Prison safety

Update on Washington state’s plan to reopen
February 05, 2021
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...
April 17, 2020
Dear Neighbor, This week’s newsletter will have an unfamiliar tone. It reflects my frustration with the unfortunate politicization of our current situation. I have tried hard to be supportive of the governor during this extremely difficult time and, in fact, I think many of the early steps we took as... Read More...
Improving state correctional facilities
March 06, 2020
Dear Neighbor, With less than a week to go in the 2020 legislative session, I have spent countless hours on the floor of the Senate, working to protect the values of our district while balancing the needs of our great state. While it has not been easy, with what feels... Read More...
Budget season in Olympia
February 28, 2020
Dear Neighbor, As the 2020 Legislative Session begins to wind-down, much of our attention is turning towards our supplemental operating and supplemental capital budgets. The budget process is difficult –at best–as we work to balance the needs of government with the needs of its citizens. Health, public safety, education, these... Read More...
Wagoner bill protecting inmates and corrections officers passes Senate
February 18, 2020
Senate Bill 6063, which directly tackles management problems in the Department of Correction’s medical unit passed the Senate Monday. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, would establish minimum qualifications for a prison medical director, set criteria for transferring a patient to a health care facility for medical assistance... Read More...
What’s passing in Olympia?
February 14, 2020
Dear Neighbor, Greetings and Happy Valentine’s Day! We’ve reached the halfway point on the 2020 legislative session, some of you might be asking “what is the status of I-976? What is the legislature doing to address our state’s homelessness crisis? What bills are moving through the legislature this session?” I-976... Read More...