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NINETY-SIXTH DAY

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AFTERNOON SESSION

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Senate Chamber, Olympia, Friday, April 18, 2003

      The Senate was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by President Owen. No roll call was taken.


MOTION


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


SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT


      The President signed:

      SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5051,

      SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5120,

      SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5358,

      SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5409,

      SENATE BILL NO. 5507,

      SENATE BILL NO. 5662.


INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING

 

SB 6079             by Senators Kline, Franklin and Prentice

 

AN ACT Relating to rate filing requirements for casualty insurance; amending RCW 48.19.043; adding a new section to chapter 48.19 RCW; and creating a new section.

Referred to Committee on Financial Services, Insurance and Housing.

 

SJM 8024           by Senators Deccio, Thibaudeau, Parlette, Winsley, Prentice, Brandland, Keiser, Kohl-Welles and Mulliken

 

Requesting that Congress enact universal, efficient, and effective outpatient prescription drug coverage as part of the federal Medicare program.

 

Referred to Committee on Health and Long-Term Care.


MOTION


      On motion of Senator Sheahan, the following resolution was adopted:


SENATE RESOLUTION 8661


By Senators Carlson, Kohl-Welles, Stevens, Benton, Esser, Rossi, Brandland, Morton, Sheahan, Hewitt, McCaslin, Swecker, Winsley, Hale, Deccio, Johnson, Zarelli, Finkbeiner, Schmidt, Mulliken, Parlette, Honeyford, Roach, Horn, West, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Shin, B. Sheldon, Jacobsen, T. Sheldon, Eide, Haugen, Kastama, Franklin, Fraser, Fairley, Thibaudeau, Spanel, Brown, Regala, Prentice, Poulsen, Keiser, Reardon, Hargrove, Doumit and Kline


      WHEREAS, The students selected for special recognition as Washington Scholars in 2003 have distinguished themselves as exceptional students, student leaders, and as talented and enthusiastic participants in many diverse activities including art, debate, drama, honor societies, interscholastic sports, Junior Achievement, knowledge competitions, music, and student government; and

      WHEREAS, These exemplary students have also contributed to the welfare of those less fortunate in their neighborhoods through volunteer efforts with community service organizations such as the United Way, Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, community food drives, senior centers, scouting, and church groups; and

      WHEREAS, The state of Washington benefits greatly from the accomplishments of these caring and gifted individuals, not only in their role as students, but also as citizens, role models for other young people, and future leaders of our communities and our state; and

      WHEREAS, Through the Washington Scholars Program, the Governor, the Legislature, and the state's citizens have an opportunity to recognize and honor three outstanding seniors from each of the state's Forty-nine Legislative Districts for the students' exceptional academic achievements, leadership abilities, and contributions to their communities;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor and congratulate the Washington Scholars for their hard work, dedication, contributions, and maturity in achieving this significant accomplishment; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the families of these students be commended for the encouragement and support they have provided to the scholars; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the principals, teachers, and classmates of these highly esteemed students be recognized for the important part they played in helping the scholars to learn, contribute, lead, and excel; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to each of the Washington Scholars selected in 2003.


MOTION


      On motion of Senator Sheahan, the following resolution was adopted:


SENATE RESOLUTION 8663




By Senator McAuliffe


      WHEREAS, The Western Hockey League (WHL) is an amateur league working collaboratively with the Canadian Hockey League and Canadian Hockey Association; and

      WHEREAS, The WHL has teams in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia in Canada, and the states of Washington and Oregon in the United States; and

      WHEREAS, The WHL offers young athletes ages sixteen through nineteen a positive experience without compromising their educational objectives; and

      WHEREAS, Through the WHL's scholarship program, a player can receive one year of paid tuition and books for each year he plays with the WHL, and those scholarships can be used at any Canadian or American university, technical school, or other postsecondary institution; and

      WHEREAS, Since 1993, the WHL has awarded more than 1,400 scholarships, and all teams under the WHL charter, including the Seattle Thunderbirds, participate in the scholarship program; and

      WHEREAS, Seattle joined the Western Hockey League as the Seattle Breakers in 1977 and later became the Seattle Thunderbirds in the 1985-1986 season; and

      WHEREAS, The "T-Birds" are members of the eighteen team Western Hockey League, playing seventy-two games between September and March; and

      WHEREAS, The Seattle Thunderbirds have drawn more than 200,000 fans in ten of the past eleven seasons and share the sports market with the Seattle Mariners American League Baseball team, Seattle Seahawks National Football League team, and the Seattle Supersonics National Basketball Association team; and

      WHEREAS, On February 22, 2003, the Seattle Thunderbirds clinched the United States Division title for the first time in their twenty-six year franchise history; and

      WHEREAS, The "T-Birds" have advanced to the Western Conference Semi-Finals in the 2002-2003 season as one of the toughest and most successful teams in the WHL;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate congratulate the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team for helping ensure high standards of education for all its players and their outstanding 2002-2003 season; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Russ Farwell, Seattle Thunderbirds General Manager, and Head Coach Dean Chynoweth.


MOTION


      On motion of Senator Sheahan, the following resolution was adopted:


SENATE RESOLUTION 8665


By Senators Kohl-Welles, Winsley, Jacobsen, Haugen, Spanel and Johnson


      WHEREAS, Living in Washington State are people of all ethnicities and backgrounds who share their traditions, histories, and cultures with our state; and

      WHEREAS, Washington State recognizes the great cultural contributions made by the many generations and individuals of Norwegian descent residing in our state, specifically in Ballard, as well as the nation at large; and

      WHEREAS, Since 1889, the greater Seattle area has joined in celebrating Norway's Constitution Day on the 17th of May by hosting a 17th of May, or "Syttende Mai," Festival and parade in Ballard to honor the day in 1814 when Norway declared its independence by signing its constitution; and

      WHEREAS, The Ballard May 17th parade is one of the largest ethnic parades in the United States and the largest May 17th parade outside of Oslo, Norway; and

      WHEREAS, Beginning at 3:00 p.m. in Ballard, family, friends, and community will join together to participate in a wide range of cultural festivities and events in celebration of all that is Norwegian;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the State Senate recognize the 17th of May, 2003, to be Norway's National Day in Washington and encourage all citizens to join in celebrating the culture and heritage of Norway; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Norwegian 17th of May Committee and to the Nordic Heritage Museum.


MOTION


      On motion of Senator Sheahan, the following resolution was adopted:


SENATE RESOLUTION 8669


By Senators Zarelli and Carlson


      WHEREAS, The first Monday through Sunday in May is recognized by the United States government and around the world as Public Service Recognition Week; and

      WHEREAS, During this week, public employees teach citizens about the many ways in which government serves the people and how government services make life better for all of us; and

      WHEREAS, This year, Despina Varkados will complete forty-six years as a dedicated employee of the Washington School for the Deaf; and

      WHEREAS, Despina has been energetic, caring, professional, and inspirational since the day in 1957, when she began teaching at the School for the Deaf; and

      WHEREAS, She stands as an example to all by not only earning a Bachelor's Degree in Deaf Education from Lewis and Clark College and a Master's in Education from the University of Portland, but also keeping abreast of the many changes in educational practices over the years; and

      WHEREAS, She worked tirelessly as a preschool, middle school, and high school language arts teacher while selflessly raising three children; and

      WHEREAS, She single-handedly opened and led the school's Outreach Program from 1980 to 2000; and

      WHEREAS, She has been an invaluable asset to the Deaf School as the Public Relations and Community Service Coordinator; and

      WHEREAS, Despina has been an outstanding leader as the President and Vice-President of the Teachers' Organization and contributing member of the Parent Staff Organization; and

      WHEREAS, She has made a significant impact on at least three generations of deaf families, who have passed through the school during her tenure. and all remember her as a wonderful teacher and role model; and

      WHEREAS, She has learned and shown through her actions the importance of staff mentoring and sharing her wisdom and experience with those around her; and

      WHEREAS, More than anything, she loves her students and their families and has never slowed her pace when it comes to doing all she can to help them;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize Despina Varkados for her outstanding longevity and unwavering service to the Washington School for the Deaf and to the state of Washington; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all state employees look to Despina Varkados as a shining example of public service during the 2003 Public Service Recognition Day on May 7, 2003.


MOTION


      At 1:21 p.m., on motion of Senator Sheahan, the Senate adjourned until 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2003.


BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate


MILTON H. DOUMIT, Jr., Secretary of the Senate