Microsoft donates $100K to bolster same-sex benefits push |
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Microsoft has joined with Puget Sound Energy and the law firm of Perkins Coie to support Referendum 71, an effort to expand rights to same-sex partners in Washington. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports that Microsoft recently donated $100,000 to Washington Families Standing Together, the group leading the charge to pass the referendum.
That makes Microsoft the largest contributor to the pro Referendum 71 efforts, which has raised a total of $780,000, according to the PSBJ. Meanwhile, Protect Marriage Washington, which opposes the referendum, has raised about $60,000 in cash and in-kind contributions.
The public disclosure filing can be found here. And here's what The Slog has to say about Microsoft's involvement in the campaign to pass R-71:
"Microsoft's brazen role in R-71 will outrage the Ken Hutchersons of the world, who pressured Microsoft for years to back off from supporting gay-rights legislation. And it could also summon conservative interests—e.g., the Mormon Church—to dump money in on the other side. After October 12, state rules block any person or group from donating more than $5,000 to the campaign."
Todd Bishop is co-founder and managing editor of TechFlash. He has covered Microsoft and the technology industry for more than five years, most recently as a daily newspaper reporter and blogger based in Seattle.
READ FULL BIOGRAPHYSeattle Repertory Theatre presents Glengarry Glen Ross Feb 5th to Feb 28th
One of the largest and most renowned regional theatres in the country, Seattle Repertory Theatre produces a mix of celebrated classics, recent Broadway hits and cutting-edge new works in two theatre spaces. Now playing David Mamet's American classic Glengarry Glen Ross through February 28. Join us for Sales Rep Industry night February 11 with the Puget Sound Business Journal. For details click here.
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WTIA 15th Annual Industry Achievement Awards
Held on March 4th at the Showbox SODO, this casual event celebrates and recognizes some of the best emerging and established companies in the Washington Tech Industry. The evening will feature a finalist company technology showcase and a variety of coffee, chocolate, and wine samples from local companies. More than 800 attendees are expected to be present at the celebration. Public online voting for Technology Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships will open February 3rd on the WTIA site.
We congratulate the 2010 finalists and look forward to unveiling the winners on March 4th. REGISTER NOW!