Jolt
Text of the Day: Bored in Olympia
Today's Losers: State Legislators
Why?
Because special session rules require pending bills—bills that passed one chamber during the regular session, but not the other—to pass their house of origin once again.
This means legislators have to listen to each other give carbon copy speeches of ones they made the first time around.
I guess that makes reporters and lobbyists—and anyone else who spends their day watching the floor action—losers too. As one lobbyist just texted me:
The lobbyist was referring to the debt limit bill which passed the senate 48-0 on April 8 and again this afternoon 39-3.
Today's Winner: Planned Parenthood
Why?
Because a family planning bill—which would fund services including contraception for those earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, $4,600 a month for a family of four (up from 200, $3,700 a month for a family of four )—got a hearing in the senate ways and means committee. What's the big deal, beyond the fact that women's services are actually being considered for funding these days?
This: Republican state Sen. Cheryl Pflug (R-5), who has a history of negative ratings from NARAL, co-sponsored the bill with senate liberals Sens. Jeane Kohl-Welles (D-36, Seattle), Karen Keiser (D-33, Kent), and Adam Kline (D-37, S. Seattle).
Why?
Because special session rules require pending bills—bills that passed one chamber during the regular session, but not the other—to pass their house of origin once again.
This means legislators have to listen to each other give carbon copy speeches of ones they made the first time around.
I guess that makes reporters and lobbyists—and anyone else who spends their day watching the floor action—losers too. As one lobbyist just texted me:
Why the legislature needs an extra 30 days? Exhibit A: Now the 7th person speaking in favor of a bill that originally passed unanimously. Ugh.
The lobbyist was referring to the debt limit bill which passed the senate 48-0 on April 8 and again this afternoon 39-3.
Today's Winner: Planned Parenthood
Why?
Because a family planning bill—which would fund services including contraception for those earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, $4,600 a month for a family of four (up from 200, $3,700 a month for a family of four )—got a hearing in the senate ways and means committee. What's the big deal, beyond the fact that women's services are actually being considered for funding these days?
This: Republican state Sen. Cheryl Pflug (R-5), who has a history of negative ratings from NARAL, co-sponsored the bill with senate liberals Sens. Jeane Kohl-Welles (D-36, Seattle), Karen Keiser (D-33, Kent), and Adam Kline (D-37, S. Seattle).
