|
Dear Friends,
We are now in the fourth week
of the 2017 legislative session, and it has been an eventful time.
A big challenge for this year’s
session is reaching an education-funding agreement that meets the demands of
the Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling. Please
keep reading for more information about the Senate plan to address McCleary, and its benefits for our local
schools.
As the session continues to
unfold, please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns
that you may have. Hearing your feedback helps me better represent you and our
district in Olympia.
Sincerely,
 Sharon Brown
State Senator
8th District
It's time to expand the successful Invest in Washington Jobs program to more employers
 Click to watch this week's video update!
Tri-Cities come out
as a bigger winner under new proposal
 Tonight the Senate is set to vote on an innovative new plan
for K-12 funding.
The Republican proposal, known as the Education Equality
Act, would return state government to the role of primary provider for
Washington’s K-12 schools, while finally connecting school funding with the
actual cost of educating students.
Under the plan, legislators would set a statewide
per-student funding level that puts Washington in the upper ranks nationally;
require each school district to levy the same local property-tax rate and put
that revenue toward the per-student amount; and allocate state funds to cover
the difference between the per-student standard and the local funding.
The per-student funding level would be higher, and the
state’s contribution would increase accordingly, to cover additional services
for children who have special needs, are English language learners or are homeless.
Our legislative district is a big winner under this plan.
The three school districts in the 8th District will see per-pupil spending
increases ranging from $414 to $797 over current law. At the same time, the
reductions in levy rates will be great for average homeowners.
You
can click here to see the full impact for our school districts.
|
Upgraded
Tri-Cities Airport terminal is ready for prime time
by Wendy Culverwell, Tri-City
Herald | Jan. 27, 2017
 The new Tri-Cities Airport terminal made its public debut
Friday with a ribbon cutting and music. The flying public gets a look at the
terminal when it goes into service…
State Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, said the Tri-Cities
airport is a crucial piece of transportation infrastructure that supports $1
million in new commercial leases and 500 jobs.
She said the airy post-and-beam terminal with its wood
details creates a positive impression to passengers whether they’re arriving
or departing.
“This facility creates a lasting human investment,” she said.
“It’s the Tri-Cities. We get it done.”
Click here to read more.
|
 Members of ABATE stopped by the office last week to discuss the state’s helmet law.
On Monday the Senate Transportation Committee held a public
hearing on my bill to let adults decide whether to ride a motorcycle with or without
a helmet.
Currently anyone riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle,
or moped in Washington is required to wear a motorcycle helmet. Under Senate
Bill 5156, this would still apply to those under 18 years old, and
adults who choose to ride without a helmet would be required to have liability
insurance. But ultimately, the state would treat adults like adults.
This bill, which is
all about providing riders with the freedom of choice, deserves to pass. For
many years, members of A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE)
and other freedom-loving organizations have fought to move this bill through
the legislative process. I hope 2017 will be the year we see this measure
become law.
|
