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Show With Love ,.. As uhapman said,"We weren't working alone. At times there were letters pouring into the legislature from friends, uncles, brothers and grandmothers of the handicapped." In spite of the helpful pressure, HB-90 remained tied up in the Rules Committee. Then the roof fell in. On Saturday, the word was that HB-90 would come out of committee on Tuesday, the last day a bill could be sent to the Senate. The price for release was removal of penalties, which included loss of 25 to75% of all state educational funding to the school districts for noncompliance. Without the penalties the law would be a statement of noble sentiments, but of no more value than the laws already denying an education to the children. Lindquist who was observing the legislature on that day learned of this pressure tactic. She was advised by a knowledgeable friend, that even this obstacle might be overcome. The technique was to wait for the bill to be brought to the floor of the ftouse, then have a friendly legislator ask one of the bill's sponsors, "Did it help HB-90 to take out the sanctions?" The sponsor could answer,"No, and this is why." After a discussion, a vote could be taken to replace the sanctions. It was a good tactic, but would work only if there were enough support. Lindquist hurried back to Seattle from Olympia and the alarm went out to the other members of EPA. Sunday, the four woaen and two law students met for a strategy session. On a single sheet of paper, a thick black pen was used to list what sections of HB-90 must be voted on and why. Copies were made. |