WEB SPECIAL: Excerpts from Greater Spokane Incorporated's annual legislative forum.
Moderator: GSI State Lobbyist Jim Hedrick
Panelists: Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville); Rep. Larry Springer (D-Kirkland); Rep. Mike Volz (R-Spokane); Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane)
Topics: K-12 education/McCleary decision; Water rights/Hirst decision; paid sick leave; sexual harassment; carbon tax/business climate; gas tax/pay per mile; health care costs
mccleary_views.mp3
Legislators respond to McCleary, the increase in public spending to satisfy the court and the court's response. 1. Sen. Billig; 2. Sen. Schoesler; 3. Rep. Volz
legislative_forum.hirst_.mp3
An extended discussion of the state Supreme Court's Hirst decision (relating to regulation of water rights in rural areas). 1. History by Jim Hedrick; 2. Sen. Schoesler; 3. Rep. Springer; 4. Rep. Volz; 5. Sen. Billig; 6. Rep. Springer
paid_leave.mp3
Washington's new paid sick leave law: 1. Rep. Springer
sexual_harassment.mp3
How will the legislature handle sexual harassment? 1. Sen. Schoesler; 2. Rep. Springer; 3. Sen. Billig; 4. Rep. Volz
carbon_tax.mp3
Governor Inslee's proposed carbon tax/state business climate/initiatives/Washington's tax system. 1. Rep. Volz; 2. Sen. Billig; 3. Sen. Schoesler; 4. Rep. Springer
pay_per_mile.mp3
How will the state replace its gas tax?/Pay per mile pilot project. 1. Sen. Billig; 2. Sen. Schoesler
health_care_costs.mp3
How will the state address growing health care costs and their effect on the business community? 1. Rep. Springer