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[WA] Legislature Halfway Report
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| Contributor | Ralphie |
| Last Edited | Ralphie Mar 06, 2005 08:07am |
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| Category | Perspective |
| News Date | Sunday, March 6, 2005 02:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | With the first half of this year’s legislative session over, majority Democratic lawmakers are pleased with the progress they’ve made on their big three issues: education, health care and the economy.
Controlling both houses certainly helps.
The party has seen several of its bills sail through policy committees – including a backlog of proposals previously squashed by the Republicans. “We’re feeling very good,” said House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-Seattle).
The Republicans aren’t so chipper.
Senate Minority Leader Bill Finkbeiner (R-Kirkland) said his party will stick with its goal of championing bills that Republicans feel will improve the economy, though he’s less than optimistic.
“A lot of bills that would have done that failed, and lots more that are going to make it worse passed,” he said.
The session’s biggest task – balancing a two-year, $26 billion state budget – looms ahead. Once lawmakers and Gov. Christine Gregoire get a better picture of the state’s revenue forecast this month, they face the painful task of closing a $2.2 billion budget gap. |
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