Wash. House takes early action on $130M school construction bill

Jan. 28, 2009

OLYMPIA – Looking to ensure school construction projects keep moving – and construction workers working – the House today pass legislation to keep a state assistance fund solvent.

State Rep. John Driscoll, D-Spokane, introduced the measure (HB 1113) after reaching Olympia and hearing some local projects were at risk. Ordinarily, funding for capital projects is not done until near the end of the legislative session, but Driscoll and Capital Budget chair Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, believed early action was needed.

“In good economic times, keeping school construction on track would be important too,” Driscoll said, “but right now we need to take every step possible to make sure we support education and keep people working.”

Several Spokane-area projects, including Ferris High School in Driscoll’s district, are mentioned in the list of projects that could benefit from the bill.

Overall, 67 school districts and 159 projects could be affected, totaling around $130 million.

The School Construction Assistance Grant Program ran low due to lower than expected revenue, as well as higher than expected demand from school districts. Driscoll’s bill has no fiscal impact, allowing bonds to be issued and restoring the school construction fund.

The House is expected to take additional early steps to address the looming economic crisis, including passing an Early Action Savings plan as early as next Monday.

“It’s a good problem to have when communities are going above and beyond to support their schools,” Driscoll said. “We know great teachers and schools are the keys to a child’s education, and this legislation will ensure nothing slows down efforts to get a great classroom for every child.”

The House voted unanimously to send it over to the Senate, and Driscoll said he will now start lobbying them to also move the bill early in session.

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For more information:
Rep. John Driscoll (D-Spokane), (360) 786-7962
Print-quality photo: www.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Driscoll.jpg

Staff contact – Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

Information on HB 1113:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1113&year=2009