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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ALERT: WA State Senate passes income tax
Dear Neighbor, I send you this newsletter urgently on a Saturday, not because I want to, but because you need to know what your state government is doing outside of business hours. This session, I have shared details of the proposed income tax. Senate Bill 5096 was introduced which would impose a 7%...
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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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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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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...
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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...
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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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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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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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