Supporters of independent candidate Ralph Nader filed documents and signatures to place him on the November ballot.

If certified by the secretary of state, Washington will be the 10th state that has received paperwork from the candidate.

Nader will appear along with vice presidential running mate Matt Gonzalez, a former San Francisco supervisor.

Here is the press release announcing the filing.

Throw one more plan into the mix. Along with the 12-year plan and the 20-year plan is a plan with a 15-year horizon -- what could be done by 2023.

This plan, which was discussed today at a Sound Transit meeting in Seattle, chiefly appears to try to placate Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. That's because Reardon recently said he not only didn't like the 12-year plan, but he would campaign against any plan that did not bring light rail to at least Lynnwood.

Presto! The 15-year plan gets to Lynnwood in 2023.

As for Tacoma, forget it. Light rail would get as far south as South 272nd Street, the northern city limit of Federal Way, and that's it. Pierce County would have to make do with more buses that go to Seattle and more Sounder trains that go to Seattle.

I'll have a story in Friday's paper, but here's a Sound Transit news release to tide you over until tomorrow.

The real decision on which plan to put on the ballot and whether to do so in November or 2010 will be made July 24.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 10, 2008

New 15-year mass transit expansion package offers further rail extensions and faster completion dates

The Sound Transit Board today discussed a new 15-year option for expanding mass transit. The new option heeds the call for further light rail extensions while delivering a series of significant Sounder commuter rail and ST Express regional bus service expansions between 2009 and 2023.

“This package would achieve a 53-mile regional light rail system by 2023 while focusing on moving quickly to launch major commuter rail and regional express bus expansions,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. “It responds to the loud and clear call we’ve heard for major mass transit expansions, while maintaining faster completion dates and a lower price tag than last year’s package.”

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The state pays 88 percent of insurance premiums; employees pay 12 percent. That's a great deal, especially compared to private sector.

The state (and workers) will spend $1.5 billion on coverage for 330,000 state workers, retirees and low-income folks in 2009.

State of Washington will pay more for employee health care in 2009

OLYMPIA – The state of Washington will pay 7.9 percent more to provide health insurance to state employees in 2009. The good news: the cost to cover retired state employees in Medicare will go down 1.1 percent.

The Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) today approved 2009 medical and dental procurement plans that continue to make most of the same health plans available to state employees next year, but at higher premiums.

The cost of providing health care to 330,000 people covered under the PEBB program will be around $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2009, including contributions by the state and PEBB members. The program covers state employees, retired state employees, retired teachers, and dependents.

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