A bill that proposed the creation of jobs by issuing bonds for energy savings and repairs to educational institutions’ buildings endured an intense debate on the House floor before being passed with a vote of 54 yeas, 39 nays and 5 excused.

The bill would create an estimated 30,000 jobs and increase the state’s debt limit by 1.7%. $861 million will be appropriated, around $200 million of which withiin the House Capital Budget for K-12 schools. Opponents of the bill pointed to the speculative nature of the increase in debt and the theoretical, not concrete, jobs that are forecast to be created. They also cited the short-term nature of potential jobs, given the relatively small amount of money appropriated per forecast position.

Supporters countered these arguments by calling the bill a gesture of responsible leadership and claiming that the debt limit increase was not substantial enough to justify alarm. They also expressed their concern for the condition of school buildings, many of which have leaking roofs, missing ceiling tiles, poor insulation and old windows. By invoking the paramount duty of the legislature to provide access to all of Washington’s children to education, several of those speaking in support sought to tie the jobs bill directly to issues regarding funding for K-12 education.