IN BRIEF

Originally published Friday, March 15, 2002

TODAY

Good morning. The 57th Washington state Legislature's 60-day session concluded Thursday. The next regular session is scheduled to run 105 days starting in January 2003.

IN BRIEF

Sen. Don Carlson, a Vancouver Republican who gained notoriety as a House member in 1999 by joining Democrats to pass a budget, has a new reputation dangling from his neck.

Carlson stood proudly on the Senate floor late Thursday holding up two clothing hangers loaded with neckties of every bright color a senator could ever want.

"Sixty days, 60 ties," Carlson beamed, making good on an early session goal of wearing a different tie for every day of the session. He added he was glad there won't be a 61st day.

Carlson's secret to collecting so many ties is simple: longevity and lots of relatives who buy ties for birthdays.

"Thank you for that information. It's very helpful," said Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, the ever-polite Democrat who presides over the Senate.

"Next year, it is 105 days," Owen said.

COMING UP

Rep. Helen Sommers of Seattle, the top House budget writer, expressed regret that lawmakers were unable to make more progress this year to control health-care costs, which are running far faster than the rate of inflation or state revenue growth.

A Tukwila-based public-policy group headed by former Gov. Booth Gardner wants to try its hand at the problem.

The Rainier Institute, which includes Sommers on its board, will play host to a conference Tuesday in Seattle to look for solutions to the access-to-care crisis. Scheduled speakers include Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, who will speak on reforms that have helped in his state, and former Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge.

The public is invited to the free morning speeches by nationally recognized health-care experts and an afternoon discussion. Those who want to attend the $50 luncheon must register today by calling 206-575-1964 or by sending a request to cindi@rainierinstitute.org or by fax to 206-575-1397.

Event sponsors include some of the same pharmaceutical groups that lobbied this year against legislation to create a preferred drug list for recipients of state-paid health care.

Compiled by Brad Shannon

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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