The path to Sine Die
We have just passed another major cutoff deadline: opposite house of origin cutoff. Sunday by 5 pm was the last day for House bills to pass through the Senate – except for budget related bills. While we have made significant progress in so many areas, including child care, small business support, racial justice, climate action, and broadband access (just to name a few) we still have a lot of work to do before we reach our final deadline – Sine Die (the last day of session) on April 25th.
Concurrence
Between now and Sine Die, we enter a period of concurrence, conference, and negotiations.
Many of the bills we consider pass the House and Senate in different forms. The last two weeks of session are used to come to final agreement through the concurrence and conference process so each bill can pass both chambers in exactly the same form, as required by our state Constitution.
The other significant work being done over these final two weeks of session are budget negotiations. All three of the major budgets (operating, capital, and transportation) have passed both chambers, but they must now be reconciled between the House and Senate versions. The budgets are large and detailed, so reconciliation is a tedious but vital process that insures we end up with responsible, final versions for the Legislature to vote on before we adjourn for the year.
You are eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine!
Beginning April 15th everyone 16 years or older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington State. In addition to local providers, Spokane also has two easy to access, major vaccination sites:
Both of these sites have many open appointments. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free to everyone. Those older than 16 who want a COVID-19 vaccine should schedule their appointment today!
Stay in Touch
Stay safe and take care. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.
Onward!
Andy
