YAKIMA, Wash. -- Former state Sen. Alex Deccio remains hospitalized, but his condition has improved, according to a spokesman for his family.

The 88-year-old former Republican senator from Yakima was in serious condition last Thursday when he was taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital suffering from pneumonia and having difficulty breathing.

A hospital official said Monday evening that Deccio's condition had been upgraded to satisfactory.

Rep. Norm Johnson, R-Yakima, who is acting as family spokesman, said Monday that he had visited Deccio on Sunday and could see he was doing much better.

A release date from the hospital has not been scheduled, Johnson said.

Deccio was scheduled to start kidney dialysis after the first of the year. He also has diabetes and has battled prostate cancer and back problems.

The former lawmaker retired from the state Senate in 2006 after 32 years in public office, including serving as a state representative and Yakima County commissioner.