The big five
Education
Gov. Chris Gregoire is backing a slate of changes: phasing in all-day kindergarten, expanding prekindergarten learning programs, adding thousands more college students, increasing teacher pay and shrinking class sizes.
Where things stand: Full speed ahead. So far, most of Gregoire’s proposals for both K-12 education and higher education are sailing through committees with strong support from Democratic lawmakers. A hearing is slated Monday on 21st century teaching, or “methods of instructional delivery.”
Health care
Legislative leaders are considering adding 32,000 children to state-paid health coverage, spending $26 million over the next two years to increase childhood vaccinations, and a broad array of other reforms designed to make health care more affordable for more people.
Where things stand: Despite resistance from outnumbered Republicans, the Senate overwhelmingly voted Wednesday to start adding tens of thousands more low- and middle-income children to state-run health coverage. Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, called the move “a moral imperative.” Also, a Senate committee on Wednesday will consider a bill that would require health care professionals to report unprofessional conduct by colleagues.
The economy
From making health care cheaper to a “holiday” for some workers’ compensation costs, lawmakers and the governor say they want to help the cooling economy, particularly small businesses.
Where things stand: Some Republicans on Thursday unveiled a proposal for an economic boost: $3.3 billion in tax breaks and other relief for homeowners and business. They’re calling for returning $2.4 billion in unemployment and workers’ compensation payments to employers and a $400 rebate on last year’s taxes for homeowners. But given Republicans’ small minorities in both the Senate and the House, the plan seems a long shot. Several union-related bills will get hearings this week, including one Tuesday that would require companies to be union-neutral if they want to get state aerospace tax breaks.
Same-sex marriage
Proponents want marriage rights or at least domestic partnerships that would include many of the legal rights of married people. Critics are countering with a call to write the state law banning gay marriage into the state constitution.
Where things stand: The domestic partnerships proposal is awaiting a vote in either the House or Senate. Legislative leaders say passage is likely.
Environment
Gregoire has proposed spending $200 million toward the $9 billion problem of cleaning up Puget Sound, among other proposals.
Where things stand: Puget Sound continues to dominate the discussion, but House Speaker Frank Chopp said odds look good for bills to phase out toxic flame retardants and boost alternative fuels. Also high on environmentalists’ wish list is setting aside $100 million for the next two years to help pay for maintenance, renovations or land purchases for 133 parks, trails, habitat areas and farms. On that list: $530,000 for the Spokane whitewater park, $1.4 million to buy the summit area of Antoine Peak, and projects in many other local trails and parks.