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FORTY THIRD DAY
MORNING SESSION
House Chamber, Olympia, Monday, February 21, 2000
The House was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Speaker Chopp. The Clerk called the roll and a quorum was present.
The flag was escorted to the rostrum by the Kentwood ROTC Color Guard from Kentwood High School. The Speaker led the chamber in the Pledge of Alliance. The National Anthem was performed by Sonja Kaye, accompanied by Eric Verdine. Prayer was offered by Father Seamus Laverty, St. Patrick's Church, Tacoma. Ms. Kaye performed "This Little Light of Mine".
The Philipino American Youth Organization performed a special dance.
RESOLUTIONS
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4748, by Representatives Morris, Quall, Anderson, Barlean, McDonald, D. Schmidt, Dunn and Wensman
WHEREAS, Brandon Vance, a resident of Anacortes, is a wonderfully talented young musician; and
WHEREAS, Brandon has been competing as a violinist since 1996, when he entered and won his first Scottish Fiddle competition at age eleven; and
WHEREAS, Brandon won the Junior Columbia-Pacific Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1996 and 1997; and
WHEREAS, Brandon placed second in the Junior United States National Scottish Fiddle Championships in 1998; and
WHEREAS, Brandon is also accomplished in classical violin, receiving the 1998 Outstanding Achievement Award in the Seattle Young Artists Music Festival Concerto; and
WHEREAS, Brandon won the Open Northwest Regional Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1999, and became the youngest person to ever win the Open United States National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1999, at the age of fourteen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor Brandon Vance for his outstanding achievement in becoming the youngest person to ever win the Open United States National Scottish Fiddle Championship.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Brandon Vance.
Representative Morris moved adoption of the resolution.
Representative Morris spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.
House Resolution No. 2000-4748 was adopted.
Speaker Chopp introduced Brandon Vance, who performed a set of Scottish traditional tunes on the violin.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4763, by Representatives Skinner, Kenney, Kessler, Carlson, Thomas, McDonald, Ogden, Lantz, D. Schmidt, Wensman and Conway
WHEREAS, The Arts enhance the lives of the people of the State of Washington; and
WHEREAS, The Arts have long been a part of community development with thousands of Artists commissioned through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930's; and
WHEREAS, Washington continues to benefit from the contributions of the state's many Arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions, and individual Artists, including photographers, playwrights, actors, directors, writers, musicians, painters, carvers, sculptors, weavers, and other craftspeople; and
WHEREAS, The Arts stimulate creative thinking, contribute to full brain development, encourage self-expression, promote common understanding, and transmit cultural values to future generations; and
WHEREAS, The Arts enable lifelong learning, are essential to a basic education, assist with the teaching of other subjects, and foster logical analysis, self-discipline, cooperation, and teamwork; and
WHEREAS, The Arts contribute to the economic development of our state's communities by generating millions of dollars in revenue each year through performances, projects, exhibitions, festivals, Art walks, craft fairs, and concerts; and
WHEREAS, The Arts of Washington State have received international acclaim for the quality of our Artists, Arts educators, and Arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions, drawing audiences from across the nation and the world to the Northwest, and making cultural tourism a vital part of our economy; and
WHEREAS, The world renowned Art showing, Three Generations of Mexican Masters, presented by the Consul of Mexico, can be viewed February 21st through February 28th of this year at the Office of the Secretary of State, located in the Capitol Building in Olympia, Washington;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the Arts, Artists, Arts educators, and Arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions of this state, and encourage all the citizens of Washington State to join the conversation in planning on the Arts as we address the issues and opportunities for Arts and culture for our state and our communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Arts Commission and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction on behalf of all the Artists, Arts educators, and Arts agencies, facilities, organizations, and institutions of this state.
Representative Skinner moved adoption of the resolution.
Representatives Skinner, Kenney, Kessler and DeBolt spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.
House Resolution No. 2000-4763 was adopted.
Speaker Chopp introduced Consul General of Mexico, Mariano Lemas.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4762, by Representatives G. Chandler, Linville, Thomas, D. Schmidt, Dunn and Wensman
WHEREAS, Washington state produces more potatoes per acre than anywhere else in the world; and
WHEREAS, For the first time ever, Washington state potatoes or "Watatos" surpassed wheat to become the second largest agricultural crop in Washington; and
WHEREAS, The Washington Watato industry contributes approximately 2 billion dollars to our state's economy; and
WHEREAS, People all over the world know that Watatos are delicious and nutritious; and
WHEREAS, There are over 300 proud Watato growers in the state of Washington, harvesting nearly 152,000 acres of Watatos each year; and
WHEREAS, Eighty-seven percent of Watatos are sold to processors who carefully and lovingly transform them into golden fries, crunchy chips, and whipped and creamy mashed watatos; and
WHEREAS, Due to the long, warm days and cool nights in the mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Columbia Basin, Watatos grow up to be the light, fluffy, high-solids Watatos known worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Nearly nine out of every ten Watatos are marketed out of Washington state, with a significant portion of these going to overseas markets; and
WHEREAS, Japan purchases approximately 70 percent of the french fries made from Watatos that are exported each year; and
WHEREAS, In Pacific Rim countries where local government trade regulations permit fresh potato imports, Watatos command a 95 percent share of United States potato exports;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State House of Representatives acknowledge and honor the women and men who plant, grow, harvest, and process Watatos in Washington state that have contributed so much to the strength and vitality of our state and its economy, the character of our communities, and the general well-being of our citizens; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Potato Commission and to Watato lovers everywhere.
Representative Chandler moved adoption of the resolution.
Representatives Chandler, Linville, Clements and Cooper spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.
House Resolution No. 2000-4762 was adopted.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4760, by Representatives Tokuda, Kagi, McIntire, Kenney, Dickerson, Rockefeller, Veloria, Regala, Santos, Keiser, Conway, Hatfield, Van Luven, Eickmeyer, Reardon, Cooper, Schual-Berke, Morris, Edwards, Ruderman, Haigh, Dunshee, Constantine, Anderson, Carlson, Edmonds, O'Brien, Lantz, Wood, Kastama, Bush, Ogden, Grant, Buck, Delvin, Campbell, Ballasiotes, Mielke, Crouse, McDonald, D. Schmidt, Dunn and Wensman
WHEREAS, For over fifty years, the staff and volunteers of Washington state's YMCA Youth & Government have been helping young people experience democracy in action through two successful programs, the YMCA Youth Legislature and the YMCA Mock Trial Competition; and
WHEREAS, The YMCA Youth Legislature will meet for its 53rd session from May 3, 2000, through May 6, 2000, and expects over four hundred forty participants; and
WHEREAS, The YMCA Mock Trial Competition began twelve years ago, and continues this year from March 26, 2000, through March 27, 2000, and expects over five hundred participants; and
WHEREAS, The goals of the YMCA Youth and Government programs are to foster the development of citizen responsibility and communication skills; to inspire young people to develop integrity and social responsibility; to foster social competence, problem-solving ability, autonomy, and sense of purpose in young adults; to provide training, experience, and active participation in the legislative and judicial processes; to provide opportunities to hear and respect varying viewpoints; and to apply ethical values in making public policy; and
WHEREAS, Through participation in the YMCA Youth and Government programs, young people in Washington state develop a strong sense of self-reliance and self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, In the YMCA Youth Legislature, young adults take on a variety of roles in government, including elected positions, and exercise their responsibilities during a four-day session held at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Through the YMCA Youth Legislature, young adults learn how to write legislation, use parliamentary procedure, speak publicly and persuasively, and compromise to achieve a goal; and
WHEREAS, The motto of the YMCA Youth Legislature is Democracy Must Be Learned by Every Generation; and
WHEREAS, In the YMCA Mock Trial Competition, young adults prepare and try a case before a real judge in an actual courtroom; and
WHEREAS, Through the YMCA Mock Trial Competition, young adults develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn the art of oral advocacy, and appreciate the importance of teamwork and cooperation under the pressure of preparing and arguing their cases; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Washington encourage the interests of our youth in legislative matters and in the proceedings of the Legislature;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor YMCA Youth and Government programs.
There being no objection, House Resolution No. 2000-4760 was adopted.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4753, by Representatives Fortunato, Ruderman, DeBolt, Stensen, Carrell, Santos, McMorris, Grant, Campbell, O'Brien, Mulliken, Ogden, B. Chandler, Edmonds, Lambert, Romero, Hankins, Regala, Esser, Linville, Thomas, Keiser, Cox, Reardon, Schindler, Kenney, Wensman, Rockefeller, Parlette, Lantz, Bush, Lovick, Talcott, Haigh, Mielke, Conway, Skinner, Anderson, D. Sommers, Doumit, Dunn, Dickerson, Woods, Fisher, Clements, Hatfield, Cairnes, Gombosky, Koster, Tokuda, Barlean, Eickmeyer, Edwards, Kastama, Schual-Berke, Quall, Morris, Wood, Kagi, Miloscia, Dunshee, Veloria, Wolfe, Poulsen, Kessler, Murray, McIntire, Cooper, McDonald and D. Schmidt
WHEREAS, The birth of a child marks one of the greatest events of life in any culture; and
WHEREAS, The time-honored profession of midwifery provides safe, effective, and personalized care for mothers and babies resulting in excellent birth outcomes as well as deeply meaningful and satisfying family birth experiences; and
WHEREAS, All of our nation's presidents, except the last two, and many of our nation's most revered scientists and clergy of the last century were delivered at home, mainly by midwives; and
WHEREAS, Midwives are acknowledged as being highly influential in establishing and advancing the modern-day practice of nursing and the surgical discipline of obstetrics by giving us a comprehensive and specialized understanding of normal labor and birth; and
WHEREAS, According to a recent study at John Hopkins University, midwives are the most cost-effective and appropriate primary caregivers for childbearing women, and $13 billion to $20 billion a year could be saved in health care costs by developing midwifery care; and
WHEREAS, Research shows conclusively that for most women a planned midwife-attended birth at home or in a birth center is at least as safe as birth in a hospital; and
WHEREAS, The practice of midwifery has many benefits including lower costs, lower rates of premature births, lower incidence of medical interventions during the birthing process including routine episiotomies and cesarean sections, reduced incidence of birth injury, higher rates of breast-feeding, and greater satisfaction with the birthing experience; and
WHEREAS, Midwives are licensed in Washington State and must successfully complete rigorous theoretical instruction as well as extensive supervised clinical experience in all aspects of the birthing process; and
WHEREAS, The cooperative work of the Midwives Association of Washington State and national midwifery organizations to increase women's access to midwifery and community awareness of childbirth, pregnancy, and early parenting choices will result in more healthy outcomes for babies being born in our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the many significant contributions midwives have made to the health and well-being of our citizens; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Department of Health and the Midwives Association of Washington.
Representative Fortunato moved adoption of the resolution.
Representatives Fortunato, Ruderman, Schmidt, Woods and Schindler spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.
House Resolution No. 2000-4753 was adopted.
Speaker Chopp called upon Representative Ogden to presiding.
Reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was ordered to stand approved.
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
February 18, 2000
Mr. Speaker:
The Senate has passed:
ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8418,
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8426,
and the same are herewith transmitted.
Tony M. Cook, Secretary
There being no objection, the House advanced to the fourth order of business.
INTRODUCTIONS AND FIRST READING
HB 3139 by Representatives Huff, Doumit, Eickmeyer, Buck, Haight, Parlette, Kessler and Hatfield
AN ACT Relating to providing for an interim policy regarding log export restricts.
Held on 1st Reading from February 15, 2000.
HB 3145 by Representatives Constantine and Ballasiotes
AN ACT Relating to donations to public higher education institutions; and adding a new section to chapter 28B.10 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Higher Education.
HB 3146 by Representatives Carrell, Thomas, Barlean, Radcliff, Koster, Huff, Cox, Alexander, Ballasiotes, Mulliken, Lambert, McMorris, Schoesler, Cairnes, D. Sommers, Carlson, Mastin, Parlette, B. Chandler, Delvin, Schindler, Woods, Campbell, G. Chandler, Mielke, Crouse, Esser, DeBolt, Lisk, Pflug, Ericksen, Talcott, Mitchell, Hankins, Skinner, Boldt, Sump, Buck, D. Schmidt, Fortunato, Wensman, Dunn and McDonald
AN ACT Relating to reducing property taxes by reducing the total state property tax levy amount by ten percent; and adding a new section to chapter 84.55 RCW.
Referred to Committee on Finance.
HB 3147 by Representatives Veloria and Campbell
AN ACT Relating to the Washington state trade representative; amending RCW 43.332.005 and 43.332.010; and adding a new section to chapter 43.332 RCW.
Held on 1st Reading.
ESSCR 8418 by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Heavey, Kohl-Welles, Long, Franklin and Kline)
Reviewing state sentencing policy.
Referred to Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections.
SCR 8426 by Senators Rasmussen, Swecker, Snyder, Bauer, Goings, McCaslin, Winsley, Oke, West, Shin, Benton, Thibaudeau, Roach, Johnson, B. Sheldon, Haugen, Heavey, Fairley, Spanel, Prentice, Loveland, Fraser, Kohl-Welles and McAuliffe
Creating a joint select committee on veterans and military affairs.
Referred to Committee on State Government.
There being no objection, the bills and resolutions 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 18, 2000
ESSB 6347 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Senate State & Local Government: Creating small works roster provisions to award public works contracts. Reported by Committee on State Government
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Representatives McMorris, Republican Co-Chair; Romero, Democratic Co-Chair; Miloscia, Democratic Vice Chair; Haigh; Lambert and D. Schmidt.
Voting yea: Representatives McMorris, Romero, Miloscia, Haigh, Lambert and Schmidt.
Excused: Representatives Campbell and Dunshee.
Passed to Rules Committee for Second Reading.
There being no objection, the bill 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 eighth order of business.
EIGHTH ORDER
There being no objection, SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6284 was referred from the Committee on Judiciary to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Corrections, and SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6395 was referred from the Committee on Judiciary to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Corrections.
There being no objection, the House advanced to the eleventh order of business.
MOTION
On motion of Representative Morris, the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2000, the 44th Legislative Day.
TIMOTHY A. MARTIN, Chief Clerk CLYDE BALLARD, Speaker
CYNTHIA ZEHNDER, Chief Clerk FRANK CHOPP, Speaker