The Halfway Point: House Democrats committed to One Washington agenda

At the halfway point of the legislative session House Democrats passed over 400 bills aimed at helping working families, spurring economic growth, and protecting the environment.

Among the 434 bills sent to the Senate are measures to:

Overhaul the state’s basic education funding system (HB 2261) and launch efficiency reforms in higher education (HB 1946).

Keep our promise to make sure all kids have health coverage by 2010 with “Apple Health for Kids” (HB 2128).

Rebrand all financial aid as an Opportunity Grant and create the Washington Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) in order to increase postsecondary access and affordability (HB 2021).

Boost support for unemployed workers (HB 1906) and worker retraining programs, some in the green jobs industry (HB 1323, HB 2227).

Take early cost-cutting actions to address the budget situation (HB 1694)

Generate 6,500 jobs by putting people to work on transportation projects throughout the state (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).

Ensure a strong agricultural industry (HB 1580, HB 2223, HB 2313, HB 2275).

Implement an aggressive climate change policy including supporting more use of electric vehicles and helping more families increase the energy efficiency of their homes (HB 2165, HB 1060, HB 1481, E2SHB 1007, E2SHB 1009, 2SHB 1481, E2SHB 1747).

Protect Washington’s children and our environment by banning toxic bisphenol A in bottles and sippy cups (HB 1180).

Protect Washington’s waterways with a permanent, year-round response tug funded by industry and stationed at Neah Bay to respond to fuel spills (HB 1409).

Expand and strengthen consumer protection (HB 1709, HB 1311, HB 1011, HB 1215, HB 1816, HB 2013)

“We have made tremendous strides in the past several years to help Washington families find affordable health care, boost funding for education, and build up our economy,” said House Speaker Frank Chopp.

“These priorities reflect the values of people all around our state, and we remain committed to working for One Washington despite the fallout of the national recession.”