Wild Sky Wilderness Bill Becomes Law!

After 6 years of working Wild Sky Wilderness through the legislative process, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen today celebrated the final step in the process – Presidential signing. President Bush signed Wild Sky Wilderness into law this morning, creating the first new wilderness area in the state of Washington in over twenty years.

"I could not be more proud of the spirit of togetherness and dedication that has surrounded Wild Sky from the very beginning. Today is a tribute to so many people who never gave up and never lost sight of the goal – preserving the heart and soul of this beautiful land."

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Economic Stimulus Payments

Last week the federal government will begin to distribute the Economic Stimulus checks that Congress recently approved.

There is still time to claim a stimulus payment. This is particularly important information if you are a senior or a disabled veteran that receives Social Security or veterans’ benefits, but may not have filed taxes this year. That is because, through efforts by Democrats in the United States Senate earlier this year, you too may be eligible for an Economic Stimulus payment.

If you already filed a Form 1040 or 1040A in 2008 you do not need to do anything else. If you filed a Form 1040EZ showing earnings of $3,000 or more for 2007, you do not need to do anything else.

If you get Social Security or veterans benefits, but do not usually file taxes, you should have received a mailing from the IRS that contains a Form 1040A with special instructions about what you need to put on the form. You only need to fill out a few lines and sign the form. You do not send any extra documents with your tax return. If you have not filed a 1040A form and you believe that you qualify for a payment you still have until OCTOBER 15th to file a 1040A form with the IRS.

If the IRS finds you qualify for a payment, it will send you a check or deposit the payment in your bank account.

The IRS will send you a notice telling you it is sending the payment. If you are raising children or grandchildren under age 17, you should fill out a complete Form 1040A. You could get an extra $300 per child. If you worked in 2007, you also could get a refund from the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit.

The Payment Should Not Affect Your Other Benefits

The payment will not count as income for benefits like SSI, Food Stamps or Medicaid, so it will not put you over the income limit. Spend some or all of the payment within 60 days after you get it to be sure that it will not put your bank account over the amount these benefit programs allow.

Call the IRS at 1-866-234-2942 and ask about free tax assistance sites near you or visit the IRS website for eligibility info.

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Air Force Outsources American Military Capabilities

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Senator Murray Joins Boeing Works to Hear the Air Force's Shocking Decision to Award Airbus with the Tanker Contract

On Friday, February 29, Senator Murray stood with the men and women of Boeing in Everett as the Air Force announced that it would be outsourcing a $40 billion contract to build aerial refueling tankers to the European company Airbus. Boeing workers were shocked, angry, and wanted answers – and so does Senator Murray.

Please help her effort by denouncing the Air Force's decision by joining the fight. As we move forward, we will be able to keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and information.

Murray Rails Against Outsourcing Military Capabilites -

Murray Debunks Airbus Claims -

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Wild Sky backers finally can celebrate

"I could not be more proud of the spirit of togetherness and dedication that has surrounded Wild Sky from the very beginning," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa. "Today is a tribute to so many people who never gave up and never lost sight of the goal -- preserving the heart and soul of this beautiful land."

- Everett Herald - May 9, 2008

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Editorial: Murray's asking good questions about tanker

"These are the people who are responsible for devising the Department of Defense's budget and yet the Air Force never consulted them on all the costs associated with awarding this contract to Airbus. That's like handing your teenager a credit card to go on a car shopping spree, no questions asked. No family runs like that, no business runs like that, and as taxpayers we certainly shouldn't allow the military to run like that."

- Everett Herald - May 9, 2008

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Congress finally OKs Wild Sky Wilderness

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who championed Wild Sky, said it was "an example of wilderness done the right way," with support from local groups and elected officials

- Seattle Times - April 30, 2008

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More Patty in the News