News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 6, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke says legislators are close, but need more time

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today said that lawmakers are very close to agreement on a budget, but need a few more days to work out final details.

"I am, of course, disappointed the Legislature hasn't reached an agreement on the budget. We are so close, and all the pieces needed for resolution are sitting right here," Locke said. "But it appears we need a bit more time to iron things out. So, when the fiscal chairs and leadership in the House and Senate have reached agreement, I'll call the legislature back. And I expect to do that within a week."

Locke said he was assured the budget writers and legislative leaders will continue to meet and negotiate, and said he and his staff will be in close contact with leadership as the talks continue.

"This has been a tough session," Locke said. "We faced the difficulties that Initiative 695 posed and have worked through the reality of a split House, which requires a lot of cooperation on both sides of the aisle. But against tough odds, we already have accomplished a great deal."

Locke noted the passage of legislation that ensures new teachers have mastered their subject areas before they are allowed in classrooms. He also said legislators established a professional standards board to improve the quality of teachers in schools.

He pointed to the passage of a Patient's Bill of Rights, which gives patients and their doctors more control over health care. The governor also noted measures to improve pipeline safety that will better protect the public from underground fuel pipeline accidents.

Locke said the legislature worked together to provide better protection for vulnerable adults. The legislature approved new laws to crack down on abusers, as well as measures to protect victims.

The legislature also approved efforts to bring advanced telecommunications systems to rural areas. And lawmakers passed a long-negotiated measure to slash unemployment insurance taxes paid by Washington business and provide millions of dollars to help laid-off workers train for new occupations.

"We have accomplished a lot in a session that many thought wouldn't do more than respond to the effects of I-695," Locke said.

"What's left to do is to honor our commitment to make our schools better," Locke said. "We are close on legislation that will make significant progress in improving the amount of individual attention our students get in their classrooms. And we must finalize a transportation budget that keeps the ferry system running and moves ahead on some key road projects to relieve congestion and improve freight mobility.

"We are close to agreement on these items, and with a little more time, we can get the job done," Locke said.

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