Sawant unveils proposal for Seattle payroll tax

This morning, Council member Kshama Sawant unveiled her proposal for a new payroll tax in Seattle, independent of (and possibly on top of) one already proposed for King County. She said that her proposed tax would raise $300 million annually, of which 75% would be used for affordable housing and social services, and 25% for converting existing homes from oil and gas heat to electric systems.

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Sawant’s Rent Control Bill

As promised, Council member Kshama Sawant unveiled her proposed rent control ordinance on Monday night. Capitol Hill Seattle Blog scanned in a printed copy that was distributed at Sawant’s hearing/rally. (update: here’s a clean version of the bill, provided by Sawant’s office) Here’s what’s in the bill.

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Sawant holds political rally disguised as committee meeting

This evening Council member Kshama Sawant held a special meeting (video) of her Human Services, Equitable Development, and Renter Rights Committee. According to the agenda,  the meeting was to discuss “Human Service Department (HSD) funding cuts to the women’s homeless service programs operated by the Women’s Housing, Equality, and Enhancement League (WHEEL) and the Women’s Referral Center.” And it was, but not quite the way you’d expect.

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