Later, he phoned again.

10. This will end up having an effect on consumers, she said.

11. He introduced the speaker to Floyd, Moos and Wulff.

Appositions, hyperbatons and non-restrictive relative clauses: We don't need to remember the names of these grammar tools. But let's look at how they can help us form shorter descriptive phrases. In other words, squish these two sentences into one.

1. Sam Reed, who is a graduate of Washington State University, spoke at the Honors College on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
2. The concert, part of WSU's Homecoming weekend, will be held on Friday night.
3. Frusterated by cuts to higher education, President Elson S. Floyd promised he would lobby legislators in Olympia.

Tracking $ in Politics

1. Three senators that sponsored the bill:
     Murray (360) 786-7628
     Hobbs
     Ranker
2. Introduced in the House March 13
3. Declares that for all purposes under state law, state registered domestic partners shall be treated the same as married spouses.
4. $606,039 is the estimated cost of this bill from 2009-2011

Tracking Expenditures Behind Election Battles

5.
    a. King county contributed the most money. They contributed about $14 million
    b. Whitman county contributed about $2,000.
    c. Whitman county contributed $1,300 to I-1098 issue
6.
    a. California: $1.4 million
    b. Washington, D.C: $18 million
    c. Virginia: $2 million
    d. New York: $15,000
7.
    1.
        a. Republican has raised the most money with a total of
        b. Democrat has raised the second-largest amount of money.
    2.
        a. Cathy McMorris raised the most money. $2 million
        b. Clyde Arthur Jr. Cordero raised the next most. $40,000
        c.

Tracking $

The committee spent $1.4 million on petitions, according to the three largest expenditures documented.

Sponsor: DEFEAT 1098
Phone Number: (206) 414-7350

Taxing the Rich

I think that taxing people who have higher incomes is a good idea. The reason why I agree with this strategy is because there are a lot of businesses and middle-class families that are struggling in this economic downturn. The upper-class should help the people that are struggling especially since our economy is struggling so much. I dont see why people who are making $50,000 a year should be paying the same amount of taxes as someone who is making $200,000 a year. Taxes should be different for everyone based on their yearly income.

Speech Assignment #2

President Floyd Speech

Julia Connacher

Washington State University cut $24.7 million from its budget and increased tuition by 14 percent at the beginning of this fiscal year, President Floyd announced this afternoon. 

Delivering his most difficult State of the Union Address, President Floyd explained the budget cuts along with his efforts of finding other funding streams to meet the university’s needs.

A 40 percent reduction in potential university research funding had occurred along with the budget cuts and tuition increase.

“At the end of the day, we are going to weather this crisis and come out as a stronger university,” Floyd said.

In December of 2008, Gov. Christine Gregoire proposed a 12 percent reduction in state funding for WSU marking the first steps in a legislative effort to balance state operating budget.

In May of this year, Gregoire signed a 2009-2011 state operating budget bill reducing WSU funding by $54.2 million and raised resident undergraduate tuition by 14 percent.

The governor’s actions leave many hoping that these budget cuts will balance state budget in the middle of this economic downward spiral.

I am not an advocate of across the board reduction, Floyd said. 

Budget cuts will be balanced in a strategic vertical way rather than across the board.

WSU has already taken small steps to fight against budget cuts.

President Floyd has visited 29 out of 39 counties to explain who and what we are and the impact we have as a university to the state.

As a university, we need to find support in other corporations and businesses to make sure WSU has the funding it needs to be successful, Floyd said.

“As a student here at Washington State, it makes me proud to know that the university is doing everything it can due to the budget cuts,” Danielle Ajeto, a freshman, said after listening to the speech.

Even thought the tuition increase and budget cuts are affecting my family and I, I hope that they will help our economy and provide a better education for future students, Ajeto said. 

Funding streams for WSU consist of state legislator, student tuition, grants and contracts, student fees, and auxiliary enterprises.

Grant funding has increased by $218 million and $470 million has been raised for support and benefits for WSU.

Within the next couple months, President Floyd will announce specific plans addressing this fiscal years budget cuts.

“During President Floyd’s speech, he seemed optimistic that the university is strategically planning all of the cuts,” Racheal Epperson, a junior, said.

Listening to the speech almost made me feel better because now I know what's going on and the smart minds that are figuring out what's best for students, the student’s families, faculty, researchers and the university as a whole, Epperson explained.

The students serve as the heart and soul of this university and I have committed to every student to give him or her the best education possible, Floyd expressed.

QUESTIONS FOR THE SPEAKER:

1.     How does the university decide where to spend their money?

2.     How much of an impact will the budget cuts have on our economy?

3.     How long will these budget cuts continue?

SOURCES:

WSU President Floyd (speaker)

Office phone: (509) 335-4200

Racheal Epperson (WSU Junior)

(253) 370-2546

Danielle Ajeto (WSU Freshman)

(206) 817-9389

OUTLINE OF STORY:

What Happened?

a.     Lede- WSU cut $24.7 million from its budget and increased tuition by 14 percent at the beginning of this fiscal year, President Floyd announced this afternoon. 

b.     Delivering his most difficult State of the Union Address, President Floyd explained the budget cuts along with his efforts of finding other funding streams to meet the university’s needs.

c.      Along with the budget cuts and tuition increase, a 40 percent reduction in potential university research funding had occurred.

d.     Quote from Speaker- “At the end of the day, we are going to weather this crisis and come out as a stronger university,” Floyd said.

Background/Why?:

a.     In December of 2008, Gov. Christine Gregoire proposed a 12 percent reduction in state funding for WSU marking the first steps in a legislative effort to balance state operating budget.

b.     In May of this year, Gregoire signed a 2009-2011 state operating budget bill reducing WSU funding by $54.2 million and raised resident undergraduate tuition by 14 percent.

c.      The governor’s actions leave many hoping that these budget cuts will balance state budget in the middle of this economic downward spiral.

Where budget cuts will occur:

a.     I am not an advocate of across the board reduction, Floyd said. 

b.     Budget cuts will be balanced in a strategic vertical way rather than across the board.

University Efforts:

a.     WSU has already taken small steps to fight against budget cuts.

1.     President Floyd has visited 29 out of 39 counties to explain who and what we are and the impact we have as a university to the state.

2.     As a university, we need to find support in other corporations and businesses to make sure WSU has the funding it needs to be successful, Floyd said.

3.     (Danielle Ajeto’s quote) “As a student here at Washington State, it makes me proud to know that the university is doing everything it can due to the budget cuts,” Danielle Ajeto, a freshman, said after listening to the speech.

4.     Even thought the tuition increase and budget cuts are affecting my family and I, I hope that they will help our economy and provide a better education for future students, Ajeto said. 

5.     Funding streams for WSU consist of state legislator, student tuition, grants and contracts, student fees, and auxiliary enterprises.

6.     Grant funding has increased by $218 million and $470 million has been raised for support and benefits of WSU.

7.     Within the next couple months, President Floyd will announce specific plans addresses this fiscal years budget cuts.

Reactions:

a.     (Racheal’s quote) “During President Floyd’s speech, he seemed optimistic that the university is strategically planning all of the cuts,” Racheal Epperson, a junior, said.

b.     Listening to the speech almost made me feel better because now I know what's going on and the smart minds that are figuring out what's best for students, the student’s families, faculty, researchers and the university as a whole, Epperson explained.

c.      The students serve as the heart and soul of this university and I have committed to every student to give him or her the best education possible, Floyd expressed. 

WSU's 103rd Homecoming

This years homecoming will not announce a king and queen this year for the first time since 1907.
 “Students just aren’t interested in the homecoming royalty anymore," said Susan J. Wells, Panhellenic Vice President of Programming and Development. "It’s time for a new tradition.”
Dozens of other universities across the country have canceled homecoming in recent years due to "student apathy," according to 2010 report by the U.S. Department of Education.

Fabulist Quotation

Journalist Jonathan Fabulist admitted to fabricating parts of his autobiography on Wednesday.

Edit Your Peers

1. Washington state provided a subsidy of more than $2,000 for in-state students.

2. "The $13.5 million is the tip of a larger iceberg." coordinator of arts and culture Jerry McCollum said.

3. What I know is the system is broken right now,"President Floyd said." We can't live in a world with 14 percent tuition increases."

4. The co-presidents announced a club to meet more people who are interested in hiking.

5. "There are still new things to say with art music," said Williams. "It's is hard to stop and listen, but when you do it can be an extremely pleasant surprise."

6. In September, the wine tasting endorsement will be available in stores, according to Jane Westman, culinary coordinator for Metropolitan Market.

7. He died of a heart attack in September 1996.

8. The club has their own engineer.

9. When the cannon blasted off, it added to the emotion of the game.

Shorten the following sentences:

1. Sleep becomes less of a priority for many students.

2. A new workout routine is sweeping the country.

Does this need attribution:

1. When you tell somebody not to do something they are going to want to do it even more.
YES

2. YES

3. Organized crime has nearly all control over unions and the concrete industry in New York.
YES

4. This new trend is taking hold in many areas across the nation, especially high population areas and college campuses.
YES

5. Students do not stop and think of the consequences that might occur after a night of drinking.
YES

Two Speech Ledes

1. Higher eduaction will remain at risk until the economy improves, said District 9 Sen. Mark Schoesler when speaking about the WSU budget cuts and tuition increase.

2. The planets rising temperature has lead to a dramatic decrease in the amphibian population, said associate professor Andrew Storfer.

City Budget Plan

City of Seattle plans to close its libraries for a week during the summer and layoff  30 city workers.
Nickels announced his plans to cut $13.3 million out of the 2009 general-fund budget.
"It's no secret that we are in the worst economic crisis in decades here in Seattle," Nickels said during a news conference.
The cuts the mayor announced Friday, along with money left over from 2008, will cover this year's $29.5 million shortfall.
Most city departments will take between a 1 and 3 percent cut.
A group of city employees is planning an "informational picket" outside City Hall on Monday morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. to protest the mayor's cuts.
The city's budget cuts won't be over then. Budget director Dwight Dively projects the city will be about $40 million short in 2010. There is still $25 million in the rainy-day fund to help close that gap.

Tragedy on Ice

4. Four boys age 7 to 11 drowned when a group of seven boys plunged through thin ice.

8. It was the worst local Merrimack River tragedy in nearly a century.

1. As seven boys finished their snack run from the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club to Hanson's Market yesterday afternoon, a sudden urge to slide around prompted 11-year-old William Rodriguez to dash for the serene expanse of river ice.

15. "Willie said he wanted to go down to the river, to slide on the Ice," Ivan said. “We tried to stop him.”

2. The ice was one to two inches thick where they ventured off the river bank. Four inches is considered the minimum to support more than one person, and river ice may not be safe even at that thickness because of currents and other factors.

6. Because of the steep embankment, rescuers were forced to use ladders to bring the children up off the river to the waiting ambulances.

10. The catastrophe left four boys dead, their families crushed and rescue workers shaken following an afternoon of fighting a river of broken ice, the steep mud-covered bank and driving rain.

11. Dead are William Rodriguez, 11, of 292 Howard St.; Christopher Casado, 7, of 18 Jasper Court; Mackendy Constant, 8, of 7 Clinton St.; and Victor Baez, 9, 46 Bernard Ave.

12. Surviving the incident were Francis Spraus, 9, 14 School St.; Christopher's brother Ivan Casado, 9, 18 Jasper Court; Jaycob Morales, 10, 4 Winslow Place.

13. Ivan and Francis were released from the hospital last night, and recalled the story from its quiet start.

14. "I threw the rope out once and it landed too far away, so I threw it out again, and again it was too far for them to reach," said Jacques Fournier, a retired maintenance worker.

5. Lawrence and Andover firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits arrived and after a search of the area where the boys went in, found the four remaining boys under the ice, 25 feet from shore in 15-20 feet of water.

7. Members of the state police, Lawrence Police and Merrimack Valley dive teams entered the 38-degree water and conducted an area search to be sure no one was left behind.

18. "My legs started to get stiff, and I had a freezing headache," Francis said. "I was hanging on to Christopher, but he started to slip under. I tried holding on to his hand, but it was like he let go."