Report from Olympia

A new effort to strengthen the state’s DUI laws
February 07, 2019
The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, Feb. 7, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Dear Friends and Neighbors, One of the most frustrating things about DUI fatalities is that often we find the impaired driver has been charged and even convicted multiple... Read More...
A bad-hair day for the Legislature and other tales from the Capitol
January 31, 2019
The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, Jan. 31, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. First bill of the year clears the Senate, torrent to come later Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Wednesday, the Washington Senate passed the first bill of the session,... Read More...
Legislature off and running – Initiative fix is top priority
January 24, 2019
 The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, Jan. 24, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Legislature off and running – Initiative fix is top priority Dear Friends and Neighbors, Our 2019 legislative session is off and running. During our first week, we witnessed... Read More...
Hang onto your wallets — the Legislature is back in town
January 14, 2019
 The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, Jan. 14, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Big tax increases the issue as the 2019 session begins Dear friends and neighbors, As the Legislature launches its 2019 session today, you might be tempted to hum... Read More...
Will the Governor ask for new taxes again?
December 12, 2018
Christmas is right around the corner, and I hope you and your loved ones will have the best of holidays, with plenty of love and gratitude, good food and time with friends and family. Please take a moment this December to remember those who are less fortunate. Several organizations depend... Read More...
Booming economy equals perfect time for tax relief
November 28, 2018
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... Read More...
Victory for charter school families
November 08, 2018
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... Read More...
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...
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...