News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 21, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke will call Legislature back for third special session if transportation package not passed

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today announced that if the Legislature does not pass a transportation revenue package before the end of the current special session he will call them back for a third special session to begin July 16.

The governor made his remarks at a press conference this afternoon after meeting with House and Senate leadership.

"Despite frequent attempts to bridge the gap amongst parties in the Legislature, it appears that the House and Senate will adjourn this evening without passing a transportation package," said Locke.

While the House and Senate are not in session, the governor will continue to meet with the legislative transportation leaders daily, hourly if necessary to reach a transportation funding solution that moves people, freight and goods and also grows and protects Washington's diverse economy.

Locke noted several successes in this year's sessions, including:

- Water and energy reforms
- A budget that includes money for our schools and higher education
$85 million to sustain the commitment to class-size reduction in public schools
- Legislation allowing top professionals to take their experience into the classroom and rehiring dedicated teachers after they retire
- Funding to do a better job of caring for the aging and disabled
- Restrictions on the sale of ingredients used in the manufacture of methamphetamine

Locke said the third special session will be devoted to transportation.

"I said in my 'State of the State' address, and I will repeat it again today: We must untangle our traffic mess and adopt an efficient transportation plan that moves people, freight and goods," Locke told reporters. "But we must have a financing package to pay for it."

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