Tag Archives: Mike

AUDIO: Padden believes drug-possession bill passed by Legislature not strong enough to deal with state’s drug crisis

By tracyellis | Published on May 16, 2023

A state Senator says the hard drug-possession bill passed by the Legislature in a special session isn’t strong enough to deal with the state’s drug crisis.

The legislation made possession a gross misdemeanor.

Senator Mike Padden, the ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee, says the threat of a felony is more likely to persuade drug offenders to undergo treatment.

The Spokane Valley Republican says the punishment under the measure is basically a hybrid between a gross misdemeanor and a misdemeanor – not an effective deterrent for offenders.

Padden says, while he’s glad the legislature passed some sort of law to increase penalties, this doesn’t go far enough to be effective.

AUDIO: Governor signs two Padden bills – SB 5058 encourages home ownership, SB 5218 provides tax exemption for mobility equipment

By tracyellis | Published on May 04, 2023

Governor Inslee signs bills that encourage home ownership and provide tax exemptions for high-tech wheelchairs.

Tracy Ellis tells us Senator Mike Padden sponsored both measures.

Senator Mike Padden details problems at the scandal plagued state Department of Corrections

By tracyellis | Published on January 15, 2020

The prison problems are prompting a trio of Senate Republicans to introduce a package of sweeping reforms. Senators Padden, Keith Wagoner and Steve O’Ban are sponsoring measures.

The views expressed by individual members are not necessarily those of the entire caucus.