Inslee speech marks start of second year in office

Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee today will outline his goals for this year in a midday speech to a joint session of the state Legislature.

The governor’s State of the State address will highlight the second day of the 2014 legislative session. Inslee is not expected to propose any major new initiatives but will likely press lawmakers to reach a deal on a transportation funding package.

TVW will televise the speech live at noon and webcast it live as well.

Also today, public hearings are planned on bills to require elected officials receive training on the state’s open meetings and public records laws; outlaw smoking in vehicles carrying children and teenagers under the age of 18 are present; and ban political fund raising by lawmakers in odd-numbered until after the Legislature delivers a budget to the governor.

And at 2:30 p.m., Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina, and Sen. Steve Litzow, R-Mercer Island, will release their plan for boosting early learning and preschool programs in the state. Hunter is the chief budget writer in the House and Litzow is chairman of the Senate education committee.