The big six
Energy
Both Democrats and Republicans want to boost alternative-fuel production. Among the proposals: requiring all diesel fuel in the state to include 2 percent biodiesel, a fuel derived from vegetable oil. Separately, lawmakers want more help for low-income people to pay their energy bills.
What’s happening: The bill to help with energy bills has been signed into law already, and the alternative fuels bills are moving ahead. Several companies, agricultural groups and public agencies say they’re interested in setting up crushers and refineries, including one in Spokane Valley.
Crime
Lawmakers, particularly Republicans, are calling for tougher laws and restrictions on sex offenders. Also on the agenda: stronger penalties for methamphetamine production.
What’s happening: Since before the start of the session, Republicans and Democrats have been skirmishing over how much tougher to make sex offender laws. The GOP is calling for throw-away-the-key prison terms; Democrats say that would discourage families from reporting the crimes. The clash worsened this week, when a Republican group sent out fake “sex offender notices” telling people that a child rapist had moved in nearby and urging them to call eight Democratic lawmakers. “This is clearly over the line and breaking new ground,” said House Speaker Frank Chopp. “It’s really sad and frankly disgusting.” Republicans said it was fair advocacy on a critical issue.
WASL
Starting with the Class of 2008, high school students must pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning to graduate. Although scores continue to improve, many students are still failing. Lawmakers are pushing for alternative testing and more help for struggling students.
What’s happening: Gov. Gregoire wants to put $38.5 million into programs to help students pass. Both sides say the key is to uphold standards without holding back students who know the material but don’t test well. Lots of discussion of WASL last week. Stay tuned.
Spending
After several years of budget deficits, the state now has a $1.4 billion surplus.
What’s happening: Gregoire and top lawmakers are calling for restraint. The governor wants to spend about $500 million and bank the rest for future needs. Both House and Senate budget writers say they agree, in general.
Gay rights
Since 1974, liberal lawmakers have been trying to make it illegal to discriminate against gays and lesbians in employment, housing or financial transactions. (It’s already illegal on the basis of race, creed, religion, national origin, gender and other categories.) The measure failed last year by a single vote in the Senate.
What’s happening: After a 1000+ gay rights rally on the Capitol steps Monday and a hearing Tuesday, the bill was rushed to the Senate floor on Friday, where it passed after impassioned debate by both sides. Democrats were jubilant; some Republicans predict that social conservatives will mount a ballot measure campaign to veto the law.
Taxes and fees
Republicans began the year with a call to repeal the estate tax, but the Democratic majority is unlikely to agree. Other long-shot proposals: repeal of recent increases in liquor and cigarette taxes.
What’s happening: One change that’s getting wide support: repealing the “day-use fees” that desperate lawmakers recently began charging for access to state parks.