SRC NewsFeed - Washington State Senate Republicans

IN THE NEWS: State tax on roll-your-own cigarettes will hit in July

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:32:00 PST

“The people said, ‘Two-thirds’ vote of the Legislature while in session to increase a tax or to create a tax,’ ” state Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, said. “It’s an increase if it didn’t exist and now it does.”

IN THE NEWS: Area legislators check out wine country on bus tour

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:12:00 PST

The tour, organized by County Commissioner Leo Bowman, gave 16th District Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, and 8th District legislators Sen. Jerome Delvin and Rep. Larry Haler, both Republicans from Richland, up-close visits to the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area and other wine-producing areas in the county.

NEWS: Hewitt named ‘Guardian of Small Business’

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:27:00 PST

The National Federation of Small Business has named Sen. Mike Hewitt a “Guardian of Small Business” for his support of issues before the Legislature that affect small employers.

NEWS: Legislators to hold public hearings on MLIRD reforms

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:41:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry and Rep. Judy Warnick invite Moses Lake area residents interested in the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD) to attend and testify at public hearings this summer.

IN THE NEWS: Data center bill aids ag processors

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 PST

It extends until July 2016 a business and occupation tax exemption crucial to commercial ag processors, including those that handle fruits, vegetables, dairy and seafood, according to Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, who sponsored the language. The bill also exempts craft distilleries from a license issuance fee, Newbry said.

IN THE NEWS: Ecology head advocates team approach to solving well issue

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:52:00 PST

Department of Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant brought a message of teamwork to the Yakima Valley on Tuesday...Sen. Jim Honeyford and Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, met with Sturdevant Tuesday morning in the Lower Valley. Separately, he met with Rep. Norm Johnson, R-Yakima, and Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima.

NEWS: Becker encourages young women to enter $3,000 scholarship essay contest

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:35:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-2nd District, is encouraging female high school juniors and seniors to enter the 15th Annual Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest sponsored by the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

NEWS: Benton to host telephone town hall May 15

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, is inviting 17th District residents to a telephone town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 15.

NEWS: Baumgartner to hold town hall meeting at EWU Thursday

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:57:00 PST

This Thursday, May 10, Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, will host a town hall meeting to discuss the recently completed legislative sessions and hear back from residents of the 6th District on their ideas for making Spokane and the state of Washington even better.

NEWS: Delvin promotes Washington wine exports to Taiwan

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:55:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, today hosted a delegation on a tour of wineries in the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla. The two-day tour, initiated by Delvin, is aimed at facilitating Washington wine export to Taiwan.

NEWS: Morton pleased Curlew gets state help with sewer system

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:54:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said he was pleased to learn that the Curlew Water and Sewer District has been awarded a grant and low-interest loan to construct a much-needed sewer system.

NEWS: Parlette receives ‘Guardian of Small Business’ award

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:40:00 PST

The National Federation of Independent Business has named Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, a “Guardian of Small Business,” citing her 100-percent voting record on legislation that supports entrepreneurs and the jobs they create.

Senator Jerome Delvin's 2012 Session Review

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:29:00 PST

The Legislature adjourned April 11, 2012, after a marathon 24-hour finish and agreement on operating and capital budgets and a series of reform bills. It has been many years and sessions since bipartisanship played a role in the budgets and key pieces of legislation. There were many positive things that came out of both sides working in a bipartisan manner. It serves the taxpayers of Washington much better when we all work that way.

IN THE NEWS: Violence On The Rise At Western State Hospital

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:35:00 PST

Legislators had proposed further budget cuts at Western this year, but after last minute negotiations, the budget ax fell elsewhere. Mike Carrell is a Republican state senator from Lakewood. "There will be no more downsizing of Western State Hospital. We've gone too far already."

NEWS: Parlette hopeful Washington will reinvigorate effort to reform Medicaid program

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:05:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette: The goal of Senate Bill 5596 was to give Washington state more flexibility in our Medicaid system and allow us to pursue innovative delivery models while maintaining current coverage levels.

NEWS: Baumgartner reacts to Senate majority leader’s choice to leave Legislature

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:01:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner: While Senator Brown and I have not always seen eye to eye about the direction in which state government should move, it has been clear to me that she has always had the best interests of Spokane at heart.

NEWS: Parlette named ‘Legislator of the Year’ for her support of individuals with disabilities

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:28:00 PST

Today the Community Employment Alliance named Sen. Linda Evans Parlette its 2012 Legislator of the Year. The award was given for Parlette’s advocacy for developmentally disabled individuals, and particularly her sponsorship of Senate Bill 6384, a measure that will help people with disabilities find and retain jobs. The measure passed the Legislature earlier this year and was signed into law March 19.

NEWS: Sen. Hewitt on Sen. Brown’s decision against seeking re-election

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:06:00 PST

Sen. Mike Hewitt: I’ve had the opportunity to serve as leader alongside Senator Brown for many years. It’s not surprising that in a legislative environment our interaction has had its challenges, but there also have been times when we’ve been able to come together and achieve very good things for the people of our state.

NEWS: Governor signs Holmquist Newbry-backed bill to aid data centers

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:24:00 PST

Today the governor signed a bill modifying several state tax exemptions, which includes language sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry that will extend the sales and use tax exemption for data centers.

NEWS: Zarelli: Budget-stabilizing reforms signed today ‘worth the effort’

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:28:00 PST

Sen. Zarelli: It’s safe to say none of these reforms would have reached the governor’s desk were it not for the bipartisan Senate coalition, which insisted that these breakthrough measures move all the way through the lawmaking process before there could be a budget vote.

NEWS: Sen. Roach honored by state’s independent-business federation

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:21:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach has received the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award multiple times during her service to the 31st District in the Washington State Senate.

NEWS: Schoesler honored by state’s independent-business federation

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:18:00 PST

Sen. Mark Schoesler’s continued support for policies that protect and encourage small businesses has earned the Ritzville Republican another “Guardian of Small Business” award from the National Federation of Independent Business.

NEWS: Becker honored by small business group

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:50:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker: I am honored to be recognized by the NFIB and I am proud to be a small-business supporter in the Senate.

NEWS: Morton honored by small business group for supportive voting record

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:44:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, was honored recently as a Guardian of Small Business for his support during the 2011-12 legislative sessions.

NEWS: Senators King, Honeyford win “Guardian of Small Business” award

Tue, 01 May 2012 09:48:00 PST

The National Federation of Independent Business has named state Sens. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, as recipients of its Guardians of Small Business Award for 2012.

IN THE NEWS: Many state employees see bulked-up salaries

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:35:00 PST

Senator Mike Carrell: It certainly is not fair to other employees that are working at the same job but earning significantly less.

NEWS: Padden opens Spokane Valley legislative district office

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:59:00 PST

Now that the 2012 legislative session has come to a close Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, is opening his 4th District legislative office in Spokane Valley.

NEWS: Benton: ‘Investing in youth always a win-win for kids and community’

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:58:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, yesterday toured the Clark County Family YMCA project site for which he secured $1.5 million in the capital budget earlier this month.

NEWS: Pflug shocked by veto of planned Lake Sammamish State Park facility

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:45:00 PST

Sen. Cheryl Pflug expressed frustration today after being blindsided by the loss of the $3.1 million she secured for a new concession and event facility at Lake Sammamish State Park, which fell victim to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s veto pen Monday.

IN THE NEWS: Wash. AG asked for opinion on roll-your-own cigarette tax

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:56:00 PST

State Sen. Pam Roach, an Auburn Republican, wants to know if the measure, which would tax the roll-your-own smokes the same as retail cigarettes, is considered a tax increase for residents.

IN THE NEWS: Vancouver rape raises questions about Washington law

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:54:00 PST

The arrest of a 19-year-old registered sex offender has parents upset about a Washington state law. State Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood) has been trying to change that law. "Their rights under state law are at least equal to the rights of any other child ... and they should not be," he said.

NEWS: Morton pleased grant awarded for Bear Creek projects

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:57:00 PST

State Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he was pleased to learn that the state Department of Ecology has awarded a grant to the Spokane Conservation District to improve Bear Creek’s water quality. The amount of the grant is $168,000.

NEWS: 42nd District lawmakers invite constituents to telephone town hall meeting on April 30

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:58:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen and Reps. Jason Overstreet and Vincent Buys are inviting residents of the 42nd District to the telephone town hall meeting they are hosting on Monday, April 30. State lawmakers will field questions, provide overview of 2012 legislative sessions.

NEWS: Hewitt ‘thrilled’ by excellent prognosis related to recent surgery

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:06:00 PST

Little more than two weeks after major surgery to remove a thymoma tumor in his abdomen, Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, has been declared to be stage 1 “N.E.D.” – meaning “no evidence of disease.” Hewitt made this comment regarding the news he received today during a follow-up visit with his surgeon:

IN THE NEWS: Wood bridge in Richland to see steel replacement

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, said the Port of Benton's railroad bridge was the kind of project lawmakers were looking for -- one that essentially is ready to go and will help create economic activity. The rail line is important for north Richland, he said. The line, built in the 1950s, provides access to industrial properties owned by the port and the city of Richland, as well as to Hanford.

Sen. Val Stevens' 2012 Guide to Government

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:04:00 PST

Government is there to serve you, the citizens. In fact, all of your government officials have been elected by you and we ask you to hold us accountable. Senator Val Stevens has compiled this list of government offices for the 39th District to provide better access to the information and services available to you. However, if you still run into problems, please to do not hesitate to call, write, fax or email your elected officials.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry secures funding for 13th District projects in supplemental state capital budget

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:06:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, secured funding in the capital budget for construction projects in Kittitas, Grant and Yakima counties.

NEWS: Roach secures $3 million for Rainier School improvements, plus study funding

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:45:00 PST

As the result of a year-long effort by Sen. Pam Roach, R-rural Auburn, $3,000,000 has been secured in the supplemental capital budget for Rainier School in Buckley.

IN THE NEWS: Legislative session keeps CWU budget in the black for the first time since 2009

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:19:00 PST

For the first time since 2009, the state legislative session concluded without cutting Central Washington University’s operating budget. Early Wednesday, April 11, state lawmakers approved a supplemental operating budget (HB 2127) for the 2011-13 biennium. It increased CWU’s budget by just more than $1 million.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry works for bipartisan reform budget

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:32:00 PST

Senator Holmquist Newbry: It’s been a difficult 12 months with two regular sessions and four special sessions, but in the end what matters most is that we have a fiscally-responsible budget and a number of solutions that will save taxpayers money and put our state on a more sustainable course.

IN THE NEWS: WSU Tri-Cities Wine center gets state funding

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 PST

In the state Legislature, Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, and Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, led efforts to include the center in the state's capital budget. It will educate students, provide a work force for the industry and also answer research questions, including those specific to a climate cooler than California.

NEWS: House, Senate agree on reforms; Legislature ends marathon session

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:47:00 PST

After 90 nearly-consecutive days of activity in the Washington State Legislature, lawmakers finally came to an agreement early Wednesday morning that led to the passage of a balanced, sustainable state budget. Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, says the reforms the Senate’s bipartisan coalition was able to get into the final version of the budget made the grueling extra effort worthwhile.

NEWS: Fain helps craft sustainable budget and pass key reforms

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:15:00 PST

The budget and reform package, brokered in part by a bipartisan state Senate coalition that included Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, has been among Fain’s priorities since the Legislature convened in January.

IN THE NEWS: State budget not perfect, but area lawmakers satisfied

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:00 PST

Yakima Valley residents have to look beyond party lines to know how their lawmakers voted on the state budget Wednesday morning. It depended more on which house of the Legislature they vote in. Sens. Curtis King, R-Yakima, Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, and Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, voted in favor of the budget bill as it passed the Senate 44-2.

Sen. Baumgartner's Spring 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:00 PST

Summer will soon be upon us and that means we’ll all be preparing to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of our wonderful inland northwest. I wanted to take the time to give you a little insight into what I’ve been working on in the Legislature this year and provide an update on your state government in Olympia. Inside this newsletter, you’ll find facts about your state government, a discussion about state debt, information on reforms to make your government smarter, and how you can interact directly with me in the state Legislature.

NEWS: Baumgartner calls for analysis of disproportionate state spending in election years

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:45:00 PST

State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, today said disproportionate spending in the billion-dollar state capital budget adopted last week has him wondering whether that was influenced by 2012 being an election year.

IN THE NEWS: Both sides win issues in hard fought state budget

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

The final solution for the beleaguered operating budget – which included side deals on a separate capital construction budget as well as changes to state pensions, long-term budgeting and public school employee health care systems – evolved over the course of a 60-day regular session and a 30-day special session. Sen. Mike Baumgartner, R-Spokane, who also voted for the budget, called it “a productive session given the circumstances.”

IN THE NEWS: Budget doesn’t close Western State Hospital wards

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:37:00 PST

Six months ago the hospital was proposing jettisoning some 150 patients into community facilities, and even as recently as last week, Democrats were still calling for releasing about 60 patients suffering from dementia into nursing homes and other local facilities. Senate Republicans rejected the plan, which would have saved $4 million for the state general fund. A local lawmaker, GOP Sen. Mike Carrell of Lakewood, championed the wards.

NEWS: State capital budget includes funds for Grand Coulee Dam School

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 PST

Today the Senate approved the state's 2012 supplemental capital budget, which funds the construction and maintenance of public facilities around Washington, from schools to public works projects. Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, serves as ranking senator for the capital budget and announced that it will include $17 million for the Grand Coulee Dam School District's new K-12 facility. The district is one of three that will receive funding this year through a distressed-school fund.

NEWS: Legislature passes capital budget plan

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, who serves as her caucus's capital budget leader and caucus chair, said the supplemental capital budget was built around a set of three guiding principles.

NEWS: Senate coalition's solidarity leads to landmark policy reforms

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:13:00 PST

After the Legislature wrapped up its work several hours into a second consecutive special session, Sen. Joseph Zarelli said he's satisfied with how lawmakers reached agreement on three major reforms on top of closing the $1.1 billion gap in the state operating budget.

NEWS: Roach bill saves South Prairie employees' pension plans

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:13:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach, R-rural Auburn, won legislative approval of her bill to protect South Prairie employees’ pension plan.

NEWS: Senate takes step forward with passage of bipartisan reform measures

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:30:00 PST

Today the state Senate passed two reforms measures aimed at putting state government on a more sustainable fiscal path. The bills are now before the House of Representatives for consideration.

NEWS: Two reforms sought by Senate coalition win bipartisan approval

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:31:00 PST

The chief negotiator for the bipartisan Senate coalition, Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, offered this assessment of today's voting in the state Senate.

NEWS: Parlette disappointed by sudden Senate adjournment

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:31:00 PST

Today the state Senate Ways and Means Committee passed two reform bills: one will help K-12 employees with their health care costs, and the other will require a four-year balanced budget. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agreed to vote on the bills in the Senate chamber this evening, but the plan changed suddenly and the Senate adjourned.

NEWS: Benton supports bill to reduce debt limit, lessen impact on operating budget

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:31:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, today voted in favor of a bill that will reduce the state’s debt limit and save hundreds of millions of operating-budget dollars over time.

NEWS: Ericksen: There are enough votes in the House to pass real reforms

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:23:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen speaking at a Senate coalition budget news conference today, said he believed the Senate-proposed long-term reforms would pass in the House of Representatives if the speaker of the House would allow a vote.

NEWS: Morton pleased Omak gets more state funding to replace aging sewer system

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:01:00 PST

State Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he was pleased to learn recently that the state Department of Ecology has awarded the City of Omak two low-interest loans to help replace its aging sewer system, part of which collapsed in March 2011.

NEWS: Local fire districts benefit from Pam Roach bill

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:08:00 PST

A bill sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach, R-rural Auburn, that gives fire districts the flexibility to be more responsive to citizens was signed into law last Thursday.

IN THE NEWS: Sen. Delvin celebrates new anti-trafficking law

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

Thursday Sens. Val Stevens and Jerome Delvin were pleased by the signing of legislation they sponsored to combat human-trafficking in Washington. Stevens and Delvin sponsored three pieces of a 12-bill package aimed at making it more difficult for traffickers to move children and other victims through the state as well as punish those found guilty of human trafficking.

IN THE NEWS: Gov. Gregoire signs anti-trafficking bill

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

"I thank the governor for recognizing that some issues, such as preventing the sexual exploitation of children, should be above politics," said Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, sponsor of Senate Bill 6254.

NEWS: Baumgartner receives AWB's Cornerstone Award for supporting economic development and Washington employers

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:24:00 PST

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has awarded Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, with its Cornerstone Award for his support of employers, economic development and business-related issues in the Legislature. The award was presented to Baumgartner last week in his office in Olympia by Gary Chandler, AWB vice president of government affairs.

IN THE NEWS: Stevens and Delvin pleased by signing of anti-trafficking measures

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

Today Sens. Val Stevens and Jerome Delvin were pleased by the signing of legislation they sponsored to combat human-trafficking in Washington. Stevens and Delvin sponsored three pieces of a 12-bill package aimed at making it more difficult for traffickers to move children and other victims through the state as well as punish those found guilty of human trafficking.

IN THE NEWS: Bill to combat child escort ads on Backpage.com signed into law

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

"Human trafficking is a billion-dollar industry that often takes advantage of the most vulnerable members of our society – our children, and even those with developmental disabilities," said Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, who sponsored another bill to make it a class B felony to force a developmentally-disabled person into prostitution. "We've accomplished a lot, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We must do everything in our power to raise awareness of these crimes, give our judicial system more authority to punish the perpetrators, and provide help for the victims."

IN THE NEWS: House Democrats must embrace reforms for sustainable path

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

WITH the end of the Legislature's special section looming, there has been speculation that another 30-day session will have to be called. Some talk suggests waiting to see if the June revenue forecast bails the state out of its budget hole. Anyone seriously considering either of these fantasies is short of both courage and arithmetic.

IN THE NEWS: In Our View: This Session Is Not So Special

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PST

Meanwhile, the agonizingly familiar session continues in Olympia. They're more than half-way through this one. Most legislators aren't even in Olympia. Party leaders and the governor are meeting in private, trying to reach an agreement. If they fail, Gregoire could call another special session or start making across-the-board cuts, the former more likely than the latter. State Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, says the big disagreements pertain to pension reform, the reserve fund and spending levels.

NEWS: Carrell proposal to protect state hospital workers signed into law

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:24:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire this afternoon signed into law Senate Bill 6492 , which was strengthened by the addition of language from Senate Bill 6010, first proposed by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood. Among other things, the bill expands the crime of custodial assault to include any full or part-time staff member or volunteer, any educational personnel, any personal service provider, or any vendor or agent of a state hospital who was performing official duties at the time of the alleged assault.

NEWS: Medicaid-fraud reform signed into law

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:24:00 PST

Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, and Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, are the leading sponsors of Senate Bill 5978, which immediately adds a "false claims act" to Washington law and sharpens the state's Medicaid fraud-fighting efforts in a way that could recover tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent payments over the next few years.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry bill to reduce regulatory burden on association managers signed into law

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:24:00 PST

On Thursday a bill was signed into law to exempt certain common interest community managers (CICMs) from the licensing requirements of real estate brokers and managing brokers. Substitute Senate Bill 6325, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously during the regular legislative session, was introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake.

NEWS: Scammers beware: Carrell fraud-fighting bill signed into law

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:24:00 PST

Instances of fraud, waste and abuse of public resources could soon be dramatically reduced now that the governor has signed Senate Bill 6386 into law. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, would give the state Department of Social and Health Services’ Office of Fraud and Accountability more tools to use when investigating reports of abuse within certain government programs.

NEWS: Ericksen asks DNR to delay closure of Slide Mountain bike trails

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:24:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, today sent a letter to Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark asking him to suspend the Department of Natural Resources’ plan to decommission the mountain-bike trail system on Slide Mountain at the North Fork Nooksack River.

NEWS: Becker highlights employment resources for citizen soldiers in the National Guard and Reserves

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:18:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-2nd District, a strong supporter of our nation’s military, is helping to call attention to the services provided by Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

NEWS: Governor signs Honeyford PUD power-generating bill into law

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:00:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6044 into law this afternoon, allowing investors to construct water-pump storage facilities along the Columbia River to generate electricity and help balance out the power generated by area wind farms. Sen. Jim Honeyford, R- Sunnyside, said he's pleased by the support his bill had throughout the process.

Sen. Padden's 2012 Government Guide

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:05:00 PST

This guide to government provides information on how to contact federal, state and local government offices and services. Please don’t hesitate to contact me about anything that concerns you.

Session Update for April 5, 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 PST

It is my hope that the Legislature will wrap up its work during this week and adjourn with a sustainable operating budget in place. There are some positive signs, but time is short. We may not be able to complete a budget deal by the special session’s scheduled end, but as one editorial recently pointed out, it is more important to get this budget right than to get it done right now.

NEWS: Governor signs bipartisan bill to help charities provide free glasses, hearing aids

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:17:00 PST

Today Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a measure to shield, against civil lawsuits, charitable organizations working to provide much-needed eyewear and hearing aids to poor, homeless and uninsured people. House Bill 2261 was prime-sponsored in the House by Rep. Dean Takko, D-Longview. The bill's language, as amended in the Senate, is similar to that of Senate Bill 6216, which was sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, and passed unanimously in the Senate.

NEWS: Hewitt to undergo medical procedure; work continues on budget and reforms

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:17:00 PST

Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, announced today he will undergo surgery on Monday to remove a thymoma tumor in his abdomen that was only recently discovered. Hewitt issued a statement.

NEWS: Roach bill on human trafficking signed into law

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:17:00 PST

A bill aimed at halting the sexual abuse of minors sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, was signed into law today.

NEWS: Benton bill to promote fair treatment of student-athletes signed into law

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:16:00 PST

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, to help ensure fair treatment of student-athletes by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) was signed into law today.

NEWS: Honeyford calls for support of National Guard and Reserve

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:00:00 PST

Earlier this year, members of the Washington State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8674 , honoring the Washington National Guard. Today, Sunnyside Sen. Jim Honeyford called for further support of Washington National Guard and Reserve members, their employers and the Department of Defense agency, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

NEWS: Stevens and Delvin pleased by signing of anti-trafficking measures

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 PST

NEWS: Delvin applauds governor's signing of anti- trafficking bills

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 PST

Today several bipartisan bills to combat human trafficking were signed into law. Many advocates for human trafficking victims had worried the bills would fall prey to Gov. Christine Gregoire's abrupt cancelation of bill-signing ceremonies and threats to instead veto bills if legislators failed to negotiate a supplemental state operating budget on her terms.

NEWS: Gregoire relents on veto threat, signs Delvin bill to protect juveniles with developmental disabilities

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 PST

Today Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law Senate Bill 6157, a measure that will require all Washington counties to develop intake and risk-assessment standards to determine whether juveniles admitted into their detention facilities are developmentally disabled. The measure was prime-sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry bills to encourage agricultural jobs and support local charities signed into law

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 PST

This afternoon two measures backed by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, were signed into law

NEWS: Delvin applauds National Guard and Reserve members, employers

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, issued the following statement today about a Department of Defense campaign currently running in Washington State in support of National Guard and Reserve members and their employers.

NEWS: Stevens to seek private life in retirement

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 PST

Sen. Val Stevens announced today that she will not run again for the state Senate this fall. Stevens serves the 39th Legislative District, which includes part of rural King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties."I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent the citizens of the 39th District." said Stevens, who was first elected to the House of Representatives 20 years ago and elected to the Senate in 1996. "Two decades in the Legislature has given me the opportunity to work with many wonderful people and to be their voice when they needed help navigating the burdensome morass of government regulations."

NEWS: King bill will lessen burden on Washington farmers, employees

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:31:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6423 Thursday afternoon, clarifying in state law that farmers and their employees are not required to possess commercial driver’s licenses under certain conditions. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, received unanimous support from the Washington State Senate and passed the House of Representatives 97-1.

NEWS: King’s prevailing-wage bill signed into law

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:30:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6421 Thursday afternoon, a measure that will speed up the process of returning retainage to our state’s contractors and subcontractors more quickly to avoid potentially negative effects on a contractor’s bonding capacity and financial viability. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, sponsored the bill, which received unanimous support from the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives.

IN THE NEWS: Pave historic parade grounds? Hold your horses

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:05:00 PST

The proposal was presented to the advisory committee last summer and again in February. But after some committee members objected to any more paving on the parade grounds, and after state Sen. Mike Carrell wrote a letter of protest to hospital brass, project managers slowed down.

IN THE NEWS: Honeyford honored at Livestock Growers Association dinner and awards

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:00:00 PST

Saturday night was the annual Klickitat County Livestock Growers Association annual spring dinner and awards, and it drew its customary full house. State Sen. Jim Honeyford accepted the Jim Bridgefarmer Memorial Award, presented by Bonnie Beeks, who pointed out the award was being given to someone who doesn’t live in the county but “who changed it.”

NEWS: Becker’s ‘yellow-light’ bill signed into law

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:22:00 PST

A bill sponsored by Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, to ensure yellow-light intervals are standardized across the state was signed into law last Friday.

IN THE NEWS: Budget issues shouldn't delay bills fighting human trafficking

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

When Gov. Christine Gregoire announced last week that she would hold off on signing several bills until lawmakers passed a budget on her terms, did she stop to think about what her decision would mean to children caught in modern-day slavery?

NEWS: Padden calls for support of Washington National Guard, Reserve

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:46:00 PST

Sen. Mike Padden, a staunch advocate of the nation’s military men and women and the organizations that support them, is helping to call attention to a rarely publicized federal agency: the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which promotes the service and integration of National Guard members and Reservists in the civilian workforce.

IN THE NEWS: Human Trafficking Documentary in Richland tonight

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

A documentary highlighting human trafficking awareness will be shown tonight at the Battelle Auditorium in Richland. Titled "Sex + Money: A National Search for Human Worth" is a documentary about domestic minor sex trafficking and the modern-day abolitionist movement fighting to stop it. Tonight's event, which starts at 6 p.m., will also feature a summary from Senator Jerome Delvin of new legislation to stop human trafficking.The event is sponsored by Tri-Cities Soroptimist Against Trafficking in cooperation with Washington Engage.

IN THE NEWS: 'No budget, no bills' decree puts legislators' work in limbo

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

But her decision leaves the majority of legislation sitting on her desk, including two bills sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima. Senate Bill 6432 clarifies commercial driver's license requirements for farmers and employees, and Senate Bill 6421 alters the prevailing wage requirements for contractors when a subcontractor fails to file certain paperwork.

IN THE NEWS: Tri-City advocates cry foul about Gregoire's holding bills

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

Tri-City advocates claim Gov. Chris Gregoire wrongfully is holding the developmentally disabled as political hostages to put pressure on budget negotiators. Among the legislation Gregoire has refused to sign is Senate Bill 6157, which would require counties to implement an intake and risk assessment standard for handling developmentally disabled suspects in juvenile detention. Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, sponsored the bill. Rep. Brad Klippert told the Herald, "Sen. Delvin is trying to do something good for the citizens and children of Washington state and (the governor) is going to hold his bill hostage? It's irresponsible."

IN THE NEWS: Commercial license law for farmers soon a thing of past

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

Yakima Valley farmers will soon see an obscure piece of bureaucratic red tape get peeled back thanks to legislation passed this session. The governor is expected to sign into law Senate Bill 6423, which clarifies that farmers and farm workers do not need a commercial driver's license when they drive farm vehicles to transport products, supplies or machinery from the farm to a storage facility. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, passed the Senate with unanimous support and had only one opponent in the House of Representatives.

NEWS: Becker honored by Association of Washington Business

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:38:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker honored for strong support for the state’s business community, economic prosperity and jobs. .

IN THE NEWS: Delvin to governor: 'Don't hold the developmentally-disabled community hostage'

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:21:00 PST

Today Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, cautioned Gregoire about playing politics with several bipartisan bills, including those related to preventing the sexual exploitation of children and others of high importance to the developmental-disabilities community.

IN THE NEWS: Gregoire: Don't threaten me

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:21:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, said supporters of bills to help the developmentally disabled and bills to crack down on human trafficking should contact Gregoire and urge her to sign them. The governor said she was holding off on signing most bills until legislative leaders break their logjam over the budget.

IN THE NEWS: Day 8: Gregoire signs bills; budget writers to talk

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:21:00 PST

Meantime, Gregoire is signing nearly a dozen bills today at 1:30 p.m. - including Senate Bill 6384, which lets people with developmental disabilities transition into community-access programs after they enroll in an employment program. Republican Sen. Jerome Delvin of Richland had warned Friday against Gregoire holding the bill hostage.

NEWS: Governor signs Parlette measure to create employment opportunities for developmentally-disabled individuals

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:08:00 PST

Today Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law Senate Bill 6384, a measure that will help people with disabilities find and retain jobs. The measure was prime-sponsored by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee. .

NEWS: Delvin to governor: 'Don't hold the developmentally-disabled community hostage'

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:08:00 PST

On Thursday, following the bipartisan Senate coalition's presentation of a new budget proposal, Gov. Christine Gregoire abruptly canceled more than 50 scheduled bill-signing ceremonies and threatened to veto bills if legislators fail to negotiate a supplemental state operating budget on her terms. Today Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, cautioned Gregoire about playing politics with several bipartisan bills, including those related to preventing the sexual exploitation of children and others of high importance to the developmental-disabilities community. .

IN THE NEWS: The choice in Olympia: Pretty budget or real budget

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:07:00 PST

We’d love to see a happy compromise between the budget-writers of the state Senate and House, who’ve come up with starkly different spending plans to carry the state government through the end of the biennium. But if forced to choose between the two supplemental budgets, we’ll take the Senate’s – specifically, the amended version announced Thursday.

IN THE NEWS: No more foot-dragging on the state budget

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:05:00 PST

The Senate budget is more responsible. If its assumptions are correct, it begins the next budget period in balance. The House Democrats would leave the state $2 billion short — which is not acceptable. Backers of the Senate budget insist on a package of six reforms, three sponsored by Republicans and three by Democrats. Most of these are proposals aimed at slowing the growth of state spending and debt in the long run.

NEWS: House needs to get to budget-negotiating table, Swecker says

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:30:00 PST

Senator Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, issued the following statement after the release of the second version of the bipartisan Senate budget.

IN THE NEWS: Budget Breakdown! – Senate Coalition Takes Battle Public, and Governor Retaliates at Bill-Signing

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:00:00 PST

To prove her power, Gregoire canceled bill-signing ceremonies for 26 of the 32 bills that were on her Thursday afternoon agenda. Another 23 bill-signing ceremonies scheduled for Friday have been canceled. And the governor threatened to get tougher. She has until March 28 to sign bills that passed in the final days of the regular legislative session, but if lawmakers don't start talking in her office, on her terms, she promises to whip out her veto pen. "Maybe that will get their attention," she snapped.

IN THE NEWS: Republican freshmen play role in revised budget

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:00:00 PST

It wasn't easy for state Senate Republicans to peel three Democrats away from their party, which they needed to secure a 25-vote majority on the budget. It took some changes to their party's budget to get Baumgartner, Fain and other GOP freshmen to stand front and center today and praise it at a press conference with budget writer Joe Zarelli and others.

NEWS: Baumgartner says pension reform crucial to state's fiscal health

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 PST

Today Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, joined by other members of the bipartisan coalition behind the state Senate's budget, unveiled a new budget proposal aimed at bringing the House of Representatives to the negotiating table to work toward a final budget agreement. The new plan includes an amended pension-reform approach Baumgartner describes as critical to the long-term fiscal health of the state.

NEWS: Bipartisan Senate coalition brings stronger budget proposal forward

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 PST

Today members of the bipartisan coalition behind the state Senate’s budget stood together to present a stronger proposal and call on the House of Representatives to start serious negotiations toward a final budget agreement. The new plan was laid out by Sen. Joseph Zarelli, joined by several fellow Senate Republicans and the three reform-minded Senate Democrats who were instrumental in the March 3 adoption of the Senate’s second bipartisan budget in two years.

NEWS: Carrell congratulates Clover Park’s Harrison Preparatory School

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

After a three-year effort, Harrison Preparatory School in the Clover Park School District achieved certification as an International Baccalaureate World School. Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, who represents the 28th Legislative District in which Harrison Prep is located, said he couldn’t be more proud of the families and children at Harrison Prep.

IN THE NEWS: House, Senate pass transportation budget in final hour

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:21:00 PST

Yakima Sen. Curtis King (R-14th) said he too, for the most part, was pleased with the budget. He described the major highlights as the building of the new ferry boat and the additional funds that take "some of the pressure off of the shortfalls that were being projected in the ferry system and the state patrol accounts."

NEWS: Delvin-backed custom-car bill signed into law

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:01:00 PST

On Wednesday Gov. Chris Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6005, a measure co-sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, which clarifies in state law that custom-car restoration and preservation shops are different than general auto-repair facilities.

IN THE NEWS: Historic bipartisan budget moves ball after weeks of delay

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:21:00 PST

Passing a bipartisan budget was the responsible thing to do. We didn't play shenanigans or any tricks of any kind; we simply used the Senate rules to do what the majority Democrats were unable to do -- bring a budget to a vote, where it received the 25 votes needed to pass.

IN THE NEWS: Going Beyond Volunteerism, Teaching Civic Thinking

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:21:00 PST

Fadaley and his students traveled to Olympia to see him recognized. They met local elected officials like state Rep. Andy Billig and Timm Ormsby. They also met state Sen. Mike Padden who recognized him with a certificate for his work in civic education.

IN THE NEWS: Bill protects charity aid for eyes, ears

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:21:00 PST

Protecting the charities against lawsuits means they could resume giving glasses and hearing aids to some of the state's neediest residents, Padden said. Medicaid typically does not cover glasses, routine hearing exams or hearing aids, he added.

IN THE NEWS: LEGISLATURE: Custom-car measure signed by governor

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:21:00 PST

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed into law a measure giving owners of automobile restoration shops an alternative to predicting accurate cost estimates. The measure, co-sponsored by 8th District Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, excuses vehicle rebuilders and restorers from having to provide written estimates which are required for general auto repair businesses.

NEWS: New vision for Rainier School funded in bipartisan budget

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:53:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, said today $100,000 is appropriated in the Senate-passed bipartisan 2012 supplement operating budget for the Rainier School Vision Development Committee.

IN THE NEWS: GOP budget only sustainable plan on the table

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:46:00 PST

Imagine a bipartisan group of Washington senators coming together to pass a sustainable and responsible budget - a budget that funds priorities, does not raise taxes and lives within our means.

IN THE NEWS: Area Lawmakers Support Historic, Bipartisan Senate Reform Budget

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:21:00 PST

"Our budget prioritizes spending in two key areas: providing for education and protecting the most vulnerable," said Sen. Janea Holmquist- Newbry, R-Moses Lake. "Without any new taxes, it dedicates more for K-12 and higher education combined, as well as reducing fewer programs for the elderly, disabled and mentally ill than any other budget proposal."

IN THE NEWS: Once more with feeling: Pass a state budget without 'felony' gimmicks

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:21:00 PST

When Washington lawmakers convene in special session Monday, they must negotiate a budget without budgets and answers concerns of vigilant bond raters that have the state on watch lists.

NEWS: Hewitt's statement on end of 2012 regular legislative session, beginning of special session

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:01:00 PST

Today the state Legislature ended the 2012 regular session and will soon begin a special session to complete its work on the state operating budget. Senate Republican Leader and 16th District senator Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, issued this statement:

NEWS: Agreement on sustainable state budget must wait for special session

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:59:00 PST

The Legislature's 2012 regular session adjourned tonight without an agreement on a final plan to close state government's $1.1 billion budget gap. Sen. Joseph Zarelli, budget leader for Senate Republicans, offered this statement about the status of budget negotiations ahead of the special legislative session beginning at noon Monday.

NEWS: Parlette statement on 2012 legislative session

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:00:00 PST

Tonight the state Legislature ended the 2012 regular legislative session. With additional work to do on the state budget, the Legislature will soon begin a special session to complete its work.

NEWS: Benton bill to promote fair treatment of student-athletes goes to governor

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:28:00 PST

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, to help ensure fair treatment of student-athletes by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), has been approved by the full Legislature and now goes to the governor to be signed into law.

IN THE NEWS: Drunks who kill on road will face tougher penalties

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:21:00 PST

On Friday, Satterberg praised legislators for responding to the pleas victims' families who were re-victimized by shockingly low sentences. He credited work of Representatives Chris Hurst and Roger Goodman in the House and David Frockt, Adam Kline and Mike Padden in the Senate. There are roughly 250 people killed annually by drunken drivers in Washington, according to Satterberg's office.

IN THE NEWS: Senate budget includes funds for Sally's

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:21:00 PST

Funding for the Salvation Army's Sally's House, a safe harbor for children who have been abused or neglected, or whose parents have been jailed, was included in a budget passed early Saturday morning by 22 Senate Republicans and three Democrats, said State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, a supporter of Sally's House.

IN THE NEWS: Commercial license law for farmers soon a thing of past

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:20:00 PST

The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, passed the Senate with unanimous support and had only one opponent in the House of Representatives. Curtis King, R-Yakima, said ambiguities remained over whether the vehicles were strictly required to operate between farms.

NEWS: House resolution, breakfast held to honor Civil Air Patrol members

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:16:00 PST

To celebrate the dedication and service of the men and women of the Civil Air Patrol, Washington State Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, coordinated an honorary breakfast today in Columbia Room of the legislative building in Olympia. After the meal, participants were invited to the gallery of the state House of Representatives to observe as the body adopted a resolution recognizing the Washington state wing of the Civil Air Patrol.

NEWS: King's prevailing-wage bill now awaiting governor's signature

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:16:00 PST

After unanimous votes in the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives, Senate Bill 6421 is ready to be signed into law by the governor. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, says he's pleased his measure was met with so much support.

NEWS: Morton receives ‘Lifetime Achievement Award” from Safari Club

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:16:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, was honored this week by the NW Chapter of Safari Club International for his dedication and service to preserving the heritage of hunting in Washington.

NEWS: King bill exempting farmers from CDL requirements to become law

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:16:00 PST

The governor is soon expected to sign a measure sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, which would clarify in state law that farmers and those who work for farmers need not have a commercial driver's license to move products from field to storage. Senate Bill 6423 received unanimous support from the Washington State Senate and passed the House of Representatives 97-1.

NEWS: WWII Legion of Honor recipient honored by Washington State Senate

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:16:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate stood proudly and applauded this afternoon after adopting Senate Resolution 8705, honoring World War II veteran Douglas Elms for his courageous action and heroism.

NEWS: Carrell fraud-fighting bill on its way to become law

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:00:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate voted today to concur with amendments made by the House of Representatives regarding a bill which would help improve the prevention, detection and prosecution of fraudulent activity. Senate Bill 6386, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, would give the state Department of Social and Health Services' Office of Fraud and Accountability more tools to use when investigating reports of abuse within certain government programs.

NEWS: Legislature approves Padden-backed bill to let Lions Clubs and other charities provide free glasses, hearing aids

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:40:00 PST

Sen. Mike Padden today applauded the Legislature for approving a measure to shield, against civil lawsuits, charitable organizations working to provide much-needed eyewear and hearing aids to poor, homeless and uninsured people. The House voted 98-0 yesterday to approve his rewrite of House Bill 2261. The bill's language is now similar to that of Senate Bill 6216, which was sponsored by Padden and passed unanimously in the Senate before stalling in the House.

NEWS: Honeyford bill to assist power capacity in central WA to become law

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:40:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate voted unanimously Monday in favor of a bill which would – among other things – allow investors to construct water-pump storage facilities along the Columbia River to generate electricity and help balance out the power generated by area wind farms. The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Jim Honeyford of Sunnyside, says he's pleased to see Senate Bill 6044 pass with so much support.

IN THE NEWS: Passed bill supports raffles

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:20:00 PST

Charitable non-profits will soon be allowed to obtain a license to conduct raffles for prizes of alcohol exceeding $5,000 in value. The House of Representatives unanimously voted last week to pass Senate Bill 6465, sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, authorizing charities to conduct such raffles after first securing a permit from the state gambling commission

IN THE NEWS: Sustainable, responsible budget now has a chance

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:15:00 PST

With the help of three Democrats, Republicans in the wee hours of Saturday morning used a parliamentary move to force their budget through the Senate. The Democratic leadership is furious as is Gov. Chris Gregoire, arguing that Republicans circumvented the process and pushed through a budget no one has seen.

IN THE NEWS: Lead, compromise, go home

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 PST

To hear the protestations of Senate Democrats, you'd think democracy itself had been defiled Friday night in Olympia. Hardly. The majority party simply got outmaneuvered. It's understandable that they were smarting, but in reality, they only had themselves to blame.

NEWS: Senate passes Parlette measure aimed at addressing state debt

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:00:00 PST

Today the state Senate passed a bipartisan measure aimed at reducing Washington's debt limit. Senator Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, is prime sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 8221.

NEWS: Becker calls Senate-passed budget ‘a better solution’

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:35:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-2nd District, said patience, strength of will and focus have produced “a better solution” to the state’s budget crisis.

IN THE NEWS: Republicans in state Senate stage budget coup

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

High drama gripped the state Senate on Friday when minority Republicans and three conservative Democrats seized control of the chamber to muscle through a budget plan.

IN THE NEWS: Senate Republicans pass alternative budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

An alternative Republican budget passed the Senate 25-24 early Saturday morning after more than nine hours of parliamentary maneuvering and sometimes heated debate.

IN THE NEWS: GOP cuts through gridlock on budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

Minority Republicans and three rebel Democrats – one from Puyallup – took over the state Senate floor Friday and were working toward approval of a budget plan kept under wraps until the coup began.

IN THE NEWS: Senate budget debate continues

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:00:00 PST

Senate Republicans, aided by three conservative Democrats, used parliamentary tactics to push their alternative budget to a vote Friday and embarass the majority of Democrats who up until that afternoon controlled the chamber.

NEWS: Zarelli’s sustainable budget solution wins bipartisan Senate vote

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:30:00 PST

For the second consecutive year the state Senate has passed its operating budget with a bipartisan vote. This time the winning plan came from Sen. Joseph Zarelli, budget leader for Senate Republicans, who says it would rebalance the budget adopted last year without creating another financial crisis for next year’s Legislature to address.

NEWS: Schoesler says bipartisan Senate budget hits the mark

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:28:00 PST

Sen. Mark Schoesler says the bipartisan Senate budget adopted early this morning leaves the budget passed by the House of Representatives and the proposal from Senate Democrats in the dust when it comes to being financially responsible. Three Democrats joined the longtime 9th District lawmaker and all of his Senate Republican colleagues to pass a budget Schoesler helped to negotiate, which closes a $1.1 billion budget gap but won’t saddle the next Legislature with another billion-dollar-plus shortfall. The vote followed a nine-hour debate that kicked off when the bipartisan coalition pulled the legislation directly to the Senate chamber.

NEWS: Senate passes bipartisan operating budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:25:00 PST

Tonight the state Senate passed Senate Bill 5967, a bipartisan operating budget that lives within the state’s means, preserves the safety net for the most vulnerable and leaves the state with a sizable ending-fund reserve. Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, said she is pleased with the Senate’s passage of a measure that would put the state budget on a more sustainable path moving forward.

NEWS: Area lawmakers support historic, bipartisan Senate reform budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:20:00 PST

After a series of unprecedented procedural maneuvers Friday evening, minority members of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus joined with three like-minded Democrats to temporarily gain a philosophical majority and introduce a sustainable budget proposal that doesn’t depend on gimmicks, tricks or tax increases. Central Washington senators say not only does Senate Bill 5967 close the $1.1 billion gap, it projects to be in balance by the 2013-15 biennium.

NEWS: Spokane Republicans vote to approve sustainable bipartisan budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:15:00 PST

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 budget adopted last year in a sustainable manner that will keep the Legislature from having to deal with another budget crisis next year.

NEWS: Hewitt praises Senate’s passage of bipartisan state budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:10:00 PST

Tonight the state Senate passed a bipartisan operating budget that preserves the safety net for the most vulnerable, keeps spending within the amount of incoming revenues, and leaves the state with a healthy reserve fund. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, praised his fellow Senate Republicans and the handful of reform-minded Democrats who supported the measure, saying it was the only budget option presented so far that protects taxpayers and puts the state budget on a sustainable fiscal path moving forward.

NEWS: Senate approves sustainable bipartisan budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:00:00 PST

The Washington State Senate early this morning approved its operating budget with a bipartisan vote of 25 to 24, with three Democrats joining all twenty-two Republican members. The bipartisan reform plan rebalances the budget adopted last year in a sustainable manner that will keep the Legislature from having to deal with another budget crisis next year.

NEWS: Benton leads charge to adopt responsible, sustainable budget

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:00:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, used a procedural motion Friday to bring the 2012 supplemental operating budget before the full Senate for consideration.

NEWS: Senate passes Ericksen bill to help Northwest Washington Fair

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:52:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, today won unanimous Senate passage of his bill to protect the property tax-exempt status of the Northwest Washington Fair and Events Center in Lynden.

NEWS: House passes Parlette measure to encourage employment for developmentally disabled individuals

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:45:00 PST

Yesterday the state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6384, a measure sponsored by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, that would help people with disabilities find and retain jobs.

NEWS: House passes Benton bill to promote fair treatment of student athletes

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:33:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, yesterday won House passage of his bill to help ensure fair treatment of student athletes by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).

IN THE NEWS: House won't vote on MLIRD bill

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

"This bill would have increased transparency and voter equality, while requiring the district to ask property owners' permission before increasing assessments above the current rate," stated bill sponsor Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake. "I'm disappointed the house lacked the political will to advance these much-needed reforms this session, but I will continue to work with stakeholders to examine new ideas and put them forward for the 2013 session."

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry bill to support charities goes to governor

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:02:00 PST

The House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday to pass Senate Bill 6465, sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, which authorizes charitable nonprofit organizations to conduct raffles for prizes of alcohol exceeding $5,000 in value if those organizations obtain licenses from the state gambling commission.

NEWS: Morton pleased to learn about funding to repair failing on-site sewage systems

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:02:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he is pleased that the Northeast Tri County Health District was awarded state and federal dollars for its program to help low-income homeowners repair failing on-site sewage systems.

NEWS: Honeyford bill to lower port and irrigation district costs to become law

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:00:00 PST

On Tuesday members of the Washington State House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 5292 to help clarify exemptions regarding natural versus manmade drainage areas within port and irrigation districts. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, says his bill from the 2011 session would change state law so that the drainage side of irrigation districts are not considered "natural" streams and therefore should not be designated as "critical areas" under the Growth Management Act.

NEWS: House passes Holmquist Newbry farm vehicle bill

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:39:00 PST

By a vote of 97 to 1 the state House of Representatives today passed a bill that clarifies that farmers and their help do not need to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) when hauling agricultural products, equipment and supplies from their farms to storage.

NEWS: Ericksen calls Senate majority budget ‘disappointing’

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:37:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, said the “get by” budget offered today by the Senate Ways and Means Committee chairman and Senate majority leader falls short of expectations he had coming into the 2012 legislative session.

NEWS: Zarelli says Senate still can come up with budget that could win bipartisan support

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

The chief budget negotiator for Senate Republicans, Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, had this response to today's release of a proposed supplemental operating budget by his majority-party counterpart, Sen. Ed Murray.

NEWS: Padden recognizes local finalist for civic teacher of the year award

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:39:00 PST

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 make the trip to Olympia looked on.

IN THE NEWS: Local lawmakers oppose cost-saving 'gimmicks'

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Holmquist Newbry also expressed concern about the late arrival of the budget legislation this year. She said there's no excuse for the Legislature to spend taxpayer dollars on a special session to finish work on the budget when lawmakers are already "fighting over pennies." She encouraged constituents to search budget bills online and alert her office to any issues of concern to aid in her ability to respond to those issues.

IN THE NEWS: Washington Legislature: Abortion coverage bill inches closer to Senate floor

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

A bill written to create a new mandate on abortion coverage moved through the Senate Ways and Means Committee Monday evening. Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, urged his fellow committee members to vote against the measure. Padden said the legislation jeopardizes billions of dollars in federal allocations to Washington for health care by violating a provision of the federal Labor/Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill.

IN THE NEWS: MLIRD bill heads to house

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

The House Local Government Committee voted 7-2 to pass a bill to make changes to the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD). Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, said Wednesday she looks forward to working with Rep. Judy Warnick to iron out any potential language changes. She pointed out the bill acts as a tool to make sure the MLIRD issues aren't "kicked down the road" for future ratepayers to deal with.

NEWS: Bill to combat online child escort ads passes House

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:39:00 PST

On Monday, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan anti-trafficking bill to keep minors from being exploited through online ads for escort services such as Backpage.com. Having already passed the Senate, the bill now goes to the governor for her signature.

NEWS: House refuses to advance MLIRD reforms; Holmquist Newbry to host public hearings in Moses Lake

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:39:00 PST

The House Ways and Means Committee failed to advance the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District reform bill sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry prior to today's legislative deadline for passing bills out of the fiscal committee. The bill is now ineligible for further consideration by the Legislature for the remainder of the 2012 session, which will end March 8.

NEWS: Becker appointed to Powell Child Fatality Review Team

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:39:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-2nd District, has agreed to serve on the child fatality review team created by the Department of Social and Health Services in the wake of the Feb. 5 murders of Charlie and Braden Powell in the 2nd District.

NEWS: Child Protective Services questioned by Roach and Powell grandparents

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:23:00 PST

Chuck and Judy Cox today joined Sen. Pam Roach, R-31st District, in urging changes at CPS that they believe will help protect children. Judy and Chuck Cox are grandparents of Charlie and Braden Powell.

IN THE NEWS: Washington Bill Forcing Abortion Coverage Heads to Senate

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Senator Mike Padden of Spokane is a pro-life opponent of the abortion mandate who says the state could spend years in court defending the bill. “We know [the bill] does impact the Hyde Amendment and it violates the [Weldon] Amendment which says no government may discriminate against insurance because it does not cover abortion, and that is exactly what this is doing,” said Padden.

NEWS: Parlette statement on Stormans, Inc. court decision

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 PST

Today a federal court judge ruled on the case of Stormans, Inc. v. Selecky, regarding pharmacists' and pharmacy owners' legal duty to fill prescriptions and their right of conscience. Washington state senator and practicing pharmacist Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, issued this statement on today's ruling.

NEWS: 47th District lawmakers pleased with town-hall discussion

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

A town-hall meeting hosted by 47th Legislative District lawmakers in Covington topped the three-hour mark Saturday as more than 100 people assembled to discuss everything from education to health care to jobs and the latest from the 2012 legislative session.

NEWS: Hearing on controversial abortion-mandate bill set for this afternoon

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 PST

"Proponents of this legislation are jeopardizing nearly six billion dollars' worth of revenue from the federal government through their support of this bill, which almost certainly constitutes a violation of federal law," said Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley and a chief opponent of the measure.

IN THE NEWS: Senate, House transportation budgets retain ferry funding resources

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King (R-14th, Yakima), who cosponsors the bipartisan bill, said that the Senate proposal would cut administrative positions at the Department of Transportation by 5 to 7 percent by the end of the 2013-'15 biennium and eliminate project-report redundancies, saving the $8.4 million per biennium starting in 2015-'17.

IN THE NEWS: MLIRD bill gets hearing in Olympia

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, who is the sponsor of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6512, said Friday that the legislation aims for more transparency and fairness in how the district operates.

NEWS: Transportation budget keeps projects on track despite declining revenues

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Senate transportation leaders today proposed a bipartisan supplemental transportation budget for the 2011-13 biennium that adds nearly $800 million to the $9 billion two-year budget period.

IN THE NEWS: New bill would increase higher education funding

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Washington state Sen. Michael Baumgartner introduced legislation that would increase higher education funding by $890 million. The bill will give part of the state sales tax to colleges and universities, according to a press release on Jan. 27.

IN THE NEWS: State Senate passes bill that could raise car tab fees

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST

Senate bill 6582 would give cities and counties the authority to increase the amount you pay for car tabs. Fees could go up by $40.00 under the options local governments have with this bill. All that city councils or county commissioners need is simple majority to approve an increase, no public vote required. The bill passed in the senate by one vote. Local senators Jerome Delvin and Curtis King voted against the legislation.

IN THE NEWS: Legislators plan to have town hall phone meeting conference

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Constituents are invited to a telephone town-hall meeting with Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, Reps. Larry Haler, R-Richland, and Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick.

IN THE NEWS: Classic car exemption gets Senate OK

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST

Owners of antique car restoration and hot rod shops in Washington are cheering a bill that would excuse them from having to prepare cost estimates for customers with custom and classic vehicles. Substitute Senate Bill 6005 cleared the Senate on a unanimous vote Tuesday, barely a month after being introduced. …Sponsored by 8th District Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, and 28th District Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, the measure is intended to fix a problem in which vehicle rebuilders and restorers have been required to provide written estimates…

IN THE NEWS: Lawmakers meet with Tri-Citians at Olympia conference

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, said his main focus for the conference was I-937. He updated the group on the Senate's progress passing a bill that counts some biomass technologies for renewable energy requirements. But no progress has been made to include hydroelectric efficiency measures [as a renewable resource]. "Hydroelectricity is by far our cheapest, greenest resource available, and it's renewable," said Delvin.

NEWS: Morton pleased to learn local schools will receive Washington Achievement Awards

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:00:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he is pleased to learn that 14 schools in the 7th Legislative District will receive 2011 Washington Achievement Awards. Award recipients were selected by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education.:

NEWS: Sen. Pam Roach to hold news conference and hearing regarding Powell case

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:56:00 PST

Chuck and Judy Cox will join Sen. Pam Roach for a news conference and hearing on Thursday, Feb. 23; attorneys for the Cox family, Anne Bremner and Steve Downing, will also be in attendance.

IN THE NEWS: DSHS overpayments bill clears Senate

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, said he opposed Pridemore's bill because it passes the burden of repayment on to taxpayers. "This is the people's money we are talking about, and I think there are other ways of dealing with this, maybe extending the length of time for repayment," Padden said.

IN THE NEWS: Senators grill controversial appointee

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

Members of a state Senate committee grilled a controversial appointee to the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission as they prepared to vote on whether to support his confirmation. Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, said he had received many e-mails in opposition to Jay Kehne 's appointment, mostly focusing on his work with Conservation Northwest, which calls itself "the premiere group working on recovery of Washington's wolves."

IN THE NEWS: CDL, beaver bills halfway through process

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:00:00 PST

Farmers and their employees would not be required to have a commercial driver's license under a bill passed unanimously by the state Senate. "A CDL costs thousands, and it is not cost-effective for farmers to go to the expense of paying their seasonal help to get CDLs that will be used only for a few weeks each year at harvest," said Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, who co-sponsored the legislation.

NEWS: Zarelli says 'flat' revenue forecast doesn't diminish need for reforms

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council today adopted its first quarterly state revenue forecast for 2012, which predicts the state will see $96 million more revenue for 2011-13 than was anticipated in November. Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, who is budget leader for Senate Republicans and an ERFC member, offered this response:

NEWS: Honeyford resolution honors 100-year history of Goldendale Library

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:30:00 PST

The year was 1912. The scientific community was heralding a recommendation to include vitamins “A” and “B” in the American diet, headlines recounting the grisly details of the “unsinkable” ship Titanic’s demise were splashed across newspapers nationwide, and in the growing Washington town of Goldendale – which just the year before had become one of the state’s first communities with paved sidewalks and roads – residents were celebrating the opening of their first community library.

NEWS: 8th District lawmakers to host telephone town hall meeting Feb. 23

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, invites constituents to join him and his fellow 8th District legislators, Rep. Larry Haler and Rep. Brad Klippert, for a telephone town-hall meeting Thursday, Feb. 23. The community conversation begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last one hour.

NEWS: Baumgartner to host 'Smarter Government Update' telephone town-hall meeting with 6th District residents

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:00:00 PST

State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, is inviting residents of the 6th Legislative District to participate in a telephone town-hall meeting Thursday, Feb. 23. The live community forum regarding the 2012 legislative session and issues that directly affect the citizens of Spokane will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.

NEWS: Roach bill to require web postings of public meeting materials passes Senate

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:59:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn) won full Senate support yesterday for her bill to require web postings of public meeting materials.

NEWS: Roach bill to give fire districts flexibility passes Senate

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:59:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn) today won unanimous Senate approval of her bill to give fire districts flexibility to increase or decrease the size of their board of commissioners.

NEWS: Padden to hold telephone town-hall meeting with 4th District residents

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

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 residents will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.

NEWS: Delvin-backed bill to help custom-car restoration speeds ahead

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:15:00 PST

Legislation acknowledging that custom-car restoration and preservation shops are different than general auto repair facilities unanimously passed the Washington State Senate on Tuesday. Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, co-sponsored Substitute Senate Bill 6005 on behalf of the state's hot-rod and custom-car repair facilities, as well those who are classic-car aficionados.

IN THE NEWS: Question for legislators? You might be able to phone it in

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

With the legislative session a little more than halfway through, many Washington residents might have a question or two for their state senator or representatives. Some might have lots of questions. Although many legislators are ensconced in Olympia for the duration, some plan to come back for town hall meetings this weekend. Others will be asking their constituents to phone it in – take part in a teleconference version of those meetings, sometimes known as a tele-town hall.

IN THE NEWS: State Senate Toughens Treatment Of Violence In Mental Hospitals

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST

"The poor worker at Western or Eastern State Hospital that's had his head or her head bashed in, or boiling water thrown in their face, with second–degree burns, is sitting there saying, 'I'm getting no justice!' That's the problem."

IN THE NEWS: State must remain vigilant to end human trafficking

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:00 PST

Each year we as senators are called upon to address issues in our state. Sometimes we get lucky, and with one simple piece of legislation we can settle a technical or legal question and make life easier for our citizens. However, we know ending the trafficking of human beings in Washington will be anything but easy.

NEWS: Honeyford bill offers new life for Washington’s historic properties

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:15:00 PST

The Washington State Senate on Tuesday afternoon unanimously passed Senate Bill 6523, which would allow private parties to lease and make improvements to state-owned properties under certain circumstances. Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, says he introduced the bill after several businesses indicated an interest in restoring a historic building on state land.

NEWS: Carrell bill to further reduce offender recidivism passes Senate

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:18:00 PST

By a unanimous vote Tuesday the Washington State Senate approved Senate Bill 6407, a bill which would create a pilot program requiring the state Department of Corrections to obtain transitional housing for offenders being released from prison. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Carrell of Lakewood, says his bill would also track the housing and recidivism status of offenders who participate in transitional re-entry housing.

NEWS: Baumgartner opposing all higher-ed appointments until committee process is followed

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

In letters this week to the presidents of all state-funded, four-year universities and community colleges, Sen. Michael Baumgartner announced he will not vote to confirm any higher-education appointment that has not gone before the Senate higher-education committee first.

NEWS: Senate passes Parlette measure aimed at increasing insurance options

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

The state Senate has passed Senate Bill 6440, a bipartisan measure aimed at giving Washington consumers more health-care options by allowing the sale of some health insurance plans across state lines. Senator Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, is the bill's prime sponsor.

IN THE NEWS: MLIRD bill passes

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 PST

State senators passed an amended version of a bill aiming to reform elections and assessments for the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD) on Friday.

IN THE NEWS: Delvin bills OK'd by state Senate

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 PST

Two bills introduced by state Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, were approved by the state Senate late Friday.

IN THE NEWS: LEGISLATURE: Off road vehicle measure passes

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:30:00 PST

State Sen. Jerome Delvin applauded the Senate's passage today of a measure aimed at producing less cumbersome and more responsible off-road vehicle (ORV) access to public roads.

NEWS: Morton applauds Senate passage of biomass bill

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:55:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said he was very pleased with Senate approval of a biomass bill over the weekend.

NEWS: Carrell bill to help protect workers at state hospitals passes Senate

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:54:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate voted 48-1 this evening in favor of a bill which would prevent a jail from refusing to book someone accused of a crime simply because that person is a patient at a state-run mental hospital. Senate Bill 6010, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, would also expand the crime of custodial assault to include any full or part-time staff member or volunteer, any educational personnel, any personal service provider, or any vendor or agent of a state hospital who was performing official duties at the time of the alleged assault.

NEWS: Delvin bill to improve access for off-road vehicles passes Senate

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:40:00 PST

Today state Sen. Jerome Delvin applauded the Senate's passage of a measure aimed at producing less cumbersome and more responsible off-road vehicle (ORV) access to public roads.

NEWS: Senate approves Benton bill on WIAA penalties

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:31:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, today won Senate passage of his bill to help ensure fair treatment of student athletes by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).

NEWS: Senate votes to aid investigators by passing Carrell fraud-fighting bill

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:52:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate voted 45-2 this afternoon in favor of a bill which would give the fledgling Office of Fraud and Accountability more tools to use when investigating reports of abuse within certain government programs. Senate Bill 6386, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, would help improve the prevention, detection and prosecution of fraudulent activity.

NEWS: Senate passes Holmquist Newbry bill clarifying that CDL not needed to haul ag products from farm to storage

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

On Friday the state Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 6423, which would make it clear that farmers and their help do not need to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) when hauling agricultural products, equipment and supplies from their farms to storage.

IN THE NEWS: Stevens and Delvin: We must remain vigilant in this struggle

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 PST

NEWS: Carrell’s ethics-in-public service bill passes state Senate unanimously

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:38:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate today signaled their intent to crack down on unethical practices in state government by unanimously approving Senate Bill 6009. The measure, sponsored by 28th District State Sen. Mike Carrell, stems from Carrell’s ethics complaint last year against a former Department of Corrections director of communications and outreach.

NEWS: Honeyford bill to help Sunnyside treatment facility passes Senate

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:30:00 PST

With a unanimous vote Friday, members of the Washington State Senate approved Senate Bill 6027 to help the City of Sunnyside return clean, cool water to the Yakima River. The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Jim Honeyford, says his bill would provide access to low interest loans for a project vital to the community’s continuing economic growth.

NEWS: Delvin bill to increase penalties on traffickers passes unanimously

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:09:00 PST

Tonight the state Senate unanimously passed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, the latest in the Legislature’s attempts to aggressively deal with the problem of human trafficking. The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, would increase the penalties for certain human-trafficking crimes by revising the definition of “sex offense” to include a second or subsequent violation of promoting first- or second-degree prostitution or patronizing a prostitute.

NEWS: Senate passes Delvin bill to increase Kennewick industrial lands

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:00:00 PST

This evening the state Senate passed Sen. Jerome Delvin's bill to help increase the amount of urban growth area (UGA) zoned for industrial purposes.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry applauds Senate passage of MLIRD reform bill

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 PST

The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry that would reform the election process for the state's only irrigation and rehabilitation district and provide new protections for its taxpayers and electors.

IN THE NEWS: GUEST EDITORIAL: MLIRD bill to restore good government

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 PST

SB 6512 will fix this problem. It would ensure that in the event of any future rate increase, ratepayers would be afforded not only a public hearing, but a voice through a vote. I am also proposing any future increase to the current rate must go to a vote of the people.

NEWS: Senate passes Padden bill to support free eyeglasses for the poor

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 PST

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.

NEWS: Hargrove and Stevens issue statement regarding deaths of Powell children

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:00 PST

Today Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, and Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, the chairman and ranking minority member respectively of the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee issued this statement regarding the presumed murders of Charlie and Braden Powell on Sunday in Graham:

NEWS: Becker’s ‘yellow-light’ bill passes Senate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:02:00 PST

A bill introduced by Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, to ensure yellow light intervals are standardized across the state received unanimous support from the Senate today.

NEWS: Roach bill on human trafficking passes Senate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 PST

State Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, today won unanimous Senate passage of her bill aimed at halting the sexual abuse of minors.

NEWS: Roach requests Utah police warning to DSHS in Powell case

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, today formally requested information sent by Utah police to alert DSHS in the placement of the children of Susan and Joshua Powell.

NEWS: Senate bills combat human trafficking, include focus on online child escort ads

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:41:00 PST

Eight bipartisan bills to combat human trafficking, including legislation to keep minors from being exploited through online ads for escort services such as Backpage.com, were passed today by the Senate and are now sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Two more anti-trafficking bills are expected to pass tomorrow.

IN THE NEWS: Wash. Senate Democrats tout long-term jobs agenda

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:30:00 PST

"As we laid out in our own `Roadmap to Growth' jobs plan earlier this year, Senate Republicans support proposals that will create stability and predictability and reduce costs for Washington's employers," Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, said…

IN THE NEWS: Lawmaker says Medicaid payment system is broken

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

Holmquist Newbry, through Senate Bill 6466, seeks to shift the state's "pay-and-chase" way of paying Medicaid claims first and then looking for fraud to what she says is a "prevention and detection" model that would be more effective. The bill could save the state $5 million to $20 million a year…

NEWS: Becker offers resolution to honor slain Mount Rainier National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:24:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, was joined today by her colleagues in adopting Senate Resolution 8676 to honor Mount Rainier National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson, who was killed in the line of duty on New Year’s Day.

NEWS: Representatives from the Kinross Gold Corporation meet with Sen. Morton

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:22:00 PST

Representatives from the Kinross Gold Corporation traveled to Olympia on February 1 to provide economic updates to Sen. Morton.

IN THE NEWS: Morning update: Day 30: Republicans outline jobs plan

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

Senate Republicans explained their own jobs plan, which includes some of the same permitting exceptions that Democrats support. As laid out by Moses Lake Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, it also would require the governor to sign off on certain state-agency rules…

IN THE NEWS: Bill would speed potential change of Kennewick's boundaries

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

The bill sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland would allow Kennewick to apply to expand its urban growth area boundary south of Interstate 82 without waiting for the next application cycle in 2013.

IN THE NEWS: Business owners ask legislature to reform costly programs and regulations

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

"The number-one priority for every legislator should be creating and preserving private-sector jobs in our state," said Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, the ranking member on the Labor and Commerce committee. "It's time for common-sense solutions like the ones offered by Washington Policy Center and Senate Republicans — solutions that create an environment of predictability and stability, encouraging employers to create jobs."

NEWS: Labor-committee members say bills violate historic, bipartisan workers’ compensation deal

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:06:00 PST

Today brought the first deadline for policy committees in the Legislature to act on bills, and several measures that survived deal with the contentious issue of workers’ compensation – a move Sens. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, say violates the spirit of the highly-touted 2011 bipartisan workers’ compensation reform agreement.

IN THE NEWS: Don't turn GET program into a bait and switch

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:44:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, is on the road talking to editorial boards about his plan to make higher education the state's No. 2 priority, right behind K-12, and provide a constitutionally mandated funding stream. …We agree with Baumgartner that education leads to jobs.

IN THE NEWS: Hansen testifies for MLIRD bill

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:43:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, the bill's sponsor, called the proposal a win-win. "This bill is about bringing transparency, fairness, and clarity to our local elections," she stated. "This bill will also provide taxpayer safeguards by requiring the district to ask property owners' permission before making an increase in assessments over a certain amount."

IN THE NEWS: The Columbian: Change State Pension Plan

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:43:00 PST

Perhaps out of fiscal desperation, or perhaps a sprouting of common sense -- likely a convergence of both -- this year's Legislature is considering several proposals that could go a long way toward making the state budget more sustainable. One in particular caught our attention this week. It's based on a simple question: Why not convert state workers from a defined-benefit pension system to a defined-contribution retirement program? The answer, though, is far from simple, but it is worth pondering.

IN THE NEWS: Proposed B and O tax break for startups advances

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:51:00 PST

Legislation that would exempt new Washington-based businesses from the state's B and O tax in their first year of operations has cleared a key Senate committee. Senate Bill 6327, sponsored by state Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, advanced with a “do pass” recommendation from the Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee. It's now waiting for consideration by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

IN THE NEWS: Republicans: Now Can We Get On With It?

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:05:00 PST

It was the darndest thing. In the minutes after the state Senate voted 28-21 Wednesday to legalize gay marriage, as Democrats were whooping and hugging one another on their side of the chamber and telling reporters what a historic night it was, if you dashed over to the Republican side to get a GOP reaction, what you found was–Nothing.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry's Medicaid fraud prevention bill advances

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:30:00 PST

The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee today voted out Senate Bill 6466, introduced by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry. The measure would combat fraud, waste and abuse within state-run Medicaid programs by shifting from a reactive "pay and chase" model to a proactive "prevention and detection" model.

NEWS: Hewitt honored for efforts to inform citizens about key resource for families living with cancer

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

This week Gilda’s Club Seattle recognized Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, for his assistance in educating fellow legislators and the public about the program, which offers a wide range of support for cancer survivors, their loved ones and friends.

COMMENTARY: Higher Ed Funding Needs Constitutional Protections

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:00 PST

The desire for good universities and colleges is nearly universal. Both Democrats and Republicans praise higher education, but for decades elected officials of both parties have failed to make funding for higher education a budget priority.

NEWS: Padden B and O tax relief bill clears Senate committee

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:00 PST

The Senate Economic Development, Trade and 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 and O) tax for all new businesses and a two-year exemption for new businesses employing fewer than 25 people, plus a 50 percent exemption in the third year

IN THE NEWS: Lakewood residents not getting anything for the franchise fee they pay

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:05:00 PST

The city is requiring the county to pay a franchise fee that is effectively passed on to Lakewood ratepayers. So what are Lakewood citizens getting for their money? Are they getting a higher level of treatment, repairs to the existing sewer system or something else of value for the fee? I might agree with Carrell that those monies should be targeted to paying down the debt on the sewer system that the city obligated its citizens to pay for.

NEWS: Hewitt calls for action on budget, reforms as midway point of session approaches

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

Before the session started the Senate majority leader said closing the budget gap should be our first job, and the governor wanted us to pass a full budget early. But four weeks into a 60-day session, it’s clear that when it comes to the budget the Legislature has lapsed into business as usual – in fact, we’re hearing now that a Senate budget proposal probably won’t emerge until there are less than three weeks to go. The lack of urgency on the most important issue before us is alarming.

NEWS: Baumgartner addresses college students on making higher ed funding a priority

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:00 PST

On Wednesday state Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, spoke before hundreds of community-college students from across the state during the 2012 Community College Student Legislative Rally in Olympia. He discussed the importance of higher education and career training, as well as his proposal to make higher education the state's second-highest duty.

IN THE NEWS: Historic Senate vote clears way for gay marriage in state

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, argued that the proposed law alters the definition of marriage and "will lead to the silencing of those who believe in traditional marriage." "It's ironic how a bill which purports to be about ending discrimination leaves the door open so far for discrimination going in the other direction,"' Swecker said.

IN THE NEWS: Senate votes 28-21 to legalize gay marriage, E. Wash. senators vote no on bill

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, also voted against the bill. "A majority of Washingtonians are against same-sex marriage and believe the family is the fundamental unit of our society," she said. "With tonight's vote and passage in the House all but certain, it may well be up to the voters to submit a referendum and check Olympia's seemingly unfettered power."

IN THE NEWS: Senate votes 28-21 to legalize same-sex marriage

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

"I believe that altering the definition of marriage will lead to the silencing of those who believe in traditional marriage," said Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester. "It will create a hostile environment for those of us who believe in traditional marriage."

IN THE NEWS: Washington state Senate approves gay marriage

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

An opponent, Republican Sen. Mike Padden, said, "If ever there was an issue that needs to be referred to the people, this is it."

IN THE NEWS: Senate approves same-sex marriage

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

Also rejected was an amendment with a referendum clause, to place the bill directly on the November ballot. "If ever there was an issue of what you send to the voters, this is it," Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, said. "It's more basic than our Constitution; it's a basic unit of society."

IN THE NEWS: Growth management can stifle a city's economy

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:00:00 PST

The proposed bill, sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, and Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, would let certain counties ask to develop land for industrial purposes at any time. In theory, that should help Kennewick get its 800 acres into development more quickly, rather than waiting for the next 5-year review.

NEWS: Benton amendments clarify religious exemptions under same-sex marriage bill

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:28:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, was successful in adding two important clarifications to religious exemptions under the same-sex marriage bill adopted by the Senate Wednesday evening.

NEWS: Swecker issues statement following passage of same-sex marriage legislation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:15:00 PST

“It’s ironic how a bill which purports to be about ending discrimination leaves the door so far open to discrimination going the other direction. I am extremely concerned that without additional protections, this legislation will create a hostile environment for those who believe in traditional marriage."

NEWS: Honeyford ‘disappointed’ by passage of same-sex marriage legislation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:14:00 PST

“Now that this distracting and divisive piece of legislation has moved through the Senate I hope we can focus on the real problems facing Washington, especially the big gap in the state budget. I have been greatly dismayed by the lack of progress the Legislature has made so far this session toward dealing with the budget and other real problems the people elected us to address.”

NEWS: Padden votes against Senate bill to redefine marriage, offers amendments to protect religious liberty

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:12:00 PST

“Unfortunately the majority party rejected other important attempts to protect the rights of Washingtonians, as well as an amendment to attach a referendum clause to the measure and put it before voters on the fall ballot. The people of the 4th Legislative District, and all of Washington, deserve the last word on a subject of this magnitude.”

NEWS: Stevens outraged by Senate approval of same-sex marriage legislation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 PST

“It is unconscionable that the Legislature has been disrupted the past four weeks focused almost completely on this issue. We should have spent that time working to address our state’s nearly $2 billion deficit."

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry speaks against Senate bill redefining marriage

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:08:00 PST

“I am worried about the religious liberties and free conscience of those who support traditional marriage,” said Holmquist Newbry. “Individuals in domestic partnerships represent two-tenths of one percent of the state’s population, yet the Senate tonight ignored the remaining 99 percent of us. What we witnessed tonight is not the bestowal of civil rights, but the exercise of political power.”

NEWS: Parlette statement on Senate passage of same-sex marriage measure

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:07:00 PST

Over the past several weeks I have heard from hundreds of people who have strong feelings on both sides of the issue. I think the Legislature should give them, and all the other citizens of Washington, the opportunity to personally weigh in.

NEWS: Sen. Mike Hewitt’s statement on Senate passage of gay-marriage legislation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:06:00 PST

“This issue has consumed the Legislature’s time and attention for four weeks. We’re almost halfway through the 2012 session and the Senate has yet to hold any substantive hearings on specific reforms or a proposed budget. It’s time to get on track and focus on what citizens sent us here to do this year – enact much-needed reforms and balance our budget.”

NEWS: Delvin addresses Washington State Council of Fire Fighters

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:42:00 PST

This week, and for the second straight year, Sen. Jerome Delvin addressed members of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters who gathered in Olympia for their annual legislative conference. More than 275 local leaders from the WSCFF, which represents 8,000- professional firefighters and emergency medical personnel statewide, came to meet with their legislators Monday and Tuesday on issues critical to fire fighters.

NEWS: Benton says pipeline is about jobs

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:12:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, said today his support of the memorial to the President and Congress to move the Keystone Pipeline XL construction forward is about jobs.

NEWS: Roach visits Canada oil sands, urges Keystone XL

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:11:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach, R-31st District, having recently returned from her trip to the oil sands in Alberta, Canada, announced her support for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

NEWS: Moses Lake irrigation district reform bill clears Senate ag committee

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:13:00 PST

“This bill is about bringing transparency, fairness, and clarity to our local elections,” said Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake and the sponsor of Senate Bill 6512. “This bill will also provide taxpayer safeguards by requiring the district to ask property owners’ permission before making an increase in assessments over a certain amount.

IN THE NEWS: Fish, Wildlife Commission appointments draw ire

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 PST

"If you think about it from voters' [perspective], if you're not going to approve them or you're not going to have a process, then just let the governor appoint them and they'll live with it," said Sen. Jerome Delvin (R-8th District, Richland), ENRM ranking minority member. "I think it's broken government. I don't know what more to say. It's not working."

NEWS: Padden bill to suspend business and occupation tax for startups heard in key committee

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 PST

Washington's business and occupation 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 business failures in Washington, proposing a one-year exemption from the state business and occupation tax for all new businesses and a two-year exemption for new businesses employing fewer than 25 people.

IN THE NEWS: Benton legislation targets ‘overly harsh’ WIAA rules

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PST

The King’s Way Christian volleyball team would have competed in the Class 1B state tournament, but excitement turned to tears when the team learned they were ineligible to compete in the championships because the school made a mistake and scheduled them to play one too many matches during the season. The girls were punished for a mistake they didn’t make, and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rules that kept them from playing in the tournament should be reformed, state Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, said last week.

IN THE NEWS: Fighting fraud in public assistance, from debit cards to child care

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:00:00 PST

Ensuring that scarce public resources reach those who most need help is a daunting challenge, especially in hard times. State Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, is building on successful efforts in the 2011 legislative session to promote improvements and toughen the law.

IN THE NEWS: Proposal restricting pesticide spraying finds few supporters

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:30:00 PST

A bill that sponsors say is needed to protect farm workers from pesticide drift was met with concerted disapproval this week from state agencies, who say they can't take on new enforcement duties. Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, called the bill an "attack" on agriculture, while Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, said it would cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

NEWS: Benton files bill to stop wasteful spending on cell phones

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:36:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, has introduced legislation to limit agency use of state-paid cell phone service.

NEWS: Schoesler legislation aimed at gaining control of liability-lawsuit costs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:03:00 PST

Sen. Mark Schoesler figures the Legislature could close the state's operating-budget gap by at least $40 million simply by protecting the state from paying more than its fair share of liability damages and subjecting large liability awards to legislative approval.

NEWS: Baumgartner constitutional amendment would protect access to higher ed, dedicate portion of sales tax to funding

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:03:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, today introduced legislation that would increase higher-education funding by $890 million by dedicating a portion of the state sales tax to college and university operations.

NEWS: King, Honeyford call new bill an ‘attack on Washington agriculture’

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:27:00 PST

The Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held a hearing Thursday on Senate Bill 6397, a measure that would harm Washington’s agricultural community by restricting the use of pesticides. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, are opposed to the legislation as both come from rural districts with large agricultural regions.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry bill to prevent Medicaid fraud receives hearing in Senate healthcare committee

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:33:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, has introduced a bill intended to combat fraud, waste and abuse within state-run Medicaid programs by shifting from a reactive “pay and chase” approach to a proactive “prevention and detection” approach. The measure received a hearing today in the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.

NEWS: Becker constituent communications bill approved by policy committee

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:21:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, said she is very pleased that her bill to improve and enhance communication between legislators and citizens was voted out of committee today.

NEWS: Swecker disappointed that legislation to redefine marriage limits protection from discrimination due to religious beliefs

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:49:00 PST

Sen. Dan Swecker's efforts to amend the Senate same-sex marriage bill so it offers stronger protection of people's religious beliefs were summarily rejected today before the committee endorsed Senate Bill 6239 with a 4-3 party-line vote.

NEWS: Ericksen bills to encourage single-family construction in urban growth areas scheduled for public hearings

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:36:00 PST

Three bills sponsored by Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, with the goal of preserving farmland and encouraging single-family home construction in urban growth areas will receive public hearings on Monday, Jan. 30.

NEWS: Senator Roach's column on the 2012 session

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:34:00 PST

Senator Roach: With the legislature in session I am hearing from more and more of you who are concerned about the many important issues facing us. Please keep the email and calls coming. Every issue is important to me.

NEWS: Padden calls for focus on repealing harmful regulations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PST

State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, says the most significant issue facing our constituents and the State of Washington as a whole is the lagging economy and shortage of jobs.

NEWS: Human-trafficking bills to receive hearings tomorrow include Delvin bill to protect mentally-disabled

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 PST

Ten bipartisan bills to combat human trafficking will be heard tomorrow in the Senate Judicial Committee., including Sen. Jerome Delvin's legislation aimed at protecting the mentally-disabled, as well as a bill that addresses online ads for escort services such as Backpage.com.

NEWS: Public-pension shift leads first set of reforms proposed by Zarelli

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 PST

Three measures introduced by Sen. Joseph Zarelli illustrate the range of reforms he says legislators can and should adopt during the 2012 session to continue moving state government toward financial stability.

IN THE NEWS: Washington state Republicans decry budget delay

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 PST

Republican lawmakers say Democrats are delaying discussions on how to close a $1billion budget gap.

NEWS: Senate Republican Leader and caucus jobs leader worry lawmakers have 'drifted' in 2012 session

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:27:00 PST

Washington's Legislature is almost one-quarter of the way through its 60-day 2012 legislative session. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, and Republican leader on the Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, say they are concerned about the pace and focus of the session.

NEWS: Morton helps Pateros businessman victimized by investment scammer

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:14:00 PST

A public hearing was held Tuesday on a bill introduced by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, to better protect people from being scammed by Internal Revenue Service Code 1031 exchange facilitators. Exchange facilitators are authorized to hold proceeds from the sale of property until it is reinvested. Under Code 1031, these funds are exempt from the federal income tax.

NEWS: Senate passes resolution honoring former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:54:00 PST

Today the Washington State Senate passed a bipartisan resolution honoring former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, who represents the 16th Legislative District, sponsored the resolution.

NEWS: Becker’s ‘yellow light’ bill approved by Senate Transportation Committee

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:54:00 PST

A bill introduced by Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, to ensure yellow light intervals are standardized across the state was voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday afternoon.

NEWS: Benton C-Tran bill: If you didn’t get to vote, you shouldn’t have to pay

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:52:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, has introduced legislation to exempt non-residents of the C-Tran taxing district from the recent 0.2 percent sales tax increase. About a quarter of Clark County residents didn’t have a say last November when Proposition. 1, the sales tax hike to support transit, was on the ballot.

NEWS: Senate Republicans offer bold plan to help Washington job creators

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:38:00 PST

Today Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, Republican leader on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, announced a strategy aimed at facilitating the creation of jobs in our state by creating stability and predictability, as well as by reducing costs imposed on employers. The Senate Republican plan was released on the same day that nonpartisan policy experts of the Washington Policy Center, employers from across the state and small-business associations came to Olympia to call on legislators to improve Washington’s business climate.

NEWS: Daycare reports to Senate committee reveal widespread problems

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:17:00 PST

According to several reports recently delivered to the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee, the state could save millions of dollars identified by a 2011 audit of the Working Connections Child Care Program. Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood and a member of the committee, says he wasn’t surprised by the findings and feels more effort should be made to recover the overpayments made by the state.

NEWS: Senate committee hears Padden bill to support eyewear for the poor

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:27:00 PST

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.

NEWS: Swecker explains concerns about same-sex marriage legislation

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:19:00 PST

Sen. Dan Swecker: I am concerned that altering the definition of marriage will lead to the silencing of those who believe in the traditional definition of marriage.

NEWS: Senate recognizes Spokane Valley’s national Pop Warner champions

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:47:00 PST

On Dec. 3 the Spokane Valley Bengals capped a perfect season by capturing the national Pop Warner football championship in the Mighty-Mites division. On Friday the team, its coaches and the players’ parents were recognized in a resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate. Spokane Valley is in the Fourth Legislative District represented by Sen. Mike Padden, who highlighted the endeavors of the 2011 Bengals team with Senate Resolution 8668.

NEWS: Benton drops bill to keep kids from being unjustly punished by Washington Interscholastic Activities Association

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:21:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, has filed a bill to stop what he calls “cruel and unusual punishment” meted out by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) last November.

IN THE NEWS: Small-business advocates to lobby Olympia lawmakers next week

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:00:00 PST

The National Federation of Independent Business and the Association of Washington Business will join Washington Policy Center to host the press conference. Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt and Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, ranking member on the Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, will speak at the event, along with a group of concerned small business owners.

IN THE NEWS: More law-enforcement firepower to combat sex trafficking

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:40:00 PST

More authority for law enforcement to combat sex trafficking is promised in a bipartisan package of anti-trafficking bills in the Washington state Senate. A bipartisan team of influential senators, including Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, who are backing a dozen bills, lend legislative firepower and a united political front on a critical issue.

IN THE NEWS: Richland senator sponsors bills to protect minors, mentally ill

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST

Minors and the mentally disabled will have better protection against sexual slavery under two bills sponsored by state Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland. Delvin and eight other senators Monday introduced 12 bills related to human-trafficking.

IN THE NEWS: State senator questions Stafford Creek expenses

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:17:00 PST

A Republican state senator from Lakewood says Stafford Creek prison officials spent up to $50,000 to create and furnish a “war wagon” and buy “useless supplies and equipment” to catch potential escapees, equipment “that will probably never be used,” he said. Sen. Mike Carrell, who sits on the Senate Human Services and Corrections committee, blasted the state Department of Corrections Monday for allowing the end-of-the-year expenditures.

IN THE NEWS: Hearing in Olympia to revisit hazy medical-marijuana law

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST

A new bill in Olympia to legalize nonprofit dispensers could lead to a statewide dispensary boom. …Even with Gregoire's support, the proposal's prospects are unclear. Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, who co-sponsored this year's dispensary bill, fears lawmakers may be too busy with the budget and other issues. "I think it falls behind some other pretty big policy discussions," said Delvin, a retired police officer.

NEWS: Delvin bill would modify zoning restrictions, help bring jobs to Tri-Cities

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 PST

On Monday the Senate Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee held a public hearing on Sen. Jerome Delvin's bill to help increase the amount of urban growth area (UGA) zoned for industrial purposes.

NEWS: Roach joins effort to fight human trafficking

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:48:00 PST

State Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, today joined eight senators from around the state in introducing bills aimed at halting the sexual abuse of minors.

NEWS: Delvin introduces bills to combat human trafficking

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:41:00 PST

Today, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled a package of bills to combat human trafficking, including legislation from state Sen. Jerome Delvin that would make it a class B felony to compel a mentally ill or developmentally disabled person into prostitution.

NEWS: Stevens disappointed by committee approval of gay-marriage legislation

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:32:00 PST

Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, issued this statement today regarding the vote by the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee in favor of Senate Bill 6239, which would allow homosexual marriage in Washington.

NEWS: Stevens introduces legislation to combat child trafficking

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:32:00 PST

Today Sen. Val Stevens said she has introduced a bill to help stop the sexual exploitation of children. The Arlington Republican's announcement came at a news conference as she stood with a bipartisan group of legislators, all of whom are working toward ending human trafficking in Washington.

NEWS: One year after bomb threat, Baumgartner addresses annual MLK Day Unity Rally in Spokane

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST

On the day the nation celebrates the birth of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., state Sen. Michael Baumgartner joined others in Spokane to send a message of tolerance and justice in defiance of hate and bigotry.

NEWS: Carrell asks for more detail on questionable DOC purchases

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:32:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, is asking the state Department of Corrections for a more detailed explanation regarding several purchases made at the end of the previous budget year. Specifically, Carrell wants to know why a number of what he feels were unnecessary purchases were made at a time when state government is short on funds.

IN THE NEWS: Area teen likely victim of human trafficking

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:00:00 PST

State laws that took effect in 2008 increased penalties for pimps and johns, and this year lawmakers plan to introduce multiple bills to combat trafficking, including minors used on escort websites, according to Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

IN THE NEWS: It's renewable and we know it

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:00:00 PST

Wenatchee World Editorial Board: We wonder, given a second chance would Washington's citizens vote to force their utilities to buy power they do not need, at higher prices, dumping cheaper electricity made surplus, possibly increasing electric rates, all with absolutely no environmental benefit? We doubt it. …As of now the remaining sensible alternative is found in two bills — SB 5964, sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, and HB 2124, co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee — that simply say utilities need not buy "renewable" power they do not need.

NEWS: Delvin bill to limit use of autopsy records heard in Judiciary Committee

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:32:00 PST

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on Sen. Jerome Delvin's bill to limit the ability of violent criminals to attain the autopsy reports of their victims.

IN THE NEWS: Sandusky child abuse case prompts two Washington bills

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:34:00 PST

In the wake of the recent child abuse scandal at Penn State University, Washington lawmakers have proposed two new bills aimed at protecting children on college campuses. A bill by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, would require certain supervisors who learn of suspected abuse to tell police.

NEWS: Morton pleased to learn of Odessa School District's STEM designation

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:32:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he was pleased to learn that the Odessa School District has been chosen for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mentor program.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Lawmakers to announce bills to combat human trafficking, including preventing exploitation of minors on escort websites

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:00:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, will join a bipartisan group of senators at a press conference next Monday to announce multiple bills to combat human trafficking. This includes legislation to keep minors from being exploited through escort services on websites.

NEWS: Carrell child-abuse reporting bill takes first step toward becoming law

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:12:00 PST

The Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee heard public testimony today on a bill which would require people in supervisory positions who receive reports of child abuse or neglect to forward them to law enforcement within 48 hours.

IN THE NEWS: Delvin predicts stormy legislative session

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:29:00 PST

As the new legislative session gets under way this week, Republican Sen. Jerome Delvin gave his forecast for the 2012 Washington legislative session -- prepare for a 90-day storm.

NEWS: Lakewood senator fights for veterans with new job-preference bill

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:00:00 PST

The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections heard public testimony Wednesday on a bill which would expand veterans' preferences when applying for state jobs to include all military service, including armed forces reserve and National Guard duty.

IN THE NEWS: Morton says governor’s appointee isn’t an East Sider

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:29:00 PST

Tuesday, Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, asked the governor to rescind her recent appointment of Seattle resident Ted Willhite to the state Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.

NEWS: Senate recognizes national human-trafficking awareness day

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 PST

Today the Washington State Senate unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 8663, which honors people and organizations that fight against human trafficking and encourages Washingtonians to observe National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month, as well as the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness

NEWS: Morton asks governor to rescind Seattleite’s appointment to Recreation and Conservation Funding Board

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:59:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, yesterday asked the governor to rescind her recent appointment of Seattle resident Ted Willhite to the state Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.

NEWS: Ericksen says governor’s call for barrel tax ‘a threat to blue-collar jobs’

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:16:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, issued this statement in response to the governor’s call today for a 10-year, $3.7 billion transportation tax package centered on a new $1.50 per barrel tax on oil refined in Washington.

NEWS: Zarelli delivers Republican perspective following governor's 2012 State of the State

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:30:00 PST

Think of the budget as a box that is based on the existing level of revenue. We build the budget by putting the highest-priority items in the box first…things like education, public safety and services for the most vulnerable. When all the existing revenue is appropriated, we close the box. The things left outside the box may be priorities, but they’re lower priorities…they are the things that are nice to do, but are not things government must do.

NEWS: Baumgartner to hold town hall meetings Jan. 14th

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, will host two town hall meetings this Saturday, Jan. 14, to listen to constituents about their concerns and talk about issues facing the state.

NEWS: Morton pleased Stevens County to receive grant for Deer Lake aquatic weed management plan

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:34:00 PST

State Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he was pleased to learn that Stevens County will receive a $9,000 grant from the state Department of Ecology to develop Deer Lake’s aquatic weed management plan.

NEWS: Roach to discuss Keystone XL Pipeline project tonight

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:12:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach, R-31st District, will meet with citizens tonight to discuss her recent trip to the oil sands in Alberta, Canada, and the need to construct the Keystone XL Pipeline.

NEWS: Stevens statement on Gov. Gregoire’s gay marriage proposal

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 PST

In response to the governor’s announcement today that she will support gay marriage legislation in the 2012 legislative session, Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, issued this statement:

NEWS: Benton bills would bring back I-601 spending limit

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:32:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, today filed a proposed new law and a constitutional amendment to restore Initiative 601’s spending limit. The two measures will be given numbers and read into the record on the first day of the 2012 regular session, Jan. 9.

NEWS: King recipient of Association of Washington Business 2011 Cornerstone Award

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:31:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, is pictured receiving the Cornerstone Award from AWB Vice President of Government Affairs Gary Chandler.

IN THE NEWS: Quad-cities water right pact reached

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 PST

"This is the type of cooperation between the Department of Ecology and the cities we should be seeing on a more regular basis," Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, said in a news release.

IN THE NEWS: State Senate approves partial budget fix

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:56:00 PST

Among those voting no were Republican state Sens. Mike Baumgartner of Spokane and Mike Padden of the Spokane Valley.

IN THE NEWS: Spec Sess Day 17: Padden 'hazed' by other senators

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:54:00 PST

Newly elected Sen. Mike Padden of Spokane Valley received his traditional hazing by colleagues today as the Senate wound down toward adjournment of the special session.

IN THE NEWS: A Few Dissident Republicans and One Dissident Democrat Vote 'No' on Special Session Mini-Budget

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:51:00 PST

Sen. Baumgartner: I don't like fund transfers.

IN THE NEWS: Special Session is a wrap. Budget passed, legislators head home

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:48:00 PST

Among those voting no were Republican Sens. Mike Baumgartner of Spokane and Mike Padden of Spokane Valley.

NEWS: Pflug says special session made some progress, laid groundwork

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:18:00 PST

The Legislature adjourned its special session late this afternoon after adopting a $480 million package of spending reductions. Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, said the 17-day session resulted in the passage of an "early action package" of bills that should close about 25 percent of the gap that had opened in the state budget as a result of lower-than-forecasted revenues.

NEWS: Delvin applauds agreements to secure water for Tri-Cities

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:18:00 PST

This week the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, Richland and West Richland finalized agreements with the state to secure water for new domestic, municipal and industrial growth in the region, and Sen. Jerome Delvin is pleased with the work of the group.

NEWS: Delvin applauds agreements to secure water for Tri-Cities

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:18:00 PST

NEWS: Morton pleased to learn Stevens County will receive grant -funding for Colville courthouse rehabilitation work

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:18:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, received word recently that Stevens County has been awarded a grant for rehabilitation work at the historic courthouse in Colville.

NEWS: Fain hosts civic and business leaders on Capitol Campus

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:40:00 PST

Today, the 2011-12 Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound spent the day as guests of Sen. Joe Fain for an inside look at state government. The Leadership Institute, administered by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, educates adult civic and business professionals on regional policy issues, leadership development and networking opportunities.

NEWS: Delvin introduces bill to streamline greenhouse gas reporting

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:34:00 PST

In an effort to make government more efficient and less costly for the state's employers, Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, has introduced a bill to harmonize the state's greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements with those of the federal government.

NEWS: Parlette statement on Public Facilities District bill

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:34:00 PST

Yesterday the state Senate sent House Bill 2145, the measure that would have paid bondholders affected by the Greater Wenatchee Public Facilities District default, to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Because the measure lacked enough support to be voted out of the committee, it is not expected to receive further consideration. Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, issued this statement regarding the status of the bill.

NEWS: Sens. Delvin and Becker meet with stakeholders to discuss off-road vehicle legislation

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:27:00 PST

Today State Sens. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, and Randi Becker, R- Eatonville, met with representatives of the Washington State Patrol, outdoors enthusiasts, and conservationists from across the state to discuss draft language aimed at producing less cumbersome and more responsible Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) legislation for the 2012 session.

NEWS: Honeyford lays wreath in Capitol to honor fallen soldiers

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 PST

Yesterday Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, laid a wreath in the state Capitol Rotunda in honor of veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery as part of the "Wreaths Across America" campaign.

NEWS: Morton launches web feature to focus attention on state’s forest health crisis

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:44:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, who has championed forest health issues, recently added a special feature to his web page to draw attention to the crisis.

IN THE NEWS: No rate increase for workers' comp in 2012

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:35:00 PST

The Legislature passed two bills last session providing temporary relief and permanent restructuring of the unemployment insurance system. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, said the tax restructuring in both new laws is based upon her 2010 "unemployment insurance smoothing" proposal.

IN THE NEWS: Sen. Swecker Calls for Simplified Permit Process Efforts

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:35:00 PST

"The goal is to get businesses and development opportunities going as quickly as possible to get our economy growing again," Swecker said. "Just talking to different folks around the state about what kinds of things might work in this category, I found there's more than a billion dollars waiting on the sidelines for permits."

IN THE NEWS: Lawmakers must protect education, ask for voter approval to save other programs

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:58:00 PST

The thought is you have to give voters something they are willing to pay for — higher education, helping people with disabilities, keeping felons locked up. But that is a form of blackmail — and it is not a risk worth taking. There is no guarantee voters will approve any tax increase.

IN THE NEWS: Payroll taxes drop thanks to Holmquist Newbry relief measures

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:58:00 PST

"This is the great news our workers, employers and those looking for jobs in our state have been waiting for," said Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, Republican leader on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. "Lowering payroll taxes for our struggling employers – which reduces the cost for them to hire – is a major step in getting Washingtonians back to work and breathing life back into this state's economy."

IN THE NEWS: Sen. Pam Roach Awarded for Government Transparency Efforts

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:35:00 PST

The Washington Coalition for Open Government (WCOG) presented a Key Award to State Senator Pam Roach for her consistent stands in favor of transparency and access to government.

IN THE NEWS: Good news for business: Unemployment taxes will drop in 2012

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:58:00 PST

State Sen.Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, who helped push the reforms through the Legislature, called the rates "great news for our workers, employers and those looking for jobs."

NEWS: Carrell bill would require supervisors to forward reports of abuse

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:46:00 PST

In the wake of the recent sex abuse scandal at Penn State University, Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, has proposed a bill that would strengthen state law regarding who must report acts of abuse.

NEWS: Delvin named Republican leader on new Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Marine Waters Committee

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:45:00 PST

State Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, has been named ranking Republican on the Senate Energy, Natural Resources and Marine Waters Committee for energy and climate change issues. He will continue to serve on the Agriculture, Water and Rural Economic Development and Transportation committees.

NEWS: Payroll taxes drop thanks to Holmquist Newbry relief measures

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:33:00 PST

Today Gov. Chris Gregoire announced that new unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation rates in Washington will be much lower than expected, thanks in large part to reforms passed earlier this year. “This is the great news our workers, employers and those looking for jobs in our state have been waiting for,” said Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, Republican leader on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “Lowering payroll taxes for our struggling employers – which reduces the cost for them to hire – is a major step in getting Washingtonians back to work and breathing life back into this state’s economy.”

IN THE NEWS: Shoppers, business owners differ on impact of temporary sales tax

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:58:00 PST

State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, believes there are ways to avoid deep cuts in education and social services without the tax. That Gregoire's budget threatens such cuts is political gamesmanship -- a maneuver aimed at gaining public support for the tax -- he said. "It's always the things that have tug-at-the-heartstrings responses to them," he said. The savings needed to balance the state budget could be found elsewhere, King said.

NEWS: Honeyford appointed Republican leader of Senate agriculture committee

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:50:00 PST

When the 2012 legislative session takes up Jan. 9, what is now the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committee will add “water” to its title and list of policy duties. It will also have a new Republican leader: Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside.

NEWS: Padden to oppose governor's same-sex marriage proposal

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST

Gov. Chris Gregoire today reiterated her support for allowing gays and lesbians to marry and urged legislators to pass her proposed legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington. Today Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued this statement in response to the governor's proposal.

IN THE NEWS: Padden takes oath as senator

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:36:00 PST

With some protesters chanting in the hall during his swearing-in and others disrupting his first committee hearing, Republican Mike Padden began his first day as state senator for Spokane’s 4th District.

IN THE NEWS: Reducing legislator pay?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:58:00 PST

State workers have seen furloughs, and state services will be cut. We received countless emails and comments asking what about cutting the salaries of elected officials? Senator Delvin and other legislators make a little over $42,000. While he can't control what he makes, he says he has rejected other benefits such as the pension system.

NEWS: Former judge Mike Padden sworn in as new 4th District state senator

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:00:00 PST

Mike Padden, a 33-year resident of the Spokane Valley and former district court judge, returned to the Legislature today when he took the oath of office as the new state senator from the 4th Legislative District. Padden won a Nov. 8 special election to fill the seat that came open earlier this year when Sen. Bob McCaslin resigned for health reasons.

NEWS: Benton witnesses confrontation, praises State Patrol

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:01:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, was heading back to his office in the Legislative Building on Monday evening – after the first day of the special legislative session – as demonstrators tried to push their way into the closed building.

NEWS: Ericksen says redistricting plans that cut up Whatcom County violate both state law and the Washington State Constitution

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:59:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, said the redistricting plans presented by Dean Foster and Tim Ceis on Tuesday violate the “communities of interest” requirement in state law (RCW 44.05) and the Washington State Constitution, Art. 2, Sec. 43 (5).

NEWS: Ericksen applauds successful community effort to win West Bakerview Overpass funding

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:00:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, said today he is gratified by the news that state transportation dollars for the West Bakerview Overpass have been awarded.

NEWS: Honeyford named Outstanding Protector of Agriculture

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:45:00 PST

The Washington State Farm Bureau has named Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, an Outstanding Protector of Agriculture.

NEWS: Reforms before revenue: Sen. Mike Hewitt statement on Gov. Gregoire’s budget, revenue packages

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:15:00 PST

Gov. Gregoire unveiled her proposed supplemental operating budget, along with a half-cent sales tax increase and other revenue proposals. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, offered this response: "I appreciate that the governor brought her supplemental budget out ahead of schedule, but I had hoped it would reflect significant reforms. Instead, her ‘solution’ is to go straight for revenue."

NEWS: Honeyford named Outstanding Protector of Agriculture

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 PST

The Washington State Farm Bureau has named Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, an Outstanding Protector of Agriculture. At the Farm Bureau’s recent board of directors meeting, Honeyford was recognized for his voting record and outstanding actions to help strengthen family farms.

NEWS: Job growth and reform are keys to solving state’s budget crisis

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 PST

In less than two weeks legislators will be back in Olympia, once again trying to address the state’s budget crisis – a gap between revenue and spending that already is in the neighborhood of $2 billion. We need to talk about reforms before we talk about revenue, and there are several “sacred cows” which have yet to be considered for real reform.

NEWS: Forecast illustrates need to put reforms before revenue, Zarelli says

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:02:00 PST

Senator Zarelli: Our state has now gone four years without a positive revenue forecast. It will be a great day when that unhappy streak ends, but in the meantime the Legislature would be wise to take a pessimistic approach and assume revenue collections will remain flat at best.

NEWS: Local leaders to hold media availability on Town Toyota Center debt

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:51:00 PST

Senator Linda Parlett: Local leaders will hold a media availability Friday afternoon at the Town Toyota Center to provide details and answer questions on potential legislation to address the facility’s debt situation. The media availability will take place at 2:45 p.m. in the Town Toyota Center’s CrunchPak room, 1300 Walla Walla Avenue in Wenatchee.

IN THE NEWS: Republican Mike Padden is the apparent winner

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:25:00 PST

Republican Mike Padden is the apparent winner of the race to fill a seat that came open earlier this year when veteran Sen. Bob McCaslin resigned for health reasons. Padden's swearing-in ceremony is Nov. 29.

IN THE NEWS: Voters favor saving for 'rainy day,' ending rule on residency

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:17:00 PST

Senate Joint Resolution 8206, sponsored by Republican Sen. Joseph Zarelli of Ridgefield, expands the state “rainy day” savings account. Voters already approved a savings account in 2007, but SJR 8206 grabs more of surpluses in exceptional boom years, creating a bigger nest egg for lean times. The other measure, SJR 8205, erases a 60-day residency requirement for presidential elections from the state constitution. The state went to a 30-day residency after a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, but the constitution was never updated, despite Republican Sen. Mike Carrell’s five-year effort, which was finally succeeding.

IN THE NEWS: A closer look at the cost of higher education

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:27:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell: Tuition increased 14 percent at Central Washington University this year, and it is set to go up 14 percent again next year. Yet the university’s Board of Trustees recently offered a five-year contract to the CWU president that contains a $500,000 retention bonus – on top of his $290,000 annual salary.

IN THE NEWS: Honeyford encourages his constituents to have their say about redistricting plan

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:29:00 PST

The deadline for Washington to redraw legislative district boundaries is rapidly approaching. Sen. Jim Honeyford yesterday said he believes the Gorton-Huff plan for redistricting is the best option for citizens of the 15th Legislative District.

NEWS: Pflug invites local students to join her in Olympia as Senate pages

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:20:00 PST

Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, invites area students ages 14 to 16 to apply to become Senate pages during the upcoming legislative session in Olympia, which runs for 60 days starting January 9.

NEWS: Parlette's flexibility bill featured in NCSL story on Medicaid

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:45:00 PST

The October/November 2011 edition of the National Conference of State Legislature's newsletter features Sen. Linda Evans Parlette's bill seeking flexibility in how Washington administers Medicaid, the federal/state health care program for low-income families and the elderly.

NEWS: Zarelli gives governor credit for sharing budget options early

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:13:00 PST

Senator Joseph Zarelli: I agree with the governor when she says government cannot do it all. It will be up to the Legislature to decide what government should and should not be doing, and at what cost to taxpayers.

NEWS: King to be honored Saturday for his role in brain injury bill’s passage

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:44:00 PST

On Saturday the Brain Injury Association of Washington will recognize Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, for his efforts in getting the Zackery Lystedt law through the Legislature during the 2009 legislative session.

NEWS: Deccio ‘a dear friend and colleague,’ says King

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:51:00 PST

Senator Curtis King: It is an honor to serve in the Senate chamber where Alex had so ably served for over 20 years.

NEWS: Sen. King statement on the passing of Sen. Scott White

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:16:00 PST

Senator Curtis King: I found Senator White to be a man of high integrity, willing to work across party lines and able to listen considerately to help develop solutions that all sides were comfortable with.

NEWS: Delvin and AG McKenna to speak Friday about human trafficking

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:38:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin: Human trafficking is a threat to our community, especially our children.

IN THE NEWS: Child trafficking walk brings awareness

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:03:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin: We need to bring more attention to this and help those victims.

NEWS: Becker to serve as lead on budget work group

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:06:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, will serve as a co-lead on the budget work group regarding health care, long-term care and developmental disabilities.

NEWS: Morton pleased Cusick to receive grant for riverbank restoration project

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:00:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he was pleased to learn that the town of Cusick will receive a federal/state grant for its riverbank restoration project.

IN THE NEWS: Lawmakers can't jeopardize public safety in budget cuts

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:00 PST

The Olympian editorial board was pleased to see Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, circulate an email to about 8,100 Department of Corrections employees, asking front-line staffers what is working and what needs fixing in the agency.

NEWS: Baumgartner to speak at Spokane medical school groundbreaking

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:00:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, will be among the speakers at tomorrow's groundbreaking for the new Spokane medical school at the Riverpoint Campus in downtown Spokane. Baumgartner was instrumental in ensuring the state's 2011-13 capital budget included $35 million to begin construction of the facility.

IN THE NEWS: Two senators' question to DOC employees: What's wrong?

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:46:00 PST

Two state senators have circulated an email to about 8,100 Department of Corrections employees, asking front-line staffers what is working and what needs fixing in the agency. The letter went out from Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee chairman Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, and Republican state Sen. Mike Carrell of Lakewood, who is on the committee.

IN THE NEWS: Sen. Carrell asking Corrections workers for ideas, concerns

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:46:00 PST

Republican state Sen. Mike Carrell is asking the roughly 8,100 employees in the Department of Corrections for ideas about what works and what needs fixing in the agency.

NEWS: Carrell, Hargrove call for Department of Corrections employee input

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:00:00 PST

In an effort to cut red tape and identify waste, fraud and abuse, two Washington state senators have sent an e-mail directly to nearly 10,000 employees of one state agency asking for ideas on how to save money and better deliver services. Sens. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, and Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, members of the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee, are asking employees of the state Department of Corrections for suggestions on which programs are working and which can be improved.

IN THE NEWS: Greens want bigger national park: Let people into it!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:05:00 PST

Senator Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, has made the reopening of the Upper Stehekin Valley Road a top priority. Read more…

NEWS: Honeyford wins open government award

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:55:00 PST

Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, accepts the Washington Coalition for Open Government Key Award for his efforts to improve legislative transparency during the 2011 session. Jason Mercier of the Washington Policy Center and a coalition board member presented the award to Honeyford in the Senate Chamber on September 14.

NEWS: Fain honored for legislative support of Mountains to Sound Greenway

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:34:00 PST

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert recognized 47th District State Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn with an award Tuesday from the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust to honor his conservation leadership. Fain, along with several of his Senate colleagues, was instrumental in preserving funding for the environmental project during the 2011 legislative session.

NEWS: Holmquist recipient of Association of Washington Business's Matson Award

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:56:00 PST

Sen. Hobbs and Sen. Holmquist Newbry were specifically honored with the association’s Matson Award for their efforts to bring legislative leaders together on both sides of the aisle this past session around workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance reform efforts.

NEWS: Parlette invites public to Friday meeting on Town Toyota Center financing

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:23:00 PST

A representative from State Treasurer Jim McIntire’s office will be in Wenatchee on Friday morning to meet with members of the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District regarding the Town Toyota Center debt issue. Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, is inviting the public to attend and listen in on the roundtable discussion.

IN THE NEWS: Reichert to present award to Auburn's Fain, other state senators

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:27:00 PST

Congressman Dave Reichert visits Snoqualmie Point Park to present State Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) with an award from the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust honoring his conservation leadership.

NEWS: Statement from Sen. Mike Hewitt and Sen. Joseph Zarelli about governor’s call for special session

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:29:00 PST

We appreciate that the governor agrees with the need for early action to address our budget challenges, rather than wait until the 2012 session begins in January. Ahead of last week’s disappointing revenue forecast we called for a bipartisan group of legislators to assemble immediately and begin exploring short- and long-term solutions to our budget crisis. We are committed to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle toward this type of blueprint in the weeks prior to the special session.

IN THE NEWS: Future of Okanagan water use at stake

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:05:00 PST

From south of the border, Washington Senator Bob Morton noted they’re already having difficulties with water supply in his state.

NEWS: Morton honored as ‘Legislator of the Year’ by agriculture educators

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:54:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, was chosen as “2011 Legislator of the Year” for Region V by the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators (WAAE).

IN THE NEWS: Corrections chief must draw clear line in volunteer scandal

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:09:00 PST

State Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, sent a letter to Corrections Secretary Bernie Warner after the vote...We agree with Sen. Carrell when he says, “At the very least, I believe (Stewart) exercised exceptionally poor judgment in mixing her state and personal business affairs, and that she regularly misused state resources in support of those personal affairs.”

NEWS: Delvin to kick off local “Stop Child Trafficking Now Walk” on Sept. 25

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:06:00 PST

The event, which begins at noon, is open to the public and will be kicked off by state Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

NEWS: Becker to be honored by American Association of Clinical Urologists

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:51:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, will travel to Chicago next week as the guest of the American Association of Clinical Urologists to receive its 2011 Distinguished Leadership Award and to speak to the members at a luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 24.

NEWS: Sen. Mike Hewitt statement on September revenue forecast

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:26:00 PST

Today the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council adopted the third quarterly state revenue forecast for 2011, which represents a drop of $1.4 billion from the June forecast. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, offered this response:

NEWS: Zarelli says revenue forecast requires early, bipartisan action

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:39:00 PST

The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council today adopted the third quarterly state revenue forecast for 2011. Although the forecast has state revenue growing at a rate of 7.1 percent over the next two years, meaning the state still expects to collect around $2 billion more this biennium than the previous biennium, it also translates to a deficit of around $1.3 billion in the 2011-13 budget. Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, who is budget leader for Senate Republicans and an ERFC member, offered this response:

NEWS: Redistricting Commission members release proposed maps

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:14:00 PST

Today members of the Washington State Redistricting Commission unveiled their proposed redistricting plans at a public meeting in Olympia. Former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, chosen by Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt to represent his caucus on the commission, commented today on his plan for congressional and legislative boundaries, and why he believes it most closely follows the law outlining the redistricting process and input received from the public.

IN THE NEWS: Case against manager at DOC moves forward

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:27:00 PST

State Sen. Mike Carrell sent a letter to Corrections Secretary Bernie Warner after the vote asking him to fire Stewart.

IN THE NEWS: DOC official may have broken ethics law

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:25:00 PST

Republican state Sen. Mike Carrell of Lakewood, who initially filed a complaint about Stewart, has called on the Department of Corrections to fire Stewart.

IN THE NEWS: State Ethics Board: High-ranking employee spent taxpayer resources on own non-profits

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:23:00 PST

State Senator Mike Carrell filed the ethics complaint against Stewart and said now that the board has issued its ruling, Stewart needs to be fired.

IN THE NEWS: Sen. Zarelli offers idea for fixing new budget mess

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:22:00 PST

State Sen. Joseph Zarelli was a big wheel in the Legislature’s bipartisan budget agreement, and he is back looking for more. The Ridgefield Republican floated an idea this week to create a special eight-member legislative budget panel to keep the wheels of bipartisanship rolling in the 2012 session.

IN THE NEWS: State legislators to tour North Central Washington transportation projects Sept. 21,22

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:15:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King: Remembering how informative the trip in June was, I’m looking forward to seeing the projects underway, as well as learning more about the future transportation needs in the areas we will be touring this month.

IN THE NEWS: LEGAL: Delvin planea la reunión de inauguración de coalición contra el tráfico humano y de prostitución infantil

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:28:00 PST

El senador Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, hablará el próximo martes en el lanzamiento de una coalición de Tri-Cities que consiste en eliminar el tráfico humano y el abuso sexual infantil comercial.

IN THE NEWS: Coalition discusses ways to stop human trafficking in area

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:26:00 PST

State Sen. Jerome Delvin: It's happening to our own kids right under our noses. It's happening in our country, in our state and even right here in the Tri-Cities.

IN THE NEWS: Leaders in Olympia don't expect to reach budget deal in special session

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:36:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach: If the governor is going to call a special session, that plan should be worked out with her prior to convening so that this is the least expensive and less painful way to make things happen. And that didn't happen this special session.

IN THE NEWS: We all can help in some way

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:34:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach: As summer wanes and the kids are getting ready for school I have been worried about some in our communities. Maybe you can help.

IN THE NEWS: Review panel could be eliminated

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:32:00 PST

Sen. Pam Roach called herself one of the panel’s “biggest defenders” in the Legislature and fears it will be eliminated.

NEWS: Delvin to address inaugural meeting of local coalition against human trafficking and child prostitution

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:10:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, will speak at next Tuesday’s launch of a Tri-Cities coalition aimed at eliminating human trafficking and the commercial sex abuse of children. The Aug. 30 meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.

NEWS: Senator Delvin to kick off Tri-Cities Coalition to Stop Human Trafficking on August 30 in Richland

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:51:00 PST

The three Soroptimist clubs in the Tri-Cities, along with local law enforcement and state Senator Jerome Delvin, are forming a coalition of interested organizations and agencies to promote awareness and to educate the public about the issue of human trafficking.

IN THE NEWS: Clallam County Public Utility District supports legislation addressing renewable energy

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:23:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, introduced the legislation May 25.

NEWS: Stevens urges restraint on capital spending in light of state's economic woes

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:14:00 PST

Sen. Val Stevens: As I feared during the spring, when the Legislature was developing the new state budgets, we’re well into summer and Washington’s economy is continuing to sink.

Redistricting plans released: Senator Honeyford encourages 15th District citizens to voice their views

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:00 PST

Four redistricting plans change the current boundaries of the 15th district, and Senator Honeyford hopes concerned citizens will contact the Redistricting Commission via e-mail or by coming to the public forum on Tuesday, October 11 in Olympia. Honeyford wants to emphasize these four plans are only the beginning and there is still much negotiation to be done before final boundaries are drawn. Comments can also be mailed to the commission at P.O. Box 40948 Olympia, WA 98504.

Revenue Forecast down $1.4 billion: Senator Honeyford believes it is time to change the status-quo

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:00 PST

It looks like once again the state will run short in meeting its funding promises, and majority-party leaders have said an all-cuts budget is unacceptable – leading to the very real prospect that tax proposals will be on the table. I believe more taxes will further hurt families and employers in this economy. We should look instead at the state's spending practices. To this end, the Republican budget leader has proposed a bipartisan budget-blueprint group to develop a comprehensive solution for the Legislature to consider, incorporating short- and long-term cost-cutting reforms.

NEWS: Republican senators petition Murray, Cantwell to reconsider Fish, Wildlife and Parks appointment

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 PST

Washington State Senators Jim Honeyford, Mark Schoesler, Bob Morton, Curtis King, Jerome Delvin, and Mike Hewitt have authored a joint letter to U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, asking them to oppose President Obama's appointment of former American Rivers President, Rebecca Wodder, to Asst. Secretary with the Department of the Interior.

NEWS: Morton pleased to learn Republic’s Slagle House placed on National Register of Historic Places

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:12:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R- Kettle Falls, received word recently that the Jesse and Elizabeth Slagle House is now listed in the National Register of Historic Homes. The announcement was made by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

IN THE NEWS: Holmquist Newbry honored by business group

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:30:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, has been named co-recipient of the 2011 Matson Award from the Association of Washington Business, which honors lawmakers who support business competitiveness and issues important to employers.

IN THE NEWS: Wash. pays more to JP Morgan for electronic benefit cards than other states

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:18:00 PST

State Senator Joe Zarelli is the ranking Republican on the budget committee. He says Washington can't afford what he calls the premium package from JP Morgan.

IN THE NEWS: Some Rural Lawmakers Defy Power Erosion

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:34:00 PST

Mr. Schoesler is a dryland wheat farmer from the middle of nowhere, he also happens to be the Senate Republican floor leader.

NEWS: Honeyford's 2011 legislative wrap-up now available online

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:38:00 PST

Each year following the legislative session, Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, mails citizens of the 15th District a summary of major issues from the session. This year, to reduce costs, Honeyford is not printing and mailing the summary in bulk. Instead, he is offering it electronically via e-mail and in printable form on his Senate website at www.SenateRepublicans.wa.gov/Honeyford.

IN THE NEWS: For Medicaid, we await the waiver

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:00:00 PST

The Legislature this session passed a measure, with Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, the instigator and prime sponsor.

IN THE NEWS: King appointed to study transportation revenues

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:03:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, was one of 27 appointees Tuesday to a transportation task force created by Gov. Chris Gregoire to find new ways to improve the state’s dwindling transportation revenues.

IN THE NEWS: Washington's Medicaid reform could benefit every state in US

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:42:00 PST

Remarkably, the law, sponsored by conservative Republican Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, passed with unanimous support in the state Senate and Assembly.

NEWS: Morton pleased five cities in 7th District recognized for ‘extraordinary’ operation of wastewater treatment facilities

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:12:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R- Kettle Falls, received word recently that five 7th District wastewater treatment plants have been recognized by the state Department of Ecology for excellent management and operations.

IN THE NEWS: Ethics inquiries trail Department of Corrections leader

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:28:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell: Probe shouldn’t be done in-house when top management is involved.

NEWS: Hill to hold telephone town hall meeting June 28

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:07:00 PST

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, many households across the 45th Legislative District will receive a phone call from state Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond inviting them to participate in a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting.

IN THE NEWS: DOC officials investigate ethics complaint

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:46:00 PST

An ethics complaint by state Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, alleges Stewart, DOC’s communications and outreach director, essentially ran those and other groups from her office, using state computers, vehicles and employees who worked for her.

IN THE NEWS: High-Level Corrections Department Employee Accused Of Breaking State Law

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:48:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell is the legislator who filed the complaint. He asked the state's executive ethics board to look into what Stewart is doing with her time, and her employees, while at DOC headquarters in Tumwater.

NEWS: Parlette receives award from national organization aimed at employing individuals with disabilities

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:05:00 PST

ASPE, a national non-profit organization aimed at helping members of the disability community gain employment, has presented Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, with an award for preserving important options for the disabled in the state’s operating budget. Parlette accepted the award at a luncheon in Seattle during the group’s national conference.

NEWS: New revenue forecast has Zarelli taking wait-and-see approach

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:11:00 PST

Sen. Joseph Zarelli: Now we wait and see what happens in the third and fourth quarters of this year. If our chief economist is correct about a recovery beginning in the second half, we should be able to wait until 2012 to make any corrections necessary through the supplemental budget process.

NEWS: Governor vetoes part of welfare-reform bill before signing into law

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:10:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell, whose original anti-fraud bill became the foundation for SB 5921, said he was glad to see the bill become law but extremely disappointed with the governor’s partial veto and vowed to return with stronger legislation next session.

IN THE NEWS:Officials try to rally legislative support for road projects

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:36:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King: There's not going to be a lot of money for new projects. This is one of those things that helps people when you go to them later to understand the magnitude of the projects.

NEWS: Governor signs Baumgartner bill to streamline state government

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:08:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire today signed a measure introduced by Sen. Michael Baumgartner that would improve how state government does business by consolidating several state agencies and putting nonessential services out for bid.

NEWS: Governor signs bipartisan workers’ comp bill

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:03:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, the Republican leader on business and labor issues and one of the principal negotiators of the compromise legislation, called it the “most significant step towards reforming the state’s industrial insurance program in its 100-year history.”

NEWS: Measure to reduce and audit state debt signed into law

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:58:00 PST

Today Gov. Gregoire signed into law Senate Bill 5181, a bipartisan measure sponsored by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette that will reduce Washington’s working debt limit and create an independent commission to take an in-depth look at the state’s debt.

NEWS: King to host 14th District telephone town hall meeting June 21

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:48:00 PST

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, many households across the 14th Legislative District will receive a phone call from State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, with an invitation to participate in a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting.

NEWS: Morton pleased Airway Heights to receive clean water loan

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:57:00 PST

State Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, said today he was pleased to learn the City of Airway Heights will receive a loan from the state Department of Ecology for the city’s septic tank elimination project.

IN THE NEWS: Waiver sought on health costs

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:02:00 PST

One bill in particular, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5596, was sponsored by Senate Republicans led by Linda Evans Parlette of Wenatchee. It requires the state to seek a federal Medicaid waiver to give the state more flexibility and savings in its management of the state-federal health program for low-income people.

IN THE NEWS: Work on SR 410 to restart Monday

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:31:00 PST

Once state work is complete, Bonney Lake Public Works Director Dan Grigsby said the city would install street lights in the medians, thanks to a $115,000 grant from Washington State secured by Sen. Pam Roach.

IN THE NEWS: A painful, but wise state budget

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:56:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, ranking member of the Senate Capital Budget Committee, deserves credit for helping push through the compromise on state debt that made the budget possible.

IN THE NEWS: A Tale of Two Legislators

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:33:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner: I would give the Legislature a B for the session. The biggest accomplishment is that, for the first time in nearly 15 years, we have a fiscally responsible budget that spends less than it takes in in revenue. It’s fiscally responsible today, but also one that provides a blueprint going forward.

NEWS: Carrell to host 28th District telephone town hall meeting June 2

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PST

At 7 p.m. tomorrow, June 2, many households across the 28th Legislative District will receive a phone call from State Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, with an invitation to participate in a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting.

NEWS: Morton pleased with $7 million in capital budget for Omak sewer project

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:04:00 PST

The Omak situation went from urgent to emergent with the second collapse. My colleagues and I in the 7th and 12th Legislative Districts had a strong case even in the face of dwindling dollars. The capital budget adopted late on the last day of the special session is the smallest in ten years.

NEWS: 47th District benefits from state’s capital budget

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:22:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Legislature approved the state’s 2011-13 biennial capital budget late last Wednesday. Sen. Joe Fain, who represents the 47th Legislative District, which includes parts of Auburn, Renton, Kent, and Covington, said he was pleased to advocate for the projects funded by the legislation.

NEWS: Parlette bill to provide Medicaid flexibility signed into law

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:39:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette: Washington’s Medicaid costs are eating up more and more of our state budget. If the federal government grants Washington a waiver, we could look at enacting some important reforms that would improve our current system of providing essential services for our state’s most vulnerable populations.

IN THE NEWS: State senator calls bipartisan budget "historic"

Tue, 31 May 2011 10:54:00 PST

State Senator Curtis King applauded both Republican and Democratic leaders in the senate for their commitment to working together.

IN THE NEWS: If redefining marriage is a priority, Washington Legislature should let voters decide

Tue, 31 May 2011 10:55:00 PST

Senator Dan Swecker: Knowing what's at stake, is this really the right time to take up divisive same-sex marriage legislation?

NEWS: Swecker asks federal government to save fish by adjusting dam runoff

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:29:00 PST

In an effort to protect Columbia River fish, state Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, has authored a bipartisan request to federal officials for a change in the way runoff from Grand Coulee Dam is managed.

NEWS: Legislature passes capital budget, funds new WSU medical facility

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:49:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner voted for the building and construction budget and worked hard with other eastern Washington legislators to guarantee that funds for the Washington State University-Spokane Riverpoint Biomedical and Health Services Facility were included.

NEWS: Legislature's capital budget puts people to work across the state

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:23:00 PST

The capital budget — chaired and written by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, in concert with the ranking minority member, Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee — funds the construction and maintenance of public facilities such as schools, correctional facilities, parks and recreation areas.

NEWS: Schoesler says ‘yes’ to reform-laden state budget agreement

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:21:00 PST

Sen. Mark Schoesler: It isn’t perfect – no budget ever is – but having negotiated significant sections of this plan, I am satisfied with many of the choices, especially as they concern natural resources, and more than satisfied with the thoughtful reforms that are part of the budget package.

NEWS: Legislature passes 2011-13 spending plan

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:20:00 PST

For the first time in recent memory, the budget was created in a bipartisan manner, with Republicans and Democrats at the table together. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt pointed to the bipartisan nature of the budget as a win for taxpayers and citizens who are demanding that lawmakers work together to tackle the state’s challenges, including its budget deficit.

NEWS: Legislature passes 2011-13 operating budget

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:04:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Partlette: It was not easy – there are cuts in this budget that will impact people throughout our district and across the state. That being said, I’m proud that the Senate was able to work in a bipartisan fashion to reach this compromise and close the deficit.

NEWS: Reforms, restraint in new state budget earn Honeyford's support

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:02:00 PST

Sen. Jim Honeyford: This budget comes in about 350 million dollars less than the anticipated revenue, and leaves more than 700 million dollars in reserve. Hopefully that will be enough to weather any more revenue reductions as we go through this year.

NEWS: Baxter votes 'no' on operating budget

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:01:00 PST

Sen. Jeff Baxter: While there are some good reforms included in this budget deal, I am still very disappointed in my colleagues. Despite an expected increase in revenue of more than 10 percent, and the best efforts of many of my colleagues and me, the majority party could not find a way to live within current revenue.

NEWS: Legislature approves Baumgartner bill to streamline state government

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:24:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner: I believe it is essential that members of both political parties work together to meet our state’s challenges, and that is exactly what we have done with this bill. This is a carefully negotiated bill – no one got everything he or she wanted, but by working together we have passed a bill that will fundamentally shift the focus of state government toward getting more value for each and every tax dollar.

NEWS: 14th District lawmakers protect Yakima Valley School from closure

Wed, 25 May 2011 16:49:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King: Our utmost concern is what happens to those who call Yakima Valley School their home, and we didn’t want that to change,but we quickly came to the realization that the school is going to close at some point soon. There’s just no two ways about it. So rather than wait for that day to come, we decided to be proactive about determining the ultimate fate of the facility.

NEWS: Senate passes Parlette measure to reduce and audit state debt

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:20:00 PST

Today the state Senate passed Senate Bill 5181, a bipartisan measure sponsored by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette that will reduce Washington’s working debt limit to 7.75 percent.

NEWS: Legislative leaders present 2011-13 operating budget

Tue, 24 May 2011 11:20:00 PST

Sen. Joseph Zarelli: It accomplishes what citizens expect from their elected officials – working together for the benefit of the people they represent. There were certain reforms that just could not wait any longer.

IN THE NEWS: State Budget Deal Reached

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:45:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin says cuts are being made across the board, but he says overall, the budget is good for tax payers in the long run.

NEWS: Legislature passes measure to improve workers’ compensation program

Mon, 23 May 2011 20:28:00 PST

Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, who participated in the negotiations, called the measure a “step in the right direction” toward fixing the costly and unsustainable state-run industrial-insurance pension system.

NEWS: Legislators send bipartisan workers’ comp bill to governor

Mon, 23 May 2011 20:20:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, the Republican leader on business and labor issues and one of the top negotiators of the compromise legislation, voted in favor of House Bill 2123, calling it a modest step toward fully addressing the rising costs of the state-run workers’ compensation program.

IN THE NEWS: Lawmakers Reach Agreement on Workers’ Comp – a ‘Baby Step’ Toward Reform

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:15:00 PST

Labor battled that idea every step of the way, lawmakers on both sides plotted and threatened, and by the time they got done they wound up with a reform bill that one of the negotiators, state Sen. Janea Holmquist-Newbry, R-Moses Lake, described as a “quarter of a loaf,” but better than no loaf at all.

IN THE NEWS: Lawmakers, gov reach deal on workers' comp changes

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:05:00 PST

Washington lawmakers ended days of contentious negotiations Sunday night with a plan to overhaul the state's workers' compensation system and potentially save hundreds of millions of dollars in the years to come. Sen. Holmquist Newbry was instrumental in the negotiations.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry announces bipartisan agreement on workers’ comp

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:59:00 PST

Sen. Holmquist Newbry: Although I regret we could not do more this year to bring the system’s costs down by adopting more significant reforms, this agreement represents the first baby step towards real reform.

IN THE NEWS: Budget Deal Expected Today, and the Pressure is On for Workers' Comp

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:55:00 PST

Sen. Holmquist Newbry: I can tell you if I was an injured worker and 55 [years old] and I was offered the current system versus this, I don't know what the incentive would be to do something that looks so similar to what we already have.

IN THE NEWS: Use that federal rail money to build more I-5 capacity

Sun, 22 May 2011 14:18:00 PST

At a cost of $780 million in federal money, the trains would be moved from their current route along the beautiful Puget Sound waterfront to the freight rails that parallel Interstate 5 from Bridgeport Way in Lakewood, through DuPont to Mounts Road near the Nisqually River.

IN THE NEWS: Progress reported on reaching workers' comp deal

Sat, 21 May 2011 13:10:00 PST

Republicans, however, weren't ready to embrace it. Sen. Janéa Holmquist-Newbry, R-Moses Lake, said limiting the settlement option to only people older than 55 might not work.

IN THE NEWS: Gregoire lays out her new worker-comp package

Sat, 21 May 2011 13:08:00 PST

Sen. Janea Holmquist-Newbry: Right now they are stuck at 55. And I don’t think that achieves enough savings on the pension system. That … would save $70 million annually … compared to the bill the Senate passed out, which was $240 million.

IN THE NEWS: Senate passes data center tax breaks

Sat, 21 May 2011 13:04:00 PST

Sen. Janea Holmquist-Newbry: I am pleased I was able to work with my colleagues to get this proven investment tool passed in the senate. This tax incentive already created more than 1,000 family-wage construction jobs and hundreds of more jobs are in the pipeline as additional approved projects move toward construction.

NEWS: Morton votes against ‘premature’ natural resources agency consolidation bill

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:18:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, today cast his vote against a measure that he told his colleagues jumps over the heads of very competent leaders and micro-manages without ever having taken the time to listen to citizens, the tribes, local governments, and hunters and fishers.

NEWS: Senate passes plan to crack down on Medicaid fraud

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:00:00 PST

Sen. Cheryl Pflug: This legislation is crucial to successful recovery because it empowers the public to alert the state to known cases of fraud. The Attorney General calls this bill an important tool in locating the source of fraud, and it will result in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars of state funds taken illegally.

IN THE NEWS: Owen Rules Nursing Home Tax Isn’t a Tax, and Bill Sails Through

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:33:00 PST

State Sen. Janea Holmquist-Newbry, R-Moses Lake, led the opposition on the floor when the bill came up for a vote Tuesday, asking for a ruling from Owen, the Senate’s presiding officer, on whether it was a tax or a fee.

IN THE NEWS: SMOKING: Delvin-backed cigar room bill moves to House

Thu, 19 May 2011 10:32:00 PST

The state Senate in a 26-21 vote Tuesday passed a bill by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, making an exemption to the state’s indoor smoking ban for cigar rooms and tobacconists. The bill moves to the House.

IN THE NEWS: Wash. lawmakers struggle for workers' comp deal

Thu, 19 May 2011 10:31:00 PST

Sen. Janea Holmquist-Newbry, the Moses Lake Republican representative in the negotiations, said she wasn't any more optimistic after the meeting that a deal can be reached. Nobody was willing to share specifics, but Holmquist-Newbry said all sides are going to consider the ideas on the table before meeting again Thursday.

NEWS: Senate votes to let go of ‘upside-down’ tax-deferral program

Thu, 19 May 2011 10:15:00 PST

Demand for a state property-tax deferral program created in 2007 is running so far below expectations that the costs exceed the benefits, said Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. His bill to let the program end received strong bipartisan Senate approval today, including votes from one-third of Senate Democrats.

IN THE NEWS: Another round of talks doesn't end impasse on workers comp

Wed, 18 May 2011 17:15:00 PST

Afterwards, Senator Holmquist Newbry offered the most optimistic assessment and hinted something new is coming: There's progress because we're talking. I think there's a little bit of movement. There may be something more tomorrow, more concrete.

NEWS: Senate passes Baumgartner bill to streamline state government

Tue, 17 May 2011 16:58:00 PST

By a bipartisan vote of 29-18 the state Senate today passed a measure introduced by Sen. Michael Baumgartner that would improve how state government does business by consolidating several state agencies and contracting nonessential services. Senate Bill 5931 is based on a proposal by Gov. Christine Gregoire.

NEWS: Delvin’s cigar-room bill clears Senate

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:59:00 PST

Today the Senate approved Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5542, which would establish special license endorsements for cigar rooms and tobacconists and bring state government nearly $4.3 million in revenue over the next two years. The bill, passed by a vote of 26 to 21, is sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

IN THE NEWS: Governor's plan for consolidation still on

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:05:00 PST

Freshman Republican Sen. Michael Baumgartner of Spokane said he sponsored Senate Bill 5931 with the idea of making agencies more efficient and less expensive to run.

IN THE NEWS: Data center tax bill approved

Tue, 17 May 2011 09:32:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist-Newbry, R-Moses Lake, was a sponsor of the measure.

NEWS: Carrell welfare reform ideas head to governor to become law

Mon, 16 May 2011 16:27:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, sponsored numerous bills during the 2011 legislative session that were eventually combined into SB 5921.

IN THE NEWS: Tuition setting bill passed

Mon, 16 May 2011 09:40:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner, a WSU alumnus, believes the state is spending its revenue improperly, investing more money into social services while continuing to cut higher education.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry applauds Senate passage of Washington’s rural data center economic development tool

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:06:00 PST

On Thursday the Washington State Senate approved a bill that would extend various tax incentives for eligible data centers. Engrossed Senate Bill 5873, co-sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, passed the Senate by a vote of 41 to 1.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry says Democrat bill will raise tuition, reduce access to higher education and sink Washington students further into debt

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:24:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, voted against the bill, saying that it could price higher education out of the reach of middle-class families and increase student debt.

NEWS: Baumgartner calls passage of tuition-setting authority bill part of ‘a conscious decision to defund higher education’

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:51:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner: This is not really a question of whether the state has enough revenue for higher education; the state expects to have four billion dollars more in tax and fee revenue for the next two years than it is currently bringing in.

IN THE NEWS: Thank you for honoring Blanca Gonzalez Torres

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:25:00 PST

We would especially like to thank Senator Jerome Delvin...

NEWS: Governor signs legislation setting new rules for egg producers

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:57:00 PST

Large, commercial egg producers in Washington will be subject to two sets of national standards, including rules concerning space for hens, under legislation introduced by Sen. Mark Schoesler and signed by the governor today.

IN THE NEWS: Budget negotiators look to oursource some government functions

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:34:00 PST

But Republican Sen. Michael Baumgartner of Spokane said not enough “meaningful privatization” has been done under the law, which he said bogs down the contracting process.

NEWS: Parlette statement on Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge announcement

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:29:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette: The students, parents and faculty of Bridgeport High School have a lot to be proud of. They defied great odds in being named a finalist in the Commencement Challenge and they put the community of Bridgeport on the map in the process.

IN THE NEWS: Impasse on workers' comp blocking state budget deal

Mon, 09 May 2011 10:38:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, of Moses Lake, the Republican's point person on the issue: From what we've seen, the true and one and only solution is some form of voluntary settlement agreement.

IN THE NEWS: Delvin celebrates signing of sex-trafficking bill

Mon, 09 May 2011 10:16:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, celebrated the signing of an anti-sex trafficking bill this week that mirrored one he introduced into the state Senate during the legislative session that ended April 22.

NEWS: Sen. Pam Roach tapped for key leadership role with the NFWL

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:26:00 PST

State Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn) has been appointed to key leadership roles with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), both here and abroad.

NEWS: KNDO TV special report on Sen. Delvin's efforts to combat child prostitution

Thu, 05 May 2011 11:30:00 PST

Watch news story on Sen. Jerome Delvin's efforts to combat child prostitution

NEWS: Carrell leads Senate in honoring Washington military for role in bin Laden hunt

Wed, 04 May 2011 15:08:00 PST

According to Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood and sponsor of the resolution, the operation relied heavily on the U.S. Army’s “Night Stalkers” – the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) which specializes in airborne special operations missions, whose 4th Battalion is based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

NEWS: Morton applauds Creston School's recognition by Department of Ecology

Wed, 04 May 2011 15:05:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton received word that Creston School received a $1,000 grant from the Department of Ecology.

NEWS: Morton applauds East Omak Elementary School's recognition by Department of Ecology

Wed, 04 May 2011 15:04:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton received word that East Omak Elementary School received a $2,300 grant from the Department of Ecology.

NEWS: Delvin-backed bill to combat child prostitution signed into law

Tue, 03 May 2011 16:39:00 PST

Substitute House Bill 1874 contains the same wording as a bill introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

NEWS: Baumgartner bill to help small businesses signed into law

Tue, 03 May 2011 16:37:00 PST

This is the first piece of legislation introduced by Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, and his first to be signed into law.

IN THE NEWS: In Washington state and South Dakota, policy makers are approving biofuel growth

Tue, 03 May 2011 09:34:00 PST

In Washington, Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, has sponsored SB 5478, aimed at helping a 2006 state push to develop feedstock, production capacity and infrastructure for biodiesel.

IN THE NEWS: Welfare remarks lead DSHS aide to quit his job

Tue, 03 May 2011 09:16:00 PST

DSHS does not exist solely to provide 'good service to the client' and make it 'convenient for them' to easily replace these cards, leading in many cases to illegal activity - wrote GOP state Sens. Jeff Baxter, Mike Carrell, Andy Hill and Mike Hewitt in an April 7 letter to DSHS Secretary Susan Dreyfus.

IN THE NEWS: Health insurance exchange draws praise, ridicule

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:53:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner: I just don’t think this is the kind of thing we need to address right now. Baumgartner referenced the federal lawsuit filed by attorneys’ general in many states that seek to declare the health reform law as unconstitutional.

NEWS: Governor signs Carrell animal-cruelty bill, public records bill into law

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:54:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5065 and Senate Bill 5098 into law Wednesday, tightening state penalties for animal cruelty and exempting the personal information of children from public inspection. Both bills were sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood.

NEWS: Carrell fraud bill one of first passed by Senate in special session

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:04:00 PST

Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood and outspoken critic of fraud and abuse within the state Department of Social and Health Services, co-sponsored the legislation with Democrat Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma. SB 5921 is a combination of two Carrell bills from the regular session; Senate Bill 5877 would have created the Office of Fraud and Accountability within DSHS, and Senate Bill 5327 would have limited the use of electronic benefit transfer cards.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry’s workers’ comp transparency bill signed into law

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:02:00 PST

Today the governor signed Senate Bill 5278, which would require the state to begin disclosing in rate notices to employers all programs and services for which the Department of Labor and Industries uses workers’ compensation funds. Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, sponsored the bill.

NEWS: State’s transportation budget includes money for new Keller Ferry

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:24:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, Rep. Joel Kretz and Rep. Shelly Short announce a much-needed and much-anticipated new ferry will be built to serve the Keller Ferry run and the surrounding communities.

NEWS: Becker bill on mental-health care for children heads to governor

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:32:00 PST

Substitute Senate Bill 5187, sponsored by Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, is headed to the governor's desk following a unanimous Senate vote to accept amendments the House of Representatives made to her bill.

IN THE NEWS: Debt Reduction Act will stabilize state's finances

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:16:00 PST

Sen. Linda Evans Partlette: Something is broken when the operating budget has doubled its level of debt payment in the past decade while the state invests no more in higher education than it did in the mid 1980s

NEWS: Fain, Eide, Asay applaud passage of Milton Emergency Services Bill

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:41:00 PST

Auburn Sen. Joe Fain sponsored the bill, which is specifically aimed at the city of Milton but affects other nearby areas. Republican Rep. Katrina Asay represents the 30th Legislative District, which includes Milton, and sponsored an identical bill (House Bill 1385) in the state House of Representatives. Sen. Tracy Eide, D-Federal Way, represents the 30th Legislative District in the Senate and also supported the measure.

IN THE NEWS: Issaquah legislator backs hiring preference for veterans

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:28:00 PST

The measure received bipartisan support: a 94-4 vote in the state House of Representatives and a unanimous vote in the state Senate. Sen. Jeff Baxter, R-Spokane Valley, sponsored the companion bill in the upper chamber.

NEWS: Medical-marijuana clarification bill goes to Governor

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:09:00 PST

Today, with bipartisan support, the Senate concurred with the House of Representatives on a bill aimed at clarifying Washington’s law on the medical use of cannabis. The bipartisan measure was introduced by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, and co-sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

NEWS: Benton’s efforts to require proof of legal residency to obtain a Washington driver’s license shot down by Senate Democrats

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:02:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, offered four amendments to the 2011-13 transportation budget aimed at ensuring people illegally in this country cannot get a Washington driver’s license – a document often used to access taxpayer-supported entitlement programs.

NEWS: Sen. Bob Morton welcomes Miss Rodeo Washington to Senate

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:11:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, is pictured in the Senate Chamber with Miss Rodeo Washington 2011 Amanda Emerson.

NEWS: Prentice, Fain collaborate on transportation projects for south King County

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:45:00 PST

On Thursday, members of the Washington State Senate approved the biennial transportation budget, HB 1175, by a vote of 39-9. 11th District State Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, and freshman Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, who serves as the deputy ranking member of the Senate Transportation Committee, worked closely on the proposal to fund projects throughout south King County.

NEWS: Benton pushes to tie state funding for the Columbia River Crossing project to a public vote

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:38:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, offered amendments to the Senate transportation budget today to give Clark County citizens the right to vote on advancing the Columbia River Crossing project and the proposed tolling for it.

NEWS: Governor signs Baxter-backed bill to help returning veterans

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:37:00 PST

Sen. Jeff Baxter, R-Spokane Valley, today applauded the governor’s signing of a bill that would permit employers to show a preference for hiring veterans. House Bill 1432 is the companion bill to a measure sponsored by Baxter.

NEWS: Governor signs two Honeyford-sponsored measures

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:35:00 PST

Sen. Jim Honeyford’s legislation to make prescription eyewear more affordable for low-income Washingtonians received Gov. Christine Gregoire’s signature this week.

NEWS: Governor signs Carrell bill to more accurately license custom cars

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:18:00 PST

With hot-rod and custom-car enthusiasts looking on, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5585 into law yesterday, further clarifying the licensing and registration of certain types of automobiles. Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood and devout auto hobbyist, sponsored the bill to modify the state’s vehicle-registration and -title laws.

NEWS: Swecker pleased by passage of 'fiscally responsible' budget

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:32:00 PST

Senator Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, releases statement after voting in support of the 2011-2013 proposed operating budget.

NEWS: Baumgartner and Senate to honor Lady Tigers and Bullpups

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:27:00 PST

On Wednesday the Senate will adopt a resolution sponsored by Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, recognizing the Lewis and Clark High School Lady Tigers and the Gonzaga Prep Bullpups basketball teams for their championship seasons.

NEWS: Zarelli joins in adopting Senate budget, looks toward final agreement

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:54:00 PST

The bipartisanship that has marked the state Senate’s 2011-13 operating budget proposal at each step continued today as Sen. Joseph Zarelli joined other Republicans and Democrats in passing the $32.1 billion plan.

NEWS: Schoesler supports passage of bipartisan Senate budget

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:53:00 PST

Sen. Mark Schoesler joined a majority of senators today in adopting the $32.1 billion Senate operating budget he helped to craft. The final vote on the Senate’s version of Engrossed Substitute House Bill was 34-13.

NEWS: Honeyford says reforms in Senate budget warranted his support

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:52:00 PST

Sen. Jim Honeyford voted Monday to pass the Senate’s $32.1 billion operating budget. The bipartisan plan combines spending reductions with groundbreaking reforms that he believes should be good for the state’s financial condition in the long run.

NEWS: Senate passes 2011-13 spending plan

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:55:00 PST

Sen. Mike Hewitt: Just three years ago I was sounding the alarm about how state government was spending two-and-a-half times the amount of revenue that was coming in the door. This budget keeps spending under the amount of revenue government expects to have available for the next two years. That’s a huge step in the right direction.

NEWS: King bill to allow off-road motorcycles on public roads signed into law

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:02:00 PST

Today Gov. Christine Gregoire signed into law Senate Bill 5800, a measure introduced by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, to authorize the use of modified off-road motorcycles on public roads.

NEWS: Senators call on House to act on “critical” workers’ comp reform bill

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:36:00 PST

Since the Senate passed ESB 5566, it has remained in the House Labor and Workforce Development Committee with no action. Although Tuesday at 5 p.m. was the cutoff for consideration of opposite chamber bills, Sen. Holmquist-Newbry, R-Moses Lake, and Sen. Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, said today the bill remains eligible for action, and are encouraged that its passage is assumed in the Senate budget released yesterday.

NEWS: Governor signs into law Carrell bill addressing release of mentally ill

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:01:00 PST

Gov. Christine Gregoire put her signature on Senate Bill 5105 today, limiting the conditional release of any patient committed to a state mental hospital as criminally insane unless that person is released into the county that ordered the commitment. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, is similar to the “county of origin” language in Carrell’s 2007 prison and supervision reform law.

NEWS: Honeyford, state Senate remember life and works of Blanca Torres

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:01:00 PST

Sen. Jim Honeyford will always remember Blanca Gonzalez Torres as a vibrant young woman who cared deeply about making Washington a place of opportunity, especially for the state’s growing Hispanic community. Torres worked hard toward that until her untimely death last summer, he said.

IN THE NEWS: Senate honors Tri-City Hispanic leader Blanca Torres

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:25:00 PST

Senators Jerome Delvin and Mike Hewitt introduce resolution honoring Blanca Torres.

NEWS: Tristan Mailloux serves as page for Delvin and others in Olympia

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 PST

Tristan Mailloux, a homeschooled freshman from Richland, spent last week participating in the Senate Page Program at the Capitol. Mailloux was one of 16 students participating in the fourteenth week of the 2011 legislative session. The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Smith was sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin (R-Richland).

NEWS: Senate Democrats introduce bills to raise taxes

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:28:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen: We have $4 billion more in tax revenue and a budget plan that spends $2 billion more than the current biennium and still that is not enough. They want to raise taxes on mortgages when thousands of people are already losing their homes and at the same time offer bills to give tax breaks to zoos, the movie industry, and amateur sports.

NEWS: Senate approves House amendments to Carrell animal-cruelty bill

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:29:00 PST

With a unanimous vote, members of the Washington State Senate approved Senate Bill 5065 Thursday, tightening state penalties for animal cruelty. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, updates the state’s animal-cruelty statute to bring consistency to penalties for various levels of animal abuse and neglect. It will now go to the governor’s office to be signed into law.

NEWS: Legislature passes measure asking Congress to reopen Upper Stehekin Valley Road

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:57:00 PST

The state Legislature has passed Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 8004, a measure that asks the federal government to work with Washington state officials on reopening Upper Stehekin Valley Road. Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, is prime sponsor of the bill. A joint memorial is a message or petition addressed to the President, Congress and or the head of a federal or state agency, asking for consideration of some matter of concern to the state or region.

NEWS: Governor signs bill authorizing third district-court judge in Grant County

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:32:00 PST

Today the governor signed a bill authorizing Grant County to add a third judge to its district-court bench. Senate Bill 5170 was sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, and a companion measure was sponsored in the House by Reps. Judy Warnick and Bill Hinkle.

NEWS: Senate adopts King resolution to honor Yakima Health District

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:39:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate took time Wednesday to mark the 100 years of service provided by the Yakima Health District. Senate Resolution 8654, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, was adopted unanimously.

NEWS: Parlette sponsors resolution recognizing Apple Blossom Festival, honoring festival royalty

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:38:00 PST

Yesterday was “Apple Blossom Day” at the state Legislature. In the morning Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, spoke before her colleagues in the state Senate about the importance of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival to the city of Wenatchee, the Wenatchee Valley and the state of Washington.

NEWS: Parlette, Kilmer unveil capital budget, emphasize debt reduction

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:13:00 PST

Today Sen. Derek Kilmer and Sen. Linda Evans Parlette released the Senate’s $3 billion capital-budget proposal, the state budget that funds public construction projects such as school buildings, correctional facilities and infrastructure to support economic development.

NEWS: House passes Holmquist Newbry’s workers’ comp transparency bill

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:32:00 PST

Today the House of Representatives unanimously approved Substitute Senate Bill 5278, which would require the state to disclose in rate notices to employers all programs and services using workers’ compensation funds. Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, sponsored the bill.

NEWS: Sen. Morton meets with foreign exchange students

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:50:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, had the opportunity to meet with foreign exchange students during their recent visit to Olympia to observe the Legislature in action.

NEWS: Senate to honor and remember Blanca Torres this Friday

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:42:00 PST

On Friday the Washington State Senate will posthumously honor Tri-Cities community leader Blanca Gonzalez Torres. Sen. Jerome Delvin, R- Richland, is the sponsor of Senate Resolution 8652, which recognizes Torres for her profound contributions to the Latino community and the citizens of Washington.

NEWS: Senate approves Ericksen-backed fuel tax exemption for Whatcom Chief ferry

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:12:00 PST

Today, the Senate approved a bill to exempt the Whatcom Chief ferry that serves Lummi Island from the sales and use tax on fuel beginning July 1, 2013. Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, worked across the aisle with the Transportation Committee chairwoman to include county-owned ferries in the exemption for state ferries.

NEWS: Baumgartner to hold telephone town hall meeting for 6th District

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:41:00 PST

State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, is inviting residents of the 6th Legislative District to participate in a telephone town hall meeting Thursday, April 14. The live community forum regarding the 2011 legislative session and issues that directly affect the citizens of Spokane will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

NEWS: Bill to help small businesses heads to governor’s desk

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:01:00 PST

State Sen. Michael Baumgartner: Small businesses are the engine that makes Washington’s economy go, and too often government agencies implement new and burdensome regulations that throw sand in the gears. This bill goes a long way towards addressing that problem.

NEWS: Parlette statement on announcement that Bridgeport High is finalist for Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:46:00 PST

Senator Linda Evans Parlette: I couldn’t be happier or more excited for the students, teachers and parents of Bridgeport High.

IN THE NEWS: It's time to update and improve state's medical-marijuana law

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:55:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin: Unfortunately, the law is not working as the voters intended. This is why Senate Bill 5073 — currently under consideration in the Legislature — is so important and needs to be passed by the state House. If it doesn't pass by Tuesday, the bill will die.

NEWS: Senate passes Debt Reduction Act of 2011

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:01:00 PST

Today the Washington State Senate unanimously passed Senate Joint Resolution 8215, a bipartisan measure co-sponsored by Sens. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor and Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee that would reduce Washington’s constitutional debt limit. The Senate majority and minority leaders and two operating budget leaders have also signed onto the legislation.

NEWS: Citizens to make final call on constitutional cleanup measure

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:14:00 PST

The resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, says while the proposal is technical in nature, even the state constitution requires a little housekeeping from time to time.

NEWS: Morton’s heavy-haul corridor bill goes to governor

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:13:00 PST

The Legislature has approved a measure sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, to extend the heavy-haul industrial corridor designation on State Route 97. This is important because the southern entrance to the railhead at Oroville is one-tenth of a mile outside of the current designation.

IN THE NEWS: State needs to allow incentives to keep working

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:48:00 PST

Sen. Mark Schoesler: Washington's chief economist recently predicted a record amount of tax revenue would come into the state treasury during the next two years...this startling prediction is no doubt driven by the previous Legislature's adoption of the largest tax package in state history.

NEWS: House passes two Carrell bills to keep public safer, protect kids

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:15:00 PST

Bills introduced by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, concerning the release of criminally insane people and the release of children's personal information have met with approval by the state House of Representatives.

NEWS: Legislature passes measure to give counties a heads-up about water-right transfers

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:15:00 PST

Today the state House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 5555, a measure introduced by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette to make sure county commissioners east of the Cascades are notified when transfers of water rights between basins are proposed.

NEWS: Stevens bill to help struggling private airports goes to governor

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:57:00 PST

Introduced by Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, Senate Bill 5337 will allow privately owned airports to apply for state grants and loans funded from aircraft taxes and dealer license and registration fees.

NEWS: Stevens honors Granite Falls ShopGirls

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:55:00 PST

Sen. Val Stevens honored the Granite Falls High School ShopGirls team Monday with a resolution adopted unanimously by the state Senate.

NEWS: Governor to sign Hewitt bill aiding non-profit, local horse races

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:26:00 PST

Today Gov. Christine Gregoire will sign into law Senate Bill 5747, a measure requiring the state Horse Racing Commission to distribute a specific amount of collected funds to nonprofit meets. Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, is prime sponsor of the bill.

NEWS: Sen. Morton meets with Loomis rancher

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:24:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton and Rep. Joel Kretz meet with Loomis rancher Howard Asmussen

NEWS: Legislature passes Parlette bill to protect PUD ratepayers, maintain local recreational opportunity

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:14:00 PST

On Friday the House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 5388, a bipartisan measure aimed at helping the Chelan County Public Utility District meet the challenges associated with opening the Chelan Gorge area to kayakers. The Senate passed the bill, sponsored by Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, in early March. The measure now moves to the governor for her consideration.

IN THE NEWS: LEGISLATURE: House approves new Grant County District Court judge

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:24:00 PST

A bill sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, passed the house 92-1 on Friday and is on its way to Gov. Chris Gregoire's desk.

NEWS: House passes Holmquist Newbry bill authorizing Grant County to create district court position

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:22:00 PST

By a vote of 92 to 1, the state House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill authorizing Grant County to create a new district court judge position. Senate Bill 5170 was introduced by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, at the request of Grant County commissioners.

NEWS: 42nd District legislators to hold telephone town hall meeting Monday, April 4

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:04:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) and Reps. Jason Overstreet (R-Blaine) and Vincent Buys (R-Lynden) invite residents to a telephone town hall meeting on Monday, April 4 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

NEWS: Sen Hill speaks during Microsoft Day at Capitol

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:10:00 PST

Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond shares his thoughts on Washington's K-12 and higher education challenges with a group of Microsoft's most politically interested and active employees.

NEWS: Christine Doan served as a page for Sen. Jerome Delvin

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:29:00 PST

Christine Doan, a freshman at Hanford High School in Richland, participated in the Senate Page Program during the eleventh week of the regular session. She was sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin.

NEWS: Carrell to host 28th District telephone town hall meeting March 31

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:30:00 PST

At 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, many households across the 28th Legislative District will receive a phone call from State Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, with an invitation to participate in a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting.

IN THE NEWS: Budget problems could cut public art in Washington buildings

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:00:00 PST

Senator Mike Carrell said it's time for the state to stop requiring one-half of one percent of a public building's cost be spent on artwork.

NEWS: Hewitt to hold tele-town hall meeting March 29

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:34:00 PST

State Sen. Mike Hewitt is inviting residents of the 16th Legislative District to participate in a telephone town hall meeting related to the 2011 legislative session. The event will take place from 7 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29.

NEWS: Committee approves Carrell bill to police DSHS fraud and abuse

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:41:00 PST

In response to a growing number of egregious cases of fraud and abuse within the state Department of Social and Health Services, Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, proposed Senate Bill 5877.

NEWS: Benton says supporters of paid surrogacy are pushing a bill that does not protect children or women

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:58:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, called the paid surrogacy bill, which received Senate committee approval Tuesday, fatally flawed and said supporters are putting both women and children at risk.

NEWS: Transportation budget keeps projects on schedule despite lost revenue

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:07:00 PST

The budget reflects further efficiencies dependant on the passage of a number of bills being heard by the Legislature and was crafted in a bipartisan effort that included Sen. Joe Fain and Sen. Curtis King.

NEWS: Luke Davidson served as a page for Sen. Jerome Delvin

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:05:00 PST

Luke Davidson, an eight-grader from Horse Heaven Hills Middle School in Kennewick, spent last week participating in the Senate Page Program at the Capitol. He was sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin.

NEWS: Morton applauds 7th District schools receiving achievement awards

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:07:00 PST

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, was pleased to learn recently that several schools in the 7th Legislative District are being recognized by the State Board of Education for improving student learning.

NEWS: King to host telephone town hall meeting Wednesday

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:42:00 PST

State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, is inviting residents of the 14th Legislative District to participate in a live community conversation on Wednesday. The telephone town hall meeting regarding the 2011 legislative session will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.

NEWS: Parlette provides 2011-13 government guide in electronic format

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:24:00 PST

Every other year Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, provides 12th Legislative District constituents with a community government guide. The publication contains the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of local, state and federal elected officials, as well as toll-free numbers and other vital information. This year, to reduce costs, Parlette is not printing and mailing the government guide in bulk, but instead is offering it electronically via e-mail and on her Senate website at www.SenateRepublicans.wa.gov/Parlette.

IN THE NEWS: Adoptions, parental rights loophole puts families in flux

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:52:00 PST

The bill was later amended by its author, Sen. Jerome Devlin, R-Richland, to bar a court from finalizing adoption while an appeal of a parent’s termination order is pending unless the court finds that allowing the adoption to be finalized is in the child’s best interest.

IN THE NEWS: Yakima legislators talk budget, bipartisanship

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:47:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and Rep. Norm Johnson, R-Yakima, agreed with Ross that state government has lived beyond its means by funding unnecessary staff positions and new programs. They cited a $5 million-a-year program that pays government workers to carpool.

IN THE NEWS: Teacher evaluations a daunting assignment

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:17:00 PST

Sen. Curtis King: All we are saying is there ought to be other criteria to look at other than just longevity.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry: State projected to bring in record revenue

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:12:00 PST

Sen. Holmquist Newbry: The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council today announced that revenue collections for 2011-13 are projected to be nearly $4 billion higher than in the 2009-2011 budget cycle.

IN THE NEWS: Get worker comp reform over final legislative hurdle

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:14:00 PST

These win-win provisions are part of a bill that passed the Senate 34-15 earlier this month. Local Sens. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, Curtis King and Jim Honeyford backed the bill. The governor's behind it, the Senate's behind it, which leaves the House of Representatives as the one holdout. And hold it up it might, as majority Democratic representatives are hearing objections from their labor base.

NEWS: Revenue drop means recognizing government cannot do it all

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:03:00 PST

Sen. Joe Zarelli: Usually the path from recession to recovery is a steep incline; today’s forecast tells me the state economy is still bumping along the bottom. Recent global events aren’t helping either, between their effects on the price of oil and the disaster that has just befallen one of the Pacific Rim neighbors of our very trade-dependent state.

IN THE NEWS: Workers comp needs reform

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:57:00 PST

Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry: We need to take this step to bring sustainability to our workers comp system.

NEWS: Morton’s bill to protect members of a homeowners’ association passes Senate

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:53:00 PST

The Senate has approved a measure sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, which gives additional protections to members of homeowners’ associations.

IN THE NEWS: Republican State Sen. Zarelli is Emerging as 2011′s Most Important Legislator

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:34:00 PST

Ascendant state Republican budget star, Sen. Joseph Zarelli, could bring a bit of Wisconsin to Washington as budget talks to address a $5 billion shortfall (or more) start in earnest.

NEWS: Fain reports on bipartisan town halls with Reps. Hargrove, Sullivan

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:26:00 PST

The bipartisan delegation of Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, and Reps. Mark Hargrove, R-Covington, and Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, heard from citizens at two town halls in the 47th Legislative District on Saturday.

IN THE NEWS: Patient escape from Western State Hospital may prompt policy change

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:35:00 PST

The state may change the way it notifies police and the public following the escape of a patient at Western State Hospital this month. State Senator Mike Carrell, a Republican who lives near Western State, said the state needs to do a better job of alerting the public when patients walk away from the hospital.

NEWS: Statements from 4th District legislators on former Sen. Bob McCaslin’s passing

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:58:00 PST

Senator Jeff Baxter: Senator McCaslin was kind, warm and gracious, with a sense of humor that was always just what was needed. He believed in protecting the citizens of our district, fighting with passion and humor for those things he cared most about -- education, public safety and the ability of young people to own a home.

IN THE NEWS: End human trafficking and child prostitution in Washington state

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:32:00 PST

Senate Bill 5545 passed the Senate and is now in the House. The legislation by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, and Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, would allow police to record telephone calls involving underage victims and suspected pimps.

NEWS: Hill to join U.S. education secretary, governor for talks

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:26:00 PST

Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond will join U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Gov. Chris Gregoire and key legislators Monday at noon for a discussion on education governance and the importance of leadership in education.

IN THE NEWS: Senate bill to protect private property

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:52:00 PST

Senator Holmquist Newbry: The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says private property shall not be taken for private use

IN THE NEWS: Agreement reached on bill to lower workers comp costs

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:50:00 PST

Senator Holmquist Newbry: As the leader for my caucus on business and labor issues, I am appreciative of the hard work that members of the employer community, workers, the governor and legislators of both parties have put into addressing some of the fundamental problems with our workers compensation system.

NEWS: 18th District lawmakers invite constituents to town hall meetings March 12

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:05:00 PST

Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama and Rep. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, will hold three town hall meetings Saturday, March 12. They are encouraging residents to attend, share their views and ask questions. The 18th District lawmakers will also provide updates on the 2011 legislative session.

NEWS: Second District lawmakers to hold town halls throughout district

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:10:00 PST

Sen. Randi Becker and Reps. Jim McCune and J.T. Wilcox will be hosting six different town halls throughout the 2nd District in east Thurston and south Pierce counties. The legislators invite constituents to join them for an update of the 2011 legislative session as well as to ask questions.

NEWS: 12th District legislators to hold tele-town hall meeting March 24

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:04:00 PST

State Sen. Linda Evans Parlette and Reps. Cary Condotta and Mike Armstrong are inviting residents of the 12th Legislative District to participate in a telephone town hall meeting related to the 2011 legislative session. The telephone town hall will take place from 7 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 24.

NEWS: Pflug bill to protect private property passes Senate

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:03:00 PST

Washington’s private-property laws got a shot in the arm this week as the Washington State Senate passed a measure introduced by Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, that would prevent private property from being taken by eminent domain for the sole purpose of economic development.

IN THE NEWS: Delvin's bill addresses juveniles in justice system

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:21:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin: By failing to properly classify juvenile defendants with developmental disabilities, we are putting both the child and correctional officers at risk of unnecessary harm.

NEWS: Senate approves bill prohibiting eminent domain for economic development

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:44:00 PST

The Senate on Monday passed Substitute Senate Bill 5077, which would prohibit the use of eminent domain for economic development. The measure, co-sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, came at the request of Attorney General Rob McKenna.

NEWS: Senate approves Morton bill to extend pilot program for hunting cougars with the aid of dogs

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:06:00 PST

Yesterday the Senate approved a measure sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, that extends for five years the pilot program allowing the use of dogs to hunt problem cougars.

NEWS: Morton’s heavy-haul corridor bill approved by Senate

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:04:00 PST

Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed a measure sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, to extend the heavy-haul industrial corridor designation on State Route 97.

NEWS: Holmquist Newbry applauds Senate passage of health savings accounts option for public employees

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:39:00 PST

On Monday the Washington State Senate approved Engrossed Senate Bill 5773, co-sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, which would direct the Health Care Authority to offer a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account as an option for public employees.

NEWS: Senate passes Baumgartner-backed health saving account bill

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:01:00 PST

The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, directs the state Health Care Authority to offer a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account as an option alongside its traditional comprehensive medical insurance offerings during the open enrollment period in November 2011, for the 2012 plan year.

NEWS: Senate passes Hewitt bill to rein in state's 'retire-rehire' policy

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:45:00 PST

Sen. Mike Hewitt: Our state budget is in the hole by almost a half-billion dollars. We simply cannot afford to be paying employees twice while we’re struggling to fund our schools and critical services for our most vulnerable citizens.

NEWS: Senate passes resolution honoring Sen. Jeannette Hayer

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:43:00 PST

Today the state Senate passed a resolution honoring former Senate Majority Leader and 16th District legislator Jeannette Hayner, who passed away in late 2010. Senator Mike Hewitt, who now represents the 16th District in the state Senate and serves as Senate Republican Leader, sponsored the resolution.

IN THE NEWS: Local View: Citizens urged to make voice heard on CRC

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:26:00 PST

Sen. Don Benton, Rep. Paul Harris, Rep. Ed Orcutt: We want the people we represent to have a voice in the final design to guarantee that it is the right bridge for our communities.

IN THE NEWS: Wash. Senate approves 2 child prostitution bills

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:40:00 PST

Sen. Jerome Delvin: If victims are willing to cooperate in an investigation, they should be able to do so in a way that protects them. This bill lets predators know that if they target our children, we, as a state, will give law enforcement every tool in the box it needs to hold these criminals accountable.

IN THE NEWS: WA Senate OKs key change in workers’ comp system

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:38:00 PST

Sen. Holmquist Newbry: We need to take this step to bring sustainability to our workers comp system.

IN THE NEWS: Senate Launches Workers’ Comp Battle – Goes Boldly Where No Bill Has Gone Before

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:35:00 PST

The Republican lead was state Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, who said she aimed for something that stood a chance of making it to the governor's desk.

NEWS: Kelley Smith serves as page for Delvin and others in Olympia

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PST

Kelley Smith, a freshman from Hanford High School in Richland, spent last week participating in the Senate Page Program at the Capitol. Smith was one of 18 students participating in the eighth week of the 2011 legislative session. The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Smith was sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin (R-Richland).

NEWS: Senate passes bipartisan workers’ compensation reform bill

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:10:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry: As the leader for my caucus on business and labor issues, I am appreciative of the hard work that members of the employer community, workers, the governor and legislators of both parties have put into addressing some of the fundamental problems with our workers’ compensation system.

NEWS: Baumgartner-backed ‘voluntary settlement’ bill passes Senate

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:24:00 PST

Senator Michael Baumgartner: This bill is a good step toward bringing down the costs of our pricey, job-killing workers’ compensation system.

NEWS: Baxter applauds Senate passage of bipartisan workers’ comp reform

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:24:00 PST

Senator Jeff Baxter: I am pleased that my colleagues put the interest of our state’s workers ahead of partisanship and did what was right for all Washingtonians.

IN THE NEWS: Back From the Dead! Worker’s Comp Reform Comes Roaring to Life in the Senate

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:57:00 PST

Senator Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, the Republican lead on business and labor issues, said the new proposal takes a remarkable step toward reforming the state system.

NEWS: Lawmakers in the 17th Legislative District invite constituents to share ideas at town hall meeting constitutional amendment

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 09:32:00 PST

Senator Don Benton and Reps. Tim Probst and Paul Harris will host a town hall meeting on Saturday, March 12. Residents in the district are encouraged to attend and bring their questions and concerns. The morning meeting will be a discussion about legislative and community issues.

NEWS: Benton files spending-limit bill as back up to his proposed constitutional amendment

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 09:30:00 PST

State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, has filed a bill that would put Initiative 601’s spending limit, as approved by voters in 1993, into state law. Last week he filed a constitutional amendment to do the same thing.

IN THE NEWS: Delvin's bill addresses juveniles in justice system

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:23:00 PST

Senator Jerome Delvin: By failing to properly classify juvenile defendants with developmental disabilities, we are putting both the child and correctional officers at risk of unnecessary harm.

NEWS: Bipartisan Agreement Reached on Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:12:00 PST

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, ranking Republican on the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, announced today that a bipartisan agreement has been reached to bring a workers’ compensation reform bill to the floor of the Senate for a vote tomorrow, Saturday, March 5.

NEWS: Bills to combat human trafficking pass Senate unanimously

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:22:00 PST

Senate Bill 5546, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, and Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, would expand the criminal definition of human trafficking to include forced labor, involuntary servitude, commercial sexual abuse of a minor and criminal sex acts.

NEWS: Keiser-Fain bill to continue Green River flood protection efforts passes Senate

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:07:00 PST

Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, who also represents part of the Green River Valley, cosponsored the measure to help fund repairs for many of the levees protecting the valley’s homes and businesses.

NEWS: Delvin bill to combat child prostitution clears Senate

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:09:00 PST

Today the Senate unanimously approved Substitute Senate Bill 5545, a measure aimed at giving Washington’s law-enforcement community more tools to fight the commercial sex abuse of a minor. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland.

IN THE NEWS: Senate expands ‘fair share’

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:06:00 PST

More than 120 criminally insane patients are locked up in secure wards having pleaded not guilty to criminal charges by reason of insanity. Only a handful are released each year, but Sen. Mike Carrell said it’s enough to threaten the safety of the counties where they cluster.

NEWS: Ericksen to hold town hall meeting March 12

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:19:00 PST

Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Whatcom County, will hold a town hall meeting Saturday, March 12 at Lynden Middle School. The three 42nd District legislators say they are eager to hear from constituents regarding upcoming legislative action.

NEWS: Senate approves Becker bill to make sure parents know they can get mental-health care for children

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:03:00 PST

Parents have the right to have their children committed involuntarily for mental-health treatment, and if Sen. Randi Becker's legislation becomes law, they would have to be notified of that right by mental-health professionals. The state Senate approved Becker's measure, Substitute Senate Bill 5187, by a unanimous vote Wednesday.

NEWS: Pflug says big hospitals soaking taxpayers to build lucrative ERs

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:47:00 PST

Some of Washington’s non-profit hospitals are expanding by building freestanding emergency rooms in affluent areas, and raking in millions of dollars as unsuspecting patients are overcharged for non-emergency care, according to Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley.

NEWS: Eighth District legislators to hold town meetings March 12

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:46:00 PST

The 8th District’s state legislative team – Sen. Jerome Delvin and Reps. Larry Haler and Brad Klippert – will host town hall meetings Sat., March 12, at four locations.

NEWS: Fain honors Washington ‘Teacher of the Year’ with Senate resolution

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:44:00 PST

With resounding approval, members of the Washington State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8631 today, honoring Jay Maebori as Washington’s Teacher of the Year for 2011. The resolution is sponsored by state Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, who represents the 47th Legislative District; it includes Kentwood High School in Covington where Maebori teaches.

NEWS: Senate passes Holmquist Newbry's workers' comp transparency bill

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:18:00 PST

On Wednesday the Washington State Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 5278, which would require the state to clearly identify all programs and services that are using workers' compensation funds. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, would require disclosure information to be published in rate notices.

NEWS: Stevens bill to help struggling private airports passes Senate

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:40:00 PST

Senate Bill 5337, sponsored by Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington would allow privately owned airports to apply for state grants and loans funded from aircraft taxes and dealer license and registration fees.

NEWS: Senate passes medical marijuana dispensaries bill

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:51:00 PST

Today the Washington State Senate passed a bill aimed at clarifying Washington’s law on the medical use of cannabis. The bipartisan bill, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, was approved by a vote of 29 to 20.

NEWS: Baumgartner to hold town hall meetings March 12

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:24:00 PST

Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, will host two town hall meetings on Saturday, March 12. Residents of the 6th Legislative District, which includes parts of Spokane, Airway Heights and Nine Mile Falls, Whitworth, and portions of Spokane County including Moran Prairie, Fairwood, Country Homes, Deer Park and the northern portion of the West Plains District, are encouraged to attend and bring their questions, concerns and solutions.

NEWS: Senate passes Delvin’s developmental-disabilities corrections bill

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:26:00 PST

Today the Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, to help families with developmentally disabled youths in juvenile detention centers.

IN THE NEWS: Legislative Dems must walk the talk on bipartisanship

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:24:00 PST

On Feb. 21, state Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, walked out of a special committee meeting after Democrats added measures and substitutes they had placed to the agenda on the previous weekend. Customarily, such changes bring a five-day notice requirement, and Honeyford complained that Republicans weren't told of the agenda changes until it was too late to prepare for public hearings

NEWS: Senate adopts Ericksen bill to maintain sales tax for shoppers from Canada

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:30:00 PST

The Senate today approved legislation that would continue the collection of a sales tax from Canadians shopping in Washington. Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Whatcom County, co-sponsored Senate Bill 5763 to ensure fairness for Whatcom County residents.

NEWS: Senate passes Carrell bill addressing release of mentally ill

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:55:00 PST

Members of the Washington State Senate voted unanimously in favor of a bill to include “county of origin” language in laws regarding the release of violent, mentally ill individuals. Senate Bill 5105, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, would forbid the state’s two mental hospitals from allowing the conditional release of a patient committed as criminally insane unless that person is released into the county which ordered the commitment, with some exceptions.

NEWS: Senate passes Delvin bill to help cities with budgeting

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:45:00 PST

The Washington State Senate today unanimously passed Substitute Senate Bill 5493, which would give cities and towns more flexibility in managing their ambulance services. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, is supported by the Association of Washington Cities and was requested by the City of Pasco. It would change a portion of state law requiring cities to use a set amount of general tax dollars to pay for ambulance operations.

NEWS: Pflug honors Tahoma High School’s “We The People” debate team

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:27:00 PST

For the 13th time in her legislative career, Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, honored Tahoma High School’s We The People, The Citizen and Constitution, debate team with a Senate resolution recognizing its members as the best constitutional scholars in the state. Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, who represents the 47th Legislative District adjacent to Pflug’s district, joined in the tribute.

NEWS: Lawmakers in 47th District invite residents to share ideas at local town hall meetings

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:04:00 PST

Sen. Joe Fain, along with Reps. Pat Sullivan and Mark Hargrove, will host two in-person town hall meetings on Saturday, March 12. District residents are encouraged to attend and bring their questions and concerns. The morning meeting will be a roundtable discussion of any and all issues before the Legislature. The afternoon discussion will focus solely on education.

NEWS: Carrell animal-cruelty legislation unanimously approved by Senate

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:28:00 PST

With a unanimous vote Monday, members of the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5065, which would tighten state penalties for animal cruelty. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, updates the state’s animal-cruelty statute to bring consistency to penalties for various levels of animal abuse and neglect.

NEWS: Senate drives forward with bill to make custom cars easier to license

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:27:00 PST

A bill to modify vehicle-registration and -title laws to clarify types of old cars, including kits and replicas, passed the Washington State Senate unanimously Monday evening. Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, and self-described “car buff,” sponsored Senate Bill 5585 on behalf of the state’s automobile enthusiasts and hot-rodders.

NEWS: Stevens bill to prohibit public schools from marketing ALEs as ‘homeschooling’ passes Senate

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:30:00 PST

The Washington State Senate unanimously passed Sen. Val Stevens’ bill to prohibit school districts from recruiting homeschoolers for full-time enrollment in their Alternative Learning Experiences courses. School districts often market those programs to homeschoolers as “home-based education.”