Under the Dome

Compiled Brad Shannon

Originally published Wednesday, March 13, 2002

TODAY

Good morning. Today is Wednesday, March 13, the 59th day of the 60-day regular session.

QUOTED

"It's the truckers who truly bring home the bacon. ... They bring it to you. ... Even mass transit can't bring it. It takes a truck."

-- Rep. Jack Cairnes, R-Covington, one of several lawmakers who praised the trucking industry from the House floor Tuesday. In an obvious reference to Democratic proposals to boost the gross-weight tax on heavy trucks, he warned that lawmakers should take care not to harm the trucking industry.

NEW LAWS

Gov. Gary Locke signed a bill into law Tuesday that will let victims of domestic violence or stalking receive unemployment insurance benefits. House Bill 1248 was sponsored by Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.

"Unemployment benefits for domestic violence and stalking victims, who quit work to protect themselves and their family members, will help ensure their livelihood while searching for new employment," Locke said.

Locke signed 24 other bills, including one that sets up a task force to study human trafficking and lets victims receive compensation. Washington is the first state to enact such a law, said Rep. Velma Veloria, D-Seattle, sponsor of House Bill 2381.

"Human trafficking is a serious worldwide problem and we must do more to protect victims in Washington," Locke said. "The task force on human trafficking created by HB 2381 will provide useful information for trafficking victims, policymakers and service providers."

The Trafficking of Persons Act will allow compensation from the state Crime Victims' Compensation Program for victims of international trafficking. It also creates a task force that will study the extent of trafficking in Washington, as well as identify programs such as housing or legal assistance that victims might need.

"About 50,000 women are trafficked into the United States every year, and we know that Washington state is an important corridor for traffickers from Asia, Latin America and elsewhere," Veloria said.

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