Senate approves legislation on health care, schools

OLYMPIA — On Thursday, April 5, the Washington State Senate passed two bills sponsored by Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell. One of them allows the use of school district capital projects funds for technology, was not amended, passed unanimously and is heading to Gov. Gregoire’s desk for her signature.

“Schools continuously struggle to get their classroom computer programs updated or renewed because software is not considered part of their capital plans,” said Ericks. “But if they don’t have the adequate software running on their computers, it’s like not having computers at all. Technology today is as much a part of the classroom of a school as bricks and mortar.”

The legislation allows money in each school district’s capital projects fund to be used for technology expenses such as the implementation, application, and modernization of technology systems, facilities, and projects. Ericks’ bill provides much needed flexibility for school districts in how they allocate their resources to improve classroom technology.

Ericks’ other bill approved by the Senate changes the definition of “health plan” under the state health insurance laws. The legislation will allow fixed payment medical plans to be sold in Washington, and directs the Office of Insurance Commissioner to report to the Legislature annually on the sale and effectiveness of fixed payment insurance products.

“This bill is important to over a thousand employees that are currently covered by this product. Without the bill, they will lose their coverage,” said Ericks. “Most of the employees with this coverage would otherwise have no medical insurance. They are seasonal, temporary or hourly workers that typically don’t qualify for large employer paid coverage. This product allows them to have some limited coverage, which provides preventative care and clinic services.”

That bill was amended by the Senate and awaits concurrence in the House before it’s sent to the governor.