OLYMPIA — The Senate passed a multi-million dollar transportation budget this afternoon on a vote of 41-3.
The proposal was described as a jobs bill, a way to improve government and a guide for the more contentious operating budget, which comes up next.
Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, said described it a boost to the struggling economy.
“Given the economy, the biggest issue we face in this chamber is jobs,” he said.
The only voiced opposition centered on a proposal to spend $590 million in federal money to build a high-speed rail line between Seattle and Portland. Republican Sen. Mike Carrell said his constituents in Lakewood will be cut off as a “sleepy little track” becomes an express route, with up to 50 trains a day.
Jim Camden is a veteran political reporter for The Spokesman-Review.
Jonathan Brunt covers Spokane City Hall for The Spokesman-Review.
999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201
P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210
Main switchboard: (509) 459-5000 • (800) 338-8801
Newsroom: (509) 459-5400 • (800) 789-0029
Customer service: (800) 338-8801
© Copyright 2013, The Spokesman-Review
Terms of use • Privacy policy • Copyright policy
Spokane7
50°
Get blog updates by email
Please keep it civil. Don't post comments that are obscene, defamatory, threatening, off-topic, an infringement of copyright or an invasion of privacy. Read our forum standards and community guidelines.
You must be logged in to post comments. Please log in here or click the comment box below for options.
comments powered by Disqus« Back to Spin Control