How they voted

Sun., Feb. 12, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

The following summaries for Eastern Washington legislators are compiled by WashingtonVotes.org.

Early learning, House Bill 2964: Creates the Department of Early Learning within the executive branch of state government, making it a Cabinet-level department. Its mission would be to implement early learning policy, to coordinate, consolidate and integrate child care and early programs, and to help smooth the transition from preschool to kindergarten. The measure passed the House on Feb. 9 by a vote of 79-19 and now is awaiting consideration in the Senate.

Yes: Rep. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane; Rep. John Serben, R-Spokane.

No: Rep. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Rep. Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane Valley; Rep. John Ahern, R-Spokane; Rep. Bob Sump, R-Republic; Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax; Rep. David Buri, R-Colfax.

Small business health care subsidies, House Bill 2572: Provides premium subsidies to eligible employees at small businesses that offer health coverage equivalent to the state Basic Health Plan. Passed the House on Feb. 8 by a vote of 57-41 and now is awaiting consideration in the Senate.

Yes: Rep. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.

No: Rep. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Rep. Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane Valley; Rep. John Serben, R-Spokane; Rep. John Ahern, R-Spokane; Rep. Bob Sump, R-Republic; Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax; Rep. David Buri, R-Colfax.

Teacher pay levies, House Bill 1484: Permits a voter-approved county property tax of $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value to be used for collectively bargained pay raises for school employees. Passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 50-48 and now is under consideration in the Senate.

Yes: Rep. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; and Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.

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