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...
What’s new in K-12 education?
February 07, 2020
Dear Neighbor, Greetings! Of the thousands of emails and phone calls I have received during the 2020 Legislative session, the majority have been focused on issues we are looking at in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. My philosophy on our education system is that it should be... Read More...
Tax season in Olympia has arrived
January 31, 2020
Dear Neighbor, Greetings! The 2020 legislative session is off to a fast start; most of my time so far this session has been spent attending meetings of the three Senate committees I have the honor of being assigned to – Early Learning and K-12 Education, Ways and Means, and the... Read More...
Protecting your 2nd Amendment Right
January 24, 2020
  Dear Neighbor, Greetings!  As the second week of the 2020 legislative session concludes, I wanted to take a minute to share with you something about which I am very passionate – your Second Amendment rights. As lawmakers, we take an oath to uphold the United States Constitution and I... Read More...
2020 Legislative Session off and running
January 17, 2020
Greetings! It is good to be back in Olympia working for you as the 2020 legislative session convened earlier this week. While this is a short 60-day session, there is still much to be done. Some of my priorities this session include, continuing to serve as the Republican leader on... Read More...
Wagoner sponsors legislation to streamline prison medical procedures
December 18, 2019
Sen. Keith Wagoner has introduced a bill to ensure prison inmates get the medical care they need while incarcerated at Washington state correctional facilities. Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, prefiled Senate Bill 6063, which would require minimum qualifications for a prisoner medical director, set criteria for transferring a patient to a health care... Read More...