‘We all live in Seattle now!’
April 29, 2021
Conservatives tend to be positive people, trying to see the best in every situation, but the most positive thing that can be said about the 2021 regular legislative session is that it is finally over. Beyond that, the news is not good. While this session clearly reflected the values of... Read More...
Income tax sweeps Senate Freedom Caucus ‘Galloping Gertie’ Awards
April 28, 2021
Awards ceremony honors ‘epic fails’ of 2021 legislative session The new income tax passed by majority Democrats in the Washington Legislature earned top honors in the first annual Galloping Gertie Awards, presented by the Senate Freedom Caucus to honor the biggest fails of the 2021 legislative session. The income tax... Read More...
4th District lawmakers support strong investments in capital budget
April 24, 2021
With the 2021 legislative session winding down, 4th District lawmakers voted in support of a strong, bipartisan 2021-23 capital budget. securing more than $16.8 million in funds for community projects and other infrastructure needs for the region. The $6.3 billion capital spending plan includes a $413 million investment in broadband internet... Read More...
Sen. Jeff Wilson joins Senate Freedom Caucus
April 23, 2021
Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, is joining the Senate Freedom Caucus, the cadre of Washington senators focused on issues of individual liberties, economic growth and restrained, responsible government. “If ever there was a need for a Senate Freedom Caucus, the time is now,” Wilson said. “This year’s legislation presents major threats... Read More...
Shocking audit findings at ESD
April 19, 2021
We received disturbing news from our state auditor’s office last week: its findings in an audit of the state Employment Security Department. It now appears that ESD downplayed the extent of the unemployment-insurance fraud it allowed, and repeatedly failed to properly respond to Washingtonians who needed the agency to deliver... Read More...
Legislature approves Padden bill to accommodate the hearing-impaired
April 14, 2021
Today the Senate voted 48-0 to accept simple changes made by the House of Representatives to Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help people with hearing impairments by increasing the availability of closed captioning on televisions in public places. The bill, which passed the House unanimously earlier this month, now heads... Read More...
A victory for the culture of life!
April 13, 2021
Sometimes, the bills that survive the deadlines are not the best indicator of our state’s values – instead, you look at what fails to gain enough support to move forward. An example is the life-affirming defeat of legislation that would have expanded access to assisted suicide in our state. Due... Read More...
House passes Padden Anti-SLAPP legislation
April 10, 2021
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... Read More...
Padden condo-construction bill unanimously approved by House
April 08, 2021
Measure would reduce barriers to affordable home ownership Today the House of Representatives unanimously passed Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help increase the supply of affordable housing by removing barriers to condominium construction. “This is tremendous news for both homebuilders and those looking for more affordable homeownership,” said Padden, R-Spokane... Read More...