Uncategorized

June 04, 2021

Alert! Long-term care payroll tax coming soon

Dear Neighbor, I have recently heard from some of you regarding the payroll tax to fund long-term care that will be implemented next year. I know many of you have questions and concerns regarding this new tax so I wanted to provide you with information based on some of the...
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May 04, 2021

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...
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May 03, 2021

Sen. Keith Wagoner shares his thoughts on the governor’s emergency powers

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March 19, 2021

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...
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March 05, 2021

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...
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February 19, 2021

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...
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January 15, 2021

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...
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May 09, 2020

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....
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May 01, 2020

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...
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