House: Bridge relief on the way

Rep. Winkler's 156 point behemoth, HF2553, the bridge relief compensation, has made it past its last House stop, getting the conference committee report approved. Next will be the Senate approval of the report, and then the governor's desk.

I spoke with a couple victims who had gathered in the gallery after the bill had passed. One, Karge Olsen, said that "It's a proud day for the Legislature, a proud day for the governor's office and a proud day for the victims."

Another, Jennifer Holmes, has been involved with the process, speaking at committee hearings for the legislation. Her husband Patrick died in the collapse.

"We're just very happy that they recoginized that we need help, and they're taking into consideration that some of us might need more help than just the tort $400,000," she said.

I asked if it bothered her that some lawmakers didn't support the bill.

"Everybody has their opinions, and we've been hearing the negatives all along, I think its good that that people question," but that most members recognized the need for the fund.

Most declined to comment, and I can't say I blame them, after nine months of questions about a painful subject that most probably want to move past as much as they can.

The House is just taking up HF3149, the subject of our floor-a-palooza, but the Senate has yet to touch the redistricting bill. Watch the House here, I'll link to the Senate and let you know when and if they take it up.