Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Invest in Local Community Development Organizations

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2007

SPOKANE - Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure she requested that will invest in local communities to deliver assistance through associate development organizations to companies that need support to survive, expand or relocate

�This is the first significant investment in these local economic development organizations in 16 years,� said Governor Gregoire. �I am excited to send this message into our communities and let them know that we are serious about local economies, we are serious about creating jobs and we are serious about supporting our grassroots economic development network.�

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5092, sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr (D-Spokane), passed the Senate with 44 votes and passed the House with 97 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Governor Gregoire Signs Bill to Promote Bioscience-Based Economic Development

Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure that will promote bioscience-based economic development and advance research into new therapies and procedures to combat disease and protect public health.

�The health services industry is a driving force in the Spokane economy,� said Governor Gregoire. �This legislation is a vital step toward the economic future of communities across Washington.�

Second Substitute House Bill 1705, sponsored by Rep. Don Barlow (D-Spokane), passed the House with 70 votes and passed the Senate with 46 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session except for section 14, which, due to prior double amendments, takes effect June 30, 2008.

Additional Bill Action Today

Governor Gregoire today also signed the following bills into law:

• SHB 1079 - Relating to hunting and fishing license fees.
• HB 1501 - Relating to adjustments to industrial insurance total disability compensation reductions.
• HB 1543 - Relating to financing economic development offices.
• SHB 1574 - Relating to the uniform regulation of business and professions.
• HB 1598 - Relating to accountability in the funding of salmon recovery.
• SHB 1953 - Relating to premium reductions for older insureds completing an accident prevention course.
• SSB 5315 - Relating to property access during forest fires.
• SSB 5503 - Relating to athletic trainers.

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