Washington State Senate Republican Caucus

Sen. Andy Hill’s “Windows into the Budget #2: Reform Works”

Padden named Legislator of the Year by MADD

Baumgartner responds to governor’s failure to act on right-to-work

Washington earns ‘A’ grade for latest efforts to battle sex-trafficking

Transportation co-chair says MCC is encouraged by transportation progress

Senate leaders agree to special legislative session to address aerospace-industry needs

O’Ban urges support for transportation reform and full I-5 build-out at JBLM

Published on November 21, 2013

Today the Senate Transportation Committee spent more than four hours reviewing and hearing public testimony about the new Senate transportation package. Sen. Steve O’Ban’s comprehensive transportation-reform proposal is one of 10 reform measures discussed.

The proposed measure rolls four reform bills (House Bills 1957, 1978, 1986, and 1988) into one complete piece of legislation to address inadequacies and inefficiencies within Washington’s state transportation system.

Each of those four measures was passed by the House of Representatives in 2013 with a strong bipartisan vote and outlines improvements that would streamline the permitting process for transportation projects, and increase transparency and accountability when reporting construction-project errors and changes.

Many people testified in support of O’Ban’s proposal, which would accelerate the completion of projects around the state and reduce the cost to taxpayers by putting more-efficient practices into effect.

Majority Coalition leaders respond to selection of new Senate Democratic leader

Published on November 21, 2013

Leaders of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus commented on today’s announcement that Sen. Sharon Nelson has been named leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus:

Senator Majority Leader Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue: “Congratulations to my colleague, Senator Sharon Nelson, on her new position. She has been a consistent advocate for the people and viewpoints of her district, and has shown exemplary leadership in her caucus. Her effort to craft a bipartisan budget in the Senate this past session was crucial to addressing the real issues facing this state. I am confident that she will continue to serve this state and her caucus well in this new leadership role. I look forward to working with her this session to accomplish more great things for the people of this state.”

Senator Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville: “I appreciated Senator Nelson’s willingness to take part in unveiling the first bipartisan budget proposed by the Senate this year, and her vote to support that budget. She helped prove our coalition’s belief that partisan differences can be put aside for the good of our state. I know she’ll work hard on behalf of her side of the aisle and wish her the best in her new role.”

Majority Coalition Caucus Chair, Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee: “Senator Nelson is a fine choice, and not just because she has ties to North Central Washington and supported my work to reopen the road to Cottonwood, near Stehekin. I think she’s a good listener and wants to be a problem-solver. I also hope she enjoys her new office on the south side of the Capitol building; that was mine before our coalition became the Senate majority, and when the sun streams through the windows it’s the best place in the building.”

Sen. Andy Hill’s “Windows into the Budget #2: Reform Works”

Published on November 20, 2013

Read the second installment of “Windows into the Budget,” a series designed to inform and engage the public about critical budget issues in Olympia. This month, welfare caseloads hit an all-time low in our state. This is due in large part to reform efforts led by the late Sen. Mike Carrell in 2011, prompted by numerous suggestions from dedicated state employees. Savings to taxpayers are expected to reach $600 million through the biennium. Read more…

Padden named Legislator of the Year by MADD

Published on November 20, 2013

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has named Sen. Mike Padden “Legislator of the Year” in recognition of his recent drive to strengthen state laws against driving under the influence.

“The improvements the Legislature made this year by passing my bill were a long time coming,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley, who as chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee led a successful bid to clamp down on drunken driving, especially repeat DUI offenders. “At the same time, there’s a real commitment now to making more changes, and in a bipartisan way. No one wants to see more families across our state endure the suffering that so often results from alcohol abuse and DUI.

“Each life is very, very important, and DUI is such a preventable offense – it’s so senseless. These are very valuable lives, and if we can save them or prevent serious injuries then we’re doing something positive,” said Padden, who is known at the Capitol as a defender of life.

The national-level honor, presented at MADD’s Seattle headquarters Tuesday, comes four months after Padden’s comprehensive anti-DUI bill was signed after winning unanimous support from the Washington Legislature. Many of the changes it made took effect at the end of September, with others – such as the establishment of a 24/7 sobriety program – coming Jan. 1. Read more…

Baumgartner responds to governor’s failure to act on right-to-work

Published on November 15, 2013

State Sen. Michael Baumgartner today responded to Gov. Jay Inslee’s refusal to act on his call to begin moving Washington toward becoming a right-to-work state – a move that many believe will make Washington more attractive to employers, including Boeing.

According to media reports, the spokesperson for the governor told reporters a special session for right-to-work “is not going to happen.” Baumgartner, R-Spokane, and a member of the Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee, released this response: Read more…