SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE - REGULAR SESSION




FORTY FIFTH DAY




House Chamber, Olympia, Wednesday, February 27. 2008


       The House was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the Speaker (Representative Moeller presiding). The Clerk called the roll and a quorum was present.


       The flags were escorted to the rostrum by a Sergeant at Arms Color Guard, Pages Morgan Safley and Callie Gionet. The Speaker (Representative Moeller presiding) led the Chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer was offered by Father Michael O'Brien, Saint Mary of the Valley Parish, Monroe.


       Reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was ordered to stand approved.


RESOLUTIONS


       HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4697, By Representatives Roach, Anderson, McCune, Bailey, Walsh, Schindler, Warnick, Ahern, Schmick, Blake, Chandler, Armstrong, Hinkle, Newhouse, Ormsby, Kretz, Sump, Hankins, McDonald, Alexander, Pearson, Herrera, Haler, Condotta, Miloscia, Smith, Ross, Wood, Priest, Crouse, Kelley, Kirby, Liias, Barlow, Campbell, Loomis, McCoy, Appleton, Chase, Chopp, Clibborn, Cody, Conway, Darneille, DeBolt, Dickerson, Dunn, Dunshee, Eddy, Eickmeyer, Ericks, Ericksen, Flannigan, Fromhold, Goodman, Grant, Green, Haigh, Hailey, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Hunt, Hunter, Hurst, Jarrett, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Kristiansen, Lantz, Linville, McIntire, Moeller, Morrell, Morris, Nelson, O'Brien, Orcutt, Pedersen, Pettigrew, Quall, Roberts, Rodne, Rolfes, Santos, Schual-Berke, Seaquist, Sells, Simpson, Skinner, Sommers, Springer, Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Van De Wege, Wallace and Williams


       WHEREAS, Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and continues through the individual's lifespan; and

       WHEREAS, Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability, affecting 1 million to 1.5 million Americans - 1 in 150 babies born; and

       WHEREAS, Many children are not diagnosed until after three years of age, often because of lack of recognition of autism characteristics by general practitioners; and

       WHEREAS, There are many different characteristics in individuals with autism - delayed or deficient communication, decreased or unresponsive social interaction, unusual reaction to normal stimuli, a lack of spontaneous or imaginative play, and behavioral challenges; and


       WHEREAS, There is no known cause and no known cure, however with aggressive and continuous therapy, some individuals can learn to acclimate to their environment and mask symptoms of their disability; and

       WHEREAS, All individuals with autism should be included and regarded as valuable members of our community; and

       WHEREAS, Autism can create significant stress on the families of those affected by autism; and

       WHEREAS, Families, caregivers, advocates, and organizations are striving to bring about positive changes for children and adults with autism; and

       WHEREAS, Through research, training, public services, support groups, advocacy, and increased awareness, we will be more understanding, inclusive, and better-equipped to support the growing number of individuals with autism and their families;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor and support individuals with autism and acknowledge the tremendous courage that they and their families put forth every day; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Autism Society of Washington.


       Representative Roach moved the adoption of the resolution.


       Representatives Roach, Williams and Walsh spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.


       HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4697 was adopted.


       HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4694, By Representatives Pearson, Kristiansen, Newhouse, Ross, Chandler, Sump, Walsh, Schindler, McCune, Armstrong, Hankins, Skinner, Ahern, Alexander, Schmick, Roach, McDonald, Herrera, Bailey, Hinkle, Anderson, Condotta, Smith, Crouse, Kretz, Priest, Warnick, Orcutt and Haler


       WHEREAS, The National "Teacher of the Year" Program focuses public attention on teaching excellence and is the oldest and most prestigious awards program for teachers; and

       WHEREAS, This year, 2008, the city of Granite Falls is home to the nation's "Teacher of the Year"; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson is the music teacher at Monte Cristo Elementary School in Granite Falls, Washington; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson is the 57th National Teacher of the Year; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson was born Andrea Rahn in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, on August 20, 1973; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson graduated from Onalaska High School in Onalaska, Washington, in 1991; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson received bachelor's degrees in music education and arts music and graduated cum laude from the University of Washington in 1996; and

       WHEREAS, In 2001, Andrea Peterson became Washington's first National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Music; and

       WHEREAS, The Granite Falls School District has benefitted from Andrea Peterson's commitment to student learning since 1997; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson served as the General Music and Chorus Teacher and Band Director for Monte Cristo Elementary, Granite Falls Middle School, and Granite Falls High School from January 1997 to August 1999; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson's efforts in the Granite Falls music program led to a substantial increase in the number of students participating in music programs; and

       WHEREAS, Due to the devotion of Andrea Peterson, both the elementary and secondary school music programs have gained the funding necessary to provide students with the equipment needed for the investment that is a strong music education; and

       WHEREAS, The Granite Falls School District continues to benefit from Andrea Peterson's emphasis on music as an integral part of basic education by developing a cross-curriculum program that expands on lessons taught in other classes such as English, math, and science to enhance general elementary education; and

       WHEREAS, Andrea Peterson has been honored as the Washington State "Teacher of the Year" in 2007, Granite Falls School District "Teacher of the Year" in 2003 and 2005, Granite Falls School District "Certificated Employee of the Year" in 2004, and received the Granite Falls School District "Success in Education" Award in 2001;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington, on behalf of all the people of this state, recognize and commend Andrea Peterson for her many accomplishments that have culminated in her selection as the National "Teacher of the Year" and her contributions to the education system, and her ongoing service to Washington's children; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Andrea Peterson.


       Representative Kristiansen moved the adoption of the resolution.



       Representatives Kristiansen and Quall spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.


       HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4694 was adopted.


POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE


       Representative Chandler shared his memories of the late Lyle J. Dickie, former representative from the 15th District who served in the House from 1981 to 1986.


       There being no objection, the House advanced to the fifth order of business.


REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES


February 25, 2008

SSB 5104     Prime Sponsor, Senate Committee on Higher Education: Expanding the applied baccalaureate degree pilot program. Reported by Committee on Higher Education

 

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended.


        On page 2, line 6, after "up to" strike "two" and insert "three"

 

Signed by Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Hankins; Hasegawa; Jarrett; McIntire; Roberts; Schmick and Sommers.


       Referred to Committee on Appropriations.


February 25, 2008

3SSB 5743   Prime Sponsor, Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management: Linking economic clusters and quality management practices to customized training. Reported by Committee on Higher Education

 

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Hankins; Hasegawa; Jarrett; McIntire; Roberts; Schmick and Sommers.


       Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.


February 25, 2008

SSB 6765     Prime Sponsor, Senate Committee on Ways & Means: Concerning the Washington state health insurance pool. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness

 

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow; Condotta; DeBolt; Green; Moeller; Pedersen; Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

 

Referred to Committee on Appropriations.


February 25, 2008

SB 6837       Prime Sponsor, Senator Brown: Increasing the membership of the prescription drug assistance foundation. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness

 

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow; Condotta; DeBolt; Green; Moeller; Pedersen; Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

 

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.


       There being no objection, the bills listed on the day's committee reports sheet under the fifth order of business were referred to the committees so designated.


       There being no objection, the House advanced to the eleventh order of business.


       There being no objection, the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m., February 29, 2008, the 46th Day of the Regular Session.


FRANK CHOPP, Speaker

BARBARA BAKER, Chief Clerk