September 11, 2018

Protecting the initiative process

Shortly after I sent my previous update, we got word that the state Supreme Court had issued a favorable ruling in our case against the Legislature over its unconstitutional response to I-940. The ruling sends the police-deadly-force initiative to the November ballot, protects the initiative process, and establishes the supremacy...
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August 28, 2018

Dollars continue to roll in to state treasury

During the early weeks of the 2018 session, I had an opportunity to meet an impressive young man named TJ Mohammed. I really enjoyed learning about TJ’s personal journey. He spent most of his youth as a refugee in Kenya, after his family was forced to flee the bloody conflict...
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August 28, 2018

Padden: Supreme Court’s 1-940 ruling protects initiative process, ensures public vote

No monkey business with initiatives, court tells Legislature A state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday sends a police-deadly-force initiative to the November ballot, protects the initiative process, and establishes the supremacy of the state constitution over the whims of some legislators who find it inconvenient, says Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley....
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August 21, 2018

Governor still mum on worker freedom

It has been nearly two months since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the Janus case, declaring that it is unconstitutional to force public workers to pay union fees. But a lack of communication has many wondering whether Governor Inslee and his administration are dragging their feet on...
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July 31, 2018

Taxes, immigration, and initiative disputes simmer during ‘slow season’

The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s Report From Olympia, July 31, 2018. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here.   In heat of summer, issues simmer Taxes, court cases, and immigration occupy attention during ‘slow season’ Dear friends and neighbors, All of us can agree this is...
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July 25, 2018

O’Ban, Padden submit amicus brief in taxpayer lawsuit against Sound Transit

OLYMPIA…Leaders of last year’s state Senate investigation into Sound Transit Wednesday submitted an amicus (or “friend of the court”) brief in a class-action lawsuit filed against the regional transit authority in June. The brief was filed in Pierce County Superior Court by Sen. Steve O’Ban, who called for the 2017...
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July 19, 2018

Hear Sen. Padden on the Lars Larson Show

In this July 19 appearance on the Lars Larson Show, Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, discusses a letter sent by 22 Washington lawmakers opposing the abolition of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
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July 16, 2018

Washington lawmakers oppose abolition of ICE, counter congressional criticism

Click here to read the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen. OLYMPIA – Twenty-two Washington lawmakers are declaring opposition to abolition of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), countering calls from congressional liberals for its elimination. The legislators released a letter Monday expressing support for the agency’s...
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July 10, 2018

Summer tragedy puts DUI law back in spotlight

 The following newsletter was sent to subscribers to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, July 10, 2018. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletters, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, I hope you enjoyed an enjoyable and safe Independence Day celebration. This is the season for barbeques, celebrations, family reunions, road trips, parties and vacations. Yet...
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