Driscoll takes on deadly Spokane intersection

A recent car accident resulting in the tragic death of a local high school student has led Rep. John Driscoll, D-Spokane, to introduce House Bill 2225. It would include money in the budget for a turn lane on US 195 to increase visibility for cars turning onto the highway from the smaller road.

“With the community coming together to support this, I think we can address this clear safety hazard,” Driscoll said. “For transportation funding, safety is priority number one—and I think we have a good case to make for the US 195 intersection.

"I’ve been using this intersection since I’ve been driving and have seen just how dangerous it’s become over time.”

For more information, check out the press release Driscoll sent out with seatmate Rep. Kevin Parker, R-Spokane, or this Spokesman-Review article.

Today's Hot List

8:00am in Judiciary
Public Hearing:
HB 1663 – Creating relocation assistance rights for nontransient residents of hotels, motels or other places of transient lodging that are shut down by government action.
HB 1766 – Prohibiting discrimination based on lawful source of income.
HB 1773 – Concerning certain notice requirements when terminating month to month or other periodic residential tenancies governed by the residential landlord-tenant act.

10:00a.m Floor Action
A few bills to note on today's docket include the latest vote on our Early Savings Bill, ESHB 1694.The House must concur with the latest version that includes Senate amendments.

Also of note are a couple weatherization and energy efficiency bills, HB 1004 and HB 1060.

Legislators agree that higher ed more important than ever

Today, higher education leaders in the House and Senate gathered for a discussion about how, despite the state's economic woes, higher education can and must be used as a bridge to 21st century jobs.
Representative Deb Wallace, who chairs the House Higher Education Committee, emphasized repeatedly that we cannot turn back on our goal of educating more people to higher levels.

To this end, the House and Senate are proposing numerous measures that will help more students tap into financial aid, and support education and training programs that put people to work in high-demand, family wage jobs.
In addition to participating legislators, Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney introduced two students who spoke up about their personal ambitions of going to college and how aid programs have been the key to attaining that dream.
Roxana Garcia from the University of Washington spoke of growing up in a single-parent household amidst rising gang activity and negative influences. She said state grants were the key to her going to college and she encouraged lawmakers to preserve what she called an "investment in the lives of intelligent young adults, but more importantly, an investment in the future of Washington state."
Felicia Perl from the University of Puget Sound talked about the challenges of growing up in the foster care system and having to navigate a path to college without the support of family or parents. She also urged lawmakers to not seek short-term budget relief at the expense of devastating long-term effects.
You can read more about today's press event here.

Today's Hot List

There's a lot going on today, including a joint press conference at 12:15 with Rep. Deb Wallace and Senator Kilmer to discuss their higher education agenda. We have word that TVW plans to be there so tune in.

8:00am in Education Appropriations
Work Session: Implementing proposed reductions in higher education in 2009-11 - University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington, University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Evergreen State College, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Higher Education Coordinating Board.

8:00am in General Government Appropriations
Public Hearing: SHB 1165 – Providing for the safe collection and disposal of unwanted drugs from residential sources through a producer provided and funded product stewardship program (Rx recycling program).

8:00am in Health & Human Services Appropriations
Work Session: Health reform concepts related to state-purchased health care.

10:00am in Higher Education
Public Hearing: HB 1946 – Regarding higher education online technology.

10:00am in Education
Public Hearing:
HB 2119 – Expanding dual credit opportunities.
HB 2147 – Closing the achievement gap in order to provide all students an excellent and equitable education.
HB 2167 – Providing flexibility in the education system.

1:30pm in Health Care & Wellness
Public Hearing:
HB 2117 – Modifying the basic health plan.
HB 2128 – Concerning health care coverage for children.

1:30pm in State Government & Tribal Affairs
Public Hearing:
HB 1731 – Revising the rules for designation of party preference by partisan candidates.
HB 1798 – Allowing voter registration up to and on election day.

3:30pm in Capital Budget
Work Session: Energy Efficiency Construction and Renovation: Potential projects and the effect on jobs, homeowners and businesses; cost savings; and weatherization.

Governor Gregoire signs first bill of the session, House Bill 1906, flanked by some of the cutest kids you'll ever see.

Just returned from the Governor's signing of House Bill 1906, increasing benefits for unemployed workers by $45 a week.

At the press conference was Rep. Steve Conway, the bill's sponsor, along with Reps. Phyllis Kenney, Tina Orwall, and Speaker Frank Chopp, who drove home the point that this bill is not only an economic stimulus,it's a moral victory for our state's workers.

Also speaking at the event was Heather Reeber who recently lost her job due to the economic downturn. Heather explained what $45 a week could mean to families like hers facing tough times, which could mean food on the table and heat in their home. Heather's a mother of four of the most adorable kids you'll ever see, Brianna, Gavin, Brandon, and Kaitlyn, as evidenced in the slideshow.



For more info, click here.

Today's Hot List

130pm in Community & Economic Development & Trade
Work Session: Washington State’s Green Economy Jobs Initiative.

130pm in Judiciary
Public Hearing: HB 1581 – Requiring a minimum of three years’ notice on closures or conversions of mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities.

330pm in Transportation
Work Session: Project briefings: U.S. 395 North Spokane Corridor, Columbia River Crossing.

Public Hearing: HB 1947 – Concerning the regulation and preservation of urban streets through a local option street utility.

330pm in Ways & Means
Work Session: Governor’s proposal to reinvent government and eliminate boards and commissions.

No action on the House floor today

The House will not see any action on the floor today. There will be a joint session in the Senate at 10:30 a.m. to honor legislators who have passed away during the last two years.

We will resume passing bills on the floor Wednesday morning.