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Ericksen says 2004 session
produced positive results for
Whatcom County
Agreements came together
on several key pieces of legislation late Thursday, including a
supplemental transportation budget and a supplemental operating budget,
as the 2004 legislative session adjourned.
Rep. Doug Ericksen
called the
60-day session an overall success for the citizens of Whatcom County.
Ericksen is credited with brokering the 11th hour deal between the House
and Senate Transportation Committee chairs when negotiations broke down.
At one point there was talk of the session ending without adopting a
supplemental budget.
“My goals for the 2004 session were straight forward,” said Ericksen,
R-Ferndale. “To provide the leadership to create and retain jobs in
Whatcom County, fix our state’s transportation infrastructure and hold
the line on government spending.
“The transportation budget was a bit touch-and-go, but in the end, we
got the job done. Most importantly, Whatcom County projects will be
funded - and in some cases - expedited.”
Ericksen also pointed to the behind-the-scenes work that went into
passing important legislation to help aluminum smelters stay in
Washington as a success.
“Before we began the 2004 session, I worked with a broad base of people
to create a four point plan to keep Alcoa Intalco Works operating and
growing,” said Ericksen. “I’m proud that we were able to come together
in a bipartisan manner and pass legislation to temporarily reduce
aluminum companies’ business and occupation tax rate and provide some
additional tax exemptions.
“It’s only one step, however,” Ericksen said. “Next session we need to
continue the battle. I’ll continue to work to lock in an electricity
rate reduction from the Bonneville Power Administration; ensure
permanent energy sources are available at a reasonable and reliable
price and make much needed regulatory changes to improve our state’s
business climate.”
Ericksen said he was disappointed more wasn’t done to contain the high
costs of health care by breaking down the barriers to a patient centered
system and enact tort reform legislation.
“Although we missed the opportunity to approve meaningful tort reforms
needed to help improve the economy, and increase access to affordable
health care, particularly in rural areas, they will be priorities for
the 2005 session.”
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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