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...
Update on Washington state’s plan to reopen Dear Neighbor, As the legislature continues to work remotely, I wanted to update you on some of the bills I’ve sponsored this session, legislation that’s been heard in the Law & Justice Committee and provide a video update on our state’s reopening plan. Senate Bill 5081, which I’m sponsoring, would... Read More...
Working to reopen Washington’s economy – SB 5114 Dear Neighbor, Week 2 of our virtual legislative session is in the books. We began the week by honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a Senate floor resolution. I spoke on the virtual Senate floor about what he means to this country. You can listen to... 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...
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...
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 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...