Letter from Leadership
State lawmakers are back in their districts spending more time with their families, attending community events and perhaps even taking vacations. I know I speak for everyone when I say that it feels good to be back home.
While the legislative sessions are hopefully over for 2013, please remember we are your full-time state representatives. We are here to answer your questions, listen to your ideas and work on solutions for our state. Many of us have districts offices and, if not, are always willing to meet with you at a local coffee shop.
A lot happened in the 2013 legislatives sessions and the work will continue throughout the year. To learn more about the bills that were signed into law this year, click here. You can also track the interim activities of House committees by visiting this link.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. We will touch base again next month.
In your service,
Rep. Dan Kristiansen
39th District
House Republican Leader
Abigail Rose Beutler
Former Washington House Republican and current U.S Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and her husband, Dan, welcomed their first child on July 15 -- Abigail Rose Beutler. We are so happy for them! Learn more about Abigail's amazing story here.
In the news
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"Regulatory reform is about doing the job of government in a smarter way that costs taxpayers less, so that hard-earned dollars can be used for reinvestment and job creation. It allows for the unleashing of creativity and inspiring confidence in the American Dream."
—Rep. Norma Smith, ranking Republican on the House Technology and Economic Development Committee. To read her recent opinion piece on the economy, regulations and reforms, click here.
Teachers learning about the legislative process
Every year, the Legislature's Civic Education Program sponsors the Legislative Scholar Program.
The Legislative Scholar Program is a five-day summer workshop for elementary, middle and high school social studies teachers who want to gain an inside view of the legislative process. The workshop took place July 15-19 in Olympia.
Pictured above is Rep. Hans Zeiger with teacher Larry Marcoe of Doris M. Stahl Junior High School in Puyallup.
Click here to watch a short video on why we feel teachers are so important.
Kochmar appointed to committee to help exploited children
Rep. Linda Kochmar has been appointed to the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Statewide Coordinating Committee.
The committee was created to address the issue of children who are commercially sexually exploited, examine the practices of local and regional entities involved in addressing the problem, and make recommendations on statewide laws and practices.
It was established through the passage of Senate Bill 5308 this year.
Bill to expand all-terrain vehicle access now law
Legislation that will expand all-terrain vehicle access across the state went into effect July 28.
House Bill 1632, prime sponsored by Rep. Matt Shea, is expected to have a positive impact on the economy. It will bring riders back to the state, provide disabled veterans more places to ride, expand uses for agriculture and timber industries, and create new jobs.
The evolution of tax-increase proposals in 2013
The Washington Policy Center broke down the tax-increase proposals from the 2013 legislative sessions and how they evolved. You can find the blog post here.
In "The tale of tax increases" segment of our June 12 edition of The Current, we also highlighted the Democrats' and governor's plans to raise taxes by $1.3 billion and how this would hurt our economy. While we were able to stop the worst parts of their plans this year, some state lawmakers have made it clear they will not give up on the idea of new tax increases in an effort to grow state government.
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Visiting editorial boards across the state
Our Leadership team has been travelling the state to meet with daily newspaper editorial boards. We appreciate being able to share the results of the 2013 legislative sessions, including the end of one-party control of Olympia, in addition to our solutions and outlook for 2014.
As you might expect, some of the main issues discussed have been: the economy; the operating budget; K-12 education; and the failed transportation revenue package that would have raised the state gas tax by 10.5 cents.
Below are materials that we have been sharing with newspapers:
Freshman spotlight:
Rep. Dick Muri
With the selection of then-Rep. Steve O'Ban to replace the late Sen. Mike Carrell in the state Senate, an opening was created for state representative, position 1, in the state House of Representatives. The Pierce County Council chose Richard "Dick" Muri of Steilacoom.
Rep. Muri is no stranger to public service. In addition to serving on the Pierce County Council from 2003 to 2012, he served on the Steilacoom School Board from 1997 to 2004. Rep. Muri is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force and active in his communities and church.
To view Rep. Muri's Web site, click here. You can also watch a video where he discusses his district, legislative priorities and belief in constituent involvement and collaboration here.
DeBolt named ranking Republican of House Capital Budget Committee
Rep. Richard DeBolt has been named ranking Republican of the House Capital Budget Committee. The 20th District lawmaker replaces Rep. Judy Warnick, who was selected caucus chair in late April.
Known as the "bricks and mortar budget," the capital budget provides funding and bonds for long-term infrastructure needs throughout the state -- including schools, hospitals, prisons and other buildings. It also provides low-interest loans to local governments for community projects.
To learn more about the 2013-15 capital budget and the projects it supports, click here.
Visiting the Capitol Campus
Interested in visiting the Capitol Campus this summer? If so, click here. You can learn more about the activities and events in Olympia here.
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