Senate committee advances Padden bill to accommodate the hearing-impaired
January 22, 2021
4th District lawmaker says goal is to educate, not penalize On Thursday, Jan. 21, the Senate Law and Justice Committee approved Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help people with hearing impairments by increasing the availability of closed captioning on televisions in public places. The committee gave the measure a “do-pass”... Read More...
Reopen businesses under Bill 5114
January 21, 2021
Click here to read at the Gazette. BY SEN. MIKE PADDEN This legislative session, which started Jan. 11, will require you as a resident to work harder than ever to keep our representative democracy…well…representative. Access to democracy is a major topic at the start of this year’s gathering of lawmakers.... Read More...
The people’s access to democracy
January 18, 2021
Access to democracy is a major topic at the start of this year’s legislative session. COVID-related restrictions and extreme security measures are keeping the public away from the Capitol building and legislators. During these unprecedented times it is more important than ever that you stay informed and involved. One way... Read More...
Session is here! What you need to know.
January 08, 2021
Given the restrictions on public participation this year, it will be more important than ever that you stay in touch and communicate directly with our office. That is why I will be maintaining my district office, sending out legislative surveys (like the one below) and encouraging the public to sign... Read More...
Padden sworn in for fourth term in state Senate
January 07, 2021
Spokane Valley Republican returns on Monday for the start of a session unlike any other Today Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, was sworn into office by Spokane County District Court Judge Patti Connolly Walker. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Olympia, the swearing-in ceremony was held in Judge Walker’s court room... Read More...
A state income tax for Christmas?
December 23, 2020
Merry Christmas! I hope you and your loved ones will have the best of holidays, with plenty of love, gratitude and peace. Hopefully you can enjoy your family, some good food and remember the reason for the season. Please also take a moment to remember those who are less fortunate.... Read More...
Brace for a very different kind of session
December 03, 2020
With 2021 rapidly approaching, we will soon be back in session and able to consider limiting the governor’s emergency powers. His use of those powers to rule for over eight and-a-half months has made it clear that the Legislature must have more options. In the meantime, we are preparing for... Read More...