In a politically polarized environment, Washington state lawmakers were able to move beyond partisan politics and craft a plan that works for all of the state.

The state Senate approved a bipartisan transportation plan, co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, on Monday with a 27-22 vote.

A group of four state senators who serve on the Transportation Committee, including Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, unveiled a $15 billion transportation revenue package proposal Feb. 12. The package consists of more than $8 billion in new project funding including $3.2 billion for projects affecting residents in Covington and Maple Valley. The senators are proposing an 11.7 cent gas tax increase over the next three years as the primary funding source.

As the legislative session moves into its second month, there is very little movement on the major issues confronting the state.

Sen. Joe Fain, (R-Auburn), who helped craft the supplemental transportation-budget proposal passed by the Legislature late Thursday, says he made sure the plan would support important South King County projects in a cost-conscious way.