Health, environment, education win big in '07 Legislature

[flamingyouth]

OLYMPIA -- Through the prism of Democratic values, the 2007 Legislature provided a cornucopia of progressive new policy and concrete investments to help college students, gay couples, teachers and Puget Sound fish, to name just a few.

But it wasn't until the closing hours that Democrats succeeded in one of their toughest goals: ensuring that parents can take time off to care for their newborn children.

Lawmakers wrapped up the 2007 legislative session Sunday with last-hour compromises on paid family leave, the state pension system and the mandatory assessment test for high school graduation. Then they passed their $33.4 billion budget Sunday night and adjourned for the year.

The spending plan's emphasis on education, health and environmental investments instead of tax breaks clearly reflect the majority Democrats' priorities. However, the new bill establishing a five-week paid family leave is perhaps the Democrats' most notable legislation this year.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/312740_legislature23.html

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. It was also a good session for the disabled.

http://www.arcwa.org/news.htm