SEVENTY-NINTH DAY
NOON SESSION
Senate Chamber, Olympia, Tuesday, March 29, 2005
The Senate was called to order at 12:00 noon by President Owen. No roll call was taken.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.
MOTION
There being no objection, the Senate advanced to the first order of business.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
March 28, 2005
SHB 1065 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Authorizing the armed forces license plate collection. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1116 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Authorizing a "Ski & Ride Washington" license plate. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1179 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Authorizing a pilot project for high-occupancy toll lanes. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senator Mulliken
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1180 Prime Sponsor, Kilmer: Harmonizing vehicle size limits with federal rules. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1181 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Facilitating sealed ocean-going container movement. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
2SHB 1188 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Appropriations: Negotiating state patrol officer wages and wage-related matters. Revised for 2nd Substitute: Negotiating state patrol officer wages, wage-related matters, and nonwage matters. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1216 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Providing funding for watchable wildlife activities by creating the "Wild On Washington" license plates. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1218 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Authorizing endangered wildlife license plates. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1232 Prime Sponsor, O'Brien: Clarifying the ability of Washington state patrol officers to engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plainclothes for private benefit. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 25, 2005
ESHB 1252 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Education: Providing for family and consumer science education. Reported by Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Weinstein, Vice Chair, Early Learning & K-12; Benton, Berkey, Carrell, Delvin, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Pflug, Rasmussen, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler and Shin
MINORITY recommendation: Without recommendation. Signed by Senator Pridemore, Vice Chair, Higher Education
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1254 Prime Sponsor, Wood: Authorizing the "share the road" special license plate. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1259 Prime Sponsor, Wallace: Making technical corrections to chapter 46.87 RCW. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1260 Prime Sponsor, Jarrett: Allowing reciprocal waiver of driver's license exams. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1266 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Updating laws on drugs and alcohol use by commercial drivers. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1469 Prime Sponsor, Lovick: Changing hearing procedures for violations of commercial motor vehicle laws, rules, and orders. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1598 Prime Sponsor, Wood: Adjusting population thresholds for membership on the county road administration board. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1599 Prime Sponsor, Takko: Revising the definition of "county engineer." Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
HB 1600 Prime Sponsor, Takko: Revising county road project reporting. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel and Swecker
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1711 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Revising marking requirement parking places for persons with disabilities. Revised for 1st Substitute: Revising marking requirements for parking places for persons with disabilities. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
MINORITY recommendation: Without recommendation. Signed by Senator Mulliken
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
March 25, 2005
E2SHB 1794 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Appropriations: Expanding access to baccalaureate degree programs. Reported by Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Weinstein, Vice Chair, Early Learning & K-12; Benton, Berkey, Carrell, Delvin, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Pflug, Rasmussen, Rockefeller, Schmidt and Shin
MINORITY recommendation: Without recommendation. Signed by Senator Schoesler
Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.
March 28, 2005
SHB 1798 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Recovering costs for motorist information signs. Revised for 1st Substitute: Modifying motorist information sign panel regulatory provisions. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
MINORITY recommendation: Without recommendation. Signed by Senator Esser
Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS
March 28, 2005
SGA 9296 PHILIP JONES, reappointed March 2, 2005, for the term ending March 1, 2011, as Member of the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Reported by Committee on Transportation
MAJORITY recommendation: Without recommendation. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein
Passed to Committee on Water, Energy & Environment.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Standing Committee report were referred to the committees as designated.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fifth order of business.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
AN ACT Relating to revenue and taxation; amending RCW 82.04.060, 82.12.0251, 82.12.0255, 82.12.035, 82.08.010, 82.14.020, 82.14.020, 82.08.150, 82.08.160, 82.32.545, 82.32.550, 48.14.080, 82.04.298, 82.04.290, and 82.71.020; amending 2004 c 153 s 502 (uncodified); amending 2003 1st sp.s. c 16 s 6 (uncodified); reenacting and amending RCW 82.04.050, 82.04.190, 82.12.010, 82.12.020, 82.12.040, 82.04.260, 82.04.250, 82.04.250, and 82.04.440; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; creating a new section; providing effective dates; providing a contingent effective date; providing expiration dates; and declaring an emergency.
Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the measure listed on the Introduction and First Reading report was referred to the committee as designated.
MOTION
On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the eighth order of business.
MOTION
Senator Honeyford moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8636
By Senators Honeyford and Fraser
WHEREAS, In 1852, Olympia became the county seat of a newly organized county called Thurston; and
WHEREAS, On November 27, 1853, Governor Isaac Stevens selected Olympia as the temporary territorial capital because, among other reasons, it was host to the customs office and first newspaper in the territory, The Columbian; and
WHEREAS, On January 10, 1855, the territorial legislature made Olympia its permanent capital; and
WHEREAS, In the 1859-1860 legislative session, a bill came before the territorial legislature calling for Vancouver to become the permanent capital of the Washington Territory, and it was the territorial council that saved Olympia's capital status with a 5-4 vote; and
WHEREAS, In December of 1860, the Capital Relocation Act, which moved the capital to Vancouver, passed both houses without debate, however, in that same session a referendum also passed the assembly asking the voters to choose the location of the capital in the next election; and
WHEREAS, On July 8, 1861, by referendum Olympia was decided the clear winner with 1,239 signatures; and
WHEREAS, In December of 1861, a 2-1 majority of the territorial supreme court found that both statutes were missing enacting clauses and dates of passage, and without an enacting clause, the court found the removal act void and that the referendum held precedence; and
WHEREAS, On July 4, 1889, the state constitutional convention opened in Olympia, and delegates to the constitutional convention supported a referendum on the capital which would be voted on with adoption of the state Constitution; and
WHEREAS, On October 1, 1889, Olympia prevailed over Yakima and Ellensburg with a vote total of 25,490, however, not even the third direct vote of the people prevented further capital location controversies; and
WHEREAS, In 1899, Governor John Rogers vetoed a bill that would have mandated completion of the Capitol Building in Olympia, suggesting the purchase of the newly finished Thurston County Courthouse as a temporary solution; and
WHEREAS, Even with the purchase of the Thurston County Courthouse in 1901, another attempt was made to move the seat of government via a bill that passed both houses and putting yet another referendum on the state ballot that asked whether the capital should be moved to Tacoma or remain in Olympia; and
WHEREAS, Governor Albert Mead vetoed the bill, which put the end to any anti-Olympia sentiment; and
WHEREAS, With the completion of the Legislative Building in 1927, the Washington State Legislature finally met in a permanent Capitol Building, 73 years after the first territorial legislature convened;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington State Senate honor the city of Olympia for its longevity and perseverance as the State Capital of Washington, in this, the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the territorial legislature's selection of Olympia as its capital.
Senators Honeyford and Fraser spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8636.
The motion by Senator Honeyford carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
MOTION
Senator Honeyford moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8653
By Senator Honeyford
WHEREAS, Mabton, Washington, located in Yakima County, at the eastern edge of the Yakima Indian Reservation, officially incorporated on November 7, 1905; and
WHEREAS, Mabton, grew around the Northern Pacific Railroad, which linked both ends of the valley on the southwest side of the Yakima River by 1887; and
WHEREAS, The town's name is an abbreviation of Mabletown, which was named for a railroad official's daughter Mable; and
WHEREAS, One of Mabton's most memorable occasions came in 1911, when Teddy Roosevelt made a short train stop and spoke to a small gathering on the rail platform; and
WHEREAS, Yakima Chief Ranches Inc., in Mabton, is considered one of the largest hop operations in the world; and
WHEREAS, Mel Stottlemyre, a pitcher and later a pitching coach for the New York Yankees, who won 164 games for them as a pitcher from 1964 to 1974, with three 20-win seasons, is from Mabton; and
WHEREAS, Mabton's local farmers established the Hay Palace on September 15, 1915, built of 1,000 tons of baled alfalfa hay, which included displays of farm products, a rodeo, and vaudeville acts and music in a theater and auditorium also built of hay bales, to promote the bumper crops of alfalfa and other hay grown around Mabton; and
WHEREAS, Lengendary Senator Irv Newhouse was a farmer and rancher from Mabton who served the 15th Legislative District for 34 years and was known as a staunch defender of agriculture; he wielded considerable influence in leadership positions for the Senate Republican Caucus, first as floor leader and later as President Pro Tempore; his name now adorns a building on the capitol campus in recognition of his honorable service to the State of Washington; and
WHEREAS, Mabton's first City Council consisted of: Mayor, T.W. Howell; Clerk, W.T. Livingston; Treasurer, J.C. Sanger; Councilmen, J.A. Humphrey, J. Beaudry, John Schnell, J.C. Phillips, A.M. Creamer; Marshal, H.A. Young; and Police Judge, A.M. Nicholas;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the City of Mabton as it celebrates its 100th anniversary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Mabton city leaders, including Mayor David Conradt; City Administrator Ildia Jackson; Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Kay Roy; Police Chief Raul Almeida, and Council Members Ernesto Armendariz, Velva Herrera, Virginia Molina, John Reynolds, and Vera Zavala.
Senator Honeyford spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8653.
The motion by Senator Honeyford carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
MOTION
Senator Oke moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8656
By Senators Oke and Eide
WHEREAS, Over the course of our nation's military history, tens of thousands of war dogs served during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo peacekeeping operations, and coalition operations in Afghanistan and Iraq; and
WHEREAS, These war dogs were specifically trained for jobs like scout, sentry, tracker, mine and booby trap detection, tunnel, water patrol, coast guard, messenger, and search and rescue; and
WHEREAS, American's war dog teams have a long and legendary history of courage, heroism, and sacrifice on thousands of foreign fields of battle and are credited with saving countless numbers of lives of Americans, allies, and noncombantants; and
WHEREAS, War dogs have significantly reduced the enemy's capacity to sabotage or destroy war equipment worth billions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, War dogs work for food, water, and the love, loyalty, and bond of their handlers; and
WHEREAS, At the end of World War II the thousands of military working dogs were hailed as heroes and discharged from the military service and returned to the United States where many were repatriated with the families that donated them, while others were released to the custody of their handlers to live the rest of their lives in peace; and
WHEREAS, During the Vietnam War all dogs were classified as equipment and deemed expendable and most of the surviving dogs were either transferred to the South Vietnam Army for duty or euthanized; and
WHEREAS, The loving bond and extreme loyalty between dog and handler is unconditional and immeasurable and it was extremely difficult for the handlers in Vietnam to leave their dogs behind; and
WHEREAS, Veteran and current war dog handlers have joined together to create and fund a fitting memorial to war dogs to be placed in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, War dog handlers are asking Congress for permission to place the National War Dog Team Memorial in a place of honor in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, The National War Dog Team Memorial will give war dog handlers and other soldiers who relied on war dogs for their safety and survival the opportunity to have an enduring tribute to their loyal and loving companions and protectors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate officially recognize the courage and dedication of war dogs and the appropriateness of a fitting memorial to war dog teams in our nation's capital; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be delivered to all members of Washington State's congressional delegation and to the Washington State representative of the National War Dog Team Memorial, Mr. Bill Shoap of Port Orchard, Washington.
Senators Oke and Eide spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8656.
The motion by Senator Oke carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
MOTION
Senator Eide moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8659
By Senator Eide
WHEREAS, Since April 18, 1949, the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, has unselfishly served the people of Greater Federal Way, Washington, and the unincorporated neighborhoods of Lakeland, Trout Lake, Camelot, and the neighboring areas of South King County with honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, In the 55 year history of the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, the fire department has grown from a single fire engine housed in a barn in Lakeland and manned by a handful of dedicated Volunteer Fire Fighters to a career force of 130 fire fighters and emergency medical technicians ready to respond to any community and personal emergency and serving over 100,000 citizens; and
WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, has been rerated from a Class 3 rated fire department to a Class 2 rated fire department by the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau, an independent insurance rating organization; and
WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, is the only fire district in the history of Washington state to be designated a Class 2 rated fire department; and
WHEREAS, This distinction has been an organizational goal of the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, since its inception in 1949 and represents the department's commitment to service and dedication to excellence; and
WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, continues to exemplify and personify the department's mission statement: "We help people";
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and celebrate the personal devotion and tireless efforts of all the former volunteer and career members and former elected fire commissioners, Fire Chief Al Church, Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Freitas, Commissioner J. Roger Hershey, Commissioner Mark L. Thompson, Commissioner William "Bill" Gates, Commissioner John Rickert, administrative staff, fire fighters, volunteers, and other community leaders for achieving the status of a Class 2 rated fire district; and for the department's numerous accomplishments and continuing service to the citizens living and visiting within the boundaries of the Federal Way Fire Department and South King County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39.
Senator Eide spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8659.
The motion by Senator Eide carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
MOTION
Senator Morton moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8662
By Senator Morton
WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature recognizes excellence in all fields of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, On March 5, 2005, in the Spokane Arena, the Cusick Lady Panthers won the State B Girls' Basketball Championship with a 67-50 victory over Almira-Coulee-Hartline, for the school's first State B Basketball Championship; and
WHEREAS, The members of the victorious Lady Panther basketball team are Kim Bluff (#15), Jessica Carney (#33), Taunie Cullooyah (#25), Christina Heinen (#23), Jael Johnston (#21), Kim King (#43), Misty Ostlie (#5), Tara Jo Pierre (#13), and Cara Shepherd (#35); and
WHEREAS, Community members, parents, and faculty helped contribute to the success of the Lady Panthers by giving their wholehearted support to team members and coaches, and by cheering them on to victory; and
WHEREAS, Team managers and statisticians were instrumental in the success of the Lady Panther coaches and team members; and
WHEREAS, Coach J.R. Bluff should be applauded for his outstanding coaching and inspiration in leading the Lady Panthers to a state championship title; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Coach Greg Johnston should also be congratulated for his exceptional coaching and assistance in developing the Cusick girls' basketball program to its current stature;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and congratulate all of the Cusick Lady Panther team members, coaches, staff, faculty, students, and parents for their extraordinary achievements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Superintendent, Principal, and Athletic Director of Cusick High School, and to the Coaches and each team member of the Cusick Lady Panthers' State B Championship Team.
Senator Morton spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8662.
The motion by Senator Morton carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
MOTION
Senator Kohl-Welles moved adoption of the following resolution:
SENATE RESOLUTION
8664
By Senators Kohl-Welles, Pridemore, McAuliffe, Schmidt, Carrell, Berkey, Shin, Eide, Kastama, Jacobsen, Poulsen, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Haugen, Delvin and Pflug
WHEREAS, People of all ethnicities and backgrounds live in Washington state, sharing their traditions, histories, and cultures with the citizens of our state; and
WHEREAS, The state of Washington recognizes the great cultural contributions made by the many generations and individuals of Norwegian descent residing in our state, specifically in Ballard; 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, On the 17th of May the Ballard 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 Washington State Senate honor Norway's National Day, May 17, 2005, and encourage all citizens of Washington state 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.
Senators Kohl-Welles, Eide and Oke spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.
The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8664.
The motion by Senator Kohl-Welles carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
MOTION
At 12:24 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2005.
BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate
THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate