HB 1128 Making operating appropriations for 2007-2009. By a vote of 31 to 17, on April 22, the Senate approved HB 1128. By a vote of 60 to 36, also on April 22, the House approved HB 1128, which would make appropriations to the 2007-09 state operating budget. The operating budget is one of three budgets approved by the Legislature each year. These appropriations pay for general state services such as state employee salaries, basic education, and social services. The bill is now under consideration by the governor.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles; Reps. Helen Sommers and Mary Lou Dickerson all voted Yes.

SB 5311

Creating the budget stabilization account. By a vote of 75 to 22 on April 20, the House approved SB 5311, which would create the budget stabilization account. This would be a constitutionally protected rainy day account. Each year, 1 percent of state revenues would be automatically deposited into the account. Money can only be appropriated by the Legislature if the governor declares an emergency and immediate action is required, or if there is an economic downturn, or at anytime a three-fifths majority of each chamber approves of the appropriation. The bill is now under consideration by the governor.

Rep. Helen Sommers voted No.

Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson voted Yes.

SB 5659

Establishing family and medical leave insurance. By a vote of 26 to 21, on April 22, the Senate approved SB 5659, which would create new employee benefits for family and medical insurance. Employees on family or medical leave would be entitled to $250 per week for up to five weeks. The bill is now under consideration by the governor.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

SB 5930

Providing high quality, affordable health care to Washingtonians based on the recommendations of the blue ribbon commission on health care costs and access. By a vote of 31 to 17, on April 21, the Senate approved SB 5930, which would establish a new affordable health care system. The bill implements the recent recommendations of a blue ribbon commission on affordable high quality health care. The bill is now under consideration by the governor.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

SB6023

Regarding alternative assessments. By a vote of 30 to 18, on April 22, the Senate approved SB 6023, which authorizes an alternative assessment for high school students with an option to earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement. The bill also delays the requirement that students must pass the math or science sections of the WASL to graduate, until 2013. The bill is now under consideration by the governor.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

SB 6157

Changing provisions affecting offenders who are leaving confinement.

By a vote of 41 to 6, on April 22, the Senate approved SB 6157, which requires the Department of Corrections to establish individual reentry plans for every offender. The plans should address the needs and supervision requirements of offenders released by Department of Corrections. The department is also required to establish three more Community Justice Centers by 2011. The bill has already passed the House and is now under consideration by the governor.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

WashingtonVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website to find plain-English explanations of bills and a record of each legislator's votes. Visit www.WashingtonVotes.org