This legislative session is the first for four of Progressive Majority's 2008 candidates - Senator Kevin Ranker and Representatives John Driscoll, Jim Jacks and Tina Orwall - but our Olympia Fab Four have been acting like legislative veterans.

These four new legislators have introduced an astounding 43 bills championing several progressive issues including salmon recovery, increasing access to education for children who are deaf or hearing impaired, low-income housing and lowering health care costs.

One of our 2009 freshmen's bills has already been signed into law by Governor Gregoire.  Rep. John Driscoll (6^th LD, Spokane) introduced HB 1113, an act relating to financing the school construction assistance grant program.  The bill, which contained an emergency clause immediately implementing the law, will authorize $133 million in state general obligation bonds for the School Construction Assistance Grant Program.  The $133 million will provide school districts funding for facility planning and matching funds for school construction and renovations - a much needed investment in our state's education system.