How they voted
Prescription Drugs: By a vote of 25-24 on March 10, the Senate approved Senate Bill 5471, which directs the state Health Care Authority to establish a prescription drug purchasing consortium. The consortium may consist of private citizens, local governments, and other groups that may wish to participate. The consortium will utilize a preferred drug list and enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to receive discounted prescription drug prices. The bill is now under consideration in the House.
Yes: Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.
No: Sens. Bob McCaslin, R-Veradale; Brad Benson, R-Spokane; Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls; Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.
Restricting Cell Phone Use: By a vote of 28-18 on March 15, the Senate approved Senate Bill 5160, prohibiting the act of holding a wireless communication device to one’s ear while driving. Infractions will not appear on driving records, nor will they be reported to insurance companies. The bill is under consideration in the House.
Yes: Brown, Benson.
No: Morton, Schoesler.
Excused: McCaslin
Changing the Date of Election Primary: By a vote of 22-26 on March 11, the Senate defeated Senate Bill 5219, which would have changed the state primary election date to the third Tuesday of August preceding a November general election. Under current law the primary date is the third Tuesday in September or the seventh Tuesday before the general election, whichever is earlier.
Yes: Brown.
No: McCaslin, Benson, Morton, Schoesler.
California Emissions Standards: By a vote of 53-42 on March 16, the House approved House Bill 1397, adopting California’s motor vehicle emissions standards, which are currently more restrictive than Washington’s. The standards will take effect with vehicle model years beginning 2009 or 2010. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.
Yes: Reps. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.
No: Reps. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane Valley; John Serben, R-Spokane; John Ahern, R-Spokane; Bob Sump, R-Republic; Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Don Cox, R-Colfax; David Buri, R-Colfax.
State-Subsidized Health Care for Small Businesses: By a vote of 56-41 on March 14, the House approved House Bill 2069, which creates a program offering state-subsidized health insurance to small employers, their employees, and dependents if the employer has not provided health insurance for at least six months as of the time of application.
Yes: Reps. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.
No: Reps. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane Valley; John Serben, R-Spokane; John Ahern, R-Spokane; Bob Sump, R-Republic; Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Don Cox, R-Colfax; David Buri, R-Colfax.