January 07, 2021

Padden sworn in for fourth term in state Senate

Spokane Valley Republican returns on Monday for the start of a session unlike any other Today Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, was sworn into office by Spokane County District Court Judge Patti Connolly Walker. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Olympia, the swearing-in ceremony was held in Judge Walker’s court room...
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December 30, 2020

Padden calls Inslee’s extension of COVID-19 restrictions ‘callous’ and not based on science

It’ll soon be a new year, but it is more of the same from Gov. Jay Inslee, says Sen. Mike Padden in response to the governor’s extension of devastating restrictions on gyms and restaurants, including a continuation of the order banning dine-in service. “The governor has repeatedly claimed that he...
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December 23, 2020

A state income tax for Christmas?

Merry Christmas! I hope you and your loved ones will have the best of holidays, with plenty of love, gratitude and peace. Hopefully you can enjoy your family, some good food and remember the reason for the season. Please also take a moment to remember those who are less fortunate....
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December 03, 2020

Brace for a very different kind of session

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...
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November 20, 2020

In the News: Are Inslee’s Claims of ‘Overwhelmed’ Medical Systems Accurate?

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...
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November 16, 2020

Padden calls new Covid-19 restrictions unfair blow to small business

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...
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May 08, 2020

Eastern Washington could lose its voice

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...
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May 07, 2020

IN THE NEWS: Lawmakers ask state to invest in Eastern Washington census efforts

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...
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April 18, 2020

IN THE NEWS: Inslee puts public at risk with illogical inmate-release plan

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...
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