Legislators returned to Olympia today, Tuesday, after a three-day weekend for a special session that will focus on resolving differences in the House and Senate versions of the operating and the capital budgets, and to pass policy bills to support budget spending changes.
The House met in caucus most of Tuesday, and has made the decision not to return until Friday for a “pro forma” session, which is a fancy way of saying not everyone has to be present. They will return again Monday for caucus and to possibly act on some bills.
The Senate plans to work through the week, taking to the floor today to pass five bills, including two of interest to education advocates. The Senate will meet again Wednesday on the floor at 10 a.m.
Read the full update.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
62nd legislature adjourns sine die on Day 103, special session called
With two days left in the regular 105-day session, the House and Senate adjourned about 4 p.m. today, leaving the biggest policy issue yet to be resolved - the budgets.
Standing with House and Senate leaders from both parties, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a special session that will start Tuesday, April 26 and could run 30 days.
Standing with House and Senate leaders from both parties, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a special session that will start Tuesday, April 26 and could run 30 days.
Legislative session draws to a close ...
The House and Senate convened this morning with every intention of adjourning today. Both chambers have been running concurrence bills (ones they've agreed on), or dealing with conference reports (bills that have been in dispute).
Last night the House passed HB 2021 (52-45), which eliminates the automatic alternative Uniform COLA for PERS and TRS Plan 1 members, an adjustment that was put in place in the 90s. The bill also would increase the alternative minimum benefit from $1,000 to $1,500.
The bill was sent to the Senate (where it had not been heard yet) and moved directly to the floor. The Senate Ways & Means Committee had heard an identical bill, SB 5920, and passed it from committee a week ago, but hadn't worked through the full process on HB 2021.
HB 2021 passed the Senate 28-17 after very little debate; it represents a savings to the state general fund of about $360 million net.
Meanwhile, TVW is doing is "sine die" interviews, and the Governor is making an announcement about special session at 1 p.m. today.
Last night the House passed HB 2021 (52-45), which eliminates the automatic alternative Uniform COLA for PERS and TRS Plan 1 members, an adjustment that was put in place in the 90s. The bill also would increase the alternative minimum benefit from $1,000 to $1,500.
The bill was sent to the Senate (where it had not been heard yet) and moved directly to the floor. The Senate Ways & Means Committee had heard an identical bill, SB 5920, and passed it from committee a week ago, but hadn't worked through the full process on HB 2021.
HB 2021 passed the Senate 28-17 after very little debate; it represents a savings to the state general fund of about $360 million net.
Meanwhile, TVW is doing is "sine die" interviews, and the Governor is making an announcement about special session at 1 p.m. today.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Legislative Update: Senate passes operating budget, 34-13
In what is likely a historic moment, on April 18 the Senate passed ESHB 1087, a budget that was written in cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and supported (and opposed) by members of both parties.
Lead budget negotiators Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, acknowledged that if they had done it separately, the budget that was put before the Senate on Monday probably would have looked different. But the budget bill, with only six amendments offered (which must be a record!) represented many compromises and a commitment to keep the bipartisan spirit that started last year during the special session going.
Other legislators, including the majority and minority leaders, stood to voice their appreciation for the bipartisan effort and the willingness of all to work together. They acknowledged that at any time it could have come undone, but they had beat the odds and produced something that leadership in both parties supported.
The two-year spending plan closes a projected $4.8 billion budget shortfall in the fiscal year that begins this July and ends June 30, 2013.
Read the full update.
Lead budget negotiators Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, acknowledged that if they had done it separately, the budget that was put before the Senate on Monday probably would have looked different. But the budget bill, with only six amendments offered (which must be a record!) represented many compromises and a commitment to keep the bipartisan spirit that started last year during the special session going.
Other legislators, including the majority and minority leaders, stood to voice their appreciation for the bipartisan effort and the willingness of all to work together. They acknowledged that at any time it could have come undone, but they had beat the odds and produced something that leadership in both parties supported.
The two-year spending plan closes a projected $4.8 billion budget shortfall in the fiscal year that begins this July and ends June 30, 2013.
Read the full update.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Senate takes up operating budget
At about 4 p.m. today, the Senate started working on ESHB 1087, the 2011-13 operating budget. The House adjourned for the day after running a bunch of bills for concurrence.
After considering six amendments to the proposed substitute, the full budget bill is before the Senate. Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Mason County, has raised a procedural motion asking whether the inclusion of about $300 million transfer from the Liquor Revolving Account constitutes a tax increase.
Countering the point of order, budget chair Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said the bill only refers to the transfer of funds, not how the funds would be raised, and didn't constitute a tax increase.
Lt Gov Brad Owen and Senate legal staff are reviewing. Agreement with Sheldon would mean a two-thirds majority vote would be required to pass the budget bill or they would need to remove the specified section - Section 949.
Stay tuned!
After considering six amendments to the proposed substitute, the full budget bill is before the Senate. Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Mason County, has raised a procedural motion asking whether the inclusion of about $300 million transfer from the Liquor Revolving Account constitutes a tax increase.
Countering the point of order, budget chair Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said the bill only refers to the transfer of funds, not how the funds would be raised, and didn't constitute a tax increase.
Lt Gov Brad Owen and Senate legal staff are reviewing. Agreement with Sheldon would mean a two-thirds majority vote would be required to pass the budget bill or they would need to remove the specified section - Section 949.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Legislative Update: Senate swaps buses for attendance
The Senate Ways & Means Committee swapped one policy decision for another during executive action Friday, April 15, as members voted to keep ESHB 1087 moving forward. A vote by the full Senate is expected Monday, April 18.
Members of the budget committee and others heard loud and clear that a move to average daily attendance (ADA) was the wrong way to go, so they removed that provision from the spending plan.
Unfortunately, that left a $95 million gap in their budget, so they adopted a proposal that had been offered by Gov. Chris Gregoire in December, shifting annual bus depreciation payments to a lump sum at the end of the cycle.
In the past four months since the idea was floated in the governor’s proposal, and in discussions with legislators, school districts have spoken against how this scheme will impact them. Most are “losers” under this proposal and, up until now, lawmakers hadn’t supported the idea.
Talking with Senate budget chair Ed Murray, D-Seattle, after the Friday meeting, WSSDA expressed thanks that ADA was gone but opposition to the bus depreciation substitution.
Read the full update.
Members of the budget committee and others heard loud and clear that a move to average daily attendance (ADA) was the wrong way to go, so they removed that provision from the spending plan.
Unfortunately, that left a $95 million gap in their budget, so they adopted a proposal that had been offered by Gov. Chris Gregoire in December, shifting annual bus depreciation payments to a lump sum at the end of the cycle.
In the past four months since the idea was floated in the governor’s proposal, and in discussions with legislators, school districts have spoken against how this scheme will impact them. Most are “losers” under this proposal and, up until now, lawmakers hadn’t supported the idea.
Talking with Senate budget chair Ed Murray, D-Seattle, after the Friday meeting, WSSDA expressed thanks that ADA was gone but opposition to the bus depreciation substitution.
Read the full update.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Senate budget committee trades bus depreciation for ADA
The Senate Ways & Means Committee just adopted an amendment that removed the average daily attendance (ADA) requirement BUT then adopted the Governor's proposal to suspend the annual bus depreciation payments and pay districts in the final year.
As you may recall, this was considered a significant issue for most school districts, who were "losers" under the Governor's proposal.
In addition to the change, the amendment set up a larger cut than the savings estimated for ADA.
This will need some work.
As you may recall, this was considered a significant issue for most school districts, who were "losers" under the Governor's proposal.
In addition to the change, the amendment set up a larger cut than the savings estimated for ADA.
This will need some work.
Senate budget committee to kill shift to ADA
As the Senate Ways & Means Committee works through the amendments to their budget proposal, they will consider removing the average daily attendance requirement included in the Tuesday budget release. It is expected to be removed from the budget proposal.
Good job to all school directors, administrators, business office reps, education advocates, and a special thanks to SPI Randy Dorn who testified against this shift or wrote/called their legislators. Unfortunately, the 3% salary reduction looks like it will be kept. This is clearly a cut to basic education and legislators need to hear the consequences of that specific proposal.
Good job to all school directors, administrators, business office reps, education advocates, and a special thanks to SPI Randy Dorn who testified against this shift or wrote/called their legislators. Unfortunately, the 3% salary reduction looks like it will be kept. This is clearly a cut to basic education and legislators need to hear the consequences of that specific proposal.
maybe it was the blog ...
... Senate Democrats have started to trickle back into the hearing room, so perhaps a start is in sight. If you're tuning into TVW, you may see some action soon.
Worse than watching paint dry ...
About 50 lobbyists and nearly a dozen staff are gathered in the Senate Ways & Means Committee now, waiting for Senate Democrats to return to the room so they can get started on amendments to the Senate's two-year spending plan.
The tone is light-hearted, except for a recent blast from Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, who walked by and said that the Governor's recent threat to veto a provision to lay off teachers based on the most recent evaluation of "unsatisfactory" (if the bill, ESHB 1443, passes) would cost them valuable votes for the budget.
It seems pretty clear that lawmakers won't finish up by next Friday (or Sunday, the regularly scheduled end date) based on the fact that both the House and Senate adjourned today around noon and aren't back until Monday, April 18 at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, the House Ways & Means is stoicly working through bills and amendments, mainly on things that have been labeled NTIB. More later.
The tone is light-hearted, except for a recent blast from Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, who walked by and said that the Governor's recent threat to veto a provision to lay off teachers based on the most recent evaluation of "unsatisfactory" (if the bill, ESHB 1443, passes) would cost them valuable votes for the budget.
It seems pretty clear that lawmakers won't finish up by next Friday (or Sunday, the regularly scheduled end date) based on the fact that both the House and Senate adjourned today around noon and aren't back until Monday, April 18 at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, the House Ways & Means is stoicly working through bills and amendments, mainly on things that have been labeled NTIB. More later.
Correction to Capital Budget information in April 14 Leg. Update
We've revised our April 14th Legislative Update to include corrected information on the Capital Budget. See the full update here.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Legislative Update: Senate fiscal committee hears opposition to K-12 cuts CORRECTED
(Editor's Note: This report has been updated to correct information in the section on the Capital Budget)
After rolling out a proposed two-year spending plan Tuesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee took public testimony for more than six hours on its version of ESHB 1087. (See the “500” sections for public schools, or LEAP documents for more information.)
From the K-12 community, Senators heard from nearly everyone that the move to average daily attendance (ADA) was a bad idea, wouldn’t reduce truancy, and would impact Washington’s high poverty, at-risk, and disadvantaged students the most.
Read the full update.
After rolling out a proposed two-year spending plan Tuesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee took public testimony for more than six hours on its version of ESHB 1087. (See the “500” sections for public schools, or LEAP documents for more information.)
From the K-12 community, Senators heard from nearly everyone that the move to average daily attendance (ADA) was a bad idea, wouldn’t reduce truancy, and would impact Washington’s high poverty, at-risk, and disadvantaged students the most.
Read the full update.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Legislative Update: Senate proposal slashes K-12 funding
When the House Democrats released a budget proposal last week, education advocates were disappointed by the nearly $1.5 billion in cuts but not surprised. Cuts to K-4 class size enhancements, and suspending I-728 and I-732 were expected in this tough budget environment.
As tonight’s press conference on the Senate 2011-13 spending plan unfolded, a better description of the joint effort between Sens. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, would be “shocking” – particularly in their descriptions of how this budget supports public education.
Read the full update.
As tonight’s press conference on the Senate 2011-13 spending plan unfolded, a better description of the joint effort between Sens. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, would be “shocking” – particularly in their descriptions of how this budget supports public education.
Read the full update.
Senate takes up HB 1443 - and a whole bunch of amendments!
HB 1443 is being heard by the Senate right now for anyone interested in tuning in ... this is a bill with a broad title that originally would have implemented some of the QEC report recommendations.
The amendments they are considering are significant - including a striking amendment by Senator Rodney Tom, D-Medina, that would require school districts to award credit for high school courses successfully completed online; would require each school district to adopt a policy for reductions in force due to an enrollment decline or revenue loss where the lowest evaluation-rated teachers are to be non-renewed; policies about collective bargaining; and much more.
Several amendments are offered to call into question the underlying problems with the Tom striking amendment. Worth watching or reviewing.
The amendments they are considering are significant - including a striking amendment by Senator Rodney Tom, D-Medina, that would require school districts to award credit for high school courses successfully completed online; would require each school district to adopt a policy for reductions in force due to an enrollment decline or revenue loss where the lowest evaluation-rated teachers are to be non-renewed; policies about collective bargaining; and much more.
Several amendments are offered to call into question the underlying problems with the Tom striking amendment. Worth watching or reviewing.
Gregoire signs bill to revise math testing requirements
Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed legislation designed to smooth the state's transition to end-of-course assessments for math.
The bill was requested by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn. Here's a portion of the news release issued by OSPI:
The bill was requested by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn. Here's a portion of the news release issued by OSPI:
“Plain and simple, this is a win for fairness,” Dorn said. “In a tough legislative year, this is one law that directly impacts the lives of students in a positive manner. I’m pleased that state legislators and the governor did the right thing for students.”See the full news release on the OSPI website. Also, see this article in the The Herald of Everett.
Dorn’s legislation amends the math assessment graduation requirement to allow students in the classes of 2013 and 2014 to pass one end-of-course (EOC) math exam instead of two. That will allow the assessment system to be better aligned in the transition from the High School Proficiency Exam (a single, comprehensive math exam) to two end-of-course exams (algebra 1 and geometry).
Friday, April 8, 2011
Legislative Update: Under building lock-down, bills continue to pass
Large scale rallies have been common this week, although the large crowd of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) took it a bit far Thursday, storming the Governor’s office and landing 17 protesters in jail.
On Thursday, April 7, the Washington State Patrol and the General Administration department took the unusual step of locking the large bronze doors and requiring an escort and identification to get insider the capitol building.
About 75 protesters had slept under the dome Wednesday night. Crowds for Friday, April 8, were expected to draw between 5,000 and 10,000 people, and are being organized by the Washington State Labor Council. The protests are about the proposed budget cuts, furloughs, and what some see as an unwillingness to end tax breaks.
While the rallies went on outside and inside the legislative building, both the House and Senate continued to discuss bills in their respective caucuses and to pass bills, although at a relatively slow pace.
Read the full update.
On Thursday, April 7, the Washington State Patrol and the General Administration department took the unusual step of locking the large bronze doors and requiring an escort and identification to get insider the capitol building.
About 75 protesters had slept under the dome Wednesday night. Crowds for Friday, April 8, were expected to draw between 5,000 and 10,000 people, and are being organized by the Washington State Labor Council. The protests are about the proposed budget cuts, furloughs, and what some see as an unwillingness to end tax breaks.
While the rallies went on outside and inside the legislative building, both the House and Senate continued to discuss bills in their respective caucuses and to pass bills, although at a relatively slow pace.
Read the full update.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Legislative Update: House budget proposal passes fiscal committee
Following thoughtful and passionate comments about their positions around their preferred budget proposals, the House Ways & Means Committee passed an amended budget proposal along party lines.
Earlier in the day, House Republicans unveiled an alternative two-year spending plan that would increase education funding over and above what the House Democrat’s proposal described for some items and reduced funding for others. (Detailed summary, comparison to Democrats’ proposal here.)
Republicans would add more funding for implementation of ESHB 2261, including transportation; an additional $10 million for K-3 class size; made a smaller reduction to the K-20 network; and added $2.5 million to an incentive fund to encourage school districts to adopt the new teacher/principal evaluation models.
Read the full update.
Earlier in the day, House Republicans unveiled an alternative two-year spending plan that would increase education funding over and above what the House Democrat’s proposal described for some items and reduced funding for others. (Detailed summary, comparison to Democrats’ proposal here.)
Republicans would add more funding for implementation of ESHB 2261, including transportation; an additional $10 million for K-3 class size; made a smaller reduction to the K-20 network; and added $2.5 million to an incentive fund to encourage school districts to adopt the new teacher/principal evaluation models.
Read the full update.
Legislative Update: Bill to delay implementation of education finance reforms re-introduced
Sens. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, introduced a bill yesterday (April 5) that would remove the 2018 end dates for implementation of school education and finance reform (ESHB 2261, 2009) and the funding plan (SHB 2776, 2010). The bill is scheduled for a public hearing Wednesday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m.
As written, SB 5919 would remove references to the legislature’s intention to fully implement the redefined basic education programs and funding by 2018, and replace it with a phase-in plan and implementation schedule adopted by the legislature.
Read the full update.
As written, SB 5919 would remove references to the legislature’s intention to fully implement the redefined basic education programs and funding by 2018, and replace it with a phase-in plan and implementation schedule adopted by the legislature.
Read the full update.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
RIF bill, 2261 phase-in suspension bill up for public hearings
Two bills are before the Senate Ways & Means Committee tomorrow for public hearing, including:
SB 5919 - would eliminate the phase-in schedule for ESHB 2261 (2009) that was defined in SHB 2776 (2010). The bill would suspend all the dates and put the legislature in the driver's seat to set the new timeline.
SB 5914 - would create the Excellent Teachers for Every Student Act. The bill would set up new policies, procedures and processes for addressing teacher and principal performance, placement issues and other issues.
SB 5919 - would eliminate the phase-in schedule for ESHB 2261 (2009) that was defined in SHB 2776 (2010). The bill would suspend all the dates and put the legislature in the driver's seat to set the new timeline.
SB 5914 - would create the Excellent Teachers for Every Student Act. The bill would set up new policies, procedures and processes for addressing teacher and principal performance, placement issues and other issues.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Legislative Update: Legislature takes bill action, House budgets released
Lawmakers took some time today to pass a handful of bills, keeping many ideas moving on a path towards the governor’s signature and the end of regular session, April 24.
The Senate passed the following bills:
2SHB 1163 – would continue the school bullying and harassment prevention work group, along with requiring suicide prevention as part of the health and fitness EALRs. The bill passed 41-6 and funding of $75,000 is provided in the House proposed budget.
HB 1521 – would recognize innovative schools and direct OSPI to develop a web site and recognition program for innovative schools. The bill passed 47-1.
E2SHB 1546 – would create a process for designating innovation schools and school zones focused on STEM and that use hands-on, project-based learning. The bill passed 46-1 and funding of $200,000 is provided in the House proposed budget.
Read the full update.
The Senate passed the following bills:
2SHB 1163 – would continue the school bullying and harassment prevention work group, along with requiring suicide prevention as part of the health and fitness EALRs. The bill passed 41-6 and funding of $75,000 is provided in the House proposed budget.
HB 1521 – would recognize innovative schools and direct OSPI to develop a web site and recognition program for innovative schools. The bill passed 47-1.
E2SHB 1546 – would create a process for designating innovation schools and school zones focused on STEM and that use hands-on, project-based learning. The bill passed 46-1 and funding of $200,000 is provided in the House proposed budget.
Read the full update.
Legislative Update: Quick dash – budget summary report
When House Democrats unveiled their budget today, K-12 funding took some deep cuts, but also had some major saves. Local effort assistance would be protected completely, with no cuts or changes to the formula. (Click here for a quick summary.)
As expected, the proposed two-year spending plan would suspend I-728 (class size) and I-732 (COLAs) for a total of $1.13 billion. The June apportionment payment would be shifted to the first business day of July 2011, for a savings of $253 million in FY11, moving the payment onto the 2011-13 balance sheet.
Read the full update.
As expected, the proposed two-year spending plan would suspend I-728 (class size) and I-732 (COLAs) for a total of $1.13 billion. The June apportionment payment would be shifted to the first business day of July 2011, for a savings of $253 million in FY11, moving the payment onto the 2011-13 balance sheet.
Read the full update.
Budget links available now!
The LEAP site just linked to the House Chair Operating budget http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2011/ho1113p.asp Capital budget can be found here ... http://leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2011/hc1113p.asp
Friday, April 1, 2011
Leg. Update: At last! A budget (no foolin’)
Late today, Friday afternoon, the House Ways & Means Committee announced a public hearing on HB 1087 for Monday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m. This is the operating budget for the 2011-13 biennium.
Within minutes, the House Capital Budget Committee announced a public hearing Tuesday, April 5 at 8 a.m. on HB 1497, the state’s two-year construction budget.
Both hearings will be on proposed substitute bills (substitutes to the ones introduced by Gov. Chris Gregoire last December), and aren’t available yet for public review. Usually 24 hours of review is provided, but it is possible we won’t see the spending plans until Monday morning.
Read the full update.
Within minutes, the House Capital Budget Committee announced a public hearing Tuesday, April 5 at 8 a.m. on HB 1497, the state’s two-year construction budget.
Both hearings will be on proposed substitute bills (substitutes to the ones introduced by Gov. Chris Gregoire last December), and aren’t available yet for public review. Usually 24 hours of review is provided, but it is possible we won’t see the spending plans until Monday morning.
Read the full update.
Leg. Committee Meetings of Interest – Week 13
We've just posted our list of legislative committee meetings of interest for the coming week (April 4-8). Click here to open the file.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)