COVID-19

2021 Operating budget – you name it, they taxed it! Dear Neighbor, As we enter the final month of the 2021 legislative session, our attention shifts to passing state budgets. In odd years, the legislature creates three separate two-year budgets: An operating, transportation and capital budget. Today I’m going to address the operating budget. 2021 Operating budget – you name... Read More...
We need to reopen schools now Dear Neighbor, It is not every day that I agree with our governor, but today is one of those days. Recently, he stated that our schools should begin to reopen and with the recent announcement that teachers and childcare workers can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I believe it is imperative... Read More...
Did somebody say “taxes”? Dear Neighbor, We are officially one-third of the way through the 2021 legislative session and have moved from mostly spending time in committee to spending a majority of the time on the floor voting on bills. Many of my colleagues continue to work remotely; as Republican whip, I am in... Read More...
Update on Washington state’s plan to reopen Dear Neighbor, As the legislature continues to work remotely, I wanted to update you on some of the bills I’ve sponsored this session, legislation that’s been heard in the Law & Justice Committee and provide a video update on our state’s reopening plan. Senate Bill 5081, which I’m sponsoring, would... Read More...
Working to reopen Washington’s economy – SB 5114 Dear Neighbor, Week 2 of our virtual legislative session is in the books. We began the week by honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a Senate floor resolution. I spoke on the virtual Senate floor about what he means to this country. You can listen to... Read More...
New year, new legislative session — virtually Dear Neighbor, As we begin a new year and legislative session, I wanted to thank you for the honor of representing you in the Washington State Senate. 2020 was an extremely difficult year for all of us and the fact that you have entrusted me to be your voice in... Read More...