January 14, 2016

Senate Law and Justice Committee to seek subpoena in Department of Corrections case

OLYMPIA – The Senate Law and Justice Committee will seek subpoena power to conduct its own inquiry into a management failure at the Department of Corrections that turned loose thousands of prisoners before their scheduled release dates and likely caused the deaths of at least two people. Senate Law and...
Read More
January 07, 2016

Hearing will air concerns about Department of Corrections, early release of prisoners

A hearing on the opening day of the 2016 legislative session will put the spotlight on a management failure at the state Department of Corrections that caused thousands of prisoners to be released ahead of schedule. The Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 11...
Read More
December 22, 2015

Error at DOC puts public, law enforcement at risk

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
November 30, 2015

Justice for Victims

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
November 24, 2015

Padden named ‘Legislator of the Year’ by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

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
November 17, 2015

Seasons change and the new session approaches

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
October 30, 2015

Serving and honoring our veterans…

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
October 21, 2015

Important deadline approaching

Dear Friends and Neighbors, To continue receiving these Reports from Olympia without interruption, you must contact me before election-year restrictions take effect December 1. You can do so by clicking here (or the image above) to fill out a quick survey. If you have already emailed me your request, then...
Read More
October 12, 2015

On the home front…

Greetings to everyone across the 4th Legislative District. It’s been a pleasure seeing so many of you at meetings and events around our district over the past few months. Special thanks go to those who made time in their busy schedules to meet at our recent coffee one-on-one to discuss...
Read More