Protecting the initiative process
September 11, 2018
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... Read More...
Dollars continue to roll in to state treasury
August 28, 2018
During the early weeks of the 2018 session, I had an opportunity to meet an impressive young man named TJ Mohammed. I really enjoyed learning about TJ’s personal journey. He spent most of his youth as a refugee in Kenya, after his family was forced to flee the bloody conflict... Read More...
Governor still mum on worker freedom
August 21, 2018
It has been nearly two months since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the Janus case, declaring that it is unconstitutional to force public workers to pay union fees. But a lack of communication has many wondering whether Governor Inslee and his administration are dragging their feet on... Read More...
Taxes, immigration, and initiative disputes simmer during ‘slow season’
July 31, 2018
The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s Report From Olympia, July 31, 2018. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here.   In heat of summer, issues simmer Taxes, court cases, and immigration occupy attention during ‘slow season’ Dear friends and neighbors, All of us can agree this is... Read More...
Hear Sen. Padden on the Lars Larson Show
July 19, 2018
In this July 19 appearance on the Lars Larson Show, Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, discusses a letter sent by 22 Washington lawmakers opposing the abolition of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Read More...
Washington lawmakers oppose abolition of ICE, counter congressional criticism
July 16, 2018
Click here to read the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen. OLYMPIA – Twenty-two Washington lawmakers are declaring opposition to abolition of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), countering calls from congressional liberals for its elimination. The legislators released a letter Monday expressing support for the agency’s... Read More...
Summer tragedy puts DUI law back in spotlight
July 10, 2018
 The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, July 10, 2018. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, I hope you enjoyed an enjoyable and safe Independence Day celebration. This is the season for barbeques, celebrations, family reunions, road trips, parties and vacations. Yet... Read More...