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Feb. 24, 2017
 This week I was pleased to sponsor Dillon Esparza, an Eastmont eighth-grader from East Wenatchee, as a Senate page. During a break in our floor action yesterday, I introduced him to Sen. John McCoy of Tulalip, who serves with me on the Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The past two weeks have been very busy for policy committees as two key
legislative deadlines for bills have passed. One week ago, the 12 policy
committees made final decisions about which bills would advance this session.
By the end of today, the list of bills still “alive” will shrink even more
after our two budget committees wrap up their work. I am thankful that all of
my prime-sponsored bills are still advancing through the legislative process.
The Senate is also continuing with debates and votes on bills that had
already received committee approval. This process is referred to as “floor
action” because it takes place on the floor of the Senate chamber. Next week,
the committees begin a break through March 8, which allows the Legislature time
to dedicate efforts exclusively to floor action. For more about my legislation and the deadlines we follow, click here to listen to my weekly interview with KOHO radio.
If you are receiving this e-mail update for the first time, it’s
because the Senate has made it possible for me to reach out to more people
across the 12th District. I hope you'll find this e-newsletter informative -- but if you would rather not receive future reports about what’s
happening at the Capitol, simply go to the end of this message and follow the directions to say "no thanks."
Remembering a ‘full and impactful life’: Senate honors Wilfred Woods
As a Wenatchee
native who was a Wenatchee World paperboy once upon a time, I (like
so many of us) was saddened by the recent passing of Wilfred Woods – an iconic
figure from our area who had been the World's editor and publisher from 1950 to 1997. “Wilf” was a kind, humble, and generous man. He led with
his actions and always with a smile. My Senate colleagues joined me yesterday
in honoring the life of Wilfred Woods. We were thankful that Wilfred’s son
Rufus, seated appropriately at the press table in the Senate chamber, was
present to receive the resolution on behalf of his family.
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Click here
for articles honoring Wilfred Woods.
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Click here
to watch the Senate adopt the resolution.
Forest health bill clears second Senate committee
My bill to assess and treat the health of wildfire-threatened
Washington forests won the endorsement of the Senate Ways and Means Committee
yesterday. It is now a step closer to being placed on the Senate voting
calendar.
Senate
Bill 5546 had received unanimous approval from the Senate Natural Resources
and Parks committee on Feb. 14. Because it requires funding, primarily
for the state Department of Natural Resources, the bill was also considered by the
Senate budget committee. The bill has now been referred to the Senate Rules
Committee. I will be asking a member of that committee to “pull” the bill to
the Senate voting calendar. Should that happen, the Senate will have through
March 8 to vote on it.
Passage of my first bill means Honeycrisp apples, Aplets and Cotlets for
all
The Senate recently approved Senate Bill 5270, the
first piece of legislation I introduced as a senator. I have learned that two
customs usually go along with the approval of one’s first bill as a new
senator. First, other senators typically engage in some good-natured teasing of
the sponsor before voting. In my case, a fellow senator from Spokane remembered
how, during my years in the House, I would come over and watch when it was time
for the Senate to vote on my House bills – like a hawk, he said. It was meant
in jest, but I actually take that as a compliment!
Freshmen senators are also expected to share small gifts that are
reflective of the districts they represent. I was proud to give each
senator slices of Honeycrisp apples and a box of Aplets and Cotlets.
SB
5270 would make the Department of Natural Resources’ contract-harvesting
program permanent. It now advances to the House Agriculture and Natural
Resources Committee for consideration.
Thank you for the opportunity to
serve you!
It is my great privilege to serve as your state senator. If you have any
questions or comments, please contact my office anytime using the information
below. If you are planning a trip to Olympia and would like to visit the
Capitol Building, I would be happy to connect with you or your group when you
are here.
I encourage you to share this newsletter with friends and family; they may subscribe using the information below my contact information. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Olympia!
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
State Senator
Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail:
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building
- P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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