Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to thank everyone who joined me and Sen. Michael Baumgartner for our telephone town hall last week. At one point, we had 447 people on the call for the conversation, and we spoke live with constituents about everything from K-12 and higher education to taxes and Second Amendment rights to economic development.
We are reaching the beginning of the end of the 2013 session. The constitution provides 105 days for the Legislature to meet on odd-numbered years to set a two-year budget, and that 105 days will end on April 28.
My public safety bills moving forward
- House Bill 1352 to extend the time victims of child rape have to bring predators to justice was passed by the Senate unanimously April 9. The bill will be signed into law Thursday, April 18.
- House Bill 1836 would prohibit contraband in secure facilities like McNeil Island which was once a prison and has now been converted to a civil commitment center for sex offenders. The bill also passed the Senate unanimously and heads to the governor’s
desk for his signature or veto. - I’m working to ensure lifetime registration for recreational trailer owners is included in the final transportation budget when an agreement is worked out between the House and the Senate. I sponsored House Bill 1902, and though the bill did not move forward, I was told it could be included in the transportation budget.
Speaking of public safety, I joined with Rep. Marcus Riccelli to sponsor House Joint Resolution 4646 honoring Spokane Police Deputies Matt Spink and Mike Northway. You might remember they were both shot during a routine traffic stop last summer. We are recognizing their bravery and ability to stay calm and chase the suspect despite their injuries. This summer, we’ll be holding a ceremony in Spokane to honor these heroes. I’ll keep you updated on that.
Watch my weekly video update discussing the governor’s budget
(click on the image below)
You can watch all the video updates I record each week on my YouTube playlist. If you have a question you’d like me to answer on my video, contact my office and we’ll consider it!
Visitors from Spokane
I was proud to have members of the Lilac Festival Royalty Court in Olympia recently. Congratulations to Queen Brett Rountree of Central Valley High School and the rest of the court for their dedication to our community and for earning scholarships for college. This is the 75th Anniversary of the Lilac Festival, which culminates with the Armed Forces Torch Light Parade on May 18 this year.
My parents traveled from Lincoln County to visit me in Olympia recently. My mother was an Issaquah city councilmember years ago, and I am proud to join her in public service. I am blessed to have parents that have been such a great example for me to follow.
I want you to know what an honor it is to be your representative in our state Legislature. Please contact my office anytime and let me know how I can serve you.