Report from Olympia

Taxes? Immunizations? Sanctuary state? Big issues in doubt in Olympia The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Mike Padden’s subscribers April 25, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Busy floor sessions are commonplace as the Legislature heads toward adjournment. Waiting for a deal as Legislature’s adjournment nears Legislature due to adjourn Sunday, but major issues, DUI bill... Read More...
Saving the worst for last in Olympia The following newsletters was sent to Sen. Mike Padden’s subscribers on April 18, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Saving the worst for last in the Washington Legislature Big tax increases, controversial measures await action in the next 10 days Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’re in the... Read More...
Every now and again, a good idea succeeds at the statehouse The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers April 11, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. To see debate on Senate floor amendment regarding heroin injection sites, click here. A few pleasant statehouse surprises as Legislature works toward the finish Not everything in Olympia is gloom... Read More...
Ready for a state income tax? The debate is on Sex-ed, vaccines and honors for Edgar Martinez The following newsletter was distributed to Sen. Padden’s subscribers April 4, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Of budgets and blossoms, and a taxing argument we can do without Democratic budget proposals set up debate over an income tax Dear... Read More...
A gusher of money, and still it’s not enough As state coffers overflow with cash, Legislature considers tax increases The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers March 28, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week our legislative session enters the home stretch. What’s clear is that the debate of the... Read More...
Back from the dead in Olympia The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers March 21, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Back from the dead in Olympia DUI bill poised for resuscitation after deadline ‘kills’ measure Dear Friends and Neighbors, Olympia is a town where the dead come back to life on... Read More...
Legislature runs wild at mid-session cutoff The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers March 14, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Legislature runs wild at mid-session cutoff DUI bill denied vote in Senate, but fight continues Dear Friends and Neighbors, If you’ve ever wondered what our state would be like if Seattle... Read More...
Sex education for kindergarteners? The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers March 7, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Legislature’s ‘urban agenda’ steers state leftward, risks backlash Dear Friends and Neighbors, As our 2019 legislative session turns to action on the House and Senate floors, many of us are... Read More...
Another sentencing scandal at Corrections? The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, Feb. 28, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. A new round of prisoner releases points to continuing problems at Corrections Dear Friends and Neighbors, Over the last few days, we have learned that the Department of... Read More...
Another blow against human trafficking The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, Feb. 21, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Listening an essential part of a lawmaker’s job Dear Friends and Neighbors, This last weekend I had the opportunity to return to the 4th Legislative District, to meet... Read More...