Week 6: Let’s Review

Monday: Gov. Chris Gregoire signed landmark legislation that makes Washington the seventh state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Hundreds of people came to the Capitol to watch her sign the bill into law — you can get a glimpse of the day’s events on our photo gallery.

Watch Monday’s Legislative Review.

Tuesday: The House and Senate spent most of the day on the floor, with Tuesday marking a key cutoff deadline for moving bills onto the final weeks of session. We interviewed a number of lawmakers on issues of the day for the show.

Watch Tuesday’s Legislative Review.

Wednesday: The House Judiciary Committee considered a bill to help crack down on Medicaid fraud by rewarding whistleblowers. Later in the day, the House Public Safety committee heard eight bills aimed at combating the sex trade in Washington. The package of bills was first introduced in January by a bipartisan group of Senators, who say Washington state is a hub for sex trafficking.

Watch Wednesday’s Legislative Review.

Thursday: The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released the quarterly forecast — and there’s some good news for legislative budget writers. The forecast change is an increase in $96 million. Following the forecast, House transportation leaders released a $9.8 billion transportation budget. It sets aside $55 million for about ten “immediate” transportation needs, such as a second 144-car ferry, highway maintenance, transit, and improving conditions for children who walk or bike to school. And teacher evaluation legislation was heard in the House Education committee Thursday, with a mixed response from advocates in the education field.

Watch Thursday’s Legislative Review.

Friday: House Republicans released their version of a supplemental budget, saying it includes $89 million more than Gov. Chris Gregoire’s proposal that was released prior to session. And a bill heard in the House Labor and Workforce Development committee on Friday would give smaller farms in Washington the opportunity to offer internships.

Watch the weekly edition of Legislative Review on Friday at 6:30 and 11 p.m.

Tags: Revenue forecast, same-sex marriage