Update: Senate Ways and Means approves “Jason McKissack Act”

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ORIGINAL 1:26 PM REPORT, WHEN WE GOT WORD THE BILL *WOULD* BE VOTED ON TODAY: Just got that word from Sen. Joe McDermott and law-enforcement advocate Renee Maher – it’s now on the list for the Ways/Means Committee meeting that’s about to start. 2:53 PM UPDATE: The meeting is live on TVW – we’re watching online here. Looks like they are still in public hearings; the votes, described on the agenda (see it here) as “executive session,” generally come up afterward (the public hearing on this bill was held last Monday – we went to Olympia to cover it; here’s our story). As of a moment ago, they took a break to go into “caucuses” prior to those votes, but the live broadcast should resume soon. 4:18 PM: The live broadcast just resumed. 1679 is the next bill. 4:24 PM: Senate Ways and Means voted for it unanimously. It goes to the Rules Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. We’re checking on what exactly that means – and what happens next, as well as whether further expressions of support are still needed – look for an update. 4:48 PM: Sen. McDermott tells WSB he will keep working to move the bill ahead – getting out of Rules is apparently not a slam dunk; the bill’s history says that’s where it stalled last year.

cathyw March 1, 2010 (1:46 pm)

YAY!!!

JanS March 1, 2010 (1:57 pm)

that’s a positive step. I simply don’t understand why this is so difficult for them. It’s a simple thing to do, the right thing to do.

bridge to somewhere March 1, 2010 (2:18 pm)

i hope the act is retroactive so that it covers Mr. McKissack too . . .

miws March 1, 2010 (4:15 pm)

Fingers crossed…

Mike

Kat in HighPoint March 1, 2010 (4:43 pm)

That is wonderful news!

go! March 1, 2010 (4:56 pm)

I’m just a bill.
Yes, I’m only a bill.
And I’m sitting here on Capitol Hill.
Well, it’s a long, long journey
To the capital city.
It’s a long, long wait
While I’m sitting in committee,
But I know I’ll be a law someday
At least I hope and pray that I will,
But today I am still just a bill.
-Schoolhouse Rock

WSB March 1, 2010 (4:59 pm)

Just got e-mail from an expert legislative watcher – will synthesize for the later update but in the short run, his advice is to continue letting the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Lisa Brown, know you want to see this bill win final approval – TR

Candy Berg March 1, 2010 (9:01 pm)

Hello WSB, I must say that I was there in Olympia today for the latest on this bill. I must say that I am happy that Senator Margarita Prentice was awesome. They did make this happen today and although it is not a slam dunk I was happy to hear that they were behind out Police and Fire Fighters. I have been in awe of the public support that has been shown recently. I am also in awe of the Political system. I cannot say I would ever want to be a member of Senate or anything like that. But the information going through there is unreal. I have really learned a lot about Politics and the whole workings that I have never known before. Ive apparently been living under a rock. But at least Im aware now that I need to be more aware. Again many many thanks that Margarita Prentice was good for her word. I will definately know more about candidates next time we vote.. Thank you all.

Kim MCKISSACK March 2, 2010 (11:02 pm)

I am injured officer, Jason McKissacks wife. I just want to thank the West Seattle Blog for staying on top of this for the past (almost) 2 years. I wish I could thank everyone in person, but I don’t think I’d make it thru all my tears of gratitude. I did give a big thankyou to WSB last night on Q13, but they edited it out :( But did, thankfully, kept in my thanks to Ms. Margarita Prentice. This sure has been a ride I didn’t expect to take – but thankfully, I’ve met many wonderful people and did learn a lesson about how important our voices are. We were in the right place, at the right time, with the right message. Renee Maher, could not have done it without you and will always be greatful. So far so good. Hope to have the best news EVER really soon! Thank you all! The McKissack Family

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