Mike Padden

With 2021 rapidly approaching, we will soon be back in session and able to consider limiting the governor’s emergency powers. His use of those powers to rule for over eight and-a-half months has made it clear that the Legislature must have more options. In the meantime, we are preparing for...

NEWSTALK 870 AM While nobody disputes that COVID is especially hard on elderly, compromised and other high risk persons, Gov. Inslee repeating a claim he made months ago seems suspect. …However, when  you crunch the actual numbers (aside from alleged rising cases) such as death rates and hospitalizations it’s curious. So, more...

Inslee’s refusal to accept citizen input is biggest barrier to public buy-in, says Spokane Valley lawmaker Shortly after Gov. Jay Inslee held a Sunday press conference to announce a new ban on social gatherings and further restrictions on businesses, Sen. Mike Padden began hearing complaints and pleas for help from...

Make sure you’re counted in the Census The future of your community and representation is at stake! The 2020 Census is underway and is ready for America to respond. Plan to include everyone living in your home since April 1. You can respond online in one of 13 languages and find assistance...

On Wednesday, Sen. Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley) and Rep. Bill Jenkin (R-Prosser) sent a letter to former Gov. Gary Locke, chairman of Washington Complete Count Committee, and the Washington State Office of Financial Management, voicing their strong concerns about the need for additional efforts to promote eastern Washington participation in...

By Sen. Mike Padden | Spokesman-Review Guest Editorial In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Gov. Jay Inslee has required Washingtonians to make many sacrifices. From wearing masks in public and participating in religious celebrations via streaming to being confined to our homes thanks to social distancing, Washingtonians have generally been...

Republicans ask Inslee to rethink plan – improper release of more than 1,100 inmates makes state liable for new crimes To see a copy of this letter, click here. OLYMPIA – Senate Republicans today formally asked Gov. Jay Inslee to rethink his plan to deal with the coronavirus crisis by...

Treasurer Baumgartner announced last month that he would exercise his authority during a state of emergency found in RCW 84.56.020(10) to grant an extension of the first half property tax deadline. The first half 2020 property tax payment deadline in Spokane County will be extended from April 30th to June 15th. Important...

Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed Sen. Mike Padden’s bill to allow a parent of a minor child who is the victim of a crime to receive benefits under the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. The measure passed both the state House and Senate unanimously earlier this year. “I am glad that...