Legislature adjourns March 12
Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org
The Legislature adjourned “sine die” on March 12, leaving $2 billion in the Rainy-Day Account and nearly $1 billion in reserves. To support COVID-19 efforts, the Legislature appropriated $200 million, of which $25 million was set aside in a new unemployment account created to support employees who need unemployment benefits during school and business closures and time off to care for self or affected family members.
On the final day of session, several amendments were adopted, including one that gives the State Board of Education the authority to grant waivers for students in the class of 2020 or before who are on track to graduate but are affected by school closures. OSPI is keeping updated information on its website in response to the statewide schools closure that starts March 17.
As one of Governor Inslee’s many announcements this past week, public bill signings have been canceled. The Governor has until April 4 to sign bills passed by the Legislature (20 days after the end of session, not including Sundays). The signings will be streamed on TVW.
Keep up with the bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated legislative priorities and long-term positions by utilizing the WSPTA Bill Status Report.