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Legislative information Center (Bill Room): 360-786-7573
www.leg.wa.gov
Legislative Hotline: 800-562-6000
During session:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
During interim:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F (closed at noon for one hour for lunch)
Closed Saturdays
Chief Clerk of the House: 360-786-7750
Secretary of the Senate: 360-786-7550
Governor's Office: 360-902-4111
www.governor.wa.gov
State agencies: www.access.wa.gov

Mental health spending gains ground

The social safety net became ground zero last week for a fierce debate in the Legislature over how to fund schools, but there was consensus among lawmakers on at least one social service: treating mental illness.
Under the Dome: Today is Friday, April 5, the 82nd day of the 105-day legislative session.

Quoted:
"In the House, we have the DREAM act. Senate budget makes it look like they're more into nightmares."
~Rep. Laurie Jinkins, in a tweet. The Tacoma Democrat was one of a number of lawmakers to air their displeasure about various aspects of the Senate’s budget proposal released Wednesday.
Annual Legislative Shootout a big hit

At least three dozen lawmakers took a break from the Legislature on Thursday to do a little shooting in the country.
Under the Dome: Today is Thursday, April 4, the 81st day of the 105-day legislative session.

Quoted:
"We met 32 nights. We ordered 63 pizzas. We had three Chinese take-outs, and my legislative assistant cooked up two crock-pot dinners. ...In all, 16 senators were involved in budget building and writing. We had a small army of staff and 243 Diet Cokes. I did not drink them all."
~Sen. Andy Hill~
R-Redmond, speaking about the budget writing process. Hill is the chief architect of Senate’s budget proposal and chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Committee OKs alcohol at farmers markets

Washington’s farmers markets are one step closer to being able to serve beer and wine samples.
Under the Dome: Today is Wednesday, April 3, the 80th day of the 105-day legislative session.

QUOTED: "I'm not sure people should be smelling that stuff they put on your fingernails and drinking wine at the same time. I'm not sure what that would do, but it doesn't sound like a good idea."
-Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw, joking about why his committee should exclude nail salons from a bill that would allow day spas to serve a free glass of beer and wine.
Low-income families worry state budget will cut safety nets

A few tears were quietly shed as a series of speakers – some beat down by circumstance or the hard economy – explained how they found themselves homeless or how state-funded programs are now helping them feed their kids, get back under a roof or just get by.
Abortion measure has needed Senate votes, yet may die in committee

State Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, says a House bill requiring health-insurance plans to cover abortions has the 25 votes needed to pass the Senate.
Under the Dome: Today is Tuesday, April 2, the 79th day of the 105-day legislative session.

QUOTED:
“This bill is a fiscal loser and unconstitutional as well.”
~ACLU LOBBYIST, SHANKAR NARAYAN~
on Senate Bill 5176, a measure that would require a felony defendant whose charges are dismissed due to being mentally incompetent to be sent to a state hospital for civil commitment.
Panel hearing to explore wellness programs

A bill working its way through the Legislature doesn’t go as far as proposing treadmills at work stations, but it does address employee wellness.