| Legislative Update: March 7th, 2008
A floating bridge for state Route 520 might be completed by 2014, two years faster than projected. The new timeline might save the state $500 million to $700 million in interest and inflation, slimming the project’s budget from $4.3 billion to possibly $3.7 billion. The DOT shaved two years off of the previous bridge completion estimate by moving the start of pontoon construction to next year, and beginning construction on improvements that don’t depend on the new bridge being in place, mostly intersections between Route 520 and Interstates 5 and 405.
The Associated Press
Washington state will come up with a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build a "green collar" work force under a measure passed by the Legislature on Wednesday. The measure cleared the Senate 29-19 on a mostly party-line vote after more than 90 minutes of debate. The state Ecology’s Department blueprint must find a way to curb emissions by 70 percent of expected levels in 2050.
Ecology regulators would set up an emissions reporting system for industries that annually produce 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases and vehicle fleets that emit at least 2,500 metric tons per year. The first reports would be due in 2010, with deferrals possible for interstate transport businesses.
Rachel La Corte, The Associated Press
Today was the last day to consider bills in the opposite house, except initiatives and alternatives to initiatives, amendments, differences, and business related to the interim or closing the session. Thursday, March 13th marks the last day allowed for regular session, after which we will begin work on a comprehensive report summarizing the entire session activity.
Bills to Watch
HB 2216: Would require the appointment of a nonvoting labor member to public transportation governing bodies. We were unable to get a public hearing scheduled for this bill before the cut-off, so it will not move any further this session. While Senate Haugen heard the Senate version of the bill, she decided not to hear the House version. She had no problems with our bill, but believes that all transit board members should be elected.
Thank you to all who worked so hard to get it through both houses, especially Rick Bender of the Washington State Labor Council, Senator Marr, Senator Pridemore, Senator McDermott, Representative Simpson, Representative Ormsby, Representative Appleton and Speaker Chopp.
HB 2480: Would authorize fare payment monitoring and civil infraction issuances for failure to provide proof of payment upon request of transit agency personnel by designating persons to monitor fare payment and establishing a schedule of civil fines and penalties for civil infractions related to fare payment violations. As of this writing the bill has not been scheduled for a Senate floor vote.
SB 6569: Would allow public transit drivers outside of cities and towns to stop their vehicles at any location in order to receive or discharge passengers, so long as it is done safely and the vehicle stops as far to the right side of the roadway as is practicable so as not to significantly impede traffic. As of this writing the bill has not been scheduled for a Senate floor vote.
ATU pension advocates meet with other labor organizations Mondays at 11:00 in the Legislative Building (Capitol) cafeteria. United Labor Lobby meets Tuesdays at 10:00 at the State Labor Council. We will be keeping you updated on these and other relevant issues throughout the session, and we encourage you to stay in touch with your legislators. You can find your legislators and a wealth of information about bills, committees and the legislative process at www.leg.wa.gov, or call the hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Legislators are always accessible to their constituents, and you will find them glad to meet with you in person as well. TVW, while by no means comprehensive, is another way to stay informed about activities “under the dome.”
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