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...
Wagoner concerned about releasing prisoners due to COVID-19
April 15, 2020
Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, issued the following statement regarding the governor’s decision to release up to 950 incarcerated individuals from the state’s correctional facilities due to risks of contracting COVID-19. “As the prime sponsor of the only legislation directly addressing inmate health care and procedures in the last legislative session,... Read More...
COVID-19: Stay Separate, Stay Safe
April 10, 2020
Dear Neighbor, As we continue focusing on saving lives during the COVID-19 crisis, we also need to look to the future on how life will resume afterward. We do not want to come out of this crisis economically devastated. The key to a strong recovery is limiting the damage done... Read More...
COVID-19: information and resources to keep you healthy
March 25, 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Each day brings new challenges and new questions as we face a temporary new reality in the light of COVID-19. I know, the last thing you need is another voice telling you to “wash your hands”; you want meaningful information. I hope the web links throughout... Read More...
2020 session adjourns
March 13, 2020
Dear Neighbor, As the 2020 legislative session comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has called, emailed and stopped by my office. I have heard from thousands of you this year on issues we are addressing in Olympia. I hope you continue to share your concerns and... 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...