State Supreme Court strikes down death penalty
October 16, 2018
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,... Read More...
Padden attends White House conference on key issues affecting Washington
October 15, 2018
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... Read More...
Tax dollars continue to pour into state coffers
October 02, 2018
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... Read More...
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...