 Dear Friends,
Greetings from Olympia! This week was filled with long committee meetings as we reached another deadline for committees to act on legislation. This included a Ways and Means committee hearing that concluded with a vote in the dark of night (literally, at 1:30 a.m.) by the Senate Democrat members to allow an increase in local school property taxes. As I have said before, there is more than enough revenue to cover the needs of government – including schools – and significantly enhance spending on special education and behavioral health, which are among the priorities shared by Republicans and Democrats this year. There’s even enough to have a discussion about tax relief!
Expanding opportunities in higher education
As a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, I’ve always put high priority on ensuring students receive an excellent education. This session I sponsored Senate Bill 5786, which would help the state’s public colleges and universities share their research more efficiently. I am pleased to report that this legislation was passed by the Senate with broad bipartisan support and is being considered in the House or Representatives.
Other great bills still moving this session include Senate Bill 5428, which would require higher education institutes to employ at least one mental-health counselor with training and experience working with active duty military and veterans, and Senate Bill 5197, which would allow National Guard members the opportunity to receive a postsecondary education grant.
Learn more about higher education in our region by watching my video below!
Telephone town hall a success
Thank you to everyone who participated in the telephone town hall this past Wednesday evening. I appreciate that so many took time to listen to a legislative update from me and fellow Senators Mark Schoesler and Maureen Walsh. It was great to discuss the issues affecting our neighboring legislative districts most. If you have any questions about the telephone town hall or want to hear what legislative topics were discussed, contact my office at (360) 786-7614.
 Sharon Brown
State Senator
8th District
From the district: Washington State University Tri-Cities
Check out my latest legislative update video where I’m joined by the WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes, as she shares details of the exciting programs offered on their campus.
Will you be coming to Olympia during the 2019 session? If so, contact my office and schedule an appointment – I would love the opportunity to visit with you, and, if the time is right, you could join me in my next video update!
 Click to watch this week's video update!
As always, I value hearing directly from you. I am here to be your voice, and your feedback on bills before the Senate is very important to me. If you would like to contact me please write, phone, e-mail, or stop by if you’re in the Olympia area.
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