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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

WA Lege Day 48: WEA amendment fails

OLYMPIA -- Washington teachers should be able to tap into a union trust fund to reduce their health insurance costs, Senate Republicans argued in the debate over the state's budget.

Republican Sen. Dale Brandland proposed an amendment that allows teachers to tap into the Washington Education Association's Rate Stabilization Fund, which he insisted was a "slush fund" with more than $100 million in it.

Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said teachers who belong to unions have the opportunity to make their voice known in leadership elections.

Amendment fails 25-17.

And we're on to the debate on the bill itself.



The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.