OLYMPIA — Sine die. It’s an adverb meaning “without a day specified for a future meeting.”
But to the 147 state legislators in Olympia, including the three representing the North Olympic Peninsula, all the phrase means is that after nine long weeks in the state’s capital, they finally can go home.
The 2006 Legislature adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday, a day early — the fifth consecutive session that has ended without an additional special session.
All three of the 24th District’s lawmakers — Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, Rep. Jim Buck, R-Joyce, and Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam — said they were pleased with their efforts this session, although Buck was displeased with the majority party’s operating budget.
The 24th District includes Clallam and Jefferson counties, and part of Grays Harbor county.
‘Best session ever’
“I had the best session ever,” said Kessler, who now can move out of the Olympia-area rental where she spends the week during legislative sessions.
“My successes were unbelievable this year and I worked really, really hard. I got the parking fees at state parks removed, money in the budget for U.S. 101 and a third judge for Clallam County.
“The governor signed the third judges bill and both judges were there. I was surprised both judges came down for the bill signing. I wondered how they could hold court.”
Included in the state transportation budget is $41.86 million to widen U.S. Highway 101 between Shore and Kitchen-Dick roads
Sen. Mark Doumit, D-Cathlamet, sponsored a bill that extends to the timber industry the same business and occupation tax breaks provided to the aerospace industry, Kessler said.
“So we’re pretty jazzed in timber country,” she said.
