How they voted

Sun., Feb. 19, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

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

Renewable fuels, Senate Bill 6508: Requires all gasoline sold in Washington to contain at least 2 percent ethanol by Dec. 1, 2008. After Nov. 20, 2008, all licensed diesel sellers must prove at least 2 percent of their sales were biodiesel. When the state determines that crops grown in Washington can sustain a 3 percent biodiesel mandate, the minimum would be raised to 5 percent. The bill was approved 27-20 and is under consideration in the House.

Yes: Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.

No: Sen. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley; Sen. Brad Benson, R-Spokane; Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls; Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

Non-English speaking voters, House Bill 2594: Requires state and political subdivisions to provide voting registration paperwork and assistance, or other materials relating to the election process, including ballots, in the language of an applicable minority group as well as in English. Also provides that interpreters can enter voting booths with voters if requested but sets limits on eligible interpreters. Approved on a 55-43 party line vote, and now is awaiting consideration in the state 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.

Sex-change operations, amendment to Senate Bill 6386: Prohibits the use of state or federal medical assistance for sex-change operations. Amended into the legislation on a 32-12 vote, and bill now is awaiting consideration in the House.

Yes: Sen. Brad Benson, R-Spokane; Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls; Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

No: Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.

Not voting: Sen. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley (excused).

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