OLYMPIA — The Washington House is endorsing a plan to upgrade energy efficiency at schools around the state.
The idea is to spur construction jobs by paying for energy-efficiency renovations in schools and universities. The project would be paid for by selling bonds, but voters statewide would have to give their approval first.
Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, says his Jobs Act would help ignite 38,000 jobs and save local schools money. The bonds would cost about $1.5 billion total, including interest payments spread out over 20 years.
Republicans don’t like the plan, saying it adds too much to the state’s debt.
The bill passed the House today by a 57-41 vote. It now moves to the state Senate for further debate.
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