Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, will help honor a local high school student for winning a national essay contest. The ceremony is Monday (Jan. 9) night. Central Valley High School student Lucy He will receive a legislative certificate of appreciation for winning the Chinese American History Month essay contest during...

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers Dec. 19, 2022. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, For many years, one of the most troublesome traffic spots in the Spokane Valley has been where Pines Road (State Route 27) crosses Burlington Northern...

Two members of the Senate Republican Caucus have prefiled bills for the 2023 legislative session that aim to reverse recent criminal-friendly laws passed by Democratic majorities. “One of our main goals this session is to advance bills that will help make people and communities safer in our state,” said Sen....

Sen. Mike Padden will serve another two years as the ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Senate committee assignments were released today, five weeks before lawmakers convene at the Capitol for their next session. “Having served on the Law and Justice Committee since becoming a senator in...

As vehicle thefts double and property crimes spike, Spokane Valley senator proposes course correction on public safety, including longer sentences for habitual offenders OLYMPIA – The rate of car theft has nearly doubled in the past year, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and Sen. Mike...

With Veterans Day being tomorrow, I wanted to begin this Report from Olympia by honoring those to whom we owe our freedom: the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. Between the chaotic finish to the Afghanistan war – America’s longest war – and...

Padden calls decision a ‘significant victory’ for advocates of religious liberty A controversial Washington law requiring private-insurance plans that provide maternity coverage to also pay for elective abortions received a major blow last week when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that a Seattle-area church was...

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are down, vaccinations are up and now is the time to reopen Washington and bring lawmakers back to Olympia, says Sen. Mike Padden. Pointing to technology difficulties during the remote session, the lawmaker on Wednesday attempted to address the matter to his colleagues during a point...

By Eliana Sheriff, KIMA TV A new freedom movement is shaping up in Olympia. On Thursday, four republican senators announced the formation of a ‘Freedom Caucus.’ Their focus is on liberty. Their priorities are to advocate for lower taxes, responsible state spending, individual liberties and a government that “gets out...