Senate majority announces plans for Corrections investigation
January 28, 2016
OLYMPIA – Majority members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee Thursday announced plans for the panel’s investigation of the Department of Corrections, including appointment of an attorney and an effort to seek insight from current and former agency employees. To oversee the independent legislative investigation the Senate is hiring... Read More...
Rules Committee will consider subpoenas in DOC case
January 19, 2016
OLYMPIA – The Senate Rules Committee Jan. 19 will consider a request from the Senate Law and Justice Committee for a pair of subpoenas in its investigation of the state Department of Corrections. The meeting is set for 5:45 p.m. in the Senate Rules Room, 220A Legislative Building. The Law... Read More...
Corrections scandal dominates Legislature’s opening week
January 14, 2016
This newsletter was distributed to Sen. Mike Padden’s subscribers on Jan. 14, 2016. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, We had plenty of drama this week as we opened the 2016 legislative session. And it just goes to show things get faster when there... Read More...
Error at DOC puts public, law enforcement at risk
December 22, 2015
Law and Justice Committee Chair to hold hearing on 3,200 felons prematurely released Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, today voiced outrage over the lack of leadership and accountability at the Department of Corrections, after the governor’s office announced that the DOC had erred in calculating the release time of several... Read More...
Justice for Victims
November 30, 2015
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This is the last Report from Olympia you will receive in 2015. Due to election-year restrictions, I am not permitted to send out my e-newsletter until the 2016 regular legislative session begins on Jan. 11. Even then, I can only send these updates to those who... Read More...
Padden named ‘Legislator of the Year’ by Mothers Against Drunk Driving
November 24, 2015
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has again named state Sen. Mike Padden “Legislator of the Year” for his continuing effort to toughen Washington laws against driving under the influence. The national-level award goes to lawmakers in each state who have demonstrated leadership on the issue. Padden, R-Spokane Valley, is one of... Read More...
Seasons change and the new session approaches
November 17, 2015
As we approach Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of family, faith and thankfulness for all the blessings in our lives. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity you have given me to be your voice in the Senate. In even-numbered years, like 2016, the legislative... Read More...
Serving and honoring our veterans…
October 30, 2015
With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, I wanted to begin this Report from Olympia with a brief mention of some of the actions taken by the Legislature this year to honor and serve those to whom we owe our freedom: the brave men and women who have served our... Read More...