1.8.18 

Suggested lead:  Barely six months after wrapping up the longest legislative session in state history, lawmakers returned to Olympia to begin a sprint to the end of the 2017-18 biennium.  Dan Frizzell has more.

Wrap (:65 total): 

CHOPP: “This year we have 60 days.  Am I right to assume that you want to finish on time?” [applause] [:10]

That’s Speaker of the House Frank Chopp.  He used his traditional opening-day speech to recap last year’s accomplishments, including the largest investment ever in Washington’s public schools, and to lay out an ambitious agenda for 2018.  He stressed the “Working together for one Washington” that has been the majority House Democrats’ slogan for the last two decades, calling for action on jobs in rural areas, equal pay for women, improved mental healthcare, a new emphasis on post-high school education, protecting against catastrophic oil spills, and making the Capitol a place free from harassment. 

CHOPP: “This is the promise of one Washington.  Working together in good faith, our accomplishments will continue, as long as there are people like you willing to make that happen. So, we have a lot to do, let’s get to work.  Thank you.” [applause] [:15]

The first floor action in the House is set for this Wednesday, and the final gavel will fall on March 8.  In Olympia, Dan Frizzell