The Washington state House of Representatives approved the following bills last week during an ongoing, short legislative session.
House Bill 2921, reducing state spending in the 2009-2010 Operating Budget by about $45 million over the next year.
House Bill 2561, authorizing the state to issue $861 million in general obligation bonds for capital investment projects for public schools, state colleges and universities.
The local tally fell largely along party lines, with all six regional Democratic representatives voting to approve both bills and all five Republicans voting against, except for Rep. Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama), who voted "yes" on HR 2921.
As of press time, the bills are now before the state Senate for further consideration.
