NOTICE: Formatting and page numbering in this document may be different
from that in the original published version.
NOTICE: Formatting and page numbering in this document may be different
from that in the original published version.
SECOND DAY
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MORNING SESSION
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Senate Chamber, Olympia, Tuesday, January 14, 1997
The Senate was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by President Pritchard. The Secretary called the roll and announced to the President that all Senators were present except Senator Rasmussen.
The Sergeant at Arms Color Guard, consisting of Pages Ryan Horsman and Kevin Goodspeed, presented the Colors. Reverend Kathryn Everett, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Olympia, offered the prayer.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Johnson, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Franklin, Senator Rasmussen was excused.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENT
January 10, 1997
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the following appointment, subject to your confirmation.
Sue Batali, appointed January 10, 1997, for a term ending July 1, 1999, as a member of the Board of Trustees for the State School for the Deaf.
Sincerely,
MIKE LOWRY, Governor
HOLD.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Johnson, the Gubernatorial Appointment was held on the desk.
MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY OF STATE
January 13, 1997
The Honorable Joel Pritchard
President of the State Senate
State of Washington
Olympia, Washington
Dear Mr. President:
I respectfully transmit the attached Report on Petitions for the Formation of New Counties as requested by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate during the previous session of the Washington State Legislature.
Sincerely,
RALPH MUNRO, Secretary of State
The Report on Petitions for the Formation of New Counties is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
The Secretary of State will distribute a copy of the Report on Petitions for the Formation of New Counties to the office of each member.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
January 13, 1997
MR. PRESIDENT:
The House has adopted SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8400, and the same is herewith transmitted.
TIMOTHY A. MARTIN, Chief Clerk
SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT
The President signed:
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8400.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
SB 5069 by Senators McCaslin and Haugen
AN ACT Relating to the powers of initiative and referendum within counties that are not home rule charter counties; and adding new sections to chapter 36.01 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations.
SB 5070 by Senators Haugen and McCaslin
AN ACT Relating to development regulations for reasonable use exceptions; amending RCW 36.70B.080 and 36.70B.080; adding a new section to chapter 35.22 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.63 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.63 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.70 RCW; creating a new section; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations.
SB 5071 by Senators Stevens, Haugen and Hochstatter (by request of Board of Education)
AN ACT Relating to school district territory included in city and town boundary extensions; and amending RCW 28A.315.250.
Referred to Committee on Education.
SB 5072 by Senators Kohl, Roach, Fairley, Hargrove, Haugen, Goings, McCaslin, Long, Winsley and Oke
AN ACT Relating to providing liquor to persons under age twenty-one; amending RCW 66.44.270 and 66.44.300; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor.
SB 5073 by Senators Swecker, Snyder, Newhouse, Loveland and Winsley
AN ACT Relating to the community economic revitalization board; amending RCW 43.160.080 and 82.16.020; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 5074 by Senators Sellar and Snyder
AN ACT Relating to increasing interstate trade through tax incentives for warehouse and grain elevator operations; amending RCW 81.104.170; adding a new section to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.44 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 46.87 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.14 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 5075 by Senators Swecker and Rasmussen
AN ACT Relating to shoreline management; adding a new section to chapter 90.58 RCW; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Environment.
SB 5076 by Senators Morton, Rasmussen and Hochstatter
AN ACT Relating to business and occupation tax on the cubing of hay or alfalfa for sale at wholesale; amending RCW 82.04.120; and reenacting and amending RCW 82.04.260.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Environment.
SB 5077 by Senators Morton, Rasmussen, Newhouse and Loveland
AN ACT Relating to integrated pest management; and adding a new chapter to Title 17 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Environment.
SB 5078 by Senators Swecker, Fraser, Heavey and Patterson
AN ACT Relating to retirement credit for merchant marines who served in war zones; and amending RCW 41.40.170.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 5079 by Senator Swecker
AN ACT Relating to permit processing; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Environment.
SB 5080 by Senators Kohl, Franklin, Haugen, Hargrove, Fairley, Rasmussen, Bauer, Sheldon, Winsley, Goings, Brown, Patterson and Zarelli
AN ACT Relating to sales and use tax exemptions for the replacement of property damaged during extreme weather conditions; adding a new section to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; and declaring an emergency
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 5081 by Senators Kohl, McCaslin, Long, Hargrove, Franklin, Winsley, Goings and Patterson
AN ACT Relating to persons who patronize prostitutes; adding a new section to chapter 9A.88 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5082 by Senators Hargrove, Long, Franklin, Oke and Winsley
AN ACT Relating to mental health and chemical dependency treatment for minors; amending RCW 71.34.010, 71.34.020, 71.34.025, 71.34.030, 71.34.040, 70.96A.095, and 70.96A.097; reenacting and amending RCW 70.96A.020; adding new sections to chapter 71.34 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70.96A RCW; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.
SB 5083 by Senators Roach and Winsley
AN ACT Relating to a civil action as a remedy for coercion in the making of sexually explicit films or videos; adding new sections to chapter 9.68 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5084 by Senators Roach, Schow, Benton, Swecker, Zarelli, Morton, Hochstatter, Johnson, McCaslin, Winsley, Stevens and Oke
AN ACT Relating to attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses awarded against the state; adding a new section to chapter 4.84 RCW; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations.
SB 5085 by Senators Roach, Swecker, McCaslin and Winsley
AN ACT Relating to criminal conspiracy; and amending RCW 9A.28.040.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5086 by Senators Roach, McDonald, Schow, Swecker, Johnson, McCaslin, Oke and Long
AN ACT Relating to prohibiting mandatory child support for postsecondary education of adult children; amending RCW 26.09.170, 26.09.225, 26.18.210, 26.19.035, and 26.19.075; adding a new section to chapter 26.09 RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 26.19.090.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5087 by Senators Roach, Swecker, Schow and Oke
AN ACT Relating to interviews of children conducted by the department of social and health services; amending RCW 26.44.030; adding a new section to chapter 26.44 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 9A.44 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5088 by Senators Roach, Zarelli, Swecker, McCaslin and Winsley
AN ACT Relating to injunctive relief; reenacting and amending RCW 9A.46.060; and adding a new section to chapter 7.40 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5089 by Senators Roach, Zarelli, Swecker and Hochstatter
AN ACT Relating to failure to appear at a court proceeding; and adding a new section to chapter 10.01 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5090 by Senators Roach, Zarelli, Schow, Swecker, Hochstatter, McCaslin, Winsley, Goings and Oke
AN ACT Relating to residential burglary; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.030; and prescribing penalties.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5091 by Senators Roach, Swecker and Winsley
AN ACT Relating to the jurisdiction of district and superior courts over real property; adding a new section to chapter 59.18 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5092 by Senators Roach, Swecker, Zarelli, Schow, Hochstatter, Bauer, McCaslin, Oke and Long
AN ACT Relating to disarming a law enforcement officer; adding new sections to chapter 9A.76 RCW; and prescribing penalties.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5093 by Senator Roach
AN ACT Relating to capital punishment sentencing; and amending RCW 10.95.130 and 10.95.140.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5094 by Senator Roach
AN ACT Relating to the release of offenders; and amending RCW 9.95.062 and 10.64.025.
Referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.
SB 5095 by Senator Roach
AN ACT Relating to a municipal court defendant incarcerated at a jail facility in the county but outside the city limits; and amending RCW 35.20.100.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5096 by Senator Roach
AN ACT Relating to contempt of court; and amending RCW 7.21.020.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5097 by Senators Roach and Swecker
AN ACT Relating to no-contact restrictions on sentences; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.120; creating a new section; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Law and Justice.
SB 5098 by Senators Loveland, Sheldon, Snyder, Fairley and Kohl
AN ACT Relating to general obligation bond debt service payments from the community and technical college capital projects account; amending RCW 28B.50.360; and repealing 1995 2nd sp.s. c 16 s 810 (uncodified).
Referred to Committee on Higher Education.
SB 5099 by Senators Loveland, Wojahn, Fairley, Rasmussen, Winsley and Kohl
AN ACT Relating to sales and use tax exemptions for medical records; adding a new section to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means.
SJM 8000 by Senator Hochstatter
Encouraging teacher literacy.
Referred to Committee on Education.
SJR 8204 by Senators McCaslin and Haugen
Amending the Constitution to provide an alternative method of framing a county charter.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations.
MOTIONS
On motion of Senator Johnson, the Committee on Government Operations was relieved of further consideration of Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201.
On motion of Senator Johnson, Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201 was referred to the Committee on Education.
MOTION
At 11:44 a.m., Senator Johnson moved that the Senate be at ease to retire to the House of Representatives for the purpose of a Joint Session.
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "We will gather, but before we do I have just a short--I would like to take a moment to thank Vic Yelle, Mary Wiley, Marty Brown--who is not here--Tony Cook, Mike O'Connell, Brad Hendrickson, and all the other people on the rostrum--that have been so good and so helpful to me. I think all of us are delighted for Marty--the appointment he got--and it will be good for the Governor and it will be good for the Senate and the legislative process. So, we want to congratulate Marty even though he is not here. While I am looking, there is Dick and Karen; this is a two camera day today. They are both up here, but I think all of you know that. I appreciate--I certainly do--the wonderful support that I have had as I wander along and thrash around and they keep me straight. They are such fine people; they make us all proud. I thank them all and we are going to applaud them right now. Now, we will all adjourn to the back. Senator Snyder."
REMARKS BY SENATOR SNYDER
Senator Snyder: "Well, Governor, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the eight years that you have been here. I have only been around six of them, but you had a long and distinguished career, starting in 1959 in the House of Representatives and then you were over here and then spent twelve years in Congress. You kept your word when you said that you wouldn't be there longer than twelve years. You probably could have still been back--"
REPLY BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "I would have been in all that mess back there if I had been."
Senator Snyder: "Well, you have done an outstanding job throughout your political career and we want to wish you the very best in the future."
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "Well, thank you. Now, let's all adjourn to the back of the room, so we can--oh, Senator Sellar."
REMARKS BY SENATOR SELLAR
Senator Sellar: "Well, Mr. President, it wouldn't be fair if we didn't pass on those remarks to you from this side of the aisle, too. It has been a real pleasure and privilege for all of us to serve in the same body as Joel Pritchard. Thank you very much."
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "That is very kind. We don't dare be late to this."
REMARKS BY SENATOR WOJAHN
Senator Wojahn: "I just want to add one thing. I want to thank you for your levity in creating an atmosphere of fun within these Chambers when it became very somber. Thank you very much."
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "Well, thank you very much. Now, if you--yes, Senator."
REMARKS BY SENATOR PRINCE
Senator Prince: "Governor Pritchard, beings that we came at the same time--I had to work for you then--but I did not expect to still be here when you left. It has been a joy and I want to add my personal thanks."
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "Oh, thank you. We don't dare be late to the House, because they are going to blame us for holding up their schedule. You know they have TV and everything over there, so any of these kinds of remarks, Senator Loveland, let's hold them up, because seriously we've got to get over there or we are going to be in trouble."
REMARKS BY SENATOR LOVELAND
Senator Loveland: "Mr. Governor, this is on a different subject, but I would also like to thank you. For the good of the order, Senator Pelz is standing in the wings and we would all like to wish him well. He was formally sworn in as a King County Councilperson. We are going to miss all his levity and I would like to acknowledge him."
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "That's right. We are delighted that he won that very difficult battle up there. It is not easy to win any kind of a battle in King County these days. All right, now we are going to--yes--Senator--"
REMARKS BY SENATOR HARGROVE
Senator Hargrove: "Mr. President, I would like to take one more opportunity to wear my collar open before the new Lieutenant Governor gets here."
REPLY BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "If you can get away with it over in the House, go to it."
Senator Hargrove: "I really have appreciated your consideration for all of our antics out here. It has been a great place to work. Thank you."
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: "Thank you. Now, let's get to the back here, so that we get over there. We are five minutes late now."
At 11:48 a.m., the members of the Senate retired to the House of Representatives for the purpose of a Joint Session.
JOINT SESSION
The Sergeant at Arms of the House announced the arrival of the Senate at the bar of the House.
The Speaker instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and Senate to escort the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Joel Pritchard, President Pro Tem Irv Newhouse, Majority Leader Dan McDonald and Minority Leader Sid Snyder to seats on the rostrum.
The Speaker invited the Senators to seats within the House Chamber.
The Speaker declared the Joint Session to be in order.
The Clerk of the House called the roll of members of the House.
The Secretary of the Senate called the roll of members of the Senate.
WELCOME BY SPEAKER CLYDE BALLARD
Speaker Ballard: “This Joint Session has more than one purpose. It has been called to hear the State of the State Address of the Governor. This occasion also provides the Legislature with the most appropriate opportunity to recognize the retiring state officials for their long and effective service to the state of Washington. The Joint Session also complies with the constitutional requirement of canvassing the vote for and against referendums and initiatives, and for the constitutional elective officers. Having discharged the constitutional requirements imposed upon the Speaker of the House, it is now my pleasure to call upon the President of the Senate to preside over the Joint Session.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Messages from the Secretary of State canvassing the vote for and against referendums and initiatives, and for the constitutional elective officers were read in the Senate the First Day of the Session.
The Speaker presented the gavel to President Pritchard.
APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The President appointed Representatives Sterk, McDonald, Constantine and Lantz and Senators Johnson, Roach, Heavey and Hargrove to escort the Supreme Court Justices to the House Chamber. The President introduced the Justices: Chief Justice Barbara Durham, Associate Chief Justice James M. Dolliver, Justice Charles Z. Smith, Justice Richard P. Guy, Justice Charles W. Johnson, Justice Barbara A. Madsen, Justice Gerry L. Alexander, Justice Philip A. Talmadge and Justice Richard B. Sanders.
The President appointed Representatives Dyer, Sump, Morris and Doumit and Senators Rossi, Wood, Fraser and Deccio to escort the State Elected Officials to the House Chamber. The President introduced the elected officials: Secretary of State, Ralph Munro; State Treasurer, Daniel K. Grimm; State Auditor; Brian Sonntag; Attorney General, Christine Gregorie; Commissioner of Public Lands, Jennifer M. Belcher; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Judith A. Billings; and Insurance Commissioner, Deborah Senn.
The President appointed Representatives Mitchell and Veloria and Senators Zarelli and McAuliffe to notify Governor Mike Lowry that the Joint Session has assembled and to escort him to the House Chamber. The President introduced the Governor, Mike Lowry.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed United States Congresswoman Linda Smith, Superintendent of Public Instruction-Elect Terry Bergeson, Her Majesty’s Consul of Britain, The Honorable Michael Upton and Mrs. Upton; The Consul General of Canada, The Honorable Thomas Beem; The Consul General of Japan, The Honorable Naotoshi Sugiuchi and Mrs. Sugiuchi; The Consul General of Mexico, The Honorable Hugo Abel Castro and his wife Rebecca. The President also welcomed The Reverend Sam McKinney.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
President Pritchard: “As the Speaker has announced, this occasion provides all of us with the opportunity to recognize old friends who are leaving office. Secretary Munro, will you do the honor of introducing our friends?”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING STATE TREASURER DANIEL GRIMM
Secretary Munro: “I would like to begin with our State Treasurer, Dan Grimm. Twenty four years ago he began his career in this building as a clerk for the Higher Education Committee for the House of Representatives. Three years later he was elected as a Representative from the Twenty-fifth Legislative District, serving Puyallup, North Tacoma, Bonney Lake and Sumner. Representative Grimm served with distinction in the House for twelve years.
“During that time, he had the privilege of chairing the House Higher Education Committee, the Democratic Caucus and the House Ways and Means Committee which he led for six years. Dan Grimm was elected State Treasurer in 1988 and reelected in 1992. There is no question that he is considered the father of our beautiful new State Historical Society Building in Tacoma. Dan, we thank you for your service and the leadership you have provided. Ladies and Gentlemen, State Treasurer Dan Grimm.”
The President and Speaker presented retiring State Treasurer Dan Grimm with a photograph of the Legislative Building.
REMARKS BY STATE TREASURER DANIEL GRIMM
State Treasurer Grimm: “Thank you. Mr. Governor, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen. As I stand here, I am reminded of the day about twenty years ago when I sat for the first time in the back of this Chamber. I want to say to those of you who are new to this legislative body, that if you, during your time here, are as blessed as I have been with as many acts of personal kindnesses as I have received, and with as many friends as I have been able to make, then you will have been truly fortunate. I want to thank you for your dedication and your commitment to public service. I also, as a former legislator, want to take this opportunity to thank and to ask you to thank your predecessors who have made it possible to make the contributions that we have made.
“There are many. Tom Copeland who made it possible for us to have our own offices; Bob Shafer who made it possible for us to have our own secretarial assistants; Len Sawyer who made it possible for all of us to truly have independent and professional staff, so that you can exercise your constitutional obligations to be an independent branch of government equal among the three. To Bud Shinpoch--every time you look at budget documents, every time you look at numbers from LEAP, every time you look at the books of the bill reports, you can thank Bud Shinpoch. I hope in doing so, that I will convey to you a commitment and enduring obligation that you have to this institution and through it to the people of the state.
“As State Treasurer, I want to thank Governor Mike Lowry. No one has done more and adhered to higher standards of fiscal integrity, in the twenty some years that I have been here, than Governor Mike Lowry. If you as a Legislature sustain those standards in this session and in the years to come, you will have served well the people of this state. Finally, I want to say thank you to the one person who, since 1985, has been the constant source of support and love and inspiration. This person is my daughter, Whitney K. Grimm. Whitney K., I love you biggest much. Thank you.”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION JUDITH BILLINGS
Secretary Munro: “Superintendent of Public Instruction Judith Billings, has served her state with the deep understanding of the value of our public schools. She has been a constant vocal outspoken advocate for kids across our state. Superintendent Billings realizes that in this rapidly changing world, public education plays a vital role as the great equalizer--the opportunity for children to advance beyond their parents station in life. She is constantly reminding all of us what the constitution says, 'It is our paramount duty to provide for ample education for all children.' Today we thank our Superintendent of Public Instruction, Judith Billings.”
The President and Speaker presented retiring Superintendent of Public Instruction Billings with a photograph of the Legislative Building.
REMARKS BY SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION JUDITH BILLINGS
Superintendent of Public Instruction Billings: “Thank you. It is as I always say, when one of my staff is retiring, a bitter sweet time, because we always cherish the times that we have had with the people with whom we work. At the same time, there is some anticipation of what is to come beyond where we are now in terms of new challenges. I certainly have in my professional life. There is nothing that equals the challenge and enjoyment of running for office and serving in office. Of course, I might add that nothing equals the frustration either. That goes along with the office. It has been a wonderful eight years, with the associations that have been made here at the state level, with the agency officials, with other elected statewide officials and with the Legislature.
“One of the things that I have been so delighted with in working with the Legislature in this state is that although we have not always agreed on issues, we have always been civil personally with one another. That is something that I think is extremely important to continue. I cannot leave without reminding you one more time, each year we give rewards to outstanding teachers and principals and school boards members in these Chambers and I always look at them and say, 'Wouldn’t it be fun if you were the ones sitting here making the laws and appropriating the dollars that fund public education?' I can’t leave without that one gentle reminder that it is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provisions for the education of all children residing within our borders regardless of gender, race, religion or ethnicity. I hope you take that charge seriously with you through this session and I wish you all the very best. Thank you.”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOEL PRITCHARD
Secretary Munro: “Most of us in this room were not born or cannot remember World War II and when we do read or see documentaries of the war, they often focus on the European Theater. The last few months of the war were in the Pacific and were terrible. Tens of thousands of our young GIs were maimed or killed in action. Joel Pritchard of Queen Anne Hill was an infantryman in the American New Caledon division, the famed Amercals. They sloughed and fought their way north toward the long sought victory in the Pacific. Pritchard was a lucky one. He came home to Seattle and entered public service, representing the Thirty-sixth District--Queen Anne Hill and Magnolia.
“He came to the Capitol in 1958 and served until 1966 in the House of Representatives and from 1967 to 1971, in the Washington State Senate. He will long be remembered for his fight to win open housing for all citizens and for a womans' right to choose. In 1972, it was off to Congress where he served until 1984, representing the First Congressional District. His record on the Foreign Relations Committee bringing a closure to the war in Viet Nam and his service as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly for the United States of America is still talked about today.
“He was elected our Lieutenant Governor in 1988, and has served with dignity and distinction, frankness and fairness. Ladies and gentlemen, fifty-four years of public service--Lieutenant Governor Joel Pritchard.”
The Speaker presented Lieutenant Governor Joel Pritchard with a photograph of the Legislative Building.
REMARKS BY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOEL PRITCHARD
Lieutenant Governor Pritchard: “If I get started, we will really get off track. Ralph did get to me. I didn’t think he could, but he did. Thank you. No one has enjoyed this capitol or the national capitol in service as much as I did. I enjoyed it. It is a great experience and a wonderful honor by the citizens in your communities to send you here. This business of democracy is a wonderful form of government, but it is not easy--it is not easy. It is always difficult and you are right in the middle of it where it is going to be so important what you do in the coming years. I intend to watch it with keen interest, and maybe write a few letters to you, but I am going to watch all of you and enjoy your efforts.
“I know that the future should be better. In fact for the first time in America’s history, there are people who seriously doubt whether tomorrow is going to be as good as today. Through all our years, people have taken it for granted that tomorrow will be better. We have some serious challenges. You have them and I am going to watch your efforts with great interest because I know you are going to live up to the responsibilities that you have.
“I thank you for what you are doing and I thank you for the friendships so many of you have had with me, and the kindnesses you have shown me in the last eight years in Olympia. Thank you very much.”
INTRODUCTION OF RETIRING GOVERNOR MIKE LOWRY
Secretary Munro: “In some ways, the old high school at Endicott High School is like this building. On the top floor, there are pictures of each class year by year, decade by decade. There is no question that the class of 1957, and their most known graduate, Mike Lowry, is a point of pride for this rural country school. His story epitomizes the long held belief in Washington State that it doesn’t really matter whether your parents are farmers on the Palouse or shipyard workers on the Sound. Each of us has a chance at the golden ring.
“One of his first jobs, after graduating from WSU, was as a committee clerk in the basement of this building, 'workin' for Durkin' as they used to say. He went on to serve as a King County Councilman and as Chair of the Council in 1979. He was elected President of the Washington Association of Counties and returned to this Capitol as their spokesman on many occasions. He became an outspoken member of Congress from the Seventh Congressional District--a blue collar lunch bucket area in South Seattle, Renton, White Center and Auburn, constantly speaking up for the poor, the unemployed, the less fortunate of our citizens.
“He was elected as our Governor in 1992, and in these tumultuous times of change, he has helped to steer our state into an era of prosperity. Through it all, his watch words have been 'Kids, Jobs and the Environment.' I think the thing I have appreciated most about Governor Lowry is that he has never forgotten the poor. Regardless of his own station in life, he has not spent his time scheming or dreaming of ways to improve his own lot, but has instead concentrated his efforts on assisting the lives of our less fortunate. Ladies and gentlemen, today we thank our Governor, Governor Mike Lowry.”
The President and Speaker presented retiring Governor Mike Lowry with a photograph of the Legislative Building.
REMARKS BY SPEAKER BALLARD
Speaker Ballard: “Governor Lowry, it is my pleasure to say thank you for your commitment. The one observation I have made about you, and it is good for all of us to remember in this Chamber, particularly for our new members, that when Mike Lowry says something or Mike Lowry states a belief, you know exactly where he is. That is a quality that I think is paramount upon us as legislators--that we speak clearly to what we believe and for what we stand for, and when we say it, people can understand and believe it. It has been a pleasure serving with you. Thank you.”
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT PRITCHARD
President Pritchard: “Thank you, Ralph. As always, you did a wonderful job. I would also like to introduce Mary Lowry and ask her to stand and be recognized.
“The purpose of the Joint Session is to receive a message from his excellency, Mike Lowry.
Governor Lowry: “Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the Supreme Court, distinguished state elected officials, members of the Legislature, Consular Corps, and citizens of the great state of Washington.
“Before I begin, I want to thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as Governor. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to Mary and Diane for their support. I have always believed that one of life’s most challenging and thankless roles is that of the families of people in public service. Mary and Diane have long served in that role with courage and grace, and I am grateful and proud.
“I congratulate Governor-elect Locke, who will be an excellent Governor, and each and every one of you in this Chamber, who I’m sure will endeavor to serve the state well.
“To the elected officials who served so well with me, thank you. And to this excellent new team of elected officials, I have high hopes and expectations. The voters chose you for your integrity and ability. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
“To my staff and cabinet, and all state employees and educators--you did a great job, and I thank you.
“Today, our state is in excellent shape. Our economy is strong, our business climate has improved significantly, our commitments to education and the environment are intact, and our quality of life has magazine editors consistently naming Washington cities among the most livable and the best places to do business.
“There are challenges ahead, yet we have good reason to be optimistic. We are on the right track. Over the past four years, the state's economy has improved dramatically. Independent, private studies continue to show our economy as one of the strongest in the nation. Tens of thousands more people have jobs. Many of our state’s cornerstone industries, which have for years been the backbone of our economy, are choosing to stay here, to expand and grow in Washington, rather than move elsewhere. Other world-class companies are joining them, building an even stronger, more diversified economy and we have opened the doors of international trade to large and small businesses alike.
“Over the past four years, our state’s unemployment rate has dropped from 8.4 percent to 5.8 percent--more than a thirty percent decrease. The state budget has gone from a record $1.7 billion shortfall to a healthy reserve. Every business day, more than one hundred people on public assistance enter the workforce. For the first time since the early 1980s, state government is growing at a rate well below the state’s population and during the coming biennium, state general fund taxes are already lower than they were four years ago. Over the past four years, we have turned our economy around and we have greatly improved the state budget. I am proud of those accomplishments.
“But I wouldn't be speaking from my heart if I didn't tell you what I am most proud of is that we have accomplished those goals without turning our backs on the needs of children--or on those for whom a stronger economy doesn't always mean more food on the table, or those who don't yet have the skills to apply for one of the new jobs. We have improved our economy and our business climate without weakening our commitment to the environment. Today, fewer families have to choose between paying rent and seeing a doctor when their children get sick, because nearly 195,000 children in low-income working families now have health care coverage. And more than 143,000 adults who might otherwise have been shut out of the health care system altogether now receive benefits through the state's very successful Basic Health Plan.
“More children are going to class ready to learn, because thousands more kids are receiving free or low-cost breakfast in school. More young adults are able to attend college, and thousands of at-risk youth are learning valuable job skills through the Washington Service Corps. Thousands of low-income working parents are able to keep their jobs without worrying about whether they can afford child care, because during these four years, we have eliminated the statewide waiting list for subsidized child care. We have given businesses a reason to move here and to stay here, and we have taken steps to help more people benefit from our economy and our quality of life.
“Today, all of us in this Chamber, and those watching or listening elsewhere, can be very proud to live in a state where we share a commitment to improving what we can, preserving what we must, and never losing sight of the belief that Washington is a great place to live, to work, to raise a family, and to enjoy life. Today, the state of our state is clearly very good. The challenge, over the coming months and years, is to continue that prosperity without losing sight of the reasons why all of us live here, and to go forward without leaving behind those who have been denied the tools they need to keep up.
“In the face of tighter budget constraints and even deeper cuts coming from the federal government, that task will not be simple. Keeping our state on the right track will require continued vision and courage--especially by all of you in this Chamber. One thing is certain, however, there are a few guaranteed ways of not keeping our state on track for the future.
“We will not continue to prosper if we let go of our commitment to education. A business is only as good as its workforce. Unless we take steps to ensure that our educational system--both K-12 and higher education--can keep pace with a growing demand and meet the needs of tomorrow’s employers, our economy and our quality of life will pay the price.
“We will not continue to prosper if we sacrifice our magnificent environment for short-term gain. Over the past four years, we have proven that a healthy environment is good for business. Time and again, officials of companies that locate here have told me how important it is for them to settle in a place where their employees will want to live. In the state of Washington, good environmental policy is good economic policy.
“We will not continue to prosper if our transportation system fails to keep pace with the state’s growth. In fact, our growing transportation problem is one of the few obstacles that could reverse our economic prosperity. We will not continue to prosper if we weaken our commitment to good growth management. During the decade of the 1990s alone, our state’s population is expected to grow by more than a million people --the fastest rate of growth since the war years of the 1940s. That growth will put tremendous pressure on our roads, our land, our watersheds, and our environment. The state’s Growth Management Act is one of the best ways to ensure that we think about how and where we want to grow before it is too late--and before unplanned development destroys even more of the natural drainage systems that are so vital to flood control efforts.
“We will not continue to prosper if we fail to recognize that some parts of the state’s population are growing faster than others, that our budget laws need the flexibility to adjust to those population demographics, to federal cutbacks that are much harder on individuals than perhaps earlier anticipated, to natural disasters and emergencies, and to remove disincentives for efficient management. I am, of course, referring to Initiative 601. It is important state policy, and I know the Legislature will honor its intent, but Initiative 601 was not carved in stone and brought down from the mountain. Across-the-board spending limits that do not account for growing needs will create across-the-board problems long into the future--problems that can be avoided with minor amendments that stay consistent with the voters’ intent.
“Speaking of initiatives with unintended consequences, it is time we took another look at term limits. A mandatory six-year limit for legislators takes the power of our democracy out of the hands of voters and puts it into the hands of people who were never elected by anyone. That is not a democratic ideal.
“We will not continue to prosper if we turn our backs on our state’s commitment to diversity. The strength of our state lies in the contributions of every single person who lives here. We must stay committed to equal opportunity, equal rights, and respect for diversity. To those who would bring hate and intolerance of any person, belief, lifestyle or circumstance into our state, I say 'hands off.'
“We will not continue to prosper if we forget about the needs of children in our pursuit of affluence. Today, nearly a quarter of the nation’s children live in poverty. We’re doing a little bit better in our state, but even our statistic of one-in-six is far too high. Building America’s future on a foundation of one quarter of our kids growing up in poverty is just plain dangerous. We simply must, as a society, make our children a higher priority.
“We also must not duplicate, here at home, the breadth of cutbacks the federal government is making, by making even deeper cuts in critical state services. Adjusting to the upcoming federal cutbacks and new state responsibilities is one of our greatest challenges. The worst of all possible solutions is for the state to act oblivious to those changes, make even deeper cuts, pass responsibility onto others - and force people into the streets.
“Here in our state, the new federal welfare law, along with other cost-cutting measures approved by Congress, is expected to reduce federal dollars by $619 million over the next biennium. Those cutbacks will affect everything from food stamps and food banks to housing assistance and environmental protection programs. In our state, more than 200,000 low-income families will face cutbacks in food stamps and other food subsidy programs. That includes about 38,000 legal immigrants--many of them working parents with children--who will be dropped from the Food Stamp Program entirely. About 11,000 legal immigrants who are blind, elderly or disabled will lose eligibility for the federal Supplemental Security Income program, which provides about $470 a month to low-income people who can’t work. Our state’s legal immigrants are people who have always played by the rules.
“In addition, nearly 1,000 non-immigrant children with severe behavioral disorders will lose disability benefits they had received through the federal SSI program. Most are in foster homes. We have both the financial resources and the moral obligation to ensure that low-income children, families, and senior citizens affected by federal cutbacks are not left out in the cold.
“If we think that a few dollars a month in tax cuts for the average Washingtonian is more important than keeping food on the table for tens of thousands of low-income people in our state, we are a society in trouble. In my budget proposal, I have asked the Legislature to replace some of the deepest federal cuts with $220 million to help our neediest neighbors. That commitment might require a minor adjustment in Initiative 601, and that you forego some of your additional desired tax cuts.
“Most of the problems we count on government to deal with would be solved if everyone had a living-wage job. Today, especially, the fallout from families that are torn apart by poverty, or those who have simply lost hope, affects everyone. All of us must come to terms with a new reality--that helping people enter the workforce is in everyone’s best interest, and punitive proposals that pass judgment on a person’s inability to find a job have never put anyone to work.
“I have been fortunate. I grew up in a healthy environment, with two parents who loved my sisters and me, and loved each other. There were no drugs, there was no abuse, there was no violence. Most of the kids I went to school with came from the same background. In fact, most of the people in my generation grew up with those values and advantages. When we were old enough, nearly all of us got jobs and became productive members of society. That is what our parents had done and that is the path they helped create for us. The cards were never stacked against us, as they are for so many people today.
“Today, thousands of children grow up in an environment where there is physical violence, mental abuse, or neglect, an environment where--at best--only one parent plays a role in a child's life, where handguns are a tragic ticket to respect on the streets, where peer pressure is unlike anything any of us have ever known. When some of these kids become young adults, their troubled lives are in the hands of many who still believe that what worked when they were young--tighter boot straps, their parents' expectations, a little help from mom and dad--ought to be enough for anyone. They believe that telling someone to 'get a job' is enough to help them overcome a lack of job skills, a history of abuse, a lifetime of disadvantages. It’s just not that simple. Like it or not, the world has changed. We all share the goal of getting able-bodied people into the workforce. In our state, we have programs in place that are doing exactly that in record numbers.
“Our success is proof that the vast majority of people on welfare want to work, and if they are given the right tools, they will not only join the workforce, they will stay in the workforce. Choosing to believe otherwise, to justify politically popular rhetoric, is self-defeating fantasy, and it simply will not work. And unless we continue to take steps that address today's reality rather than yesterday's expectations; unless we base our policy decisions on something more substantial and more compassionate than an attitude of, 'I did it, why can't they,' a huge number of people will fail in our society--and that will mean we will fail.
“We will fail, because most people who are driven into the workforce without job skills end up in minimum wage jobs--if they can find jobs at all--and minimum-wage jobs do not pay enough for single-parent families to make it on their own. A single parent with two small children who works full time, earning minimum wage, pays about seventy-two percent of his or her salary in child care expenses, and takes home about $74 a week. That adds up to $300 a month, out of which a working parent must pay the rent, put food on the table, pay utility bills and transportation costs--and just plain hope that no one gets sick. We will fail because forcing people into minimum-wage jobs or onto the street will do nothing to solve the many problems that have kept them from self sufficiency--the lack of job skills needed to earn a living wage, an inability to afford basic medical care, the need for quality, affordable child care. We will fail because a growing gap between those who have much and those who have little will continue to tear at the fabric of our society until the only thing that unites our communities is a sense of fear, anger, resentment, and hate. We are better than that.
“Those who call our state' home' are some of the most generous and giving people in the world. We help each other when we can. During the holidays, we hear more stories of people who are having a rough time, and our instinct is to help make things right. During the recent winter storms, I heard dozens of examples of people looking out for each other; clearing tree branches out of neighbor's driveways, delivering groceries to people who couldn’t leave their homes, pulling cars out of piles of snow. I heard about workers staying on the job past midnight to help drivers who needed tire chains, and I met utility crews who were working around the clock--day after day. There are countless other examples, but whether we give blankets to the homeless or help push cars out of snowbanks, when someone needs help, most of us are eager to lend a hand.
“Yet despite our generosity, the greatest problem facing America today is the growing number of people in our society who are truly in need. Whether they are workers who have been downsized out of a job, people who have never had the skills needed to keep up, or those whose circumstances have just taken a turn for the worse, thousands of people in our state wake up every single day facing challenges every bit as difficult as a winter storm. Their stories are compelling. Over the past year, I’ve met dozens of people in our state who have left public assistance and entered the workforce. Almost to a person, they have told me, sometimes with tears in their eyes, about how desperately they wanted to get off welfare, just to have a measure of self respect, and how grateful they were to finally be earning a living. I learned of a single mother who just wanted to earn enough money to afford to live in a house or apartment, so her children could go to school without having to lie about the place they call home.
“I met a man who had grown up on public assistance, who told me that as a child, the greatest wealth his family ever knew was the day the food stamps arrived. For him, as for so many others, the difference between continuing that cycle of desperation and becoming self-sufficient was the chance to learn, the tools to advance, the opportunity to succeed, and a job. I am certain the people of our state will step forward to help those who are in real trouble, if given the chance. Today, more than ever before, it is absolutely critical that we not turn back from the progress we have made, and that we commit ourselves to ensuring that all people have an opportunity to work and to share in our prosperity.
“We live in the wealthiest country on earth. We pay lower taxes than nearly any other industrialized nation. Only Turkey and Australia pay less. In Washington State, we are now enjoying one of the nation’s strongest economies and greatest qualities of life. Over the past four years, we have made significant strides in making government more efficient. We can do more, certainly. No government, including ours, should ever be beyond reproach. Few exist that could not be improved upon.
“But we’re kidding ourselves if we choose to believe that in today’s world, government is not important to a good economy and a higher quality of life. In a democracy, government is not the enemy. It is what we, the people, choose to make of it. In our state, we have worked hard to create a balanced approach to government that recognizes the need for tax and regulatory policies that help businesses prosper without compromising our environment, our health and safety, or our children’s future--a balanced approach that recognizes that today’s prosperity carries with it a responsibility to invest in our future, support education and workforce training, build a transportation network that helps get people to work and products to market, and preserve our quality of life.
“A strong economy gives us both the capability and the responsibility to do more than widen the gap between those who have much and those who have little. It allows us the flexibility to decide what we value as a society, and the freedom to invest in policies and practices that help close that gap. We are, today, at a crossroads. One path divides us, denies the common good, and closes the door of prosperity to all but a few. The other path unites us, seeks the common good, and opens the door of opportunity to everyone. Our decision to follow the path of least resistance and political expediency, or the path of right decisions and political courage, will determine our future - and that of our children and grandchildren.
“Let it be our quest to seek the greater good, to choose justice over inequity, possibility over privilege, hope over despair. Let us take the road less traveled, if that is where fairness lies and let us end our days with promises kept--that we fought for hard-working people, that we were good stewards of the earth, that we stood against discrimination, that we gave all people a chance to work and to prosper--and most important, that we took care of the children. Thank you.”
The President thanked Governor Lowry for his comments and instructed the special committee to escort the Governor from the House Chamber.
The President instructed the special committee to escort the State Elected Officials from the House Chamber.
The President instructed the special committee to escort the Supreme Court Justices from the House Chamber.
MOTION
On motion of Representative Lisk, the Joint Session was dissolved.
The President returned the gavel to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Speaker instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and Senate to escort the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Joel Pritchard, President Pro Tem Irv Newhouse, Majority Leader Dan McDonald and Minority Leader Sid Snyder from the House Chamber.
The House and Senate Sergeants at Arms escorted the Senators from the House Chamber.
The Senate was called to order at 1:11 p.m. by President Pritchard.
MOTION
At 1:11 p.m., on motion of Senator Johnson, the Senate adjourned until 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 1997.
JOEL PRITCHARD, President of the Senate
MIKE O'CONNELL, Secretary of the Senate