THIRTY-FIRST DAY
MORNING SESSION
Senate Chamber, Olympia, Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Senate was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by President Owen. The Secretary called the roll and announced to the President that all Senators were present with the exception of Senators Kastama and Zarelli.
The Sergeant at Arms Color Guard consisting of Boy Scouts Trevor Harron and Dan Detschman presented the Colors. Reverend Jim Erlandson of the Community of Christ Church of Olympia offered the prayer.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.
MOTION
There being no objection, the Senate advanced to the first order of business.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
February 9, 2009
SB 5045 Prime Sponsor, Senator Kilmer: Promoting economic development and community revitalization. Reported by Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5045 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli; Delvin; Eide; Kilmer and McCaslin.
Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 10, 2009
SB 5149 Prime Sponsor, Senator Kline: Creating the geothermal assessment committee. Reported by Committee on Environment, Water & Energy
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5149 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford; Fraser; Hatfield; Holmquist; Marr; Morton; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator Delvin.
Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 10, 2009
SB 5191 Prime Sponsor, Senator Hobbs: Allowing noninsurance benefits as part of life insurance policies. Reported by Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5191 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Berkey, Chair; Hobbs, Vice Chair; Benton; Franklin; McDermott; Parlette and Schoesler.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5195 Prime Sponsor, Senator Berkey: Adopting the life settlements model act. Reported by Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5195 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Berkey, Chair; Hobbs, Vice Chair; Benton; Franklin; McDermott; Parlette and Schoesler.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5260 Prime Sponsor, Senator McAuliffe: Motivating students through incentives to pursue postsecondary education by eliminating statewide assessments as a high school graduation requirement. Reported by Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5260 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair, Early Learning; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; Brandland; Hobbs and Holmquist.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators King; Jarrett; McDermott; Roach and Tom.
Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 10, 2009
SB 5411 Prime Sponsor, Senator Kline: Concerning requests for driving record abstracts. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; McCaslin; Carrell; Hargrove; Kohl-Welles; Roach and Tom.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5414 Prime Sponsor, Senator McAuliffe: Implementing recommendations of the WASL legislative work group. Reported by Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5414 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair, Early Learning; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; King; Brandland; Hobbs; Holmquist; Jarrett and McDermott.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators Roach and Tom.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5427 Prime Sponsor, Senator Ranker: Addressing the release of certified abstracts of full driving records. Reported by Committee on Judiciary
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; McCaslin; Carrell; Hargrove; Kohl-Welles; Roach and Tom.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5434 Prime Sponsor, Senator Marr: Regarding prohibited practices in accountancy. Reported by Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5434 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist; Franklin; Honeyford; King and Kline.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5439 Prime Sponsor, Senator Haugen: Providing benefits to domestic partners under the Washington state patrol retirement system. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5439 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Berkey; Eide; Jarrett; Kauffman; Kilmer; King; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Swecker; Becker and Benton.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5468 Prime Sponsor, Senator Honeyford: Permitting an exemption for nonprofit housing organizations from the consumer loan act. Reported by Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5468 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Berkey, Chair; Hobbs, Vice Chair; Benton; Franklin; McDermott; Parlette and Schoesler.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5474 Prime Sponsor, Senator Kastama: Providing tax incentives for contributions for research and technology development grants. Reported by Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli; Delvin; Eide; Kilmer and McCaslin.
Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 10, 2009
SB 5504 Prime Sponsor, Senator Fraser: Concerning reclaimed water permitting. Reported by Committee on Environment, Water & Energy
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5504 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford; Delvin; Fraser; Hatfield; Marr; Morton; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator Holmquist.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5551 Prime Sponsor, Senator Franklin: Regarding recess periods for elementary school students. Reported by Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5551 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair, Early Learning; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; Holmquist; Jarrett; McDermott; Roach and Tom.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators King and Brandland.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5581 Prime Sponsor, Senator Delvin: Modifying provisions relating to sunscreening devices. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker; Becker; Benton; Berkey; Delvin; Eide; Jarrett; Kauffman; Kilmer; King; Ranker and Sheldon.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 9, 2009
SB 5582 Prime Sponsor, Senator Parlette: Concerning the chief for a day program. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker; Becker; Benton; Berkey; Delvin; Eide; Jarrett; Kauffman; Kilmer; King; Ranker and Sheldon.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5583 Prime Sponsor, Senator Marr: Improving the effectiveness of water bank and exchange provisions. Reported by Committee on Environment, Water & Energy
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5583 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hatfield; Marr; Morton; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Honeyford; Delvin and Holmquist.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5669 Prime Sponsor, Senator Berkey: Granting the insurance commissioner certain authority when the governor declares a state of emergency. Reported by Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Berkey, Chair; Hobbs, Vice Chair; Benton; Franklin; McDermott; Parlette and Schoesler.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5736 Prime Sponsor, Senator Rockefeller: Concerning sales and use tax preferences for electric vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure. Reported by Committee on Environment, Water & Energy
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5736 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Fraser; Hatfield; Marr; Morton; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Delvin and Holmquist.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator Honeyford.
Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.
February 10, 2009
SB 5899 Prime Sponsor, Senator Kilmer: Providing a business and occupation tax credit for qualified employment positions. Reported by Committee on Ways & Means
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5899 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli; Brandland; Carrell; Hobbs; Honeyford; Keiser; Kohl-Welles; McDermott; Murray; Parlette; Pflug; Pridemore; Regala; Rockefeller and Schoesler.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator Tom, Vice Chair, Operating Budget.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5910 Prime Sponsor, Senator Jarrett: Granting authority of a watershed management partnership to exercise powers of its forming governments. Reported by Committee on Environment, Water & Energy
MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5910 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Delvin; Fraser; Hatfield; Marr; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Honeyford and Holmquist.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
February 10, 2009
SB 5921 Prime Sponsor, Senator Rockefeller: Creating a clean energy collaborative. Reported by Committee on Environment, Water & Energy
MAJORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford; Delvin; Fraser; Holmquist; Marr; Morton; Ranker and Sheldon.
MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator Hatfield.
Passed to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.
February 10, 2009
ESHB 1906 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Commerce & Labor: Improving economic security through unemployment compensation. Reported by Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Franklin and Kline.
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Holmquist and King.
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
MOTION
On motion of Eide, all measures listed on the Standing Committee report were referred to the committees as designated with the exception of Senate Bill No. 5260 which was referred to the Committee on Ways & Means; Senate Bill No. 5899 and Substitute House Bill No. 1906 which under suspension of the rules placed on the second reading calendar.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the third order of business.
GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS
February 10, 2009
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.
PAUL A. PASTOR, appointed January 13, 2009, for the term ending August 2, 2009, as Member of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.
Sincerely,
CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the appointee listed on the Gubernatorial Appointment report was referred to the committee as designated.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fifth order of business.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
SB 5967 by Senators Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Fraser, McAuliffe and Kline
AN ACT Relating to prohibiting unfair practices in public community athletics programs by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex; adding new sections to chapter 49.60 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.110 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.61 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.68 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.69 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 5968 by Senators Haugen, Brandland, Hatfield, Morton and Roach
AN ACT Relating to the protection of agricultural lands; and amending RCW 36.70A.103.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.
AN ACT Relating to listing subcontractors on public works projects; amending RCW 39.30.060; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
AN ACT Relating to telephonic hearings in civil cases and traffic cases; and adding new sections to chapter 3.02 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to eliminating a requirement that certain ferry vessels be constructed within the boundaries of the state of Washington; amending RCW 47.56.780; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 5972 by Senators Benton, Pridemore, Shin and Roach
AN ACT Relating to voter information on envelopes provided for return of the voted ballot; and amending RCW 29A.40.091.
Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.
SB 5973 by Senators Kauffman, McAuliffe, Oemig, Shin, Hobbs, Kohl-Welles and Kline
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 Early Learning & K-12 Education.
SB 5974 by Senators Morton, Hatfield, Swecker, Marr and Shin
AN ACT Relating to transporting or accepting delivery of live nonambulatory livestock; amending RCW 16.36.116; and prescribing penalties.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.
SB 5975 by Senators Schoesler, Holmquist, McCaslin and Delvin
AN ACT Relating to reducing the reporting requirements and business and occupation tax on small business; amending RCW 82.32.030, 82.04.4451, and 82.32.045; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.
AN ACT Relating to extending tire replacement fees; amending RCW 70.95.510, 70.95.521, 70.95.530, and 70.95.555; adding a new section to chapter 70.95 RCW; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Transportation.
SB 5977 by Senators Delvin and Schoesler
AN ACT Relating to testing the chemical content of products sold at retail; amending RCW 70.76.030; and creating new sections.
Referred to Committee on Environment, Water & Energy.
SB 5978 by Senators Haugen and Kohl-Welles
AN ACT Relating to consumer rebates; and adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.
SB 5979 by Senators Hargrove, Schoesler, Jacobsen, Swecker, Fraser, Morton and Shin
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 Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
SB 5980 by Senators Oemig, Brandland and Fraser
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 Ways & Means.
AN ACT Relating to diagnostic imaging services; and adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
SB 5982 by Senators Kline, Franklin, Keiser, Kohl-Welles and Tom
AN ACT Relating to violations of Washington's law against discrimination; and adding a new section to chapter 49.60 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
SB 5983 by Senators Kline, Oemig and Pridemore
AN ACT Relating to the scope of agency actions under the administrative procedure act; amending RCW 34.05.010; and creating a new section.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to imprisonment in jails; and amending RCW 7.21.040 and 7.21.050.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to filing treatment plans with the court in deferred prosecution programs; and amending RCW 10.05.060.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
SB 5986 by Senators Kauffman, Kohl-Welles, Hargrove and Shin
AN ACT Relating to permitting certain higher education employees to engage in collective bargaining; and adding a new section to chapter 41.56 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Introduction and First Reading report were referred to the committees as designated.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the eighth order of business.
MOTION
Senator Becker moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8612
By Senators Becker, Hewitt, Delvin, McCaslin, Swecker, King, Morton, Franklin, Roach, Marr, Carrell, Parlette, Keiser, Brandland, Stevens, Honeyford, Schoesler, and Kilmer
WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate honors the unique and distinguishable achievements of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, The Miss Washington Scholarship Organization exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women and to promote their voices in culture, politics, and the community; and
WHEREAS, The Miss Washington Scholarship Organization makes available more than $473,000 in scholarships for its contestants each year; and
WHEREAS, Janet Harding of Yelm was crowned as Miss Washington in July of 2008 at Pantages Theater in Tacoma; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harding is the daughter of Myrna and Ron Harding and a 2005 graduate of Yelm High School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harding is currently a student at Western Washington University, where she is studying elementary education, social studies, and communications; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harding serves on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington and directed the first annual Miracle Bowl for Kids to benefit Children's Miracle Network; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harding previously served as Miss Tahoma, and has volunteered for more than 30 nonprofit organizations; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harding is competing in Las Vegas as one of 52 national finalists for the crown of Miss America 2009, with the winner announced on January 24th; and
WHEREAS, Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harding wants to continue her service in the future by reaching her career ambition as an elementary school teacher;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate does hereby acknowledge and honor Janet Harding, Miss Washington 2008, for her commitment to public service and for serving as a role model to young women across our state; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization, Miss Washington 2008 Janet Harding and the Harding family.
Senator Becker spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8612.
The motion by Senator Becker carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed and introduced Miss Washington 2008, Janet Harding and Father Honorable Ron Harding, Mayor of Yelm who were seated in the gallery.
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Schoesler: “Well thank you Mr. President. I’d like to thank the kind lady from the Second District for bringing wonderful example of the State of Washington before us and we all wish her our very, very best. I remember my maiden conversation on this floor was something not nearly as beautiful, peas and lentils, so we are coming up. I did want to welcome the kind lady to what is now team eighteen, after team seventeen, which we’re very happy about over here. We know that the young lady is an avid hunter, outdoors woman, comes with a background in health care and we certainly can use all the help we can stand there. I dug a little deeper into her past. Seems she has ties to the airline industry. The good gentleman from the forty-sixth district would certainly like to talk to her about that down the road and we’d also like to ask a few questions about her role in the airline industry. Were they still using propellers on all four engines when she flew there? Is it an airline that is currently in business that she worked for or was it the era of I think the book came out when I was a youngster called Coffe, Tea or Me? and I don’t know whether that had anything to do with it but I do know in the tradition of the Senate we will be expecting the proper gratuities to come to us. I can only hope that there not some of the left over airlines’ snacks. Thank you.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Delvin: “A couple questions, Mr. President. Could we trade the nice lady in the gallery for the one who just spoke on the floor? Is that possible?”
REPLY BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “I suggest you take that up with your caucus.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Delvin: “Thank you Mr. President. And also, I know you have a rule about carrying fire arms. You know, if she’s a hunter, I hope you’ve had her qualified before she carries her firearm on the floor as you made me.”
REPLY BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “With the exception of bows and arrows of course.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Marr: “Thank you Mr. President. Well, out of defference to the inexperience of the good Senator from the Second District I did not rise to ask a point or order. I believe there were several faux pas that the Senator exhibited during moving a resolution but because it certainly was a worthy resolution I think most of us resisted the temptation to suggest that perhaps she not move her resolution properly. I do want to say Mr. President, that Senator Becker certainly a welcome addition to the chamber and I really appreciate the fact that although I heard she lives in a fancy waterfront condo, in fact on the top floor, she shows some sympathy for those of us that have to suffer through the low price rental housing here in Olympia. So in fact I think she’s able to relate to all of us. I do understand that she’s going to be going shoe shopping with Senator McAuliffe and Senator Pflug this afternoon. She’s already developed some common interest. I think that comes from her background. She is from rural Western Washington, I don’t know exactly where Eatonville is, I think it’s near Hooterville if I’m not mistaken. I was told that her zip code is actually E-I-E-I-O. But I do want to say I have had the pleasure of serving on several committees with her, found her to be a find collaborative colleague and I just want to say when we encounter this type of colleague both Senator Schoesler and myself feel five feet tall to serve in this chamber. Thank you.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Kilmer: “Well, thank you Mr. President. You know it was good to hear the good lady from the Second District speak on the floor today. Frankly, it’s good to hear the good lady from the Second District speak. Senator Becker explained to me last night that she received a call from her grandson who said, ‘Grandma, I saw you on TV last night. You need to talk more,’ and I think that’s true. Senator Becker actually makes Senator Kauffman look chatty. It’s the fifth week of session and Senator Hatfield told me he didn’t realize that Senator Becker was on his committee. But I will say this, while she is quiet I believe that our good colleague, one, is a great listener and is taking things in and, like a lot of people in this body, once you speak it’s with great purpose and it’s on behalf of her constituents and on behalf of what she thinks is right and what is good and we welcome you here. We’re glad you’re here.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Becker: “I’ve never been told I’m quiet. I’m just trying to be observant and learn and listen so I can do a good job but I appreciate that. Thank you very much. ‘Coffee, Tea or Me?’ was an issue when I flew but I never partook, ok. We had a good song, I will tell you later about that. United still is in service and I flew for eight and half years and I started out on a Convair airplane and I got sick to my stomach every time we landed because it was so bumpy. So thank you very much. Hunting is my privilege and I’m glad that we can do it. Thank you Senator Marr. I don’t go E-I-E-O but I wake up every morning from my home in Eatonville and look at Mt. Rainer and I say, ‘Thank you God; everyday that I can see that when the suns out. It’s an honor to be here. It’s a privilege to be here and thank you all for being so warm and so welcoming to me. Thank you.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Delvin: “Thank you Mr. President. I just wanted recognize a young man up in the South Gallery. I just wanted to recognize one individual, Bryan Freshley. He was a page, former page of mine, as was his sister. He’s working on his Eagle or he is an Eagle now, I think, and but I just wanted to recognize him personally. He did a great job as a page. His family is well known in the community and they participate in the community. Thank you Mr. President.”
REPLY BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate. You may have noticed that we do have some very outstanding young Americans with us today. These are all Eagle Scouts, Senator Delvin, including your former page. Every year we allow them to come in and we have the honor of having them present the State of Scouting, the report to the state. We’re going to have that right now. It will only take a couple of minutes here from another outstanding Eagle Scout, Luke Wylie who will present the report of scouting to the State Senate. Mr. Wylie, would you please come forward?”
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed and introduced Eagle Scout, Luke Wylie, who was seated at the rostrum.
With permission of the Senate, business was suspended to allow Eagle Scout Luke Wylie to address the Senate.
REMARKS BY LUKE WYLIE
Luke Wylie: “Thank you. Good morning. My name is Luke Wylie and I’m an Eagle Scout from Troop 550 in Redmond, Washington. I’m here today in our capital city along with twenty-seven other Eagle Scouts and six Boy Scout Councils including Blue Mt. Council, Tri Cities; Chief Seattle Council, Seattle; Grand Columbia Council, Yakima; Inland Empire Council, Spokane; Mt. Baker Council, Everett; Pacific Harbor Council, Tacoma. Collectively we are here to present the annual report to the State of Washington. This past year, seventy-three thousand young people in Washington State participated in scouting programs through the membership of more than twenty thousand adult volunteers. Of these twenty thousand attending camp, two thousand achieve the pinnacle of scouting by earning the Eagle Scout rank. The Boy Scouts of America was founded on the premise that to be a good citizen you must do for others. Since its inception Scouts and volunteers have committed to serving others at all times with enthusiasm and conviction. In Scouting’s earliest we sold bonds and collected scrap metal to help win wars. Over the years, scouts have worked diligently to protect the environment. Through these and many other efforts the Boy Scouts of America has established a tradition of service. In 2004, the Boy Scouts launched Good turn for America, a national service initiative that addresses the issues of hunger, homelessness and poor health. Good Turn for American is a collaborative effort partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Through Good Turn for America the work of a single group is duplicated ten fold when hundreds of other organizations’ volunteers join to improve their community. While the program teaches youth vital lessons about service and leadership, it also enhances the life of adult volunteers by making difference in the happiness and health of our state under the leadership of our state wide Good Turn for America Chairman, Attorney General, Rob McKenna. In 2008 Washington Scouts and volunteers donated more than three hundred eighty-four thousand hours of community service to our state. That volunteer time is valued at 6.5 million dollars. By continuing to recruit quality leadership, inviting youth from all backgrounds to join and offering fun and exciting programs, we seek to help ordinary people become extraordinary adults. On behalf of the six Boy Scout Councils of Washington state, I’d like to present Lt. Governor Brad Owen with a copy of the 2009 report to the state. Thank you.”
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “In case you didn’t catch that, that was three hundred eighty-four thousand hours of community service that Scouts provided in the State of Washington in the last year. I believe that is correct, and of those the President would like to note that a couple of those Eagle Scouts have been pages for us as was noted by Senator Delvin. One of them is a page for us right now but Brian Freshley was a page for Senator Delvin last year. Today we have with us, Christopher Bitting who is also a Eagle Scout and just to give you an idea of the type of work that they do, he’s from Senator Haugen’s district. He raised five thousand dollars for defibrillators to be placed in his school so that’s the type of work that the scouts are doing for us in the great state of Washington. Thank you all very much.”
Senator Roach: “I just wanted to make a comment not only to thank those young men that have become Eagle Scouts and put their time an effort into this. As a mother of three Eagle Scouts I know how that is very time consuming and what really fun it is. But, I also want to rise and thank those leaders here today and across the state of Washington for giving their time and effort to guide young men and help them achieve the goals that have set for themselves because I think those volunteers that help our young people are what is helping to make our state and our nation as great as it is. Thank you.”
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed and introduced the Eagle Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America who were seated in the gallery.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
President Owen: “The President has the privilege of having two of those scouts shadow him today. Chandler Luke and Nathan Compton have been joining me today and they’ll be down here a little bit later.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Becker: “I wanted to see if I could spend a minute and explain my gifts that I gave to everyone today? Senator Eide, what you’re holding in your hand is actually from Wilkeson and Senator Roach and I share part of that district. That is a piece of limestone from the Wilkeson Quarry. That Wilkeson Quarry actually is part of the limestone that built the Capitol and it was completed in 1920. The company transported thirty ton rocks, limestone rocks down to Tacoma where the dozens of craftsmen work to build them, transported them here and actually that is part of our Capitol so I thought was a really important thing. Wilcox eggs are a farm in our community that has been in existence for one hundred years this year and so I asked if they would share part of their product with us and in the bottom of your package you will find a surveyor marker from Mt. Rainer. It’s a replica that’s given out in their stores or sold in their stores and since that’s a big part of my district and something that I love I thought was really important. You will also find a map of the walking tour of Orting and a little VIP pass and if you let them know, when you come down, they’ll put balloons on your car celebrating the fact that you’re in their town. One thing that I didn’t get in there is I wanted to put in my two cents but they told me I shouldn’t. Thank you.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Carrell: “Well, I very much appreciate the gifts from the good Senator from the Second District but I was wondering if there might be some sort of political statement inside here about the economic times that we’re in since my dozen only has eleven.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Brandland: “Mr. President, I’m, I have to take some sort of responsibility for that because I gave Senator Becker the message that Senator Carrell was one egg short of a dozen.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator McAuliffe: “Well, I happen to have a dozen chickens at home and I get eight eggs a day so because I didn’t need these eggs I called the Thurston County Food Bank and anyone who would like to have their eggs donated to the food bank they will pick them up in my office and they are very, very happy to have them. So, if you’d like to donate your eggs please drop them off at my office, 403.”
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed and introduced Luis Fernando Esteban, Honorary Consul of Spain and Francisco Javier Fernandez Alvarez, mayor of Leon who were seated at the rostrum.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
The President welcomed and introduced members of the Delegation of Spain, Rosa Maria Martin Rodriguez, Director of the Cabinet for the Mayor’s Office; Susana Travesi Lobato, Council Representative of Tourism, Government City of Leon; David Fernandez Arias, Technical Director, Tourism Council, Government of Leon; Daniel Movilla, President, Foundation of the Spanish Language; Ignacio Tejero Montano, Vice President, Foundation of the Spanish Language; Pablo Perez San-Jose, Director of the Observatory for the Information Security for Leon (INTECO)and Luis Javier Calvo Montero, Press who were seated in the gallery.
MOTION
At 10:39 a.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate was declared to be at ease subject to the call of the President.
The Senate was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by President Owen.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate reverted to the sixth order of business.
SECOND READING
HOUSE BILL NO. 1066, by Representatives Rolfes, Appleton and Moeller
Regarding special elections for changing the form of government of a noncharter code city.
The measure was read the second time.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Rockefeller, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 1066 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.
Senator Rockefeller spoke in favor of passage of the bill.
Senator Roach spoke against passage of the bill.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Marr, Senator Kastama was excused.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 1066.
ROLL CALL
The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 1066 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 41; Nays, 6; Absent, 1; Excused, 1.
Voting yea: Senators Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Delvin, Eide, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Hatfield, Haugen, Hewitt, Hobbs, Holmquist, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Jarrett, Kauffman, Keiser, Kilmer, King, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Marr, McAuliffe, McCaslin, McDermott, Morton, Murray, Oemig, Parlette, Pflug, Prentice, Pridemore, Ranker, Regala, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin and Tom - 41
Voting nay: Senators Becker, Benton, Carrell, Roach, Stevens and Swecker - 6
Absent: Senator Zarelli - 1
Excused: Senator Kastama - 1
HOUSE BILL NO. 1066, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Brandland, Senator Zarelli was excused.
Senator Brandland: “I don’t want to, I’m not going to make a big fuss or something but we just had something happen over here that was, that we may see happen in the future and I’d like to try to see if we could not have it happen again. We really under the impression that there was going to be no floor action today. We relayed that to our members, one of them left thinking there was going to be no floor action and then we found out that there was and so I’m just, all I would ask if we could just maybe just get a little bit more warning because I just didn’t want our members to leave and think that there was going to be nothing. So, if could just have a little bit more warning as far as floor action that would be great. Thank you.”
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Senator Eide: “Thank you, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I did let leadership know that we were going to be doing several bills this morning. In fact, it came from four to two, and we will be, as a matter of fact, tomorrow be on the floor at 8:00. Ok? So everyone knows, we’ll be here tomorrow also. 8:00.”
SECOND READING
HOUSE BILL NO. 1113, by Representatives Driscoll, Warnick, Dunshee, Probst, Carlyle, Wallace, White, Chase, Ormsby, Seaquist, Simpson, Goodman, Wood, Sullivan, Maxwell, Orwall, Hinkle and Santos
Financing the school construction assistance grant program.
The measure was read the second time.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Fraser, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 1113 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.
Senators Fraser and Brandland spoke in favor of passage of the bill.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 1113.
ROLL CALL
The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 1113 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 2.
Voting yea: Senators Becker, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Delvin, Eide, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Hatfield, Haugen, Hewitt, Hobbs, Holmquist, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Jarrett, Kauffman, Keiser, Kilmer, King, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Marr, McAuliffe, McCaslin, McDermott, Morton, Murray, Oemig, Parlette, Pflug, Prentice, Pridemore, Ranker, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Stevens, Swecker and Tom
Excused: Senators Kastama and Zarelli
HOUSE BILL NO. 1113, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.
MOTION
At 11:15 a.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate was declared to be at ease for the purpose of the Presentation of the Medal of Merit in Joint session in the House of Representatives..
The Senate appeared at the Chamber doors and requested admission. The Sergeant at Arms of the House and the Senate escorted President of the Senate Brad Owen to the rostrum. Senators were invited to seats 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 State 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 Medal of Merit Honoree Corky Mattingly 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 State 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.
Medal of Merit honoree Corky Mattingly 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, 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 the. 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 fund-raising 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 foundations 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 Chamber.
The Sergeant at Arms escorted the Governor and Mr. Gregoire from the Chamber.
The Sergeant at Arms escorted the State elected officials, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and the Supreme Court Justices from the Chamber.
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.
The Senate was called to order at 12:39 p.m. by President Owen.
MOTION
At 12:39 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 8:00 a.m. Friday, February 12, 2009.
BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate
THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate