How they voted
The following vote summaries for Eastern Washington legislators are compiled by WashingtonVotes.org, a nonpartisan organization.
Protecting journalists from being compelled to testify (SB 5358): Approved in Senate on March 8 on a vote of 41 to 7. Creates an absolute privilege, for members of the news media, from compelled testimony that might lead to the identification of a source. The bill is under consideration in the House.
Yes: Sens. Chris Marr, D-Spokane; Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.
No: Sens. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley; Bob Morton, R-Orient.
Not voting: Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.
Reforming the state health care system (HB 1569): Approved by the House on March 10 on a vote of 53 to 44. Creates a Washington Health Insurance Partnership authorized to purchase and administer health insurance for small employers. The bill is under consideration in the Senate.
Yes: Reps. Alex Wood, Timm Ormsby and Don Barlow, D-Spokane.
No: Reps. Lynn Schindler and John Ahern, R-Spokane; Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Steve Hailey, R-Mesa; and David Buri, R-Colfax.
Not voting: Rep. Bob Sump, R-Republic.
Simple majority for approval of school levies (HJR 4204):
Approved Monday by a House vote of 79 to 19. Amends the sate constitution so school levies are approved by a simple majority, rather than a 60 percent supermajority. To survive, the measure must now pass the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote and be approved by a majority of voters.
Yes: Reps. Alex Wood, Timm Ormsby and Don Barlow, D-Spokane.
No: Reps. Lynn Schindler and John Ahern, R-Spokane; Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Steve Hailey, R-Mesa; David Buri, R-Colfax; and Bob Sump, R-Republic.
Establishing family and medical leave insurance (SB 5659): Approved Wednesday by the Senate by a vote of 32 to 17. Employees on qualifying leave would receive up to $250 weekly for up to five weeks. Employers would pay premiums of 2 cents per hour worked, for each employee. The Department of Labor and Industries could adjust the premiums after the first year. The bill exempts employers with 25 or fewer employees.
Yes: Sens. Lisa Brown and Chris Marr, D-Spokane.
No: Sens. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley; Bob Morton, R-Orient; Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.