IN THE NEWS: Compromise calls for honoring Chinese community each January By Jerry Cornfield | Everett Herald This January, in public schools across Washington, students may spend time learning of the contributions of Chinese-Americans in this state’s history. And achievements of Americans of Chinese descent as well. A bill headed to the governor for signing would designate January as Chinese American/Americans... Read More...

Wagoner bill to recognize history, contributions of Americans of Chinese descent wins full legislative approval Sen. Keith Wagoner’s measure designating January as Americans of Chinese Descent Month in Washington has nearly reached the end of a long journey into state law.   “This is an important day and a great victory,” said Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, who has been working on the issue since 2020.   “This... Read More...

Guest Editorial: WA Dems proposed assault weapons ban will do nothing to address root cause of violence By Sen. Keith Wagoner | Tri-City Herald | April 14, 2023 Click here to read full article. On the Saturday before Easter, the state Senate’s majority Democrats passed what they call an “assault weapons ban.” In reality, the bill targets several of the most popular sporting and self-defense firearms in... Read More...

Wagoner bill to protect vulnerable adults heads to governor House unanimously approves bill to allowing better record-sharing and transparency between DSHS and law enforcement On Friday the state House of Representatives voted unanimously to approve Senate Bill 5370, a measure sponsored by Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, that would improve adult protective services by requiring the state Department of Social... Read More...

Wagoner bill to promote voluntary land-stewardship clears Senate budget committee prior to fiscal deadline Sudden demise of House riparian-buffer bill makes SB 5353 only riparian protection proposal of its kind left in 2023 session On its final day this legislative session to endorse Senate policy bills, the Senate Ways and Means Committee backed legislation from Sen. Keith Wagoner that would give up to 12... Read More...

Senate ag committee advances Wagoner bill to open up state’s land-stewardship program to more counties On Thursday, the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee voted to advance legislation from Sen. Keith Wagoner that would give counties another opportunity to participate in the state’s Voluntary Stewardship Program.   The program offers an alternative approach for protecting critical areas on lands where agricultural uses exist.... Read More...

In the News: State Republican Lawmakers Criticize Democrats Over Police Pursuit Bill By The Chronicle staff Click here to read online. State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, criticized his Democratic colleagues on the state Senate Law and Justice Committee on Friday for rejecting Republican attempts to reform what he called a “criminal-friendly flaw” in a police pursuit law. According to Padden, the... Read More...

Wagoner bill to recognize history, contributions of Americans of Chinese descent heads to House Today the Senate voted 48-0 to approve Sen. Keith Wagoner’s measure designating January as Americans of Chinese Descent Month.   “They say the third time’s a charm, and I hope in this case it’s true,” said Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, who has been working on the issue since 2020.   “I want... Read More...