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March 11, 2016
As I’m sure you already know, yesterday March 10 was Sine
Die, the last day of the regular legislative session. I’m sure you also know
we’re not quite done yet. For the sixth time in seven years, we’re headed into
overtime. The legislature has yet to agree on the supplemental operating and
capital budgets. There’s
no impending government shutdown, no nose dive in revenue available for the
current budget, no major tax increases or tuition hikes on tap. The
problem is in the long term. Democrats who control the House and Republicans
who run the Senate can’t agree how to align state spending with revenue over
four years.
In a press
conference last night, Governor Inslee immediately called
legislators back for 30 days to complete this year’s supplemental budget after
vetoing 27 bills—possibly the largest number of vetoes at one time in
Washington’s history. Inslee said, “None of these vetoed bills were as
important as the fundamental responsibility of the Legislature to produce a
balanced budget.” The Governor did sign 10 bills—all related to health and
safety measures. The legislature can adjourn early if they can finish their
work before the 30 days are up. The Governor has not said if he will take
further veto action. The governor has 20 days in which to act on bills delivered after Sine Die. If the
governor takes no action, the bills automatically become law.
Bill
action information is available online.
Bills we’re tracking
that were vetoed
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6220, Senate, Relating to promoting economic development by maximizing the use of federal economic development funding opportunities.
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6633, Senate, Relating to the marine resources advisory council.
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6177, Senate, Relating to the marijuana research license.
Bill we’re tracking
that were signed
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5342, Senate, Relating to human trafficking definitions.
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6376, Senate, Relating to recognizing human trafficking awareness day.
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6202, Senate, Relating to the enforcement of employment rights arising from state active duty service by a member of the National Guard.
Thank you, Commerce teams, for your continued perseverance the past few months.
Staff continues to work on the Enrolled Bill Analysis (wrap-up) documents and
fiscal note requests for session. We appreciate everyone’s hard work over the
past three months and ask that you continue to support each other these last
few days.
Today’s investment will directly
influence the health of Washington State’s economy tomorrow. We will continue to work this session
to advance issues of critical
importance to the
families, workers and businesses of every community throughout our state.
Additional information:
Session-related Links:
Communication and coordination: If you plan to testify on a bill or meet with legislators regarding Commerce priorities, contact:
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