Lawmakers, who had become deadlocked over the budget, rapidly reached agreement as they worked on a compromise budget proposal the governor offered last week. Locke said that while responding to the fiscal impacts of Initiative 695 and the need to improve education funding, the budget also provides significant increases in transportation funding. It also finances critical transportation needs, including highway congestion relief projects, freight mobility improvements, highway safety improvements and maintenance of basic state ferry service. Establishes a Patients' Bill of Rights, which gives patients and their doctors more control over health care. Creates new pipeline safety rules that will better protect the public from underground fuel pipeline accidents.
Helps prevent vulnerable adults from becoming victims and cracks down on abusers.
Speeds economic development by bringing advanced telecommunications systems to rural areas. But as we stand here today, we have much to show for it. The Legislature can go home proud of the work it has done. And for that, it's our citizens of our state who are the winners.