Uncategorized
Legislature fails to curb governor’s emergency powers during 2021 session
Dear Neighbor, Finally! The 2021 legislative session has come to an end. While there were some positive outcomes during this mostly virtual session – the poor policies that made it to the governor’s desk far outweigh the good things we achieved. We completed the 105-day session only after enacting record...
Read More
Sen. Keith Wagoner shares his thoughts on the governor’s emergency powers
Read More
COVID update: Moving to phase 3 and getting kids back in the classroom
Dear Neighbor, While there have been many ups and downs this legislative session, today I want to share some good news with you. We’re moving to phase 3! Weeks after our entire state made it to phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery plan, he announced that all of...
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
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
2020 Census – it’s time to be counted
Dear neighbor, See you in November Because of election year restrictions, this will be my last newsletter until after the results of the November election are certified. These election restrictions not apply to office services. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can serve you in any way....
Read More
COVID-19: Staying safe while reopening Washington’s economy
Dear neighbor, I write to you this week with mixed emotions, sadness and hope. I am sad for our family who lost a wonderful man to COVID-19. Jeff Rigelman, husband to my cousin Louise, lost his fight to the virus early this week leaving behind a hurting but united family...
Read More
Part 2: releasing DOC inmates not the right call
Dear neighbor, Last week, I shared with you my frustrations regarding Governor Inslee’s decision to release over 1,000 inmates from our state’s correctional facilities. Yesterday, I was joined by law enforcement officials and crime victims for a news conference voice their opposition to Governor Inslee’s planned release of 1,167 prison...
Read More