Feb. 20, 2008
As the short session turns the corner and races
for home, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on a couple
things I’ve been working on here in Olympia. Earlier this week, we
passed an important session milestone. Tuesday was the deadline for
pending legislation to be considered by its house of origin. Or,
more simply put, the Senate had to finish considering any and all
Senate bills and ship them to the House for consideration, while the
House completed the opposite process.
My Bills
At the end of Tuesday, I was pleased that five
of my bills remained alive – four successfully passed the Senate
with bipartisan support, and one waited approval from a budgetary
committee. Here’s a quick look at my legislation. Follow the links
for detailed information.
Senate Bill 5100 – Health Insurance for Students: I’ve been
working on this bill since last year. SB 5100 requires to schools to
identify which children are without health care, and to provide
information regarding Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance
Program to those who don’t. This bill passed the Senate by a vote of
33-15.
Senate Bill 6111 – Tidal Energy: This is another bill that I’ve
been working on since the start of last session. This legislation
provides tax exemptions to agencies pursuing the research of tidal
and wave energies. It also launches a study on the future potential
of this exciting resource.
Senate Bill 6377 – Career and Technical Education: On this bill,
I worked with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
to promote better access and funding for career track students.
While it’s important to improve access to higher education, we also
can’t forget that there is nothing wrong with students who wish to
pursue careers in construction, welding, pipefitting and other vital
infrastructure careers. We need to give them training and
opportunities to be successful as well. For more information on this
and a few other important education bills, (and to see me on
camera!), follow
this link for last week’s Senate Education Conference.
Senate Bill 6447 – Military Leave: As a soldier who spent a
significant amount of time overseas in Kosovo and Iraq, I realize
the importance of a military member’s mid-tour leave. This bill
provides 15 days of unpaid leave to the spouses of active military
members who are on rest and recreation leave from a combat tour. The
bill passed the Senate unanimously, by a vote of 47-0.
Senate Bill 6800 – Railroad Infrastructure: SB 6800 works to
protect a vital transportation asset: our rail lines. The bill
states that agencies like the Port of Seattle can’t tear up rail
lines without receiving legislative permission or without
compensation. I am hopeful that this and similar legislation can
lead to better usage of the rail lines in Snohomish County,
hopefully including the revitalization of the Snohomish to
Woodinville Dinner Train and the study of commuter rail.
I’ll keep you updated on the progress of my
bills, and look for an e-newsletter this week as well. As always,
feel free to call or email me with questions, comments or
suggestions. I can be reached at 360-786-7686 or via email at
hobbs.steve@leg.wa.gov.
