Inslee backs down on veto threat; signs Jason’s Law In a misguided attempt to spur action on the budget, Governor Inslee threatened to veto several measures if we had not reached a budget deal (in principle, at least). One of the bills that faced a veto threat was our bill to increase the sentencing guidelines for vehicular homicide –... Read More...

Building on results As the 2016 regular session approaches its end, it is important to look at the remarkable progress made through the budgeting process in recent years – and recognize what is at stake as we work to reach final agreement on a supplemental state budget. Since the Majority Coalition Caucus, of... Read More...

Pennies from heaven, dollars from taxpayers Normally, by the seventh week of a short session, all eyes in the Capitol turn to one issue: the state budget. This was partially true again this year. On Monday the House Democrat budget writers unveiled their proposed 2016 supplemental budget. Though many in Olympia expected a reasonable, truly “supplemental”... Read More...

Dead or alive? The legislative session reaches halfway point. The Legislature reached a critical deadline this week when, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate and House had to end consideration of bills that originated in their own chambers. Bills that didn’t make this deadline are considered no longer viable. There is one exception: Measures considered necessary to implement the... Read More...

…Because Accountability Matters! World-famous business leader and success coach Rob Liano once said, “Each day you are leading by example. Whether you realize it or not or whether it’s positive or negative, you are influencing those around you.” So it is important that those who are in positions of leadership be held accountable... Read More...

The first milepost reached in the 2016 session As chair of the Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee, I am continually asking our job creators and workers what we in Olympia can do to make it easier for them to be successful and thrive. One of the things I keep hearing, especially from those seeking permits to build,... Read More...

Bridges to a Better Government: The Tri-Cities in Olympia! One of the best parts of any session is the arrival of Tri-Cities Day and seeing some of our best ambassadors visit us here in Olympia. Senators Mark Schoesler, Mike Hewitt and I welcomed the members of the Tri-Cities Legislative Council, who also received briefings from Speaker of the House... Read More...

Growing jobs in Washington’s economic garden The second week of the 2016 legislative session is drawing to a close. It’s hard to believe we’re already about one-quarter of the way through the 60-day regular session. I spent most of this week with my colleagues in Senate hearings discussing bills and taking public testimony on measures before... Read More...

2016 session is underway! The 2016 legislative session is now underway. We are scheduled to be in session for 60 days, until March 10. I am hopeful that the Legislature’s primary focus this year will be on doing whatever we can to encourage private-sector job growth, adopt innovative new approaches to energy and improve... Read More...

Bridges to a Better Government: That’s all, folks! Legislative year comes to a close with the best education budget in state history! That’s all, folks! On July 10, the special legislative session came to a close and we adjourned for the year. I am happy to report the Legislature was able to complete its work on the 2015-17... Read More...