May 17, 2023

New drug-possession law is better but still does not go far enough to address state’s drug crisis

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers May 17, 2023. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, Although the Legislature concluded its 2023 session on April 23, its work was not finished. An important issue – passing a new law about possessing...
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May 16, 2023

Padden believes drug-possession bill passed by Legislature not strong enough to deal with state’s drug crisis

During a one-day special session today, the Legislature approved a bill enhancing penalties for possession of hard drugs, but 4th District Sen. Mike Padden was among the “no” votes in the Senate. Padden, the ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee, believes the compromise version of Senate Bill...
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May 09, 2023

Governor signs Padden bill to benefit employee stock ownership plans

Gov. Jay Inslee today signed Senate Bill 5096, a bipartisan measure prime-sponsored by 4th District Sen. Mike Padden that will aid businesses looking to adopt an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) corporate structure. “This new law will help promote employee ownership, which is valuable not only for employees but for...
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May 04, 2023

Governor signs two Padden bills one week after legislative session ends

SB 5058 encourages home ownership, SB 5218 provides tax exemption for mobility equipment Gov. Jay Inslee today signed Senate Bill 5058, 4th District Sen. Mike Padden’s legislation that helps encourage home ownership in Washington by making it easier for smaller condominium buildings to be constructed. The law created by SB...
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April 27, 2023

Legislature fails to pass bill addressing drug-possession penalties

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers April 27, 2023. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, The Legislature ended its 105-day session Sunday night. As usually happens, the final days of the session focused on passing the final versions of the...
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April 24, 2023

Padden laments Legislature’s lack of progress to address impaired driving

The day after its annual session at the state Capitol ended, 4th Legislative District Sen. Mike Padden is criticizing the Legislature’s inability to pass a meaningful bill that would help combat impaired driving. “The Legislature missed a golden opportunity to start reversing the disturbing increase in traffic accidents caused by...
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April 22, 2023

State capital budget passed by Legislature funds many 4th District projects, says Padden

Sen. Mike Padden appreciates that the two-year state capital budget passed by the Legislature includes several projects in the 4th Legislative District and allows district residents to see their tax dollars help their local communities. “I’m pleased that the final version of the capital budget includes nearly everything I requested,”...
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April 20, 2023

Senate resolution honors Seattle Mariners on 2022 playoff run

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers April 20, 2023. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. It was great to meet with former Seattle Mariners catcher Dan Wilson during his visit to the Capitol this morning.  Dear friends and neighbors, After more than 100 days...
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April 17, 2023

Legislature OKs Padden bill providing tax exemption for mobility equipment

People buying motorized wheelchairs or other mobility-improving equipment could pay less thanks to a bill that has been approved by the Legislature. Senate Bill 5218, from 4th District Sen. Mike Padden, would make such equipment tax-exempt. The House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure today after the Senate unanimously passed...
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