Session priorities, gun bills in Week Two | Rep. Robert J. Sutherland’s Legislative Update from Olympia

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2020 legislative session is underway and I am working hard for you in Olympia.

We have many challenges before us as we work to preserve and improve our state's quality of life. While it is always a tough session being in the minority, the focus and message of House Republicans is very simple this session. We are working to make Washington safe, affordable and accountable. I share some of our priorities in this email update as well as some ways to stay informed and involved in your state government.

2020 Session Priorities

Washington state is your home and you should expect more. You should always feel safe, not have to endure new taxes and financial burdens, especially during a strong economy, and the governor and state lawmakers need to be held accountable for their decisions.

Making life more affordable for everyone

• Reduce the state property tax: House Bill 2222;
• Implement $30 car tabs: House Bill 2227;
• Lower the costs of attending college: House Bill 1701, House Bill 1702;
• Oppose all new taxes on income — including local, state and capital gains income taxes; and
• Oppose a new vehicle-miles-driven tax also known as a road user charge.

Holding the governor and lawmakers accountable

• Eliminate title-only “ghost bills” and increase legislative transparency: House Bill 2190;
• Respect the will of the voters (I-976) and address transportation revenue shortfalls with existing revenue; House Bill 2323; and
• Protect all constitutional rights.

Keeping our communities safe

• Provide local governments more options to address homelessness: House Bill 2282;
• Prohibit supervised injection sites: House Bill 2112; and
• Ensure safe neighborhoods through proactive policing: House Bill 1501.

Gun bills – this week

Those of you who are strong Second Amendment supporters, as I am, would be interested to know there are number of bills coming before the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee this week. Below is the agenda. If you have concerns or comments on the proposed bills, you can come to Olympia to testify, or contact the chair and committee members.

Stay connected to the Legislature

Keep track of what is happening in Olympia this session. Below are a few helpful links that can keep you informed and updated on what is happening in Olympia.

• The Washington State Ledger: This is a legislative news aggregator administered by state House Republicans. It is a great source for information related to state government, public policy and the legislative process. Check it out!
• My legislative website: Here is where you will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
• The Current: An online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans.
• The Capitol Buzz is a daily news clipping service that offers headlines and stories from outlets throughout the state including newspaper, radio and television. It is free to subscribe.
• TVW: The state's own version of C-SPAN, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live online.

Committees

I am serving on four House committees this session:

• Appropriations;
• College and Workforce Development;
• Public Safety (assistant ranking Republican);
• Rules

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about issues or bills in this email update or before the Legislature please do not hesitate to contact me.

It's an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Sutherland

State Representative Robert J. Sutherland
39th Legislative District
RepresentativeRobertSutherland.com
405 John L. O'Brien Building | P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
robert.sutherland@leg.wa.gov
360-786-7967 | Toll-free: (800) 562-6000