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SIXTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE - REGULAR SESSION
THIRTY FIRST DAY
House Chamber, Olympia, Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The House was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the Speaker (Representative Moeller presiding).
Reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was ordered to stand approved.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
HB 2126 by Representatives Orwall, Darneille, Nelson, Jacks, Hasegawa, Van De Wege, Liias and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to consolidating and modifying the duties of the cemetery board and the board of funeral directors and embalmers; amending RCW 18.39.010, 18.39.173, 18.39.175, 18.39.217, 18.39.800, 18.235.020, 68.04.190, 68.05.020, 68.05.095, 68.05.100, 68.05.105, 68.05.175, 68.05.205, 68.05.285, 68.24.090, 68.40.040, 68.44.115, 68.44.150, 68.46.010, 68.46.090, 68.46.130, 68.50.230, 68.60.030, 68.60.050, and 68.60.060; and repealing RCW 68.05.040, 68.05.050, 68.05.060, and 68.05.080.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2131 by Representative Morris
AN ACT Relating to providing a credit under the public utility tax for sales and use taxes paid for the development of eligible renewable resources in the state that provide renewable energy to a qualifying utility; adding a new section to chapter 82.16 RCW; and providing an expiration date.
Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.
HB 2132 by Representatives Quall, Anderson, Carlyle, Dammeier, Probst, Sullivan, Johnson, Hudgins, Kelley, Chase, Wood and Santos
AN ACT Relating to instruction in civics; amending RCW 28A.230.090; adding a new section to chapter 28A.230 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Education.
HB 2133 by Representatives White, Hunt, Kenney, Maxwell, Upthegrove, Hudgins, Rolfes and Wood
AN ACT Relating to the use of accumulated sick leave for volunteer work; adding a new section to chapter 41.04 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
HB 2134 by Representative McCoy
AN ACT Relating to the consideration of impacts to plant species identified by the natural heritage program; amending RCW 79.70.030; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.01 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.30 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 79A.05 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2135 by Representative Chase
AN ACT Relating to renewable energy; adding a new chapter to Title 80 RCW; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.
HB 2136 by Representatives Parker, Quall, Dammeier and Hurst
AN ACT Relating to safe house program requirements; and adding a new section to chapter 10.97 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2137 by Representatives Kagi and Haler
AN ACT Relating to improving the delivery of residential and other services to adolescents who are at risk, in need of services, or in crisis; amending RCW 74.13.032, 74.13.033, and 74.13.034; reenacting and amending RCW 13.32A.130; adding a new section to chapter 74.13 RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 74.13.0321.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services.
HB 2138 by Representatives Simpson and Chase
AN ACT Relating to the use of surplus property for the development of affordable housing; and amending RCW 43.63A.510, 47.12.063, 47.12.064, 53.08.090, 43.20A.037, 72.09.055, 43.19.19201, 79A.05.170, 79A.05.175, 36.34.137, 35.21.687, 79.11.005, 79.22.060, 54.16.180, and 57.08.016.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2139 by Representative Simpson
AN ACT Relating to vesting of short subdivisions; and amending RCW 58.17.033.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2140 by Representatives Kristiansen, Liias, Pearson, Sells, Ericks and Hope
AN ACT Relating to providing funding for state route number 2 through implementation of cost savings from performance audits; and adding a new section to chapter 47.01 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
HB 2141 by Representatives Ericks, Condotta, Springer, Newhouse, Eddy, Armstrong and Conway
AN ACT Relating to registration of lottery tickets and shares; and amending RCW 67.70.040.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2142 by Representatives Roach, Santos and Priest
AN ACT Relating to school plant funding; amending RCW 28A.335.230, 28A.525.040, 28A.525.090, 28A.525.162, 28A.525.166, and 28A.525.168; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Capital Budget.
HB 2143 by Representatives Cox, Ormsby, Wallace, Armstrong, Schmick, Dunshee, Roach, McCune, Chase and Johnson
AN ACT Relating to reducing the postretirement employment restrictions for members of the teachers' retirement system, school employees' retirement system, and the public employees' retirement system that retire after earning thirty or more years of service; and amending RCW 41.32.765, 41.32.875, 41.35.420, 41.35.680, 41.40.630, and 41.40.820.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
HB 2144 by Representative Condotta
AN ACT Relating to defining the term employ for minimum wage purposes; amending RCW 49.46.010; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2145 by Representative Condotta
AN ACT Relating to industrial insurance final settlement agreements; and adding new sections to chapter 51.32 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2146 by Representatives Ericks, Johnson, Eddy and Liias
AN ACT Relating to contract requirements for water or sewer facilities; and amending RCW 35.91.020.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2147 by Representatives Liias, Pettigrew, Quall, McCoy, Chase and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to closing the achievement gap in order to provide all students an excellent and equitable education; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Education.
HB 2148 by Representatives Pettigrew and Hudgins
AN ACT Relating to implementing strategies to address the achievement gap; amending RCW 28A.150.210, 28A.410.210, and 28A.660.010; reenacting and amending RCW 28A.415.023; adding new sections to chapter 28A.300 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.305 RCW; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Education.
HB 2149 by Representatives McCoy, Pettigrew and Quall
AN ACT Relating to millennium schools; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Education.
HB 2150 by Representatives Chase, Dunshee and White
AN ACT Relating to hazardous waste releases and cleanup at facilities in substantial noncompliance with chapter 70.105 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70.105 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Environmental Health.
HB 2151 by Representatives Springer and Kelley
AN ACT Relating to eliminating boards and commissions on June 30, 2010; amending RCW 28C.18.050, 28C.18.090, 18.106.010, 18.106.040, 18.106.050, 18.106.070, 43.03.027, 43.03.028, 34.12.100, 42.17.370, 43.03.040, 43.63A.760, 18.250.010, 18.250.020, 18.250.060, 70.47.040, 43.70.665, 39.10.210, 39.10.230, 39.10.250, 39.10.270, 39.10.280, 39.10.290, 39.10.320, 39.10.350, 39.10.430, 39.10.460, 43.131.408, 39.04.350, 18.205.020, 18.205.060, 28A.300.520, 43.215.065, 72.09.495, 74.04.800, 74.13.031, 74.15.050, 74.15.060, 41.04.033, 41.04.0331, 41.04.0332, 43.101.380, 43.105.052, 72.23.025, 43.330.280, 43.160.060, 43.330.080, 43.330.250, 43.330.270, 82.33A.020, 39.102.040, 43.160.900, 43.330.050, 43.330.082, 43.330.310, 82.33A.010, 70.168.030, 70.168.050, 70.168.060, 70.168.130, 18.76.050, 38.52.030, 38.52.070, 38.52.240, 38.52.330, 46.48.170, 18.73.030, 18.73.101, 15.76.110, 15.76.150, 70.112.010, 70.112.020, 43.43.934, 43.43.962, 38.52.530, 49.26.120, 48.62.061, 41.05.035, 28B.76.280, 18.280.010, 18.280.030, 18.280.050, 18.280.060, 18.280.070, 18.280.080, 18.280.110, 18.280.120, 18.280.130, 43.330.090, 43.105.020, 43.105.041, 43.105.805, 43.105.820, 18.225.010, 18.225.040, 16.57.353, 18.50.045, 18.50.060, 18.50.105, 77.12.670, 77.08.045, 18.36A.020, 18.36A.080, 18.36A.110, 46.09.020, 43.30.820, 18.210.010, 18.210.050, 18.210.060, 70.118.110, 43.43.866, 43.10.240, 18.200.010, 18.200.050, 18.200.070, 13.60.110, 90.71.010, 90.71.210, 90.71.230, 90.71.240, 90.71.270, 90.71.310, 18.140.010, 18.140.030, 18.140.160, 18.140.170, 77.95.100, 77.95.180, 77.95.190, 82.58.020, 70.95.030, 43.21A.520, 70.105.010, 70.105.160, 46.16.316, 46.16.715, 46.16.725, 46.16.745, 46.16.755, 46.16.775, 46.16.30901, 46.16.30903, 46.16.30905, 46.16.30907, 46.16.30909, 46.16.30911, 46.16.30913, 46.16.30914, 46.16.30916, 46.16.30918, 46.16.30920, 46.16.30922, 46.16.30924, 46.16.30926, 46.16.30928, 70.119A.180, 90.86.030, 18.104.040, 18.104.043, 18.104.049, 18.104.100, 18.104.200, 28C.04.390, 28C.04.420, and 43.15.020; amending 2007 c 465 s 3 (uncodified); amending 2005 c 158 s 3 (uncodified); reenacting and amending RCW 74.15.030, 18.71.205, 77.12.690, and 46.16.233; creating new sections; repealing RCW 28B.50.254, 18.106.110, 18.250.030, 39.10.220, 39.10.240, 39.10.260, 43.34.080, 18.205.080, 43.63A.068, 43.101.310, 43.101.315, 43.101.320, 43.101.325, 43.101.330, 43.101.335, 43.101.340, 43.101.345, 43.105.055, 70.198.010, 43.215.090, 43.162.005, 43.162.010, 43.162.015, 43.162.020, 43.162.025, 43.162.030, 70.168.020, 38.52.040, 18.73.040, 18.73.050, 15.76.170, 70.112.030, 70.112.040, 70.112.050, 43.43.932, 43.43.936, 70.105E.070, 70.105E.090, 48.62.051, 48.62.041, 28B.76.100, 18.280.040, 10.98.200, 10.98.210, 10.98.220, 10.98.230, 10.98.240, 43.105.800, 43.105.810, 18.225.060, 18.225.070, 16.57.015, 71.09.320, 18.50.140, 18.50.150, 77.12.680, 18.36A.070, 46.09.280, 18.210.040, 18.210.070, 70.118.100, 43.43.858, 43.43.860, 43.43.862, 43.43.864, 10.29.030, 10.29.040, 10.29.080, 10.29.090, 18.200.060, 72.09.800, 13.60.120, 42.56.140, 90.71.250, 18.140.230, 18.140.240, 18.140.250, 77.95.110, 77.95.120, 70.95.040, 70.95.050, 70.95.070, 70.105.060, 46.16.705, 50.12.200, 70.119A.160, 18.104.190, 27.34.360, 27.34.365, 27.34.370, 27.34.375, and 27.34.380; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.
Referred to Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs.
HB 2152 by Representative Chase
AN ACT Relating to public health financing; amending RCW 29A.36.210, 84.52.010, and 84.52.043; and adding a new section to chapter 84.52 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Finance.
HB 2153 by Representatives Chase and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to the Washington's economic gardening program; and adding a new section to chapter 28B.50 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade.
HB 2154 by Representative Chase
AN ACT Relating to prohibiting work under state contracts from being performed at locations outside the United States; amending RCW 39.29.008, 41.06.142, and 43.19.1911; adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 39.29 RCW; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs.
HB 2155 by Representatives Seaquist, Wallace, Kenney, Goodman and Santos
AN ACT Relating to meeting the goal of all children in Washington state having health care coverage by 2010; amending RCW 74.09.470 and 74.09.480; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2156 by Representatives Orwall and Dickerson
AN ACT Relating to revising the authority for certification by the criminal justice training commission; amending RCW 43.101.220; adding a new section to chapter 43.10 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Human Services.
HB 2157 by Representative Springer
AN ACT Relating to the consolidation of certain salmon recovery activities and programs within the recreation and conservation office; amending RCW 77.85.030, 77.85.020, 77.85.250, 77.85.140, and 77.85.005; adding new sections to chapter 79A.25 RCW; creating new sections; recodifying RCW 77.85.020, 77.85.030, and 77.85.250; repealing RCW 77.85.100; and providing expiration dates.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.
HB 2158 by Representatives Green, Cody, Walsh, Conway, Kenney and Morrell
AN ACT Relating to the collective bargaining of adult family home providers' health benefits; and amending RCW 41.05.011 and 41.56.029.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2159 by Representatives Cody and Seaquist
AN ACT Relating to the Washington state quality forum; amending RCW 70.56.030; and repealing RCW 41.05.029.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2160 by Representatives Driscoll, Hinkle, Cody, Bailey, Kelley, Wood and Morrell
AN ACT Relating to health carrier payment of wellness incentives; and amending RCW 48.30.140 and 48.30.150.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2161 by Representatives Cody, Darneille, Seaquist and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to support services provided under the maternity care access program; and amending RCW 74.09.790 and 74.09.800.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2162 by Representatives Conway, Condotta, Green, Chase, Wood and Goodman
AN ACT Relating to permitting local governments to limit house- banked social card games within their jurisdictions; amending RCW 9.46.295; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2163 by Representative Van De Wege
AN ACT Relating to the liability of an electric utility; and amending RCW 64.12.035.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2164 by Representatives Pettigrew, Haler, Santos, McCoy, Miloscia, Kagi, Hunt, Kenney, Sullivan, Darneille, Seaquist, Roberts, Chase, Hasegawa, Dickerson and Goodman
AN ACT Relating to evaluating selected child welfare practices to determine their impact on remediating racial disproportionality in Washington's child welfare system; adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services.
HB 2165 by Representatives Van De Wege, Haler, Blake, Kretz, McCoy, Hinkle, Ormsby, Nelson, Eddy, Hasegawa, Takko, Chase, Kenney, Warnick and Morrell
AN ACT Relating to authorizing the department of natural resources to conduct a forest biomass energy demonstration project; amending RCW 76.06.150 and 43.30.020; adding new sections to chapter 43.30 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.
HB 2166 by Representatives Darneille, Pedersen, Kenney, Kirby and Hasegawa
AN ACT Relating to an additional document recording surcharge to fund certain affordable housing and homeless purposes; amending RCW 43.185C.190; and adding a new section to chapter 36.22 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2167 by Representatives Maxwell, Priest, Green, Quall, Moeller, White, Orwall, Sullivan, Van De Wege, Liias and Probst
AN ACT Relating to flexibility in the education system; amending RCW 28A.165.025, 28A.165.045, 28A.175.010, 28A.180.040, 28A.210.010, 28A.210.020, 28A.210.030, 28A.210.040, 28A.210.080, 28A.210.110, 28A.225.005, 28A.225.290, 28A.225.300, 28A.230.095, 28A.230.097, 28A.230.205, 28A.300.040, 28A.300.118, 28A.300.150, 28A.300.525, 28A.320.160, 28A.320.165, 28A.320.180, 28A.600.160, 28A.655.061, 28A.655.075, and 17.21.415; reenacting and amending RCW 28A.230.125; repealing RCW 28A.210.130, 28A.220.050, 28A.220.080, 28A.220.085, 28A.230.092, 28A.230.185, 28A.300.412, and 28A.600.320; and providing an expiration date.
Referred to Committee on Education.
HB 2168 by Representatives Green, Morrell, Ericks, Kessler, Dunshee, Pettigrew and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to limiting the fees charged to license midwives; amending RCW 43.70.250; and adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2169 by Representatives Ericksen and Kelley
AN ACT Relating to the basic health plan; and amending RCW 70.47.060.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2170 by Representatives Hudgins and McCoy
AN ACT Relating to broadband adoption and deployment; amending RCW 28B.32.010, 28B.32.020, and 28B.32.030; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.29A RCW; adding new chapters to Title 43 RCW; recodifying RCW 28B.32.010, 28B.32.020, 28B.32.030, 28B.32.900, and 28B.32.901; repealing RCW 43.105.350; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.
HB 2171 by Representatives Hudgins and McCoy
AN ACT Relating to developing a statewide map of high-speed internet availability and adoption; amending RCW 43.105.020; adding new sections to chapter 43.105 RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 43.105.350; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.
HB 2172 by Representative Hunter
AN ACT Relating to water and/or sewer district assumptions by cities in counties with more than one million five hundred thousand residents; and adding a new section to chapter 35.13A RCW.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2173 by Representative Hunter
AN ACT Relating to facilitating annexations in counties with more than one million five hundred thousand residents by modifying and establishing annexation methods; amending RCW 35.13.130 and 35A.14.120; adding new sections to chapter 35.13 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 35A.14 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Local Government & Housing.
HB 2174 by Representatives Eddy, Seaquist, Ericksen, Hinkle, Takko, Herrera, Sullivan, Pettigrew, Springer, Blake, Wallace and Ericks
AN ACT Relating to health care; amending RCW 48.05.010, 48.43.041, 48.44.022, 48.46.064, 48.20.029, 70.47.060, 48.21.045, and 48.44.023; adding new sections to chapter 48.05 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70.41 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.02 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.01 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.14 RCW; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
HB 2175 by Representatives Kessler and Van De Wege
AN ACT Relating to volunteer firefighter special license plates; amending RCW 46.16.725, 46.16.601, 46.16.745, and 46.16.316; reenacting and amending RCW 46.16.313; and adding new sections to chapter 46.16 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
HB 2176 by Representatives Conway, Chase, Kenney and Wood
AN ACT Relating to minimum wage and overtime compensation complaints; and adding a new section to chapter 49.46 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
HB 2177 by Representatives Wallace, Quall and Chase
AN ACT Relating to requiring school districts or educational service districts to purchase employee health insurance coverage through the state health care authority; and amending RCW 28A.400.350, 41.05.011, 41.05.022, and 41.05.050.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
HB 2178 by Representatives White and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to the convention place station expansion of the state convention and trade center; amending RCW 67.40.130, 67.40.170, 67.40.190, 67.40.045, and 67.40.090; adding new sections to chapter 67.40 RCW; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade.
HB 2179 by Representative Eddy
AN ACT Relating to authorizing cities to provide and contract for supplemental transportation improvements; amending RCW 36.73.015; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.73 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.58 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.57A RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 81.112 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
HB 2180 by Representatives Eddy, McCoy, Carlyle, Upthegrove and Chase
AN ACT Relating to sales and use tax exemptions for certain plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; adding a new section to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; creating a new section; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.
HB 2181 by Representatives Moeller, Rolfes, Wallace, Quall, Sullivan, Dickerson, Hunt and Kenney
AN ACT Relating to creating a bi-state partnership for teachers of children with visual impairments; adding a new section to chapter 28B.30 RCW; creating a new section; and making and appropriation.
Referred to Committee on Higher Education.
HJM 4011 by Representatives Angel, Kirby, Cox, Shea, Dammeier, Johnson, Bailey, Orcutt, Hinkle, Warnick, Campbell, Wallace, Armstrong and Pearson
Requesting that the new Tacoma Narrows bridge be named the Bob Oke bridge.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
There being no objection, the bills and memorial listed on the day’s introduction sheet under the fourth order of business were referred to the committees so designated.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
February 6, 2009
HB 1075 Prime Sponsor, Representative Rolfes: Enacting the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children. Reported by Committee on Education
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Quall, Chair; Probst, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cox; Dammeier; Hunt; Johnson; Liias; Maxwell; Santos and Sullivan.
Referred to Committee on Education Appropriations.
February 6, 2009
HB 1085 Prime Sponsor, Representative Appleton: Concerning body piercing. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
HB 1138 Prime Sponsor, Representative Liias: Concerning access to employee restrooms in retail stores. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kelley; Kirby; Ormsby; Roberts; Ross and Warnick.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1155 Prime Sponsor, Representative Hinkle: Concerning billing for medical services provided through special education programs. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
HB 1261 Prime Sponsor, Representative Goodman: Enacting the adult guardianship and protective proceedings jurisdiction act. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kelley; Kirby; Ormsby; Roberts; Ross and Warnick.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1282 Prime Sponsor, Representative White: Creating a school-based influenza vaccination pilot program. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Representative Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member.
Referred to Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations.
February 6, 2009
HB 1303 Prime Sponsor, Representative Moeller: Collecting child mortality reviews into a database. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
Referred to Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations.
February 6, 2009
HB 1329 Prime Sponsor, Representative Pettigrew: Providing collective bargaining for child care center directors and workers. Reported by Committee on Commerce & Labor
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Crouse; Green; Moeller and Williams.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Representatives Condotta, Ranking Minority Member and Chandler.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 9, 2009
HB 1332 Prime Sponsor, Representative Goodman: Granting authority of a watershed management partnership to exercise powers of its forming governments. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kelley; Kirby; Ormsby; Roberts; Ross and Warnick.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1347 Prime Sponsor, Representative Santos: Regarding financial education. Reported by Committee on Education
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended:
On page 8, after line 2, insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 28A.230 RCW to read as follows: By July 1, 2010, the state board of education shall, under RCW 28A.230.090, amend high school graduation requirements to include required content in financial literacy and personal financial education without increasing the total number of credits required. The required content shall be based on the standards adopted under section 3 of this act. The requirement must permit the content to be completed as part of social studies, career and technical education, or mathematics coursework."
Signed by Representatives Quall, Chair; Probst, Vice Chair; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cox; Dammeier; Hunt; Johnson; Liias; Maxwell; Santos and Sullivan.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 6, 2009
HB 1348 Prime Sponsor, Representative Green: Concerning professional athletics regulated by the department of licensing. Reported by Committee on Commerce & Labor
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; Crouse; Green; Moeller and Williams.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
February 6, 2009
HB 1355 Prime Sponsor, Representative Probst: Establishing the opportunity internship program for high school students. Reported by Committee on Education
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Quall, Chair; Probst, Vice Chair; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cox; Dammeier; Hunt; Johnson; Liias; Maxwell; Santos and Sullivan.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 6, 2009
HB 1357 Prime Sponsor, Representative Pettigrew: Regarding the designation of "social worker." Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Representative Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1359 Prime Sponsor, Representative Williams: Regarding the practice of landscape architecture. Reported by Committee on Commerce & Labor
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; Crouse; Green; Moeller and Williams.
Referred to Committee on General Government Appropriations.
February 5, 2009
HB 1360 Prime Sponsor, Representative Ormsby: Concerning funding for infrastructure that supports dense, affordable development in transit-oriented areas. Reported by Committee on Local Government & Housing
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Miloscia; Springer; Upthegrove; White and Williams.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Representatives Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Cox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member and Short.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 6, 2009
HB 1375 Prime Sponsor, Representative Roberts: Eliminating foster care citizen review boards. Reported by Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Kagi, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel; Goodman and Seaquist.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1397 Prime Sponsor, Representative Moeller: Concerning the delegation of authority to registered nurses. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
HB 1417 Prime Sponsor, Representative Kenney: Concerning the office of public guardianship. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kelley; Kirby; Ormsby; Roberts; Ross and Warnick.
Referred to Committee on General Government Appropriations.
February 6, 2009
HB 1419 Prime Sponsor, Representative Kagi: Revising provisions affecting sexually aggressive youth. Reported by Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Kagi, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel; Goodman and Seaquist.
Referred to Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations.
February 6, 2009
HB 1420 Prime Sponsor, Representative Conway: Revising real estate seller disclosure requirements. Reported by Committee on Commerce & Labor
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; Crouse; Green; Moeller and Williams.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
HB 1426 Prime Sponsor, Representative Hunt: Regarding the use of certified mail. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kelley; Kirby; Ormsby; Roberts; Ross and Warnick.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1437 Prime Sponsor, Representative Dammeier: Authorizing a volunteer chaplain for the department of fish and wildlife. Reported by Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Blake, Chair; Jacks, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Smith, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kretz; Liias; McCoy; Nelson; Ormsby; Van De Wege and Warnick.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1514 Prime Sponsor, Representative Green: Regarding counseling professions subject to the authority of the secretary of health. Reported by Committee on Health Care & Wellness
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Cody, Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey; Campbell; Clibborn; Green; Kelley; Moeller; Morrell and Pedersen.
Referred to Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations.
February 6, 2009
HB 1518 Prime Sponsor, Representative Conway: Regarding prohibited practices in accountancy. Reported by Committee on Commerce & Labor
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; Crouse; Green; Moeller and Williams.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
HB 1584 Prime Sponsor, Representative Upthegrove: Regarding state environmental policy act exemptions for air operating permits. Reported by Committee on Ecology & Parks
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Minority Member; Chase; Dickerson; Dunshee; Eddy; Finn; Hudgins; Kristiansen and Morris.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Representatives Newhouse, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kretz; Orcutt and Shea.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
HB 1592 Prime Sponsor, Representative Pedersen: Registering business entities and associations with the secretary of state. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kelley; Kirby; Ormsby; Roberts; Ross and Warnick.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 6, 2009
HB 1634 Prime Sponsor, Representative White: Regarding architects. Reported by Committee on Commerce & Labor
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; Crouse; Green; Moeller and Williams.
Referred to Committee on General Government Appropriations.
There being no objection, the bills listed on the day’s committee reports under the fifth order of business were referred to the committees so designated.
There being no objection, the House advanced to the eleventh order of business.
The Speaker announced (Representative Moeller presiding) the following committee appointment:
Representative Cox was appointed as the assistant ranking minority member of the Committee on Local Government, replacing Representative Ericksen.
The Senate appeared at the Chamber doors and requested admission. The Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate escorted President of the Senate Brad Owen to the rostrum. The Senators were invited to sit within the Chamber.
The Speaker (Representative Moeller presiding): "It is our privilege to host the Medal of Merit ceremonies. We welcome you, President Owen, our colleagues from the Senate and all other guests who are with us today. It is now my pleasure to call upon President of the Senate Brad Owen to preside over the joint session."
The President called the Joint Session to order. The Clerk called the roll of House members. The Clerk called the roll of Senate members. A quorum of the Legislature was present.
The President appointed a special committee to escort the Statewide elected officials and Supreme Court Justices to the House Chamber: Representatives Finn and Rodne, and Senators Kline and Becker.
The President appointed a special committee to advise her Excellency, Governor Chris Gregoire that the joint session has assembled and escort her to the House Chamber: Representative Carlyle and Senator Shin.
The President appointed a special committee to escort Corky Mattingly (on behalf of Medal honoree Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton) to the House Chamber: Representative Bailey and Senator Fraser.
The President appointed a special committee to escort Medal of Merit Honoree Wilfred Woods to the House Chamber: Representative Armstrong and Senator Evans Parlette.
The President appointed a special committee to escort Medal of Merit Honoree William H. Gates, Sr. to the House Chamber: Representative White and Senator Brown.
The Supreme Court Justices arrived and were escorted to the rostrum. The President introduced Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and Justice Jim Johnson.
The Statewide elected officials arrived and were escorted to the rostrum. The President introduced Secretary of State Sam Reed; State Treasurer Jim McIntire; State Auditor Brian Sonntag; Attorney General Rob McKenna; Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kriedler.
Her Excellency Governor Christine Gregoire and Mike Gregoire arrived and were escorted to the rostrum.
Corky Mattingly (on behalf of Medal honoree Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton) arrived and was escorted to the rostrum.
Medal of Merit honoree Wilfred Woods arrived and was escorted to the rostrum.
Medal of Merit honoree William H. Gates, Sr. arrived and was escorted to the rostrum.
The President introduced Medal of Merit honorees, Corky Mattingly (on behalf of Medal honoree Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton), Wilfred Woods and William H. Gates Sr.
The Flags were escorted to the rostrum by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard. The President led the Chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was sung by Marla Beth Elliott. The Prayer was offered by Pastor John Rosenberg, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Olympia.
Pastor John Rosenberg: "Gracious God, We know You by many names and Your image is reflected in the marvelous diversity of Your people and Your creation. Today we thank You for calling forth citizens who have performed outstanding service to the people of our state. Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton, for their tireless efforts on behalf of voting rights for women; William H. Gates, Sr, committed volunteer, philanthropist and educator; Wilfred Woods, community builder, journalist, and historian. May we be inspired by their example and join our efforts to theirs in working for the common good of our state, our nation, and our world.
We also lift before You this day all elected and appointed leaders who govern our state. May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from You to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the common good and for the service of all people. Drive away from us cynicism, despair, selfishness, and corruption; in Your compassion, grant just and honest government; and give us grace to live together in unity and peace. Amen."
President Owen: "The purpose of this Joint Session is to present the Washington State Medal of Merit Awards to very deserving individuals. It is now my pleasure to present Governor Chris Gregoire."
Governor Gregoire: "Good afternoon. I’m privileged and I’m touched to be part of this ceremony. Today we are honoring not just four truly generous Washingtonians, we are honoring the spirit of generosity itself. And if ever we, the people of Washington, need to renew that spirit, it’s now.
We’re in tough times, and they’re getting tougher. We need to find ways to help our neighbors. We need to find ways to help the stranger down the street. We need to find ways to lean a little more on each other, and more ways to be generous.
As Winston Churchill put it, you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give. The four Washingtonians we are honoring today have given so much to their fellow human beings in so many ways. They did it with important ideas to make this State and this world a better place. They did it with material resources to ease suffering, and they did it with something all too rare, a strong belief that their work is not all about them, but all about their fellow human beings. These are, and were, incredibly generous Washingtonians!
Bill Gates Sr., through his work as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to ease the suffering of people all around the globe. Wilfred Woods, through his newspaper, "The Wenatchee World", and his tireless activism to promote economic development in North-Central Washington from public power to highways. The late Emma Smith DeVoe, and May Arkwright Hutton, who gave Washington a great gift, Women’s Suffrage, and empowered the movement for women’s rights that continues even today.
I want to thank these four Washingtonians, and their families. We’re honoring them at an especially significant time, a time unseen since the Great Depression. These four Washingtonians exemplify the kind of spirit that we very much need to get through these times. Thank you, and congratulations to the medal honorees."
Secretary of State Sam Reed: "It is indeed an honor and privilege that the Legislature has placed the Medal of Merit program into the Office of Secretary of State. I am grateful to all of you attending today, and to the families and friends of the recipients.
The medal is awarded by a committee consisting of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. The Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore represented the Speaker and did an outstanding job. I want to thank the four of them because they took very strong personal interest in this and helped make this happen.
Along with choosing the recipients, the committee also chose the design and layout of the medal and the accompanying certificates. The Medal of Merit was produced and designed by the Washington State-based Territorial Mint in Auburn using guidelines laid out in the Revised Code of Washington. They are of the highest quality and are testaments to the professionalism and attention to detail of the people who made them.
The Medal of Merit is solid bronze displaying the seal of the State of Washington, surrounded by a raised laurel wreath and suspended from a ring attached by a dark green ribbon. The reverse of the decoration within the raised laurel wreath is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the words: "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services to the people of the State of Washington."
The certificate, accompanying the medals, are signed by each committee member representing three branches of our government: Executive, Judicial and Legislative. It is my honor as the Keeper of the State Seal to affix the Seal of the State of Washington along with my signature to each of the certificates. Like the medals, each certificate bears the name of the recipient and why they have been awarded this prestigious honor.
I wish to thank all of those who made this auspicious occasion possible -- the staff of the Secretary of State’s Office, particularly Megan Moreno and the Legislative staff, especially Patty Moore. I really appreciate the efforts that were made. And a special thanks to all of those who had a hand in making the event a success from the Washington State Patrol and the State Capitol Tours Office.
I especially want to thank and congratulate each recipient being nominated and chosen for this honor.
Finally, I want to thank their family and their friends who traveled to Olympia to be here today for their support and consideration.
Thank you very much."
MEDAL OF MERIT
Mr. President: "We will now honor the Medal of Merit recipients. The Medal of Merit is to honor those who have been distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service to the people and State of Washington."
EMMA SMITH DEVOE AND MAY ARKWRIGHT
HUTTON
Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore Moeller: "It's a great honor and privilege for me to introduce and express our respect and recognition for Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton. And thank you very much, to Corky Mattingly, for being here today to receive this award on behalf of two of our state's most courageous and forward-thinking pioneers.
You, yourself, Ms. Mattingly, are certainly to be commended for the time you take from your work as Yakima County Auditor to serve on the Advisory Board of the Women’s History Consortium. Thank you for your selfless service in guarding the interests of Washingtonians today and tomorrow as well as celebrating the lives of yesterday's Washingtonians.
Suffragists Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton were the paramount champions in the struggle toward securing the ballot for Washington women. It was through the untiring perseverance of these two women that we lay claim to the status of being the fifth of the then forty six states to establish women’s suffrage. In representing the two geographic halves of our Evergreen State, these two women led the historic enterprise that culminated in our 1910 enactment of women’s suffrage. That our state is a national leader today in electing women to local, statewide, and national offices is a testament to the perseverance and farsightedness of Emma Smith DeVoe and May Arkwright Hutton.
In 2000, Emma Smith DeVoe was named to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for her achievements in the fight for women's suffrage. Newspaper headlines mourned her passing in 1927 as the death of a "Mother of Woman’s Suffrage."
Before she and her family moved to the State of Washington in the early 1900’s, May Arkwright Hutton had in fact already helped win the ballot for women in Idaho. A tireless philanthropist on top of her great standing in the suffrage movement, she passed in 1915 – a wonderful life wonderfully led.
We stand today just a year ahead of the centennial of women’s suffrage in the State of Washington. How very appropriate that the 2009 Medal of Merit be awarded to two Washington suffragettes whose lives were dedicated to a just, historic and rightful cause."
The Governor presented to Corky Mattingly, on behalf of May Arkwright Hutton and Emma Smith DeVoe, the Medals of Merit and certificates.
Corky Mattingly: "As Washington approaches the 2010 centennial of women’s suffrage, it seems fitting that the two women who spearheaded the victory be recognized with the Washington Medal of Merit. As a voting woman and elected official, I am pleased to accept these medals as a proud descendant of their work and ideals of equal rights for women.
As leaders in the final suffrage victory in 1910, May Arkwright Hutton of Spokane and Emma Smith DeVoe of Tacoma, embody the single minded efforts of Washington women to achieve the vote. Hutton and DeVoe were the outstanding figures of the 1909-1910 campaign which employed the strategies of appealing to western men for justice for their wives, mothers, and sisters while forming coalitions and conducting a modern media campaign. After authorization from the legislature in 1909, Washington women campaigned for the ratification of the amendment to the Washington Constitution which culminated in a wide majority vote on November 8, 1910. As the fifth state and the first state in the 20th century to enact women’s suffrage, Washington’s stunning victory in 1910 is widely credited with re-invigorating the national movement.
These two women, May Arkwright Hutton and Emma Smith DeVoe, did not always agree on tactics but they used their own political savvy to organize women east and west of the Cascades.
Born in Ohio, May Arkwright Hutton came to Northern Idaho in the 1880s and married Levi Hutton, a railroad engineer. Together they purchased a minor interest in a mine that paid off when they struck high grade silver ore in 1901 and they moved to Spokane in 1906. At first aligned with Emma Smith DeVoe, Hutton later formed the Washington Political Equality League during the 1909-10 ratification campaign. Hutton had a distinctive, direct, democratic style and approach, believing in the power of the vote for working women and equality for women taxpayers. In 1912, she was one of the first women delegates to the Democratic National Convention. She died in 1915 at the age of 55. Levi Hutton continued the Hutton’s charitable legacy, establishing the Hutton Settlement for children in Spokane in 1919, which endures today.
Emma Smith DeVoe was born in Illinois and when she was eight years old, she attended a speech by Susan B. Anthony on women’s suffrage and when the crowd was asked who was for women voting, she rose to her feet. Well educated, DeVoe worked as an organizer for the national suffrage movement, traveling to many states. She came to Washington and began organizing in earnest in 1906. She headed the Washington Equal Suffrage Association. Emma Smith DeVoe was the great organizer for the Washington campaign and has been credited with its victory in 1910 but not without controversy because of her sometimes autocratic style.
She was appointed to a position on the Republican National Committee in the early 1920s. At the age of seventy six, Emma Smith DeVoe was elected to the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2000. The Washington State Historical Society and Washington Women’s History Consortium cordially invites everyone to attend the opening of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Exhibit, Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices, Saturday, February 28th, 11:30am, at the Tacoma Washington State History Museum. The exhibit will travel and features rare women’s history, documents and artifacts from across the United States."
WILFRED WOODS
Mr. President: "Retired publisher Wilfred Woods hails from North Central Washington, the region that for many years his newspaper has boldly proclaimed as the "Apple Capital of the World and the Buckle of the Power Belt of the Great Northwest." The accomplishments of our honoree today are nearly as grand, even if he has been quiet about touting them. So we are doing that today. This lifelong Wenatchee resident has been a grand champion of civic and economic concerns of North Central Washington.
His father, Rufus Woods, was publisher of the "Wenatchee Daily World" from 1907 until his death in 1950 and forever made his mark as the chief proponent of the Grand Coulee Dam. Following his father’s passing, Wilfred became editor and publisher of that newspaper, which shortened its name to the "Wenatchee World" in 1971. During his 47 years as the newspaper’s publisher, Wilfred Woods continued his father’s efforts to promote economic development. Wilfred dedicated many stories and personal columns to the public power, highways, port districts and the history of natural resources in North Central Washington. In 1997, Mr. Woods retired as publisher, giving control of the newspaper to his son, Rufus.
Mr. Woods has been a dedicated historian and community educator and has written many articles informing readers of resource development, agriculture and orchard growth, geography, climate, archaeology, Native American history, education and environmental concerns. The Woods family helped found Wenatchee Valley College, where Mr. Woods and his wife, Kathy, have attended and participated in many educational lectures and forums by scholars, activists and influential leaders. He has been a philanthropic leader in the region, especially with the arts. He helped to establish the Woods Conservatory of Music, and he was part of a group of local business people, artists and government representatives that led the drive for a Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee.
Mr. Woods has been involved in many statewide projects, serving several years on the State Parks Commission and the State Centennial Commission, and 10 years on the board of the American Forestry Association. He is a former trustee of the Washington State Historical Society.
Wilfred and Kathleen Woods have been married for 56 years. They have one son, Rufus, and two daughters, Gretchen Woods and Kara Hunnicutt, and three grandchildren. I'm told that at nearly 89, Mr. Woods hasn't really slowed down at all. He is truly a powerhouse of the region and of Washington State, and is very deserving of this Medal of Merit. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank you, Wilfred Woods, for your lifetime of public service."
The Governor presented Wilfred Woods with the Medal of Merit and certificate.
Wilfred Woods: "Thank you. I had this opportunity thanks to a business that allowed me the opportunity to help serve Central Washington, and the State of Washington. And all with the help of my wife Kathy.
We looked for opportunities for state and local people to participate. I thank my stars I came along at a time when I was able to participate. I hope that our future generations have the same opportunity, and the education and cultural advantages which help make the State of Washington the great state it is today.
Thank you very much."
WILLIAM H. GATES, SR.
Chief Justice Gerry Alexander: "Thank you, President Owen. The Washington State Medal of Merit is not awarded very frequently, and as you've heard it goes only to a person who has displayed exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service to the people of the State of Washington. Today, I have the very great honor and privilege of presenting to you, Governor Gregoire, and all those present today, such a person, William H. Gates Sr.
Bill Gates is truly a man for all seasons – patriot, distinguished attorney at law, bar and civic leader, philanthropist, and exemplary husband and parent. In the time allotted to me I can only skim the surface in describing the career accomplishments of this outstanding Washingtonian, and knowing Bill Gates, he would probably be very uncomfortable if I went on too long in doing that, but let me just tell you a little about this man.
Bill Gates was raised in Bremerton and went to high school there. During his school years, he was active in scouting, achieving the Eagle Scout award in 1941. Like many of his generation, the generation Tom Brokaw called the "Greatest American Generation", Bill’s plans to further his education were put on a serious hold after graduation of high school and one year of college. They were put on hold due to the advent of World War II. Indeed, in 1943 after graduating high school and attending the University of Washington for one year, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and fought in that war until it ended. Upon receiving his discharge from the Army in 1946, Bill Gates returned to the University of Washington and like many of his contemporaries, he received help in completing his education from the GI Bill. Bill's re-enrollment at the University of Washington resumed a long association with that University, one which benefitted him, and as I will explain in a minute, greatly benefitted the University of Washington and the State of Washington. Bill obtained his B.A. degree in 1949 and his law degree, also from the University of Washington, in 1950.
Upon graduating and passing the state bar examination, Bill entered the private practice of law in Seattle with a firm he co-founded and which was known for many years as Preston, Gates and Ellis. Today it is one of the Nation's largest law firms currently known as K and L Gates. During the years in which Bill Gates actively practiced law, he was one of the State's foremost leaders of the Bar serving a term as the president of the Seattle/King County Bar Association followed by service as governor and president of the Washington State Bar association. In addition, Bill Gates headed up numerous committees and commissions that were devoted to and succeeded in improving the administration of justice in this State. Notably he served on the Board for Judicial Administration of the State of Washington, and the Board for the National Center for State Courts.
On top of his bar activities, Bill Gates has, to put it mildly, been very active in the broader community, serving on boards and as officer of numerous charitable organizations such as the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the board of the United Way for King County. His service for the United Way included the challenging task of heading up the United Way's King County fund raising campaign of 1989.
In recent years, particularly since his retirement from the active practice of law in 1998, Bill has devoted huge amounts of his time to two institutions that mean a great deal to him, institutions which have had a great impact on our state, our Nation, and the World.
The first is his alma mater, the University of Washington. As I mentioned, Bill's relationship with the University of Washington began actually in the early 1940s and continued in 1946 when he re-enrolled there. It has continued and it has flourished over the years. Bill has served the university in many ways including service as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Washington. As an alum of the University of Washington myself, I am proud that Bill was named a distinguished alumnus of the University of Washington Law School and that the law school I attended is now named William Gates Hall. In my opinion, Bill’s most notable service to the University of Washington has been through his work with the University of Washington Foundation and particularly his chairing of a fund raising campaign that raised 2.6 billion – not million – 2.6 billion dollars for the University of Washington. If that was not the largest fund raising campaign ever for a publicly funded university it came awfully close I’m sure. In a letter to the Medal of Merit Committee, University of Washington President Mark Emmert said this about Bill's effort, and I quote,"Bill's contributions to the University of Washington are simply unparalleled. He has witnessed and influenced all phases of the University's history over the last 65 years, from his days of student activism to his selfless service on numerous committees and boards. A regent since 1997, he recently chaired 'Campaign UW Creating Futures', the University’s largest fundraising campaign ever. The campaign was a phenomenal success, exceeding its original goal and raising more than 2.6 billion over eight years. While this is an impressive amount by any standards, its true value lies in the impact it has on our students, faculty and staff, and their ability to make our state and our world a better place."
The other institution that has benefitted immeasurably from Bill’s time and talent has been the Gates’ Foundation. As most of you know, the largesse for this foundation has been provided by Bill’s son and daughter-in-law. But much of the vision and strategic direction for the Foundation has been provided by the man we are here to honor today. How this came about is described in a letter by former Governor Daniel Evans, and I’m glad he is here today. Governor Evans himself is a recipient of the Washington Medal of Merit as you will remember. Governor Evans says this in his letter about Bill Gates, and I quote, "at the age when most of us think about retiring, Bill began a demanding new career in philanthropy. Years ago when his son Bill said to his dad in exasperation, "what do I do with all these requests for charity?" Bill Sr. said 'let me help you out' and took a cardboard box full of the requests. That was the birth of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has built the Foundation into the largest charitable foundation in the world. But not just from the head office; he has traveled the world to see for himself where needs exist and how the Gates Foundation can use its resources most effectively. From Bangladesh to Central Africa, he has traipsed through poverty stricken villages at a pace few can match." Governor Evans goes on to say, "I think I am pretty active, but I am merely trotting while Bill Gates still runs at full speed." While the Gates Foundation is famous for its work to improve health and education for some of the world's most impoverished people, it is also at work in our state. Just a few examples: Sound Families a partnership with agencies in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties, that provides transitional housing and support services to almost 1500 homeless families; Thrive by Five the Washington Early Learning Fund; a public-private partnership to ensure that children in our state have the greatest chance at success in school and life. Washington State Achievers Scholarship, a partnership with high schools that serve low income populations to re-design the high school experience, create early college awareness in students, and provide scholarships to successful students.
The last hallmark of Bill Gates' life that I would like to mention, and I'll close with this. This is one I noted at the outset of my remarks – the fact that he has been an exemplary husband and parent. Bill and his late wife Mary Maxwell Gates, met at the University of Washington. They raised three children, Kristianne, Bill and Libby. Mary Gates died in 1994, and in 1996 Bill married Mimi Gardner Gates, who is the director of the Seattle Art Museum. I know that Bill and Mimi and Mary, during her life, have been very proud of their children, just as their children and the entire community of the State of Washington are proud of William Gates Sr.
Governor Gregoire, I am very honored to present William H. Gates Sr. to you to receive the Washington State Medal of Merit."
The Governor presented William H. Gates Sr. with the Medal of Merit and certificate.
William H. Gates Sr.: "Thank you, Governor for those very kind words, and Chief Justice for the very wonderful introduction. It’s really quite humbling, but of course I have a lot to be humble about. This morning was such a perfect icon for my life, seated behind and located in the shadow of a great woman, who is my life. Thank you, Mimi.
I thought that the most admirable impulse of human kind was our desire to change things for the better. Lord knows we haven't got it all figured out yet, but we keep trying. The impulse to make improvements is what motivated me to become active in civic affairs and I'm really pleased and proud to be recognized for the small things I’ve done in the last 60 years. Looking back, I'm confident in the fact, besides my family, the one factor that made it possible for me to develop such abilities I may have had, is the public education I received from the State of Washington. My father left school in the 8th grade. I grew up in Bremerton during the Great Depression. Even so, I received an excellent public education – from first grade all the way through law school. Without it, I could not have done any of the things I am being recognized for today.
Poor kids nowadays, they don’t get that chance. I just learned this fact from my son, who is in the Chamber with us today, that low income young people are more likely to go to jail than to earn a four year college degree. That is a gross violation of the values that make this country so great. For the past decade I have been working with my son and daughter-in -law to advance their foundation's mission in guaranteeing that all students get the high quality education they deserve. Our society as a whole should set the same goal. If we succeed, then that success, that success, will be the really meritorious thing any of us could accomplish. Thank you."
The Sergeant at Arms escorted the Medal of Merit recipients from the Chambers.
The Sergeant at Arms escorted the Governor and Mr. Gregoire from the Chambers.
The Sergeant at Arms escorted the Statewide elected officials, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and the Supreme Court Justices from the Chambers.
MOTION
On motion of Representative Kessler, the joint session was dissolved.
President Owen returned the gavel to the Speaker (Representative Moeller presiding). The Speaker (Representative Moeller presiding) thanked the President and asked the Sergeant at Arms to escort the President and members of the Senate from the Chambers.
There being no objection, the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m., February 11, 2009, the 31st Day of the Regular Session.
FRANK CHOPP, Speaker
BARBARA BAKER, Chief Clerk