Legislators were burning the midnight oil during the first round of budget discussions last week. Thursday’s debates stretched into the morning hours, with the House adjourning around 2 AM, while Senators didn’t call it quits until 4 AM. The House was able to pass a budget, while the Senate devolved into subterfuge.
The Senate Majority Coalition pulled a shenanigan reminiscent of Speaker Frank Chopp’s expertly orchestrated hearing on the $12 minimum wage bill in March, installing a rule requiring all amendments to the state’s operating, transportation and capital budgets to pass by a two thirds vote. Why did they pull this stunt, you ask? Some speculated that Senate Republicans wanted to protect the reputations of their moderate colleagues, particularly those with gubernatorial ambitions. But, the reason could have been as simple as preserving the conservative budget proposal crafted by Senate Republicans.
Last week, The New York times ran a puff piece about the Governor’s Cap-and-Trade proposal. The article further establishes Governor Inslee’s national reputation as the carbon reduction guy. Locally there is a lot less confidence in the Governor’s ability to achieve results. With Cap-and-Trade dead, we are left to wonder how the Governor will salvage a win. Will he engage the legislature in piecing together a clean energy package, or will he unilaterally impose a low carbon fuel standard? The article provides some comic relief, if you can make it past the first paragraph, which includes a gag-worthy description of a painting in the Governor’s office that reminds him of how much he cares about the earth. The Governor’s quotes are equally cheesy, as he employs the age-old “What about the children” trope.
In other news, Troy Kelley is still in hiding. The State Auditor has been silent since the federal investigation into his office went public, aside from issuing two brief written statements saying he does not know what the investigation is about. On Wednesday, he released another carefully worded statement in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s request for information. Mr. Kelley, appears to be playing the hand he’s been dealt, but many are already calling his bluff.
Lastly, WSU achieved a huge victory this session, passing legislation that allows the university to create its own medical school. UW fought tooth and nail to retain monopoly status (rooted in early 1900s legislation), issuing a controversial study and later flip-flopping to play nice. Kudos to WSU President Elson Floyd for defeating this antiquated rule and pulling off a feat that has eluded the university and the eastern part of the state for years.
QUOTES:
“That’s tin-foil-hat and black-helicopter thinking,” scoffed Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler in response to Senator Nelson’s (D- Maury Island) allegations that the Senate Majority Coalition passed the two thirds rule to protect moderates within their party in advance of the 2016 election. The rule blocked amendments regarding gender equality, a climate study and state collective bargaining.
Representative Matt Shea (R- Spokane Valley) on electric vehicles: “Electric vehicles kill 86 more people than gas cars and are incentivizing strip mining and slave labor in foreign governments.” We invite Representative Shea to expound upon his bold statements.
“I just know that this state needs to be prepared,” said Senator Sharon Brown (R-Kennewick) after opponents of her nuclear energy bill called the measure “premature.” Senator Brown’s bill is now headed to a budget committee for further consideration.
CALENDAR ITEMS:
Monday and Tuesday will be packed with marathon hearings in both houses, leading up to the cutoff for bills to pass out of fiscal committees on Tuesday, April 7. The House Appropriations Committee has already scheduled 33 bills for public hearing beginning at 10 AM on Monday. The Senate Ways & Means Committee starts at the same time, with 23 bills scheduled for hearing so far.
The House Transportation Committee also meets on Monday at 10 AM for a public hearing on several transportation bills and possible executive action on the House transportation budget, HB 1299.
The full Senate resumes discussion on the main budget bill at 1 PM on Monday.
Last, but certainly not least, do not miss the Washington Cattlemen’s Association Barbeque, beginning at 12 PM on Thursday on the capitol campus.
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