Majority’s assault on law enforcement
March 02, 2021
We’ve just started the eighth week of the legislative session. We are still keeping a busy pace, with several days continuing well into the evening as we take votes on a variety of bills. Many of the measures passed so far are worthwhile and reflect the needs of our state.... Read More...
Senate approves Padden’s felony DUI look-back proposal
March 01, 2021
Spokane Valley lawmaker calls on the House to follow suit quickly OLYMPIA… Today the Senate voted 41-7 to approve Senate Bill 5054, a measure aimed at strengthening the state’s felony-DUI law and reducing the pain and suffering faced by victims of impaired drivers. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden,... Read More...
Padden Anti-SLAPP legislation passes Senate
February 26, 2021
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... Read More...
1,000 new jobs headed to Spokane Valley
February 23, 2021
Last week the Legislature moved on a number of bills – some good, but unfortunately, many not so good. On February 15, Senate Bill 5438 received a hearing in the Senate labor committee. The measure would create a benefit program for illegal aliens, who are not legally authorized to work... Read More...
Making the cut
February 16, 2021
In this legislative update I will tell you about some of the bills that survived this deadline, including some of my bills to help those with hearing disabilities, protect the public from repeat drunk drivers, increase affordable housing, address the nursing shortage, reform police use of force and defend the... Read More...
In the News: Dem leaders unwilling to take on Inslee’s COVID proclamations
February 12, 2021
BY KTTH AM 770   Washington state Republican senators recently announced the formation of the Freedom Caucus, which is meant to speak for individual liberties, more restrained government with lower taxes, and strict adherence to the Constitution. It was formed in light of how the COVID-19 shutdowns occurred, and includes founding... Read More...
Senate approves Padden bill to accommodate the hearing-impaired
February 10, 2021
The Senate voted 48-1 today to approve Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help people with hearing impairments by increasing the availability of closed captioning on televisions in public places. According to Padden, more than 20% of the population has hearing loss, and the number is even higher for older Washingtonians.... Read More...
In the News: Interstate compact would help nurses get to work
February 10, 2021
Seattle Times Editorial  Washington has a shortage of nurses in the best of times. But especially during the ongoing public health emergency, the state cannot afford to have qualified professionals sitting on their hands waiting for paperwork to go through. Even in an emergency, nurses who travel to the state... Read More...
Because Freedom Matters!
February 09, 2021
One of the highlights of the week was the formation of the Senate Freedom Caucus. Three other Republican senators – Doug Ericksen of Ferndale, Phil Fortunato of Auburn, and Jim McCune of Graham – and I officially launched the new caucus at a press conference on Wednesday. A caucus is... Read More...