QUOTED
"If you have compassion, this is an option. If you have humanity in your soul, this is an option. This mandates nothing. For those who vote against it, the question is, is there humanity in your soul?"
-Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, speaking on the House floor Wednesday in support of a bill that would let local governments sell surplus property at a discount for affordable housing projects. Dunshee later apologized.
NOTEWORTHY
The confirmation of Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, as Interior secretary would give Gov. Jay Inslee his first chance to make an appointment to the University of Washington board of regents.
Jewell has told the governor that she will resign from the board once she is confirmed by the Senate, Inslee spokesman David Postman said Thursday.
TODAY IN THE LEGISLATURE
The Senate and House will hold floor sessions Thursday starting at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively. Both chambers will break for caucus and are likely to hold additional sessions in the afternoon or evening.
The House Capital Budget Committee will hold an 8 a.m. work session on the potential budget impacts of climate change. The session is scheduled for Hearing Room B in the John L. O’Brien Building.
LOOKING AHEAD
With March 13 the deadline for legislation to pass out of its chamber of origin, some lawmakers could be working the weekend. The House has scheduled possible floor sessions at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
ELSEWHERE ON CAMPUS
The Capitol will be the backdrop for opposing gun rallies this weekend.
On Saturday, gun-rights supporters are staging a Firearm Freedom Rally from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tivoli Fountain. The event could draw 1,000 people.
Then on Sunday, Organizing for Action – the advocacy group launched to advance President Obama’s agenda – is expecting to draw 50 people to the fountain for a 2 p.m. rally in support of gun control.
