Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 27, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Calls Special Session to Complete Work on Operating Budget, Key Issues

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke tonight announced that he would call legislators back to Olympia for a brief special session to complete its work. Today is the last day of the regular 105-day legislative session.

After a two-week hiatus, legislators will return to work beginning Monday, May 12, at noon to complete the people’s business, Locke said.

“I am especially pleased that in the waning hours of the regular session, we produced a transportation-improvement package that will mean a brighter, better future for our state,” Locke said. “But for all of our significant progress, the Legislature’s work remains unfinished.”

The Legislature still must complete and approve the operating budget and the capital construction budget. The governor is giving the full Legislature a two-week hiatus so legislative negotiators have time to reach agreement on a number of important issues.

“Approving a public works spending plan that will provide jobs to thousands of Washington workers,” Locke said. “I also ask the Legislature to approve legislation to provide low-income citizens access to less expensive prescription drugs.”

Other priority issues to be addressed during the special session include:

· Education (charter schools, learning assistance program, WASL reform, certificate of mastery);
· Water reform;
· Terrorism prevention;
· Non-discrimination based on sexual orientation;
· Unemployment insurance;
· Workers’ compensation;
· Shared leave for military service;
· Community revitalization financing; and
· Local government financing options

“The 105-day regular session was tough,” Locke said. “The Legislature worked hard to find agreement on how to fill a $2.6 billion shortfall. I am confident that by applying this same work ethic in the special session, we will wrap up the business remaining before us.”

“I am eager to help the two houses work out compromises when necessary, just as I did with transportation,” Locke said. “We simply must do this for the people of Washington.”

Locke congratulated the Legislature for the work completed during the regular session.

“I am pleased to have signed into law measures to make the state more business-friendly, legislation to make the Department of Transportation more accountable, and bills to better protect consumers,” he said.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive