December 06, 2018

Padden saddened to learn of passing of former 4th District Rep. Lynn Schindler

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, offered this remembrance of former Rep. Lynn Schindler, after learning she had passed away unexpectedly last night. “I knew Lynn well before she got into politics – which was after raising 10 children – and was not at all surprised that once she became a...
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November 28, 2018

Booming economy equals perfect time for tax relief

November has been an eventful month. Although this year’s general election concluded more than three weeks ago, some of the state’s closest races came down to the wire and were still being sorted out as of yesterday. Some of the initiatives that were on this year’s ballot are also in...
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November 08, 2018

Victory for charter school families

The state Supreme Court continues to issue high-profile decisions. Sometimes, as with the recent ruling affirming the constitutionality of charter schools, it’s a welcomed relief for Washingtonians. Other times, however, we are faced with decisions that make it harder for victims to receive justice and closure. You can read more...
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October 19, 2018

Padden speaks out against State Supreme Court ruling on sentencing youth to life without parole

AUDIO: The ranking Republican on the state Senate’s Law and Justice Committee is speaking out against Thursday’s Washington Supreme Court ruling that sentencing youth to life without parole is unconstitutional. Senator Mike Padden says that, in 2012, the Legislature passed a law that allows life in prison in specific juvenile...
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October 17, 2018

Padden works with national experts to end sex-trafficking exploitation of minors

Today Sen. Mike Padden attended the international Juvenile Sex Trafficking Conference in San Diego, where he joined others in congratulating San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan on being awarded a Pathbreaker Award. “District Attorney Stephan has been a national leader in the fight to end sexual exploitation of children,”...
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October 16, 2018

State Supreme Court strikes down death penalty

Last week, I traveled to the “other Washington” to participate in a conference and briefing at the White House. It was a great experience that allowed me to hear directly from high-ranking Administration officials, while also sharing with them the concerns and views of our district. While I was away,...
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October 15, 2018

Padden attends White House conference on key issues affecting Washington

Conference included surprise appearances by Vice President Pence and White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway On Thursday, Oct. 11, Sen. Mike Padden represented the Washington State Senate at a White House conference with Pacific Northwest state and local leaders. The conference included remarks and discussions with key administration officials and policymakers...
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October 02, 2018

Tax dollars continue to pour into state coffers

I realize a change of seasons doesn’t mean people suddenly have more free time – early fall is no less busy for most folks than summer. Knowing that, I thank each and every one of you who made the effort to meet at the Rocket Bakery for my recent coffee...
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September 11, 2018

Protecting the initiative process

Shortly after I sent my previous update, we got word that the state Supreme Court had issued a favorable ruling in our case against the Legislature over its unconstitutional response to I-940. The ruling sends the police-deadly-force initiative to the November ballot, protects the initiative process, and establishes the supremacy...
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