Part 1--Veterans Legislative Report:  I will present this report in “item format” in order to condense material.  If you have questions, bills that you would like the VLC or me to investigate/push forward, please contact me.  A Bill summary is provided below my signature.  A more complete bill summary analysis in Adobe pdf format will be sent separately for your convenience

Dates:  January 11 - The 2010 Legislative Session began
              Feb 5 - Last day for report out within committees for non-fiscal bills
              Feb 12 - Last day for report out within committees for all/fiscal bills
              March 11 -  Last day of session

Bills out:  We are closely following SHB 2403, HB 1648/SB 5041, HB2973, and SB 6342.  Below is a list of Veteran / Military Related bills eligible for consideration during the 2010 Session.  Bills with an impact to Veterans or the Military Department will be tracked on the WDVA Legislative Updates Website. Bills that were introduced during the 2009 Session but did not pass are eligible to be considered during the 2010 Session and do not need to be re-introduced.  For more information on the 2010 Legislature, go to: http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx .  The summary below shows those bills being pushed out for hearings. Almost all Vets bills are non-fiscal; which means no monies are attached/necessary, joint resolutions, or “feel good bills” that are more words than substance. Most will not make it out of committee.  The VLC was very successful the last two years to get our supported bills with fiscal impact passed.  The bills below (mostly hold-over’s) will go away for the next bi-annum or will be rephrased with new numbers next session.  The VLC will have members present to testify for support as bills are brought forth.  Key:  If you have a bill that you want pushed contact me!  I have received nothing from any chapter requesting specific bills be supported. 

Legislative  View:  The state budget has a $2.6à$2.8 Billion deficit.  The projected deficit for next year is worse. At our Legislator Reception last week, both representatives and senators were in no mood to discuss fiscal bills/requirements.  We only asked them to support veteran small businesses, education and families as priorities (36 senators and reps attended).  We asked Sec of State Sam Reed to support veterans voting bills SB 6238 and HB2483 and HB1624 as well as legislators to provide monies when the federal/pentagon get bill authorization for overseas internet/fax voting.  I specifically discussed Vet bill priorities with: District 45 members, Dist 7—Short, Dist 49---Moeller, Dist 42, Erickson & Linville, Dist 10---Smith, Bailey and other Leg assistants.

Part 2(add-on):  Prior to my departure for Storming the Hill in April, I will be mailing letters and scheduling appointments within the next two weeks.  Do you have a specific question or “desire” that you want our Senators or Reps to push or to listen?  If so, let me know that you want me to specifically ask your Rep for an appointment. 

Ken Deich, WSCOC President and VLC member.
206.669.4039

Veteran / Military Related Bill Tracking as of January 20, 2010
Please note, hearing information subject to change.  Visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ to verify hearing dates and times.)

State Legislative Information as of 01/20/2010