Rasmussen focuses on student success, protections for property owners

OLYMPIA – In unusually fast agreement, state legislators passed a bill in the opening days of the 2006 legislative session to give assistance to low-income residents faced with high heating costs.

The legislation, supported by Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, was signed into law by Gov. Christine Gregoire, will help those on limited incomes.

“We’ve hit the ground running,” Rasmussen said. “We’ve not only introduced a lot of very good bills, we’re sending heating assistance for the folks who really need it now.”

One of the highest priorities this year is enacting tougher laws on sex offenders in response to “Jessica’s Law” passed in Florida. “This should never happen to another child,” Rasmussen said. “We need to protect our children from the atrocity of sex offenders.

Another priority is to fully fund pensions and gain-sharing for teachers and other state employees.

In other action, Rasmussen this week introduced a bill that would not require students to pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to get a diploma.

“Passing the WASL should not be a criterion for getting a high school diploma,” Rasmussen said. “The WASL is just one tool in the education process and student learning.” Rasmussen supports high levels of achievement in schools. “We must make sure education works for the success of each individual child and every single student,” she said.

In the same light, a separate bill Rasmussen proposed would require school boards to adopt high expectations for students who are struggling academically. Schools would be required to promote opportunities for remedial instruction and provide early and frequent notification to parents of students in danger of being held back. In another measure, the state would provide assistance to schools for rising, unanticipated transportation fuel costs. Another piece of legislation would mandate birth-to-3 programs to help children with special needs. “Early intervention is always the best road to success for all children,” Rasmussen said.

Legislation that helps agriculture and other property owners continues to be a high priority for Rasmussen.

Rasmussen sponsored legislation that would restrict the authority of local governments to seize private property for commercial development through eminent domain, and two bills that provide tax breaks for fuels used for off-road agriculture.

Rasmussen’s other proposals include making stream buffers on farm land voluntary instead of mandatory in order to qualify for federal funding, and making the state Dept. of Agriculture responsible for the weights and measures program. “Whether it’s a gallon of gas or a pound of groceries at the grocery store, the public should be assured of their accuracy,” Rasmussen said.

With the legislative session off to a fast start, Rasmussen urged area residents to share all their comments and concerns.

“This is just the beginning of a very short, very active session,” she said. “We have 60 days to do as much as we can, and the more I hear from everyone I represent, the better job I can do.”

Yakima County would benefit from a measure she’s introduced that would extend through 2021 a motel/hotel tax in the county to fund the construction of a multi-purpose arena and improve existing buildings at the fairgrounds.

I’ve always been a strong support of youth fairs,” Rasmussen said, “and this is simply a continuation of my support of Yakima County fairs.”

In between floor action, Rasmussen enjoyed a visit last week from the Prime Timers of Eatonville, a group of 20 seniors who enjoyed a tour and shared their views. Rounding out the week, on Friday a group of delightful 50 high school students from Orting came down for a tour and visited with their senator in the Senate chambers.

Sean Andrascik of Eatonville served as a page this past week. “He worked hard, we had a wonderful time, and Sean learned a lot about the workings of the Legislature,” Rasmussen said.

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