Spokane Republicans vote to approve sustainable bipartisan budget
March 03, 2012
Baumgartner and Padden join bipartisan coalition to dump budget gimmicks and keep spending in line with revenue Early this morning, the Washington State Senate approved its operating budget with a bipartisan vote of 25 to 24, with three Democrats joining all 22 Republican members. The bipartisan reform-based plan rebalances the... Read More...
Padden recognizes local finalist for civic teacher of the year award
February 28, 2012
On Monday Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, honored West Valley School District teacher Ned Fadeley, a top finalist for the Washington State Legislative Civic Educator of the Year Award.  Padden presented Fadeley with a certificate recognizing his hard work and achievement, while many of Fadeley’s students who were able to... Read More...
Hearing on controversial abortion-mandate bill set for this afternoon
February 22, 2012
Padden says bill is ‘unnecessary, unconstitutional and could prove costly for state’ The Senate Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing at 3:30 p.m. today on House Bill 2330, a controversial measure that would require private-insurance plans which provide maternity coverage to also pay for elective abortions. “Proponents... Read More...
Senate passes Padden bill to support free eyeglasses for the poor
February 09, 2012
Calling it simply the “right thing to do,” Sen. Mike Padden today applauded the Senate’s passage of his bill to give legal protection to charitable organizations that are working to provide much-needed eyeglasses to our state’s poor, homeless and uninsured. “I am glad to see such broad support for this... Read More...
Padden to hold telephone town-hall meeting with 4th District residents
February 08, 2012
Hour-long community event begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, is inviting residents of the 4th Legislative District to participate in a telephone town-hall meeting Wednesday, Feb. 15. The live community forum regarding the 2012 legislative session and issues that directly impact eastern Washington... Read More...
Padden B&O tax relief bill clears Senate committee
February 02, 2012
The Senate Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee on Wednesday gave a “do pass” recommendation to a bill introduced by Sen. Mike Padden that would bring much needed relief to new businesses. Senate Bill 6327 would create a one-year exemption from the state business and occupation (B&O) tax for all... Read More...
Padden bill to suspend B&O tax for startups heard in key committee
January 30, 2012
Relief measure could benefit 90,000 businesses over the next four years Washington’s business and occupation (B&O) tax is widely regarded as one of the most onerous and punitive taxes that new and small businesses face. Spokane Valley Republican Sen. Mike Padden is now taking aim at this leading cause of... Read More...
Senate committee hears Padden bill to support eyewear for the poor
January 23, 2012
Sen. Mike Padden today told the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee that Washington should protect those charitable organizations that are working to provide much-needed eyewear to our state’s poor, homeless and uninsured from civil lawsuits. “Organizations like the Union Gospel Mission and Lions Club International are providing an important... Read More...