Government Accountability

September 01, 2021

Inslee’s extreme actions demand stronger, historic response from legislative branch, Freedom Caucus members say

OLYMPIA… Since Gov. Jay Inslee announced renewed masking requirements and vaccination mandates, legislative offices have been flooded with messages in strong opposition. The Freedom Caucus is backing a resolution for a historic legislative special session that would cover key policy areas being voiced by their constituents: Public safety; Emergency-powers reform;...
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April 10, 2021

House passes Padden Anti-SLAPP legislation

Uniform Public Expression Protection Act would restore critical free-speech protections The House of Representatives voted 97-1 on Friday to approve Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help protect citizens, whistleblowers and members of the news media from frivolous lawsuits aimed at stifling freedom of speech and the discussion of legitimate public...
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February 26, 2021

Padden Anti-SLAPP legislation passes Senate

Uniform Public Expression Protection Act would restore critical free-speech protections Today the Senate voted 46-0 to approve Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help protect citizens, whistleblowers and members of the news media from frivolous lawsuits aimed at stifling freedom of speech and the discussion of legitimate public issues. “The right...
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January 15, 2020

Senate Republicans offer comprehensive Corrections reforms, would increase safety and accountability

Forward-looking approach aims to head off problems before they occur Ongoing problems at the scandal-plagued state Department of Corrections are prompting a trio of Senate Republicans to introduce a package of sweeping reforms to address what they call a costly and fatal record of mismanagement. Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley,...
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May 21, 2019

Governor signs Padden bill to require mediation between elected officials before lawsuits begin

Measure will save taxpayers money, says Spokane Valley lawmaker Today Sen. Mike Padden’s legislation to avoid costly litigation between elected officials was signed into law. “This new law is a common-sense way to deal with disputes between elected officials before they escalate into lawsuits that cost taxpayers money,” said Padden,...
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March 03, 2012

Spokane Republicans vote to approve sustainable bipartisan budget

Baumgartner and Padden join bipartisan coalition to dump budget gimmicks and keep spending in line with revenue Early this morning, the Washington State Senate approved its operating budget with a bipartisan vote of 25 to 24, with three Democrats joining all 22 Republican members. The bipartisan reform-based plan rebalances the...
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