SECOND DAY
NOON SESSION
Senate Chamber, Olympia, January 10, 2006
The Senate was called to order at 12:00 noon by President Owen. No roll call was taken.
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.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
January 10, 2006
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit the following reappointment, subject to your confirmation.
RUSSELL D. HAUGE, reappointed October 24, 2005, for the term ending September 2, 2008, as Member of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.
Sincerely,
CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
January 10, 2006
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.
KATHLEEN D. MIX, appointed December 5, 2005, for the term ending June 30, 2010, as Member of the Pollution Control/Shorelines Hearings Board.
Sincerely,
CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
January 10, 2006
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.
DON MUKAI, appointed October 7, 2005, for the term ending September 30, 2010, as Member, Board of Trustees, Technical College District #26 (Lake Washington).
Sincerely,
CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, all appointees listed on the Gubernatorial Appointments report were referred to the committees as designated.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fourth order of business.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
January 9, 2006
MR. PRESIDENT:
The Speaker signed:
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4412,
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4413,
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4414
And the same are herewith transmitted.
RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk
SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT
The President signed:
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4412,
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4413,
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4414,
SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT
The President has signed:
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8414,
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fifth order of business.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
SB 6244 by Senators Rockefeller, Morton, Poulsen, Fairley, Kline, Shin, Kohl-Welles and Spanel
AN ACT Relating to oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response; amending RCW 88.46.160 and 88.46.070; and adding a new section to chapter 88.46 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
SB 6245 by Senators Kastama, Roach, Pflug, Parlette, Shin and Kohl-Welles; by request of Lieutenant Governor
AN ACT Relating to hosting a national conference of statewide elected officials; amending RCW 42.52.820 and 42.52.150; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6246 by Senators Kastama, Roach, Eide, Pflug and Shin; by request of Lieutenant Governor
AN ACT Relating to the office of lieutenant governor; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; creating a new section; and recodifying RCW 41.72.030, 43.03.020, 43.06.040, 43.342.010, 43.342.020, 44.04.270, 44.52.010, 44.52.020, 44.52.030, 44.52.040, 44.52.050, 44.52.060, 44.52.070, 44.52.900, and 44.52.901.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6247 by Senators Haugen and Benson
AN ACT Relating to uniform administration of locally imposed motor vehicle excise taxes; amending RCW 81.100.060, 82.44.060, 82.44.065, 82.44.090, 82.44.100, and 82.44.120; adding new sections to chapter 82.44 RCW; and repealing RCW 82.44.022, 82.44.023, 82.44.025, 82.44.080, 82.44.130, 82.44.155, 82.44.157, 82.44.160, and 82.44.170.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 6248 by Senators Haugen, Benson, Shin and Sheldon
AN ACT Relating to drainage and diking works; and amending RCW 85.07.170 and 47.01.260.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 6249 by Senators Doumit, Morton and Parlette
AN ACT Relating to the property taxation of forest and timber lands; amending RCW 84.33.035, 84.33.130, 84.33.140, 84.33.140, 84.33.145, 84.33.170, 84.34.020, 84.34.030, 84.34.060, 84.34.070, 84.34.080, 84.34.108, 84.34.145, 84.34.155, 84.34.210, 84.34.220, 84.34.300, 84.34.310, 84.34.330, 84.34.340, 84.34.370, and 84.34.380; reenacting and amending RCW 84.34.320 and 84.34.360; repealing RCW 84.33.077, 84.34.041, and 84.34.131; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
SB 6250 by Senators Morton, Mulliken and Oke
AN ACT Relating to capping and annually adjusting state and local public utility tax rates based upon increases or decreases in the cost of electricity and natural gas to residential consumers; amending RCW 82.16.020 and 35.21.870; adding new sections to chapter 82.16 RCW; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
SB 6251 by Senators Morton and Schoesler
AN ACT Relating to unattended motor vehicles east of the crest of the Cascade mountains; and amending RCW 46.61.600.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 6252 by Senators Morton and Schoesler
AN ACT Relating to rabbits; adding a new section to chapter 16.49 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 69.07 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.
AN ACT Relating to institutional chaplains; and amending RCW 72.01.210.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
AN ACT Relating to reports of traffic violations and accidents by diplomats; and adding a new section to chapter 46.55 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
SB 6255 by Senators Eide and McAuliffe
AN ACT Relating to improving student performance through student-centered planning; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
SB 6256 by Senators Eide, McAuliffe and Kohl-Welles
AN ACT Relating to after-school programs; adding a new section to chapter 28A.215 RCW; creating a new section; making an appropriation; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
AN ACT Relating to security guard licenses; amending RCW 18.170.020; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
AN ACT Relating to possession of weapons or medical equipment, devices, or paraphernalia on school facilities; amending RCW 9.41.280; and prescribing penalties.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
SB 6259 by Senators Delvin and McAuliffe
AN ACT Relating to assault in the third degree; amending RCW 9A.36.031; and prescribing penalties.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to records provided to law enforcement agencies; amending RCW 42.56.240; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
SB 6261 by Senators Delvin and Mulliken
AN ACT Relating to small business and entrepreneurial development; and amending RCW 28B.20.297.
Referred to Committee on International Trade & Economic Development.
SB 6262 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Honeyford, Keiser, Prentice and Kline
AN ACT Relating to establishing a pilot program to allow employers to assist employees in completing applications for industrial insurance benefits; and amending RCW 51.28.015.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6263 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Prentice and Keiser
AN ACT Relating to authorizing the department to request and superior court to grant warrants pursuant to chapter 49.17 RCW; amending RCW 49.17.070; adding a new section to chapter 49.17 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6264 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Honeyford, Keiser, Prentice, Kline, McAuliffe and Roach
AN ACT Relating to allowing an injured worker to change total permanent disability pension options under certain circumstances; and amending RCW 51.32.067.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6265 by Senators Jacobsen, Thibaudeau, Kohl-Welles and Oke
AN ACT Relating to emergency management; adding a new section to chapter 38.52 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
AN ACT Relating to county and city participation in the rule-making process; amending RCW 34.05.010 and 34.05.313; and reenacting and amending RCW 34.05.328.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
AN ACT Relating to information regarding certain public facilities and services; amending RCW 36.70A.070 and 64.06.020; and adding a new section to chapter 64.06 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6268 by Senators Kastama, Pridemore and Kline
AN ACT Relating to transportation concurrency under the growth management act; and amending RCW 36.70A.020 and 36.70A.070.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6269 by Senators Kastama, Pridemore and Kline
AN ACT Relating to public school facilities; amending RCW 36.70A.020, 36.70A.070, 36.70A.190, 36.70A.310, and 36.70A.345; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.320 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6270 by Senators Kastama and Swecker
AN ACT Relating to shared parental responsibility; amending RCW 26.09.004 and 26.09.187; adding a new section to chapter 26.09 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 7.75 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.
SB 6271 by Senators Kastama, Kline, McAuliffe and Roach
AN ACT Relating to zero interest loans for higher education; and adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
SB 6272 by Senators Kastama, Kline, McAuliffe and Kohl-Welles
AN ACT Relating to assistance for teachers pursuing national board certification; and adding a new chapter to Title 28A RCW.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
SB 6273 by Senators Jacobsen, Thibaudeau and Kohl-Welles
AN ACT Relating to the duty of government regarding public natural resources; and adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
AN ACT Relating to an independent forest and fish science panel; and adding a new section to chapter 76.09 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
AN ACT Relating to the forest practices board; and amending RCW 76.09.030.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
AN ACT Relating to scenic protection; amending RCW 76.09.010 and 43.21C.037; adding a new section to chapter 76.09 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
SB 6277 by Senators Jacobsen, Haugen and Shin
AN ACT Relating to the state oak tree; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
SB 6278 by Senators Deccio and Keiser
AN ACT Relating to licensing specialty hospitals; adding a new section to chapter 70.41 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
SB 6279 by Senators Regala and McAuliffe
AN ACT Relating to posting staffing levels at nursing homes; and adding a new section to chapter 18.51 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
AN ACT Relating to removing the irrevocable dedication requirement for exemption from property tax for property owned by nonprofit entities; and amending RCW 84.36.805.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
SB 6281 by Senators Jacobsen, Esser, Kline, Pflug and Roach
AN ACT Relating to mountains to Sound greenway outdoor recreation projects; creating new sections; making appropriations; and providing expiration dates.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
SB 6282 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Esser and Jacobsen
AN ACT Relating to the excise taxation of nonprofit organizations organized and operated for zoological purposes; amending RCW 82.04.4328; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
SB 6283 by Senators Kastama, Roach, Shin, Swecker, Franklin, Schmidt, Oke, Rasmussen and Mulliken
AN ACT Relating to veterans' scoring criteria in examinations; and amending RCW 41.04.010.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6284 by Senators Kastama, Roach, Shin, Swecker, Franklin, Schmidt, Oke, Rasmussen and Mulliken
AN ACT Relating to the definition of veteran; and reenacting and amending RCW 41.04.007.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6285 by Senators Eide, Poulsen, Morton, Rockefeller, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Brown, Haugen, Berkey, Keiser, Prentice, Fairley, Kastama, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Thibaudeau, Spanel, Regala, Kline, Shin, Sheldon, Mulliken, Franklin, Roach and Oke
AN ACT Relating to low-income home energy assistance; amending RCW 80.01.080; adding a new section to 2005 c 518 (uncodified); making an appropriation; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
AN ACT Relating to obtaining identicards while holding state driver's licenses; and amending RCW 46.20.117.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 6287 by Senators Fairley, Thibaudeau and Shin
AN ACT Relating to special parking privileges for legally blind persons; and amending RCW 46.16.381.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
AN ACT Relating to public employee tuition waivers; and amending RCW 28B.15.558.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
SB 6289 by Senators Sheldon, Doumit, Fraser, Shin, Thibaudeau, Hargrove, Mulliken and Kohl-Welles
AN ACT Relating to requiring state agencies to allow volunteer fire fighters to respond when called to duty; and adding a new section to chapter 41.06 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6290 by Senators Sheldon, Kline, Fraser, Shin, Doumit and Hargrove
AN ACT Relating to requiring state agencies to allow volunteer fire fighters to respond when called to duty; and adding a new section to chapter 41.06 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 6291 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Parlette and Keiser
AN ACT Relating to a cosmetology licensing exemption; and amending RCW 18.16.060.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6292 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Keiser, Thibaudeau, Kline, McAuliffe and Mulliken
AN ACT Relating to an exemption from unemployment compensation contributions for certain small performing arts industries; amending RCW 50.04.320; and adding a new section to chapter 50.04 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6293 by Senators Pflug, Benton, Shin, Schoesler, Benson, Schmidt, Delvin, Mulliken, Johnson, Stevens, Honeyford, Parlette and Roach
AN ACT Relating to tax credits for employers employing student employees enrolled in qualified technical programs at Washington institutions of higher education; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 82.16 RCW.
Referred to Committee on International Trade & Economic Development.
SB 6294 by Senators Pflug, Mulliken, Benton, Hewitt, Schoesler, Stevens, Delvin, Schmidt, Johnson, Carrell, Parlette and Honeyford
AN ACT Relating to distributions to the education legacy trust account; amending RCW 82.24.026, 28A.505.220, and 84.52.068; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.
SB 6295 by Senators Delvin, Pflug, Schoesler, Mulliken, Zarelli, Carrell, Schmidt, Morton, Deccio, Hewitt, Honeyford and Sheldon
AN ACT Relating to permissible weaponry for on-duty law enforcement officers; and amending RCW 9.41.250.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
SB 6296 by Senators Delvin, Benton, Pflug, Mulliken, Deccio, Stevens, Carrell and Honeyford
AN ACT Relating to alarm system companies; amending RCW 18.170.010, 18.170.020, 18.170.070, 18.170.080, 18.170.090, 18.170.110, 18.170.120, 18.170.130, 18.170.160, and 18.170.300; adding a new section to chapter 9.96A RCW; adding new sections to chapter 18.170 RCW; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6297 by Senators Mulliken, Benton, Oke, Pflug, Schoesler, Schmidt, Delvin, Esser, Honeyford and Parlette
AN ACT Relating to school district diesel prices; and amending 2005 c 518 s 505 (uncodified).
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
SB 6298 by Senators Mulliken, Benton, Oke, Deccio, Benson, Carrell, Pflug, Schmidt, Schoesler, Esser, Honeyford and Parlette
AN ACT Relating to tax incentives to promote use of renewable fuels; adding a new section to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
SB 6299 by Senators Mulliken, Schoesler, Morton, Benton, Benson, Delvin, Schmidt, Carrell, Deccio and Honeyford
AN ACT Relating to the annual consumptive quantity of a water right; and amending RCW 90.03.380.
Referred to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
SB 6300 by Senators Benson, Benton, Pflug, Johnson, Schmidt, Carrell, Esser, Mulliken, Roach, Stevens and Honeyford
AN ACT Relating to sales and use tax exemptions for medical equipment; amending RCW 82.08.0283 and 82.12.0277; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
SB 6301 by Senators Prentice, Deccio, Fairley, Delvin, Kohl-Welles, Kline, Rockefeller, Keiser, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Franklin, Zarelli, Thibaudeau, Parlette, Spanel, Honeyford, Regala, Carrell, Oke and Shin
AN ACT Relating to compacts negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988; amending RCW 9.46.360; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.
SB 6302 by Senators Berkey, Jacobsen, Haugen, Fairley, Shin, Rockefeller, Weinstein, Pridemore, Poulsen, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Regala, Rasmussen, Franklin and Keiser
AN ACT Relating to parking fees at state parks; and amending RCW 79A.05.070.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
SB 6303 by Senators Berkey and Thibaudeau
AN ACT Relating to security freezes for victims of identity theft; and amending RCW 19.182.170.
Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.
SB 6304 by Senators Rasmussen and Jacobsen
AN ACT Relating to special assessments for conservation district activities and programs; and amending RCW 89.08.400.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.
SB 6305 by Senators Keiser, Prentice, Johnson and Kohl-Welles
AN ACT Relating to financial literacy; amending RCW 74.08A.250 and 74.08A.260; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.
SB 6306 by Senators Keiser, Deccio, Kastama, Poulsen, Parlette, Franklin, Thibaudeau, Kline and McAuliffe
AN ACT Relating to establishing a state health technology assessment program; amending RCW 41.05.013; adding new sections to chapter 70.14 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
SB 6307 by Senators Keiser, Kastama, Franklin, Parlette, Thibaudeau, Kline and McAuliffe
AN ACT Relating to health information technology; amending RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.075; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
Setting base years for property tax valuation.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
SJR 8219 by Senators Delvin, Benton and Stevens
Amending the Constitution to improve predictability and stability in the assessment of real property values.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Introduction and First Reading report were referred to the committees as designated with the exception of Senate Bill No. 6277 which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation and Senate Bill No. 6293 which was referred to the Committee on International Trade & Economic Development.
MOTION
At 12:04 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate was declared to be recessed until 4:15 pm.
The Senate was called to order at 4:15 p.m. by President Owen.
MOTION
At 4:30 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide the Senate was declared to be at ease for the purpose of retiring to the House of Representatives for a Joint Session.
EVENING SESSION
The Sergeant at Arms of the House announced the arrival of the Senate at the bar of the House.
Speaker Pro Tempore Lovick 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, President Pro Tempore, Rosa Franklin, Majority Leader Lisa Brown, Republican Leader Mike Hewitt to seats at the Rostrum.
Senators were invited to seats within the House Chamber.
Pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution No. 4414 the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen called the Joint Session to order.
The Clerk called the roll of the House and the President declared a quorum present. The Clerk called the roll of the Senate and the President declared a quorum present.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “This Joint Session has been convened to receive the State of the State message from Her Excellency, Governor Christine Gregoire.”
APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The President appointed a special committee to escort the Supreme Court Justices to the House Chamber consisting of Representatives Appleton, Jarrett, Kretz and Lance and Senators Carrell, Esser, Kline and Rasmussen.
APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The President appointed a special committee to escort the statewide elected officials to the House Chamber consisting of Representatives Conway, Curtis, Miloscia and Schindler and Senators Eide, Haugen, Mulliken and Benson.
APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The President appointed a special committee to advise Her Excellency, Governor Christine Gregoire that the Joint Session had assembled and to escort her from her chambers to the House Chamber consisting of Representatives Ahern, and Haigh and Senators Fraser and Oke.
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 James Johnson.
The President introduced the Statewide Elected Officials in attendance: Secretary of State Sam Reed; State Auditor Brian Sonntag; Attorney General Rob McKenna; Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson; Insurance Commissioner Mike Kriedler; and Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
President Owen: "We are always pleased and privileged to have special guest who join us for the Joint Session for the State of the State. Some very renown in this great state of ours, who have done wonderful things to help it progress over the years. One of Washington’s favorites Governor Al Rosellini, Governor Booth Gardner; Congressman Dave Reichert, Congressman Jay Insley and King County Executive Ron Simms.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President introduced the officers and members of the Consular Association of Washington: H. Ronald Masnik Consul of Belgium and President of the Consular Association of Washington; Jeffrey Parker, Consul General of Canada; the Honorable Jorge Gilbert, Consular of Chile; the Honorable Frank Brozovich, Consul of Croatia; Mr. Vassos M. Demetriou, Consul of Cyprus; the Honorable Kazuo Tanaka, Consul General of Japan; the Honorable Kim Jae-Gouk, Consul General of The Republic of Korea; the Honorable Victor Lapatinskas, Consul of Lithuania; the Honorable Jorge Madrazo, Consul of Mexico, the Honorable Vladimir Volnov, Consul General of The Russian Federation; the Honorable Philippe Goetschel, Consul of Switzerland (the newest member of the Consular Association); the Honorable John Gokcen, Consul General of Turkey; the Honorable Gary Furlong, Consul General of Uzbekistan; the Honorable Robert Chen, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
The Sergeant at Arms announced the arrival Her Excellency, Governor Christine Gregoire, Mr. Mike Gregoire and daughters Courtney and Michelle Gregoire to the House of Representatives.
The President instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and Senate to escort Governor Gregoire and her family to seats at the Rostrum.
The Washington National Guard Joint Color Guard presented the colors.
The President led the Legislature in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The prayer was offered by Dr. Don Argue, President of Northwest University.
Dr. Don Argue: "Please join me in prayer. With the Psalmist of old we declare. 'O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When we consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, we ask what is man that you care for us?'
On this important day in our great State, we observe not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom. A day that symbolizes a beginning, a renewal!
We are reminded of the words of Thomas Jefferson that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the State but the hand of God. That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
We declare today, that united there is little than we cannot accomplish in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do. Civility is never a sign of weakness.
We specifically pray for our leader, Governor Christine Gregoire and her family. Grant her great wisdom.
For all elected and appointed leaders, we pray for Your blessing and wisdom. While they are conduting the affairs of State, strengthen and protect their families.
May all of us accept personal responsibility for the great opportunities and challenges that face our State. Especially for children and families, the poor and those who suffer the terrible impact of prejudice and racism. In righteousness may we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
May we all be reminded that what we are doing here is service to others above our own self interests. Today we declare and affirm your great commandment, that we will 'love our neighbor as ourselves.'
The prophet Micah wrote 'He has shown thee what is good, and what the Lord requires of us, to do Justly, to love Mercy, and to walk Humbly with your God.'
May we rule Justly, love Mercy, and walk in Humility.
We pause to remember those in our armed services, serving around the world. Protect them, bring them home safely! May a just and lasting peace be declared.
We are reminded that dark yesterdays can turn into bright tomorrows.
The responsibilities of those gathered today are huge. May we all remember the words of Scripture that 'Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.' As we govern, may be righteous!
Now that the Psalmist we pray 'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.' Amen."
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST
President Owen: “Governor, let me personally thank you and your staff for your incredible availability with all the times that we approach you from my office from help on international issues and other things. Would you please share that with the staff so that you know how much we appreciate what they do for us? Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you for the State of the State Address, Her Excellency, Governor Christine Gregoire.”
BY GOVERNOR CHRISTINE GREGOIRE
Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, distinguished justices of the court, honored officials, members of the Washington State Legislature, former Governors Rosellini and Gardner, Congressman Insley, Congressman Reichert, King County Executive Sims, members of the Consular Association of Washington, my fellow citizens:
Good evening. It is an honor to stand before you for this State of the State Address. To honor our achievements, to appraise the “State of our State,” and to preview greater things to come.
Joining me at the rostrum are my daughters, Courtney and Michelle.
This is a big day for our family. This afternoon we were at the Temple of Justice to attend Courtney’s swearing in ceremony to the Washington State Bar. Mike and I are obviously very proud of her and delighted, as some of you have heard me say, that she is now going to actually be paid to argue.
Michelle is a college junior and will study abroad this year. Now, more than ever, the study abroad experience is vital for young people so they can better understand the truly competitive global world
My daughters are my best friends, my passion, and a constant reminder of the incredible challenge we face to prepare our children to pursue their dreams.
While the fifth member of our family isn’t with us, in light of recent days I’d like to paraphrase from a speech delivered in 1944 by President Franklin Roosevelt.
Some have not been content with attacks on me, or my spouse, or on my daughters. No, not content with that, they now include my little dog, Franz.
Well, of course, I don't resent attacks, and my family doesn't resent attacks, but Franz does resent them.
You know, as soon as he learned that the fiction writers had concocted a story he couldn’t defend himself and was a cost to taxpayers, his Pomeranian soul was furious.
He has not been the same dog since.
Our family dog Franz has a real kinship with FDR’s dog Fala.
Also joining me is my husband and best friend Mike – also known as First Mike. Mike is a retired Medicaid fraud investigator and a Vietnam combat veteran.
Mike has worked extremely hard in the last year for Veterans. Thanks to his work, the work of Veteran’s organizations, and the support of this Legislature, last session was one of the most productive in history for former servicemen and women. It was a fitting outcome considering the incredible debt we owe them.
Mike served as a member of our bipartisan team that last year successfully worked to persuade the Base Realignment Commission to keep the doors of Washington’s key military installations open. It was a major victory for our communities, for our economy, and for the men and women who serve this country and have come to love our state.
I would also like to thank Dr. Don Argue who gave today’s opening prayer. He shares my belief that the best solutions for many of our problems lie not with government, but with people and organizations in our communities.
Last, and certainly not least, let me introduce some very special guests. The safety of our troops in Iraq and the plight of hurricane victims were heavy on all our minds in 2005. Our National Guard troops have been on the front lines fighting in Iraq and were among the first responders to the devastation left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
We owe these troops a hearty thank you and are indebted to them for their selfless service to others. God Bless them.
They serve as a symbol of the patriotism of all of our citizens.
Obviously we can’t have all our troops here, but I would like to introduce Staff Sergeant Dale Flory, an Iraq combat veteran.
Staff Sergeant Flory, on behalf of the people of Washington, thank you and your colleagues for your service and we are delighted to have you home safe.
Next I would like to introduce Master Sergeant Michael Readnour. Washington’s National Guard was one of the first to step forward and help the people of the Gulf Coast after Katrina’s devastation.
They represent the outpouring of generosity by our citizens who opened their hearts, wallets, and homes to our fellow citizens of the Gulf Coast.
Master Sergeant Readnour, thank you and your colleagues for your commitment to service and your willingness to leave your families behind in order to help those in need.
Sadly, 45 men and women who called Washington home died in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2005. I would like to ask you to join me in a moment of silence for these brave soldiers and their families.
Thank you.
In the last year I have been all around this great state and met a lot of people. I found their values and dreams are very similar. They value personal responsibility, service to others, and providing new opportunities for our kids and families.
Consider Megan and Martin Clubb, owners and operators of L’Ecole Number 41 Winery in the Walla Walla Valley. They are carrying on the great vision of Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson, who had the foresight to recognize the extraordinary wine producing potential of Washington.
Or consider Tatyana Fedorchuk, a 39-year-old mother of five and immigrant from Ukraine. She is building a new life by taking English classes and earning nursing assistant credentials at Everett Community College.
And Barbara and Steve LeVette who live on Hood Canal. Concerned about failing septic systems fouling Hood Canal, they rallied their homeowners association to develop an innovative treatment plan through a public-private partnership.
I tell these stories because they are an important reminder that this is a state of diverse people who are doing exciting things.
Our job isn’t to get in the way, but to offer help where needed and carry on the values that have made this state great.
In this magnificent building it is easy to think that our work is terribly difficult and incredibly important.
But our work isn’t as tough as what people face back home. Running a small business. Becoming a proud new American. Protecting the environment. Raising a family. Keeping their loved ones safe. Keeping a job. Providing a helping hand to a neighbor.
Our job is to represent them in a way that is worthy of their struggles.
A year ago, we fought for the people. In 2005 we began building a brighter future by putting partisan politics aside, by being bold and demanding change, and by relying on traditional Washington values of opportunity, responsibility, and service to others.
This year, we need to build on that success. We need to continue improvements in our education system. We need to make our families safer and more secure. We need to improve access to quality health care. We need to keep our economy growing. And we need to protect our quality of life.
That foundation – the outstanding legislative session of 2005 – has already elevated Washington to a new level of opportunity.
In our state the news is good. Our economy has turned the corner with 85,000 new jobs—that’s a seven-year high.
And around the world, I am pleased to report that Washington State is viewed like a small nation. When you say, “I’m from Washington” in Japan and China, they know that means Washington State.
And our reputation is stellar – we are about quality – quality products, quality agriculture – like our cherries and wine – and a quality environment.
Going beyond our promise, we’re providing health insurance to 73,000 additional children. This is a major step toward our vision to guarantee every child has health insurance by 2010.
We made education our number one investment in 2005.
Voters recognized how critical smaller class sizes are by passing Initiative 728. But it wasn’t until last year that we fully implemented the will of the voters, and we went one step further, we set up the Education Legacy Trust Account to permanently fund smaller class sizes.
To attract and retain quality teachers we fully funded another citizens’ initiative – teacher salaries.
And we took down the “no vacancy” signs at our colleges and universities so nearly 8,000 more students could attend.
The transportation package was truly a bi-partisan effort by legislators who knew that leadership involves risk. Let’s have a big hand for you who fought and won passage of our historic transportation package last year – with a special “bow and hurrah” to the leadership of Rep. Ed Murray, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Rep. Beverly Woods, and Senator Dan Swecker, and for our voters who supported the plan even though gas prices at the pumps were stretching their family and business budgets to the limits.
Another important bi-partisan vote produced the Life Sciences Discovery Fund. To be honest with you, I don’t believe we understand yet the vast potential this initiative has for our state.
This bold investment in a 21st century industry will lead to medical breakthroughs that will save the lives of friends and loved ones by finding cures to some of our most dreaded diseases like Parkinsons and Cancer.
And it will help ensure for human wellness that we continue to produce the highest quality and safest agriculture in the world.
Having been a caseworker myself, I understand the challenge of protecting our children. So, I signed an executive order requiring social service workers to get to a child’s doorstep within 24 hours of being notified of a life in danger.
Keeping our promise, we’ve implemented an initiative to make government more accountable and transparent – and we’re well ahead of our goal to eliminate 1,000 state government middle managers.
We also took important steps to improve and protect our quality of life.
At certain times of the year, Hood Canal, one of the jewels of our state, becomes a dead zone where aquatic life is killed off. We are working to bring Hood Canal back to life with real on-the-ground projects that work.
We adopted tough emission standards for new cars and required new “green building” standards for public buildings.
There was much, much more. For example we took steps to ramp up our fight against the ravages of meth.
It is important to note that even though we were handed a $2.2 billion budget shortfall, we did all this without a general tax increase -- no sales tax, no business and occupation and no property tax increases.
So we had a good year – a very good year in 2005. But you know what, we aren’t done yet.
One area where we need work is early learning. Let me be candid with you.
How would you grade a system where less than 50 percent of the kids are prepared to learn when they reach kindergarten?
Or a system where half a dozen early learning programs in state government are spread across numerous agencies and have no clear vision?
We know children with early learning success are more likely to finish school, more likely to go to college, less likely to be unemployed and less likely to commit crimes.
Our children are born to learn, and the first and best teacher in a child's life is the parent. But when parents and their families want help with care outside the home, we must be there for our kids.
We need less bureaucracy. We need to stop falling behind the rest of the country. We need to make sure our children are ready to learn when they hit kindergarten.
Business leaders understand the value of early learning. They know it is an investment in the future.
So we're creating public-private partnerships because this is about communities, and no one wants government to tell them how to parent.
For the last month or so we have seen the battle lines forming over requiring certain performance standards for our students.
I traveled to Europe and Asia and witnessed firsthand our competition and, believe me, we don’t let our children down with high standards. We let them down if we retreat. And we fail them again if we don’t prepare them to succeed.
Before we talk about lowering standards, shouldn’t we first:
Show all our students- boys and girls, black and white, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, rich and poor- we believe in them?
Demonstrate we support their teachers by paying them a decent wage?
Provide individualized help to students so they can achieve the standards?
And develop alternative assessments for those who need them?
I have talked to hundreds of high school students in the last year, and I will tell you, I believe in them. I will not give up on them.
And I will not accept 1/3 of our students dropping out of high school.
I have learned that if we entrust students with responsibility for their own future, they will do amazing things.
Many students do not feel their high school classes relate to their future. Programs like Navigation 101 challenge students to choose alternative careers and enroll in courses needed to achieve that dream. As a result, students engage in more rigorous coursework because they are in charge of their future.
We have “Running Start” for college. But what about kids who don’t want to go to college?
We need Running Start for the trades.
Education and health care are interwoven: An unhealthy child can’t learn.
Too many working families and senior citizens in Washington are uninsured or underinsured and only an accident or illness away from financial hardship.
There are too many disparities in health care.
This is inconsistent with our values. I believe health care is a basic right and not a perk.
Late last year I met with Pam Roberts, a single mom in the Spokane Valley. Like a lot of parents, she is struggling to cope with overwhelming home energy bills. We have watched as gas prices increased a dollar a gallon over the past year.
I am challenging you to pass, in the first week of this session, initial assistance for our neighbors and friends who are struggling with high home heating bills. Washington families shouldn’t be left in the cold while the oil companies cash in on record returns.
For the longer term, I am proposing an energy agenda that will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create another 21st century industry in Washington.
Farmers like Ted Durfey in Sunnyside are ready to grow the biofuel business in Washington. But they need help getting started. With a strategic investment of low interest loans we can help launch this 21st-Century industry and provide new markets for energy crops likes canola or mustard.
It’s time we have an energy policy based on Washington grown and Washington owned.
As we work to create and attract business, we need to remember that our quality of life is key to our success.
Our natural resources not only provide beauty and recreation, they are the lifeblood of our economy.
That’s why environmentalists, local government, sportsmen, tribal and business leaders have all joined our renewed efforts to preserve and protect Puget Sound.
There’s work we must do now. My budget includes money to speed the cleanup of toxic waste, restore salmon habitat, help homeowners repair failing septic systems, and improve oil spill prevention and response.
We’re approaching the clean up of Puget Sound by embracing what we call the Washington Way: a bottom-up, grassroots strategy that sparks citizen energy and engages our farmers, environmentalists, and landowners who live and work near the Sound.
It is a legacy we must leave.
Sadly, too many of the 2005 headlines told terrible tales of hurricanes, tsunamis, and attacks by sex offenders and terrorists. The lesson is we have to be prepared and invest in our personal safety and security.
I am, therefore, proposing actions to help protect Washington families. My budget includes funds to improve tsunami warnings in our coastal communities, improve our earthquake readiness and strengthen detection and tracking of a pandemic flu.
I also requested additional funding for the state patrol for ferry security and highway safety.
Our families need to know when a sex offender is moving into the community. We need to toughen the penalties for sex offenders who fail to register.
We have been blessed with higher than expected revenue. My supplemental budget pays the bills, makes targeted investments and saves money for the future.
I know some of you want to spend more money.
So did I.
I know some of you want to cut taxes.
So did I
As we look ahead to the next year, we will need every dime just to cover the increased cost of our existing services, particularly in education and health care.
Our state budgeting has been a roller coaster. We spend when we have a surplus and we struggle to make painful cuts when the economy slumps. It is time to even out the ride. While the roller coaster is fun at the amusement park, it is no model for state budgeting.
By treating our budget like a Washington family budget – we will ensure stability and avoid tax increases or Draconian cuts tomorrow.
So my budget pays the bills and keeps the retirement system sound. It makes targeted investments for the future, and it puts money aside to pay the bills that will come due in a year.
Saving the amount of new revenue I propose is something that has never been done before – but its time has come.
It’s a budget that is practical, prudent, and responsible. I accept the fact that we may have differences over how to spend this supplemental budget.
But let me be clear, I cannot sign a budget that next year would require cuts harmful to the people of this state.
As I look out over this great chamber, I am reminded of nine voices that once echoed here fell silent last year.
These are the voices of those who put service to others over their self-interests and who shared our Washington values of responsibility and opportunity.
In March we lost Rep. Ruth Fisher-our state’s original “Steel Magnolia.” On a sidewalk precisely twenty-five feet outside Heaven’s gate, Ruth stands puffing on a Marlboro Light in grudging respect for the passage of Initiative 901. Her rich life and commitment to the greater good offer proof that “surliness” is next to “Godliness!”
We also lost Senators Dick Hemstad, Martin Durkan, and Bob Bailey, and Representatives Charles Kilbury, Stan Bradley, Russ Austin, Geraldine McCormick and Speaker Tom Swayze.
They were Democrats and Republicans, and each was emblematic of what our collective credo should be: that public service transcend partisanship and that politics is about getting real things done for Washington families.
Let’s continue to honor their spirit of responsibility, opportunity, and service to others.
Each of us, irrespective of our political party, owes it to the families of our great state not to lose our way; each of us must see ourselves through history’s lens, and create a legacy by building on our success.
We cannot be distracted by partisan politics, special interests, or political maneuvering.
We are all here to serve others. That is our call to duty.
So in the spirit of responsibility, opportunity and service, let’s get to work and build on the foundation we created together last year.
Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the people of Washington State."
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “Thank you Governor for that very inspiring and visionary presentation. My experience over the years has been that you have some of the finest people in Washington State sitting before you that can do the job that you are asking them to do. Good luck, I wish you the best in this upcoming session and do I wish all of you as well.”
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed and introduced Mr. Oscar Eason, the Regional President of the NAACP sitting in the rear of the Chamber.
MOTION
On motion of Representative Kessler, the Joint Session was dissolved.
The President returned the gavel to Speaker Lovick.
Speaker Lovick instructed the Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to escort Lt. Governor Brad Owen and the Senate from the House Chamber.
The Senate was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
MOTION
At 6:04 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2006.
BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate
THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate
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MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR, Gubernatorial Appointments
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Introduction of Governor Christine Gregoire
Introduction of Special Guest, Consular Assoc.
WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
Appointment of Special Committee, Elected Officials
Appointment of Special Committee, Supreme Court Justices
Appointment of Special Committees, Governor Christine Gregoire
Intro. Special Guest, President of NAACP, Oscar Eason
Joint Session (State of the State)
WASHINGTON STATE SENATE