The Pierce Progressive

Investigating Race and Gender Bias in Our Schools

How do minority males do in specific classes?  How do girls do in getting equal treatment, as schools give them their piece of the civil rights' pie? These questions and more can be answered using the U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Data Collection, which is based on data from thousands of schools. On March 21, 2014, an important national analysis tool was reopened to the public. Read more

Citizen's United Sequel Could Further Erode Our Democracy

Do you like movie sequels? They usually disappoint us, don’t they? How about politicians who come back for more terms than 'Star Trek' movies? They REALLY disappoint us. Well, get ready for the possibility of the worst sequel you’ve ever seen, one that will do even more damage to our democracy than the original version. It will allow politicians to remain in office longer due to the cozy relationships they develop with wealthy campaign donors, relationships where favors (legislation, tax breaks, access, etc.) are expected from elected officials in exchange for financial contributions. What is this sequel, and why is it so harmful? Think of Citizens United on steroids! Read more

Over 60? Take University Classes for Free (Almost)

Have you ever wanted to study accounting? Brush up your algebra? Learn Spanish or Chinese? One of the best-kept secrets in Pierce County is the Access Program at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Through this program, citizens over 60 years of age can enroll in any course offered for a mere $5.00! There is, however, an additional 'technology fee', depending upon the course taken. For most, it appears to be $20. You've paid property taxes and sales taxes for years in Washington State, and here is a way Olympia has found to give something back.

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Participatory Citizenship Through Caucus Attendance aka Occupy the Democratic Caucus

Are you interested in ways to bring progressive issues into the political process along the lines of Progressive Democrats of America?  Are you interested in the process that leads to a party platform and delegate selection? Do you want to “Occupy Democrats?" Do you want to practice democracy with a lower case “d” and put your issue into the hopper?  If so, the information provided below will help you spread the word to the state level, and perhaps beyond.  Anyone who lives within a particular legislative district, declares as a Democrat, and is a registered voter or will be eligible to vote (age 18 by November 4, 2014) may run for a delegate or alternate position to the state convention. Read more