SECOND DAY

MORNING SESSION

Senate Chamber, Olympia, Tuesday, January 11, 2005

      The Senate was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by President Owen. The Secretary called the roll and announced to the President that all members were present.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the third order of business.

 

MESSAGES FROM THE STATE OFFICES

 

January 7, 2005

 

STATE OF WASHINGTON

 

Olympia, Washington 98504-5000

 

Mr. Thomas Hoemann

Secretary of the Senate

P.O. Box 40482

Olympia, Washington 98504-0482

 

Dear Mr. Hoemann:

Enclosed is Accountability Audit Report, Washington State Potato Commission.

If you have any questions about the report, please call Washington State Auditors Office at 902-0370.

Sincerely,

Brian Sonntag, State Auditor

The Accountability Audit Report, Washington State Potato Commission is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OFFICES

January 7, 2005

 

STATE OF WASHINGTON

 

Olympia, Washington 98504-5000

 

Mr. Thomas Hoemann

Secretary of the Senate

P.O. Box 40482

Olympia, Washington 98504-0482

 

Dear Mr. Hoemann:

Enclosed is Financial Statements Audit, Washington State Potato Commission. This report is mandated under Chapter 41.40 and 41.45 RCW.

If you have any questions about the report, please call Washington State Auditors Office at 902-0370.

Sincerely,

Brian Sonntag, State Auditor

The Financial Statements Audit, Washington State Potato Commission is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

 

MESSAGES FROM THE STATE OFFICES

 

January 4, 2005

 

STATE OF WASHINGTON

 


Olympia, Washington 98504-5000

 

Mr. Thomas Hoemann

Secretary of the Senate

P.O. Box 40482

Olympia, Washington 98504-0482

 

Dear Mr. Hoemann:

Enclosed is Washington State Institute for Public Policy, Washington State's Family Integrated Transitions Program for Juvenile Offenders.

If you have any questions about the report, please call Roxanne Lieb at 586-2768.

Sincerely,

Roxanne Lieb, Director

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy, Washington State's Family Integrated Transitions Program for Juvenile Offenders is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OFFICES

 

January 3, 2005

 

STATE OF WASHINGTON

 

Olympia, Washington 98504-5000

 

Mr. Thomas Hoemann

Secretary of the Senate

P.O. Box 40482

Olympia, Washington 98504-0482

 

Dear Mr. Hoemann:

Enclosed is Washington State Institute for Public Policy, Final Report on Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Washington State.

If you have any questions about the report, please call Roxanne Lieb at 586-2745.

Sincerely,

Roxanne Lieb, Director

      The Washington State Institute for Public Policy, Final Report on Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Washington State is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OFFICES

 

December 30, 2004

 

STATE OF WASHINGTON

 

Olympia, Washington 98504-5000

 

Mr. Thomas Hoemann

Secretary of the Senate

P.O. Box 40482

Olympia, Washington 98504-0482

 

Dear Mr. Hoemann:

Enclosed is Accountability Audit Report, Grays Harbor College.

If you have any questions about the report, please call Washington State Auditors Office at 902-0370.

Sincerely,

Brian Sonntag, State Auditor

The Accountability Audit Report, Grays Harbor College is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

The Honorable President of the Senate

Legislature of the State of Washington

Olympia, Washington 98504

 

MR. PRESIDENT:

We respectfully transmit for your consideration the following bill which was vetoed by the Governor, together with the official veto message setting forth his objection to the section or item of the bill, as required by Article III, section 12, of the Washington State Constitution:

Substitute Senate Bill No. 5677

Senate Bill No. 6561

Substitute Senate Bill No. 6636

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the state of Washington, this 1st day of April, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

(Seal)

 

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

The Honorable President of the Senate

Legislature of the State of Washington

Olympia, Washington 98504

 

MR. PRESIDENT:

We respectfully transmit for your consideration the following bill which was partially vetoed by the Governor, together with the official veto message setting forth his objections to the sections or items of the bill, as required by Article III, section 12, of the Washington State Constitution:

Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6599

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the state of Washington, this 1st day of April, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

(Seal)

 

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

The Honorable President of the Senate

Legislature of the State of Washington

Olympia, Washington 98504

 

MR. PRESIDENT:

We respectfully transmit for your consideration the following bill which was partially vetoed by the Governor, together with the official veto message setting forth his objections to the sections or items of the bill, as required by Article III, section 12, of the Washington State Constitution:

Substitute Senate Bill No. 5733

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the state of Washington, this 26th day of March, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

(Seal)

 

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

 

The Honorable President of the Senate

Legislature of the State of Washington

Olympia, Washington 98504

MR. PRESIDENT:

We respectfully transmit for your consideration the following bill which was partially vetoed by the Governor, together with the official veto message setting forth his objections to the sections or items of the bill, as required by Article III, section 12, of the Washington State Constitution:

Substitute Senate Bill No. 6225

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the state of Washington, this 26th day of March, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

(Seal)

 

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE

 

The Honorable President of the Senate

Legislature of the State of Washington

Olympia, Washington 98504

MR. PRESIDENT:

We respectfully transmit for your consideration the following bill which was partially vetoed by the Governor, together with the official veto message setting forth his objections to the sections or items of the bill, as required by Article III, section 12, of the Washington State Constitution:

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6274

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the state of Washington, this 26th day of March, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

(Seal)

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the vetoed and partially vetoed bills were held at the desk.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fourth order of business.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

 

January 11, 2005

 

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Speaker has signed:

      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4400,

      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4401,

      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4402,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

 

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

 

SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

 

The President signed:

      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4400,

      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4401,

      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4402.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fifth order of business.

 

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING

 

SB 5039             by Senators Rasmussen, Schoesler and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to milk and milk products; amending RCW 15.36.051, 15.36.231, and 15.36.241; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

 

Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.

 

 


 


SB 5040             by Senators Shin, Hewitt, Mulliken and Sheldon

 

AN ACT Relating to providing additional funding for the community economic revitalization board's programs; amending RCW 43.160.060; adding a new section to chapter 43.176 RCW; and making an appropriation.

 

Referred to Committee on International Trade & Economic Development.

 

SB 5041             by Senators McCaslin and Kline

 

AN ACT Relating to discretionary weapons enhancements for sentence ranges; amending RCW 9.94A.533; and prescribing penalties.

 

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

 

SB 5042             by Senator McCaslin

 

AN ACT Relating to tolling the statute of limitations for felonies; and amending RCW 9A.04.080.

 

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Introduction and First Reading report were referred to the committees as designated.

 

MOTION

 

      At 11:12 a.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate was declared to be at ease subject to the call of the President for the purpose of a Joint Session with the House of Representatives to receive the State of the State Address.

 

JOINT SESSION

 

      Pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution No. 4400, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, called the Joint Session to order.

 

      The Sergeant at Arms of the House announced the arrival of the Senate at the bar of the House.

 

      Speaker Chopp instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to escort the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen to seats at the Rostrum.

 

      Senators were invited to seats within the House Chamber.

 

      The Clerk called the roll of the House. The Clerk called the roll of the Senate.

 

      A quorum of the Legislature was present.

 

      Speaker Chopp: “The first purpose of this Joint Session is to comply with the Constitutional requirement of canvassing the vote for and against referenda and initiatives and for the constitutional elective officers.”


 

MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY OF STATE

MR. SPEAKER:

 

      I, Sam Reed, Secretary of State of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that according to the provisions of RCW 29A.60.260, I have canvassed the returns of the 2,883,499 votes cast by the 3,514,078 registered voters of the state for and against the initiatives and referendum which were submitted to the vote of the people at the state general election held on the 2nd day of November, 2004, as received from the County Auditors.

 

Initiative Measure No. 872

 

“Initiative Measure No. 872 concerns elections for partisan offices.

This measure would allow voters to select among all candidates

in a primary. Ballots would indicate candidates’ party preference.

The two candidates receiving most votes advance to the general

election, regardless of party.”

 

      Yes                                                   1,632,225

      No                                                    1,095,190

 

Initiative Measure No. 884

 

“Initiative Measure No. 884 concerns dedicating funds designated for educational purposes. This measure would create an education trust fund for smaller classes, extended learning programs, certain salary increases, preschool access, and expanded college enrollments and scholarships, funded by increasing retail sales tax by 1%.”

 

      Yes                                                   1,102,996

      No                                                    1,654,112

 

Initiative Measure No. 892

 

“Initiative Measure No. 892 concerns authorizing additional “electronic scratch ticket machines” to reduce property taxes.

This measure would authorize licensed non-tribal gambling establishments to operate the same type and number of

machines as tribal governments, with a portion of tax revenue generated used to reduce state property taxes.”

 

      Yes                                                   1,069,414

      No                                                    1,711,785

 

Referendum Measure No. 55

 

“The legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2295 (ESSHB 2295) concerning charter public schools. This bill would authorize charter public schools and would set conditions

on operations. Charter schools would be operated by qualified nonprofit corporations, under contracts with local education

boards, and allocated certain public funds.”

 

      Yes                                                   1,122,964

      No                                                    1,572,203

 

Initiative Measure No. 297

 

“Initiative Measure No. 297 concerns “mixed” radioactive and nonradioactive hazardous waste. This measure would add new provisions concerning “mixed” radioactive and nonradioactive hazardous waste, requiring cleanup of contamination before additional waste is added, prioritizing cleanup, providing for

public participation and enforcement through citizen lawsuits.”

 

      Yes                                                   1,812,581

      No                                                     810,795


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the official seal of the state of Washington, this 30th day of November, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

 

      I further certify that, according to the provisions of RCW 43.07.030, I have canvassed the returns of the votes cast at the state general election held on the 2nd day of November, 2004, for all federal, statewide, legislative and joint judicial offices, and that the votes cast for candidates for these offices are as follows:

 


Office

Division

District

Position

Name

Party

Votes

President/Vice President

 

 

 

John Kerry/John Edwards

D

1,510,201

 

 

 

 

George Bush/Dick Cheney

R

1,304,894

 

 

 

 

Michael Badnarik/Richard V. Campagna

L

11,955

 

 

 

 

John Parker/Teresa Gutierrez

WW

1,077

 

 

 

 

David Cobb/Patricia Lamarche

G

2,974

 

 

 

 

James Harris/Margaret Trowe

SW

547

 

 

 

 

Michael Anthony Peroutka/Chuck Baldwin

C

3,922

 

 

 

 

Bill Van Auken/Jim Lawrence

SE

231

 

 

 

 

Ralph Nader/Peter Camejo

I

23,283

US Senator

 

 

 

Patty Murray

D

1,549,708

 

 

 

 

"George R. Nethercutt, Jr."

R

1,204,584

 

 

 

 

J. Mills

L

34,055

 

 

 

 

Mark B. Wilson

G

30,304

US Representative

1

 

 

Jay Inslee

D

204,121

 

 

 

 

Randy Eastwood

R

117,850

 

 

 

 

Charles Moore

L

5,798

US Representative

2

 

 

Rick Larsen

D

202,383

 

 

 

 

Suzanne Sinclair

R

106,333

 

 

 

 

Bruce Guthrie

L

7,966

US Representative

3

 

 

Brian Baird

D

193,626

 

 

 

 

Thomas A. Crowson

R

119,027

US Representative

4

 

 

Sandy Matheson

D

92,486

 

 

 

 

Doc Hastings

R

154,627

US Representative

5

 

 

Don Barbieri

D

121,333

 

 

 

 

Cathy McMorris

R

179,600

US Representative

6

 

 

Norm Dicks

D

202,919

 

 

 

 

Doug Cloud

R

91,228

US Representative

7

 

 

Jim McDermott

D

272,302

 

 

 

 

Carol Cassady

R

65,226

US Representative

8

 

 

Dave Ross

D

157,148

 

 

 

 

Dave Reichert

R

173,298

 

 

 

 

Spencer Garrett

L

6,053

US Representative

9

 

 

Adam Smith

D

162,433

 

 

 

 

Paul J. Lord

R

88,304

 

 

 

 

Robert F. Losey

G

5,934

Governor

 

 

 

Christine Gregoire

D

1,371,153

 

 

 

 

Dino Rossi

R

1,371,414

 

 

 

 

Ruth Bennett

L

63,346

Lt. Governor

 

 

 

Brad Owen

D

1,443,505

 

 

 

 

Jim Wiest

R

1,019,790

 

 

 

 

Jocelyn A Langlois

L

117,147

 

 

 

 

Bern Haggerty

G

73,328

Secretary of State

 

 

 

Laura Ruderman

D

1,209,299

 

 

 

 

Sam Reed

R

1,369,421

 

 

 

 

Jacqueline Passey

L

82,097

State Treasurer

 

 

 

Mike Murphy

D

1,575,499

 

 

 

 

Oscar S. Lewis

R

941,754

 

 

 

 

John Sample

L

96,144

State Auditor

 

 

 

Brian Sonntag

D

1,668,575

 

 

 

 

Will Baker

R

841,772

 

 

 

 

Jason G. Bush

L

101,161

Attorney General

 

 

 

Deborah Senn

D

1,163,964

 

 

 

 

Rob McKenna

R

142,568

 

 

 

 

J. Bradley Gibson

L

56,792

 

 

 

 

Paul Richmond

G

44,020

Commissioner of Public Lands

 

 

 

Mike Cooper

D

1,223,207

 

 

 

 

Doug Sutherland

R

1,309,441

 

 

 

 

Steve Layman

L

88,171

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

 

 

Teresa (Terry) Bergeson

NP

1,293,560

 

 

 

 

Judith Billings

NP

1,036,912

Insurance Commissioner

 

 

 

Mike Kreidler

D

1,393,764

 

 

 

 

John Adams

R

1,058,583

 

 

 

 

Stephen D. Steele

L

107,295

State Supreme Court Justice

 

1

 

Jim Johnson

NP

1,178,194

 

 

 

 

Mary Kay Becker

NP

1,086,319

State Supreme Court Justice

 

5

 

Barbara Madsen

NP

1,892,177

State Supreme Court Justice

 

6

 

Richard B. Sanders

NP

1,310,998

 

 

 

 

Terry Sebring

NP

837,077

Court of Appeals

2

3

2

C.C. Bridgewater

NP

167,222

Court of Appeals

3

2

1

Dennis J. Sweeney

NP

113,621

Superior Court Judge

 

 

1

William D. (Bill) Acey

NP

9,940

Superior Court Judge

 

 

1

Rebecca M. Baker

NP

19,111

Superior Court Judge

 

 

2

Allen C. Nielson

NP

17,990

Superior Court Judge

 

 

1

Alan R. Hancock

NP

30,579

Superior Court Judge

 

 

2

Vickie I. Churchill

NP

29,939

Superior Court Judge

 

 

1

"E. Thompson ""Tom"" Reynolds"

NP

9,966

Superior Court Judge

 

 

1

Joel Penoyar

NP

8,988

State Senator

 

 

1

Rosemary McAuliffe

D

33,389

 

 

 

 

Jason Bontrager

R

25,229

State Representative

 

1

1

Al O'Brien

D

31,238

 

 

 

 

Jeff Merrill

R

25,037

 

 

 

 

Terry Bartlett Buholm

L

1,872

State Representative

 

1

2

Mark Ericks

D

29,767

 

 

 

 

Joshua Freed

R

28,313

State Senator

 

2

 

Marilyn Rasmussen

D

28,395

 

 

 

 

Deryl McCarty

R

25,438

State Representative

 

2

1

Dennis Townsend

D

25,478

 

 

 

 

Jim McCune

R

27,528

State Representative

 

2

2

Glen Nutter

D

22,835

 

 

 

 

Tom Campbell

R

30,505

State Senator

 

3

 

Lisa Brown

D

25,930

 

 

 

 

Mike Casey

R

15,647

State Representative

 

3

1

Alex Wood

D

25,237

 

 

 

 

David Stevens

R

15,724

 

 

3

2

Timm Ormsby

D

23,765

 

 

 

 

Ryan Leonard

R

16,634

State Senator

 

4

 

Tim Hattenburg

D

23,437

 

 

 

 

Bob McCaslin

R

34,447

State Representative

 

4

1

Jim Peck

D

21,905

 

 

 

 

Larry Crouse

R

35,071

 

 

4

2

Ed Foote

D

19,356

 

 

 

 

Lynn Schindler

R

37,323

State Senator

 

5

 

Kathy Huckabay

D

26,457

 

 

 

 

Cheryl Pflug

R

38,186

 

 

 

 

Jaime Capili

L

1,327

State Representative

 

5

1

Jeff Griffin

D

28,273

 

 

 

 

Jay Rodne

R

33,417

 

 

 

 

Keith Kemp

L

2,122

 

 

5

2

Barbara deMichele

D

27,200

 

 

 

 

Glenn Anderson

R

34,283

 

 

 

 

Beau Gunderson

L

1,922

State Senator

 

6

 

Laurie Dolan

D

32,104

 

 

 

 

Brad Benson

R

33,312

State Representative

 

6

1

Don A. Barlow

D

29,775

 

 

 

 

John Serben

R

32,136

 

 

 

2

Douglas Dobbins

D

24,580

 

 

 

 

John E. Ahern

R

37,755

State Representative

 

7

1

Jack Miller

D

17,327

 

 

 

 

Bob Sump

R

33,863

 

 

 

 

Dave Wordinger

L

1,621

State Representative

 

7

2

Yvette Joseph

D

17,422

 

 

 

 

Joel Kretz

R

32,578

State Senator

 

8

 

John David

D

15,486

 

 

 

 

Jerome Delvin

R

37,360

State Representative

 

8

1

Rick Dillender

D

14,054

 

 

 

 

Shirley Hankins

R

38,546

State Representative

 

8

2

Jerad Koepp

D

15,734

 

 

 

 

Larry Haler

R

36,404

State Senator

 

9

 

Gail Rowland

D

16,387

 

 

 

 

Mark G. Schoesler

R

32,105

State Representative

 

9

1

Sean Gallegos

D

15,960

 

 

 

 

Don Cox

R

32,018

State Representative

 

9

2

Eileen (Mac) Macoll

D

18,115

 

 

 

 

David Buri

R

28,964

State Senator

 

10

 

Mary Margaret Haugen

D

31,196

 

 

 

 

April Lynne Axtheim

R

29,219

 

 

 

 

Brett Wilhelm

L

1,653

State Representative

 

10

1

Nancy Conard

D

28,415

 

 

 

 

Chris Strow

R

30,228

 

 

 

 

Tom Bronkema

L

1,728

State Representative

 

10

2

Mark L. Norton

D

22,894

 

 

 

 

Barbara Baily

R

34,899

 

 

 

 

Lew Randall

L

1,903

State Senator

 

11

 

Margarita Prentice

D

25,303

 

 

 

 

Bill Roenicke

R

10,929

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Christensen

L

2,545

State Representative

 

11

1

Zack Hudgins

D

25,724

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Harris

R

12,261

State Representative

 

11

2

Bob Hasegawa

D

25,714

 

 

 

 

Ruth Gibbs

R

13,058

State Senator

 

12

 

Linda Evans Parlette

R

40,620

State Representative

 

12

1

Tony Zinman

D

16,684

 

 

 

 

Cary Condotta

R

31,919

State Representative

 

12

2

Todd R. Smith

D

15,972

 

 

 

 

Mike Armstrong

R

31,725

State Representative

 

13

1

Dale Hubbard

D

14,745

 

 

 

 

Jenea Holmquist

R

29,551

State Representative

 

13

2

Patrick Wicklund

D

14,531

 

 

 

 

Bill Hinkle

R

30,004

State Senator

 

14

 

Leni Skarin

D

14,811

 

 

 

 

Alex Deccio

R

27,534

State Representative

 

14

1

Don Hinman

D

14,799

 

 

 

 

Mary Skinner

R

27,457

State Representative

 

14

2

Clarence Gipson

D

13,705

 

 

 

 

Jim Clements

R

28,349

State Representative

 

15

1

Bruce Chandler

R

29,067

State Representative

 

15

2

Michael H. Kepcha

D

11,491

 

 

 

 

Dan Newhouse

R

24,035

State Senator

 

16

 

Rebecca Francik

D

14,807

 

 

 

 

Mike Hewitt

R

29,845

State Representative

 

16

1

Jim Barnett

D

15,604

 

 

 

 

Maureen Walsh

R

27,485

State Representative

 

16

2

Bill Grant

D

25,514

 

 

 

 

Nathan (Nate) Brook

R

18,177

State Senator

 

17

 

Paul Waadevig

D

23,193

 

 

 

 

Don Benton

R

29,563

State Representative

 

17

1

Pat Campbell

D

23,317

 

 

 

 

Jim Dunn

R

28,405

State Representative

 

17

2

Deb Wallace

D

27,526

 

 

 

 

Roy Rhine

R

24,340

State Senator

 

18

 

Dave Seabrook

D

29,745

 

 

 

 

Joseph Zarelli

R

34,706

State Representative

 

18

1

Pam Brokaw

D

27,330

 

 

 

 

Richard Curtis

R

35,500

State Representative

 

18

2

Brian Beecher

D

24,981

 

 

 

 

Ed Orcutt

R

37,408

State Senator

 

19

 

Mark L. Doumit

D

39,470

State Representative

 

19

1

Brian Hatfield

D

39,239

State Representative

 

19

2

Brian Blake

D

38,028

State Senator

 

20

 

Chuck Bojarski

D

19,238

 

 

 

 

Dan Swecker

R

35,372

State Representative

 

20

1

Joel W. Staloch

D

20,650

 

 

 

 

Richard DeBolt

R

33,515

State Representative

 

20

2

Gary Alexander

R

41,293

State Representative

 

21

1

Mary Helen Roberts

D

32,800

 

 

 

 

Roger S. "Cowboy" Wilson

R

16,419

 

 

 

 

Stephen Cornell

L

1,221

State Representative

 

21

2

Brian Sullivan

D

33,743

 

 

 

 

Alan D. Tagle

R

17,002

State Senator

 

22

 

Karen Fraser

D

44,695

State Representative

 

22

1

Brendan Williams

D

34,486

 

 

 

 

Ann Burgman

R

22,886

State Representative

 

22

2

Sam Hunt

D

43,016

State Senator

 

23

 

Phil Rockefeller

D

36,150

 

 

 

 

Doug Kitchens

R

25,814

State Representative

 

23

1

Sherry Appleton

D

34,323

 

 

 

 

Frank Mahaffay

R

25,878

 

 

 

 

Dan Goebel

L

1,502

State Representative

 

23

2

Terry Ducheane

D

26,144

 

 

 

 

Beverly Woods

R

34,883

State Senator

 

24

 

Jim Hargrove

D

48,379

State Representative

 

24

1

Kevin Van De Wege

D

31,432

 

 

 

 

Jim Buck

R

32,939

State Representative

 

24

2

Lynn Kessler

D

47,728

State Senator

 

25

 

Jim Kastama

D

30,521

 

 

 

 

Rose Hill

R

25,622

State Representative

 

25

1

Ron Morris

D

24,287

 

 

 

 

Joyce McDonald

R

31,054

State Representative

 

25

2

Dawn Morrell

D

29,935

 

 

 

 

Michele Smith

R

25,478

State Representative

 

26

1

Patricia Lantz

D

29,788

 

 

 

 

Matt Rice

R

29,427

 

 

 

 

Ted Haley

L

1,782

State Representative

 

26

2

Derek Kilmer

D

30,245

 

 

 

 

Lois McMahan

R

29,236

 

 

 

 

Ed Jurkovskis

L

1,324

State Senator

 

27

 

Debbie Regala

D

32,344

 

 

 

 

Kim Wheeler

R

13,897

State Representative

 

27

1

Dennis Flannigan

D

36,661

 

 

27

2

Jeannie Darneille

D

31,954

 

 

 

 

Ian Foraker

R

13,644

State Senator

 

28

 

Helen McGovern

D

22,903

 

 

 

 

Mike Carrell

R

25,159

State Representative

 

28

1

Debi Srail

D

21,892

 

 

 

 

Georganne "Gigi" Talcott

R

25,729

State Representative

 

28

2

Tami Green

D

23,697

 

 

 

 

Bob Lawrence

R

23,462

State Representative

 

29

1

Steve Conway

D

28,739

State Representative

 

29

2

Steve Kirby

D

28,663

State Representative

 

30

1

Mark Miloscia

D

24,815

 

 

 

 

Tony Moore

R

18,743

 

 

 

 

Robert Brengman

L

1,085

State Representative

 

30

2

Joe Henry

D

19,790

 

 

 

 

Skip Priest

R

23,111

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Wright

L

1,416

State Representative

 

31

1

Dan Roach

R

41,041

State Representative

 

31

2

Jan Shabro

R

40,410

State Representative

 

32

1

Maralyn Chase

D

44,809

State Representative

 

32

1

Ruth Kagi

D

37,038

 

 

 

 

Margaret R. Wiggins

R

19,550

 

 

 

 

Gordon W. Bohnke

L

1,897

State Representative

 

33

1

Shay Schual-Berke

D

26,580

 

 

 

 

Bruce Elliott

R

14,471

State Representative

 

33

2

Dave Upthegrove

D

31,184

State Representative

 

34

1

Eileen L. Cody

D

42,369

 

 

 

 

Savun Neang

R

11,712

 

 

 

 

Bud Shasteen

L

2,317

State Representative

 

34

2

Joe McDermott

D

41,960

 

 

 

 

Paul F. Byrne

R

12,587

 

 

 

 

Virginia Abeyta

L

2,438

State Representative

 

35

1

Kathy Haigh

D

42,052

State Representative

 

35

2

"William ""Ike"" Eickmeyer"

D

32,655

 

 

 

 

Bob Benze

R

23,007

State Representative

 

36

1

Helen Sommers

D

54,921

 

 

 

 

Floyd Loomis

R

11,791

 

 

 

 

John Palmer

L

3,091

State Representative

 

36

 

Mary Lou Dickerson

D

59,188

 

 

 

 

Don Zeek

L

6,797

State Representative

 

37

1

Sharon Tomiko Santos

D

40,192

 

 

 

 

Kwame Wyking Garrett

R

5,508

State Representative

 

37

2

Eric Pettigrew

D

38,755

 

 

 

 

Aaron Alberg

R

6,558

State Senator

 

38

 

Jean Berkey

D

28,202

 

 

 

 

Tim Hanley

R

14,962

State Representative

 

38

1

John McCoy

D

23,663

 

 

 

 

Kim Halvorson

R

20,247

State Representative

 

38

2

Mike Sells

D

25,142

 

 

 

 

Erv Hoglund

R

18,464

State Senator

 

39

 

Susanne Olson

D

25,146

 

 

 

 

Val Stevens

R

29,741

State Representative

 

39

1

Joel Selling

D

23,671

 

 

 

 

Dan Kristiansen

R

30,443

State Representative

 

39

2

Pedro Gonzales

D

21,960

 

 

 

 

Kirk Pearson

R

32,344

State Senator

 

40

 

Harriet A. Spanel

D

37,573

 

 

 

 

Gerald Baron

R

23,514

State Representative

 

40

1

Dave Quall

D

44,630

State Representative

 

40

2

Jeff Morris

D

44,219

State Senator

 

41

 

Brian Weinstein

D

32,473

 

 

 

 

Jim Horn

R

29,984

 

 

 

 

Jim Brown

L

1,371

State Representative

 

41

1

Lance Ramsay

D

26,218

 

 

 

 

Fred Jarrett

R

33,581

 

 

 

 

George Holt

L

1,726

State Representative

 

41

2

Judy Clibborn

D

35,457

 

 

 

 

Fawn Spady

R

25,625

 

 

 

 

Brian Reilly

L

1,685

State Representative

 

42

1

Robin E. Bailey

D

24,471

 

 

 

 

Doug Ericksen

R

33,452

State Representative

 

42

2

Kelli Linville

D

33,596

 

 

 

 

John Hobberlin

R

24,457

State Representative

 

43

1

Ed Murray

D

55,336

 

 

 

 

Zac Green

R

8,294

State Representative

 

43

2

Frank Chopp

D

53,515

 

 

 

 

Mark Griswold

R

9,586

State Representative

 

44

1

Hans Dunshee

D

33,010

 

 

 

 

Mike Hope

R

27,957

State Representative

 

44

2

John Lovick

D

34,903

 

 

 

 

Stephen E. West

R

24,444

State Representative

 

45

1

Robert E. Adair

D

24,074

 

 

 

 

Toby Nixon

R

34,464

State Representative

 

45

2

Larry Springer

D

30,500

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Possinger

R

27,465

 

 

 

 

Miles F. Holden

L

1,462

State Representative

 

46

1

Jim McIntire

D

44,410

 

 

 

 

Brien L. Downie

R

10,438

 

 

 

 

Mack J.T. Barnette

L

1,280

 

 

 

 

Chris LaRoche

G

5,700

State Representative

 

46

2

Phyllis G. Kenney

D

50,007

 

 

 

 

Gary Stute

L

6,927

State Representative

 

47

1

Geoff Simpson

D

26,152

 

 

 

 

Steve Altick

R

23,396

 

 

 

 

Duane Grindstaff

L

952

State Representative

 

47

2

Pat Sullivan

D

26,173

 

 

 

 

Jack D. Cairnes

R

22,446

 

 

 

 

Kelly Guthridge

L

1,421

State Representative

 

48

1

Ross Hunter

D

30,095

 

 

 

 

James Whitfield

R

22,613

State Representative

 

48

2

Debi Golden

D

24,834

 

 

 

 

Rodney Tom

R

26,650

State Senator

 

49

 

Craig Pridemore

D

24,470

 

 

 

 

Don Carlson

R

23,829

State Representative

 

49

1

Bill Fromhold

D

29,106

 

 

 

 

Justin Riley

R

17,591

State Representative

 

49

2

Jim Moeller

D

27,930

 

 

 

 

Mike W. Smith

R

18,416

 

MR. SPEAKER:

 

      I, Sam Reed, do pursuant to RCW 29A.64.061, do hereby file this amended abstract of the results for the office of Governor at the November 2, 2004 general election. This amended abstract of votes is the result of a requested statewide hand recount of the ballots cast for that office. Attached is a summary of the results as certified and transmitted by the county canvassing boards for the thirty-nine counties of the State of Washington pursuant to RCW 29A.64.061 and RCW 29A.64.070.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of the State of Washington this 30th day of December, 2004.

SAM REED, Secretary of State

 

Manual Recount Results by County

November 2, 2004 General Election

 

      County                             Christine Gregoire                                  Dino Rossi                              Ruth Bennett                          Write Ins

 

      Adams                                              1,529                                       3,481                                                       81                            2

      Asotin                                               3,530                                       4,914                                                       193                          0

      Benton                                              19,834                                     44,895                                                     1,118                       0

      Chelan                                              10,077                                     18,438                                                     532                          14

      Clallam                                             16,230                                     18,836                                                     920                          0

      Clark                                                72,828                                     85,924                                                     4,123                       3

      Columbia                                         671                                          1,371                                                       37                            4

      Cowlitz                                             20,204                                     20,045                                                     1,094                       36

      Douglas                                            4,360                                       8,667                                                       219                          18

      Ferry                                                 1,278                                       1,900                                                       118                          3

      Franklin                                            4,977                                       10,634                                                     227                          8

      Garfield                                            428                                          840                                                          25                            2

      Grant                                                7,821                                       17,431                                                     535                          0

      Grays Harbor                                   13,729                                     13,457                                                     575                          31

      Island                                               16,895                                     20,000                                                     814                          0

      Jefferson                                           10,650                                     7,295                                                       466                          18

      King                                                 506,194                                   351,306                                                   18,952                     1,363

      Kitsap                                               56,236                                     57,775                                                     3,097                       174

      Kittitas                                             6,125                                       9,567                                                       277                          12

      Klickitat                                           3,919                                       4,767                                                       265                          5

      Lewis                                               10,247                                     20,851                                                     757                          0

      Lincoln                                             1,850                                       3,686                                                       100                          0

      Mason                                              11,797                                     12,519                                                     680                          0

      Okanogan                                         6,107                                       9,460                                                       468                          0

      Pacific                                              5,210                                       4,730                                                       296                          0

      Pend Oreille                                     2,567                                       3,368                                                       179                          3

      Pierce                                               145,431                                   157,905                                                   7,255                       341

      San Juan                                           5,872                                       3,660                                                       320                          7

      Skagit                                               23,250                                     27,219                                                     1,264                       41

      Skamania                                         2,233                                       2,525                                                       178                          0

      Snohmonish                                     139,189                                   145,628                                                   6,681                       281

      Spokane                                           90,581                                     105,584                                                   3,881                       152

      Stevens                                             6,992                                       12,295                                                     566                          0

      Thurston                                           58,970                                     49,426                                                     2,575                       0

      Wahkiakum                                      993                                          1,099                                                       61                            6

      Walla Walla                                     8,008                                       14,290                                                     378                          26

      Whatcom                                          44,072                                     42,000                                                     2,179                       0

      Whitman                                          7,722                                       9,365                                                       457                          10

      Yakima                                             24,755                                     46,079                                                     1,351                       58

 

      Totals                                               1,373,361                                1,373,232                                                63,465                     2,618

 

REMARKS BY SPEAKER CHOPP

 

      Speaker Chopp: “For the members information we’ll spend approximately an hour on the issue before us prior to hearing the State of the State Address from Governor Locke. We have worked with the four caucuses involved here on the order of speakers and we will rotate between the four caucuses. While there are strong view points on the issue before us I trust every member of the Legislature will uphold the decorum of the institution and I very much thank you in advance for respectful consideration.”

 

MOTION

 

      Representative Armstrong: “Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Article 3, Section 4 of the Constitution, I move that further consideration of the vote for the office of Governor be deferred until Tuesday, January 25, 2005.”

 

      Representatives Armstrong, Priest, Shabro, Rodne and Erickson, spoke in favor of the motion.

 

      Representatives Kessler, Dunshee, Darneille and Morris spoke against the motion.

 

POINT OF ORDER

      Representative DeBolt: “Mr. Speaker, I feel that he’s impugning the body because this is not a partisan issue. This is an issue that is taken up with every citizen of this State.”

 

POINT OF ORDER

      Representative Schual-Berke: “I rise to a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am concerned that I am hearing the good lady impugning the motives and behavior of other elected officials.”

 

POINT OF INQUIRY

      Senator Esser: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker, could you please tell the body how many votes from each chamber, the Senate and the House, will be needed for this motion to carry.”

 

SPEAKERS RULING

      Speaker Chopp: “Neither the Joint Rules adopted by the House and Senate, nor Reed’s Rules, which the House and Senate separately rely upon for guidance in answering parliamentary questions, address the issue of voting in a joint session.

      The Speaker has therefore turned to several sources for guidance in deciding the standards that will govern the conduct of our joint session today.


      These include Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure, Article 3, Section 4 of our state constitution, records of a previous vote in joint session in 1941, and parliamentary common law.

      Mason’s, the parliamentary manual of the 49 other state legislatures, specifies the following in section 782.

      When the two houses meet in a joint session they, in effect, merge into one house where the quorum is a majority of the members of both houses, where the votes of member of each house have equal weight, and where special rules can be adopted to govern joint sessions or they can be governed by the parliamentary common law.

      Article 3, section 4 of our state constitution provides that when two or more persons for election to a state constitutional office receive the highest and equal number of votes, one of them shall be chosen by the joint vote of both houses.

      The only instance of a recorded roll call vote in joint session in our state’s history occurred in 1941. in that case, a motion to refer an election protest to a special committee was defeated by a vote of 15 to 30 by members of the Senate and a vote of 30 to 68 by members of the House. The journal then states that the motion “having failed to received the constitutional majority in both the Senate and the House, was declared lost.”

      One could interpret this as dicta, a simple statement of fact, or as a requirement that the votes necessary for passage of a motion in joint session are a constitutional majority of the members of the Senate plus a constitutional majority of the members of the House.

      The Speaker rejects the last interpretation. It would be untenable to find that when sitting in joint session the vote of the members of one house could serve to make the vote of the members of the other house irrelevant.

      The Speaker therefore finds and rules that the vote necessary to decide any question presented to the body in joint session is a majority of the combined membership of the House and Senate.”

 

      Senators Johnson, Parlette, Schmidt, Roach, Sheldon and Finkbeiner spoke in favor of the motion.

      Senators Hargrove, Kastama, Rockefeller and Brown spoke against the motion.

 

MOTION

 

      Representative Hunt demanded that the previous question be put.

      The Speaker declared the question to be the motion of Representative Hunt, “Shall the main question be now put?”

      The motion by Representative Hunt that the previous question be put was sustained by division of the Chamber.

 

POINT OF ORDER

      Senator Benton: “Reed’s Rules and Senate Rules require two-thirds majority vote to limit debate. Are we operating under that assumption here today as well and was the voting sustained by two-thirds majority?”

 

REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER

      Speaker Chopp: “The Speaker has said by previous statement there that it just takes a majority to determine a question in a joint session. Thank you. Your point is not well taken.”

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Representative Clements, Representatives Cox and Hankins were excused.

 

      The question before the Joint Session is the motion that further consideration of the vote of the office of Governor be deferred until Tuesday, January 25, the 16th Legislative Day.

 

      Representative Armstrong again spoke in favor of the motion.

 

ROLL CALL

 

      The Clerk called the roll of Senate members, and the vote on the motion to defer further consideration of the vote for the Office of Governor until Tuesday, January 25th, the 16th Legislative Day, was: Yeas, 24; Nays, 25; Absent, 0; Excused, 0.

      Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Brandland, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Esser, Finkbeiner, Hewitt, Honeyford, Johnson, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Roach, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Stevens, Swecker and Zarelli - 24.

      Voting nay: Senators Berkey, Brown, Doumit, Eide, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Jacobsen, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller, Shin, Spanel, Thibaudeau and Weinstein - 25.

 

ROLL CALL

 

      The Clerk called the roll of House members, and the vote on the motion to defer further consideration of the vote for the Office of Governor until Tuesday, January 25th, the 16th Legislative Day, was: Yeas - 41, Nays - 55, Absent - 0, Excused - 2

      Voting yea: Representatives Ahern, Alexander, Anderson, Armstrong, Bailey, Buck, Buri, Campbell, Chandler, Clements, Condotta, Crouse, Curtis, DeBolt, Dunn, Ericksen, Haler, Hinkle, Holmquist, Jarrett, Kretz, Kristiansen, McCune, McDonald, Newhouse, Nixon, Orcutt, Pearson, Priest, Roach, Rodne, Schindler, Serben, Shabro, Skinner, Strow, Sump, Talcott, Tom, Walsh and Woods - 41.

      Voting nay: Representatives Appleton, Blake, Chase, Clibborn, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Dickerson, Dunshee, Eickmeyer, Ericks, Flannigan, Fromhold, Grant, Green, Haigh, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Kilmer, Kirby, Lantz, Linville, Lovick, McCoy, McDermott, McIntire, Miloscia, Moeller, Morrell, Morris, Murray, O'Brien, Ormsby, Pettigrew, Quall, Roberts, Santos, Schual-Berke, Sells, Simpson, Sommers, Springer, B. Sullivan, P. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams, Wood and Mr. Speaker - 55.

      Excused: Representatives Cox and Hankins - 2.

 

      The motion to defer further consideration of the vote for the Office of Governor until Tuesday, January 25, the 16th Legislative Day failed by the following vote: Yeas - 65, Nays - 80, Absent - 0, Excused - 2.

      Having failed to receive support from a majority of the members of the Joint Session, the motion was declared lost.

 

REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER

      Speaker Chopp: “In view of the election results previously read certified to by the Secretary of State, the Joint Session now declares the following qualified citizens to be the duly elected constitutional officers of the State of Washington:

      Christine O. Gregoire – Governor

      Brad Owen – Lieutant Governor

      Sam Reed – Secretary of State

      Mike Murphy – State Treasurer

      Brian Sonntag – State Auditor

      Rob McKenna – Attorney General

      Terry Bergeson – Superintendent of Public Instruction

      Mike Kriedler – Insurance Commissioner

      Doug Sutherland – Commissioner of Public Lands.”

 

      The Speaker and the President of the Senate signed the certified of election for duly elected constitutional officers.

 

      Pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution No. 4400, the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen called the Joint Session to order at 1:46 p.m. Members were requested to take their seats.

 

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OWEN

      President Owen: “The joint session has also been convened today to receive the State of the State message from his excellency Governor Gary Locke and to honor him for his many years of service to the people of the great state of Washington.”

 

APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

 

      The President appointed a special committee to escort the Supreme Court Justices to the House Chamber: Representatives Priest, Roberts, Rodney and Senators Esser, Johnson, Kline and Rockefeller.

 

APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

 

      The President appointed a special committee to escort the statewide elected officials to the House Chamber: Representatives Green, Kretz, McCoy and Walsh and Senators Eide, Haugen, Hewitt and Zarelli.

 

APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

 

      The President appointed a special committee to advise His Excellency, Governor Gary Locke that the Joint Session has assembled and to escort him from his chambers to the House Chamber: Representatives Serben and Sullivan and Senators Parlette and Fraser.

 

      The President introduced the members of the Supreme Court: Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, Justice Charles W. Johnson, Justice Barbara A. Madsen, Justice Richard B. Sanders, Justice Bobbe Bridge, Justice Tom Chambers, Justice Susan Owens Justice Mary Fairhurst and Justice Jim Johnson.

 

      The President introduced the Statewide Elected Officials in attendance: Secretary of State Sam Reed, State Treasurer Mike Murphy; Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland; Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler; and Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson

 

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST

      President Owen introduced and greeted, Attorney General-Elect Rob McKenna who was seated in the Gallery.

 

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

 

      The President introduced the officers and members of the Consular Association of Washington: Jorge Gilbert, Consul of Chile; Yoshiyuki Kimura, Senior Consul of Japan; Kim Jae-gouk, Consul General of The Republic of Korea and Dean of the Washington Consular Corps; Victor Lapatinskas, Counsul of Lithuania Jorge Madrazo, Consul of Mexico; Miguel Angel Velasquez, Consul of Peru and Vice President of the Consular Association of Washington; Dennis Leith, Her Majesty’s Consul, United Kingdom and Robert Chen, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

 

      The Sergeant at Arms announced that His Excellency, Governor Gary Locke and Mona Lee Locke had arrived. The President requested that Governor and Mrs. Locke be escorted to the Rostrum.

 

      The flags were escorted to the Rostrum by the Washington National Guard Joint Color Guard.

 

      The prayer was offered by Reverend Jim Erlandson, of the Community of Christ Church, Olympia.

      Reverend Jim Erlandson: "Would you join me in prayer. Gracious creator, we come before you giving reverence to you and to the gifts you have given us. For we are a most fortunate people, we celebrate the beauty of our natural environment, the heritage of our mothers and fathers who pioneered this extraordinary part of the world. The liberty ensured us by our government of the people, by the people and for the people.

      We give thanks to you for this awesome gift. As this Legislature of the State of Washington begins its fifty-ninth session we come to you for your blessing over this difficult and valuable endeavor. The women and men who have accepted responsibility for the governance of this state come here through much sacrifice and with a positive intent, to serve their neighbors and constituents wisely and honorably. Gift of the them with clear vision to see the depth of the issues of which they deal. Gift them with patience and tolerance that they might work together productively governing with the spirit of cooperation for the common good. Provide them with strength to conquer the long days and nights of work and stress. Protect them in their travels and watch over their families while they serve their community. Divine one, please bless this assembly and all those who work for, with and who supported that the fruit of their labors might be bountiful and that the course set here may lead this state to even greater prosperity. We prayer humbly.

      Amen."

 

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST

      President Owen: “Before I introduce the Governor I want to say how much we will miss the incredible First Lady that we’ve had here in the state of Washington. Her assistance with children issues, her support of the Governor on education and the things that she’s done throughout his term of office and how she always comes in and brightens up a room. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you, Mona Locke.

      It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you our Governor. He was an Eagle Scout, he had a distinguished career in public service prior to becoming Governor and he’s been an excellent father to Emily, Dylan and now Madeline, which we’ve all had those days and those evenings when we’ve been working brightened when he’s brought the children into the Chamber, at least on the Senate side I know that he did that, I’m sure that he was as well and that was always a wonderful addition to the process and help bring into focus what we’re all here working for. So without further adue, it’s my great honor to introduce you, His Excellency Governor Gary Locke.”

 

STATE OF STATE ADDRESS

BY GOVERNOR GARY LOCKE

 

      "Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Chief Justice, distinguished Justices of the Washington State Supreme Court, statewide elected officials, members of the Washington State Legislature, members of the Consular Association, and people of our great state of Washington: It’s been an honor and privilege to serve as governor these past eight years.

      My service has been made possible by my family members love and encouragement. I want to acknowledge them: My father, Jimmy Locke; my mother, Julie; my sister Marian Monwai and her husband Peter; my sister Jannie Chow and her husband Eddie; my brother Jeffrey Locke and his wife Doris; my sister Rita Yoshihara and her husband Joe; and my brother-in-law Judd Lee.

      And it is with great pleasure and honor that I recognize and acknowledge my wife, Mona.

Mona has been a tremendous First Lady for the state of Washington, as well as a loving, supportive wife, and an amazing, nurturing mother. She has been a dedicated champion for families and children across our state, especially in the area of early learning. She co-chaired the Governor’s Commission on Early Learning and later helped establish a separate 501c3 non-profit Foundation for Early Learning. She also spearheaded the Computers for Kids program, where Department of Corrections inmates have refurbished 20,000 surplus computers and donated them to schools across the state.

      I’m not the only one saying goodbye today. Mona and I are leaving a city we truly love. And our children Emily, Dylan and Madeline are leaving the only town and only home they have ever known. We will all miss Olympia very much.

      It was 22 years ago yesterday that I was sworn in as a member of the state House of Representatives. I sat where Rep. Judy Clibborn now sits. And I can still spot a few of the people that were here when I started. Public service has been my life and my passion.

      I am very proud of the progress we’ve made during my two terms as governor of the great state of Washington. From raising academic achievement to increasing family wage jobs; from restoring wild salmon runs to increasing sales of Washington agricultural harvests to foreign markets; from streamlining regulations to improving services to Washington citizens.

      I’m especially proud because we’ve faced some formidable challenges. Challenges that seemed to come from every direction. A major earthquake. An energy crisis. Droughts. September 11th, and the constant challenge of improving homeland security. We survived, we rebounded, and we’re charging ahead.

      Just a couple of years ago, we were in the depths of some very tough economic times. We faced serious state budget shortfalls like 47 other states across America. Significant decisions had to be made, and we made them, using our Priorities of Government budgeting approach – an approach that should still be used regardless of the amount of resources available.

      Now Washington state is showing clear signs of a strong economic recovery that is broad, deep and all across our state. Our unemployment rate has dropped by almost two percentage points since a year ago, twice as fast as the rest of America. We’ve gone in a short time from one of the highest unemployment rates in America to close to the national average! The new jobs that are being created are good jobs, too, paying much more than new elsewhere in the nation.

      It’s policies we have enacted together that have helped spur this recovery, creating thousands of private sector jobs. Policies like:

 incentives for businesses to locate in rural Washington,

 the transportation improvement package,
 and the acceleration of state construction projects.

      We have Washington on track for a very bright future.

      During my inaugural address in 1997 I shared with you the story of my family. My grandfather’s work as a houseboy here in Olympia, receiving English lessons in exchange for his labor. My father’s service in World War II and his participation in the Normandy invasion. My mother’s wonderful work raising five children and learning English so she could become a US citizen – at the same time I was learning English in kindergarten.

      I was struck on that first inaugural day that – after nearly one hundred years and three generations – my family had traveled the mile from the house where my Grandfather worked to the Governor’s mansion. As I finish my term here at the end of that century mile, I am humbled to know that it was made possible by the hard work of so many members of the Locke family.

      I will always remember my parents impressing upon us kids the values they felt were critical to a successful life: get a good education, work hard, and take care of others. They are the principles that I promised to uphold eight years ago. They are the principles that have guided my decisions during all my years as governor.

      I have worked to ensure that Washington is a state that provides a quality education, creates opportunities for individuals who want to work hard, and takes care of its own. A state where individuals are given not only a chance to achieve success, but also the tools they need to flourish.

      The most important tool we can provide is a quality education. As you’ve heard me say so many times, and as many of you have now begin to chant, education is the great equalizer. It offers opportunity and hope to all it touches. It is the key to a vital economy. It is the key to an enriching future for our children.

      We’ve made great strides in raising academic achievement during the past seven years. In fact, our kids are making some of the biggest academic gains in America! This year’s WASL results are proof. In 1997, only 48 percent of 4th graders met the state reading standard. This year, 74 percent passed. And in math, in 1997, 21 percent of 4th graders met the standard. This year, 60 percent passed.

      There are other measures of success for Washington’s schools. In states with similar numbers of students taking the test, Washington ranks FIRST in both math and verbal scores! And our students ranked third on the ACT college readiness exam, which is by many of the private colleges in America. I am especially proud that Washington led the nation last year in reading scores for African-American fourth graders. African-American eighth graders in Washington scored better in math than in all but three states. We are closing the achievement gap.

      But we know much more must be done in this area. We must continue to provide extra assistance to struggling schools and struggling students.

      We have set high, rigorous standards for academic achievement for all students. Our standards are higher than most other states, because we know these are the skills students need to be successful in this global, high-tech, 21st century economy. And our students are still meeting these higher goals at a greater rate than those in the states with lower standards. We must stay the course. So we can’t turn back and lower our standards or abandon these reforms. We must stay the course. There is too much at stake.

Our success in education is a product of the hard work of our students and the dedication of teachers, parents, and community members. We can’t thank or reward our educators enough for nurturing, inspiring and molding our children. They deserve our recognition.

      And in higher education, there are 17,000 more students attending our colleges and universities a year than seven years ago.

      We have established many significant, life-changing programs, like our Promise Scholarships, which help high achieving students from middle and low-income families realize the American Dream of a college education. We developed Kindergarten Readiness Guidelines, working with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, recognizing that education begins at birth. And we have expanded job training and retraining programs, because we must also view education as life-long, continuing even through our adult and working years.

      With record high school graduations over the next few years, we must add enrollments to our colleges and universities. Because tuition only provides a small amount of a universities budget, without extra dollars we will have to turn students away. As our economy improves, we want our kids to fill these new jobs, instead of businesses needing to hire workers from out of state. Education sets the foundation for individuals to succeed.

      And with hard work a good, family-wage job should be the payoff. To ensure that such jobs are available, we must keep the businesses we have and attract new ones to our state. We must continue to cultivate a healthy, dynamic business climate. And we must also make sure that our workforce is protected and fairly compensated. The hard work of our labor force should not be exploited for the gain of a few, but instead for the profit of employers, employees, and society as a whole.

      In just the last two years, nine national companies have chosen Washington over Oregon, Idaho and even California for major facilities, employing thousands. And Boeing airplanes still mean “Made in Washington.” This is because the state of Washington is known for its innovation, competitiveness, quality of life and entrepreneurial spirit.

      Recent studies by independent organizations confirm our success in improving our business climate. The Small Business Entrepreneurial Council ranked Washington the 4th friendliest business environment in the nation. A study by the conservative, anti-tax, Tax Foundation ranked Washington as having the ninth most business friendly tax climate.

      Unfortunately, not all Washingtonians possess the capacity to support themselves. Some are physically sick, developmentally disabled or suffer from mental illness. Others have worked hard their entire lives, but have reached their retirement years and need a little extra help. And many children, through no fault of their own, are living in intolerable conditions.

      It is our responsibility, as individuals and government, to help those who are in need. Even through tough budget times, we have maintained a safety net for those who are unable to take care of themselves, whether in institutions or community settings.

      I am proud that we have taken great strides in broadening access to health care. We’re one of the few states in the nation that provides health care to children from families with incomes up to 250% of the poverty level. Most states only provide up to 200 percent of the poverty level. We’ve made it convenient for seniors to purchase low-cost, American-made prescription drugs from Canada. And we’re the only state with a real commitment to providing decent housing for migrant farm workers who harvest the food we put on our tables.

      And if we are to continue our success in helping families move off of public assistance and become self-sufficient, we must maintain the emphasis on affordable child care and quality job training programs. It is one thing to be governor and guide the policies of state government. But it is the people who work in our agencies every day who really make government work. It’s been my honor to work with so many incredibly talented, dedicated individuals in our state agencies – our directors, managers, line staff and members of the Governor’s Office. Many of our state agencies have been ranked the very best in their respective fields. Many of our agency directors are leaders in their national associations. And they have each held themselves to the highest ethical standards.

      The quality of our leaders is reflected in national rankings. And in the two evaluations done since I took office, Governing Magazine and Cornell University have each time named Washington among the four best-managed states in America.

      No one goes into public service to get rich. Instead, the payoff is that every day you have the opportunity to help someone achieve a better life, whether it is helping someone in finding a job or finding loving, adoptive parents for an abandoned child.

      It is important that in the politics of governing we not forget to recognize the dedication of these individuals, these great public servants, the public employees of the state of Washington. I thank our public employees for the outstanding work they do to promote the welfare of our state.

      But government can only do so much. Our society depends on dedicated volunteers who give of their time and energy across our state. So many individuals and organizations put in countless hours volunteering in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other places of need. For example, in 1998, Superintendent of Public instruction Terry Bergeson and I created the Washington Reading Corps for struggling readers in our elementary schools.

      Since its inception, 75,000 struggling readers have made phenomenal reading progress thanks to 50,000 volunteer tutors. And our state’s volunteer spirit has never been more evident than in recent weeks as individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout our state have risen to the challenge of helping the Tsunami victims in South Asia.

      But there is always more that can be done. I encourage everyone in our state to share their gifts with their communities – to help take care of others. Take some time to help those who need assistance. Participate in the preservation and cleanup of our natural environment. Fight for the rights of oppressed groups in our society. Invest your time on behalf of others.

      Our state is so diverse – in its geography, climate, culture, industries and communities. From Forks to Walla Walla; Point Roberts to Vancouver; and Long Beach to Colville – the people of this state possess a shared, irrepressible spirit. We all have a common goal: a strong and prosperous Washington, where everyone has a chance to succeed. I call upon the Legislature, the next governor, and all the people of our state to pull together to achieve this goal. My administration leaves you a stronger, healthier state poised for even greater things.

      Eight years ago I was blessed with two titles of immense honor and responsibility: Governor, and a few months later, Dad. One title ends tomorrow. The other lasts forever.

      Emily will soon turn 8. She misses her friends in Olympia very, very much. Dylan will soon turn 6. And Madeline is just 2 months old! Doesn’t she have a lot of hair? Mona and I have been so touched all these years by the warmth, graciousness and well wishes of people all across our state. The books and quilts for the children and the letters, cards and emails. We can’t thank you enough.

      As we begin a new chapter of our life, Mona, myself, Emily, Dylan, and Madeline leave office with cherished memories that are sure to last at least through the next 100-year journey. Our family has been so blessed. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts – for the incredible privilege and honor – of serving you, the people of the state of Washington – for the opportunity to make Washington an even greater place to live, work and raise a family. Thank you very much. God Bless you all."


 

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

      President Owen: “Governor, thank you very much for your excellent remarks. We appreciate you for hanging around for just a little bit longer here. Representative Kessler, I’m going to take things a little out of order here because I would like to do a presentation first. The Governor for the last several years as he’s been Governor has signed a document making a number of people in the state what we call Washington Generals. Years ago, Lieutenant Governor Cherberg who served for thirty-two years, the longest serving Lt. Governor in the history of the nation of which I have no intentions of trying to exceed, created the Washington Generals and we’re now trying to raise the level of awareness and the work that they do. It’s a charitable organization and he signed these documents and we just recently learned that he’s not a Washington General so Chuck Hartaway the Commanding General of the Washington Generals, if you’d come forward and Governor if you’d come forward. We would like to bestow upon you that which you have bestowed upon many. The rank of a Washington Generals. We know that you will be promoting the state of Washington in your years to come and we want to recognize your tremendous service to the people of the great state of Washington, so Chuck and I’d like to give you a certificate as a Washington General just as you have given to many others.”

 

POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

      Representative Kessler: “Thank you very much. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to stand before this body and to, along with Senator Spanel, honor our Governor Locke who has served us so well these past eight years. We tried to find out what a good gift would be for Governor Locke and I tried to find Mona to see Mona, Mona, could you come up with something to give to Governor Locke?’ that he would very much enjoy and she had a fabulous suggestion but I’m sorry to say that we overrode your suggestion. We came up with something that we hope that you, Governor, will enjoy and that your family will enjoy for years to come. So with that Senator Spanel and I would like to present you with a historic photograph Governor that we hope you will enjoy for years to come. It is a photograph of the Governor’s Mansion that will bring, I hope wonderful memories, not just the bats and the belfry but memories of all you have done for the state of Washington, one of your children’s first years and months in the Governor’s Mansion, so please accept this from us.”

 

POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

      Senator Spanel: “Well, I’d just to say thank you for your years of service and since when I started out in the House you were there and I appreciate working with you those years but I think, it’s quite an accomplishment to be Governor for eight years and come out of it with three children. Start out with two and go to five, I think some have come with children but, anyway, I think this is a gift that your children also will enjoy for many, many years.”

 

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

      President Owen: ‘Governor Locke, it has been a great honor of mine over the years to serve with you. It’s been a pleasure to have the opportunity to introduce you before the Joint Sessions, to work with you on various issues. I would like to note that it is always been a something of pride to be able to say that you were our Governor when I traveled in different places around the nation and the world so you have brought great dignity and poise to the office of Governor and honored it very much in your service so thank you very much for you tremendous service to the people of the state of Washington and for being a wonderful Governor in making us all very proud.”

 

      The President appointed a special committee to escort Governor and Mrs. Locke from the House Chamber: Representatives Serben and Sullivan and Senators Parlette and Fraser.

 

      The President appointed a special committee to escort the state wide elected officials from the House Chamber: Representatives Green, Kretz, McCoy and Walsh and Senators Eide, Haugen, Hewitt and Zarelli.

 

      The President appointed a special committee to escort the Supreme Court Justices from the House Chamber: Representatives Priest, Roberts, Strow and Williams and Senators Esser, Johnson, Kline and Rockefeller.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Representative Kessler, the Joint Session was dissolved.

 

      The President returned the gavel to Speaker Chopp.

 

      Speaker Chopp instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to escort the President of the Senate, Lieutant Governor Brad Owen and members of the Washington State Senate from the House Chambers.

 

 

AFTERNOON SESSION

 

      The Senate was called to order at 2:55 p.m. by President Owen.

 

MOTION

 

      At 2:56 p.m. on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2005.

 

BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate

 

THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate