Legislature begins pre-session activities

October 1, 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As you may know, Washington state develops a two-year budget, but the Legislature meets annually beginning in January. In the years that the state develops its two-year budget, like last year, the Legislature meets for 105 days. In the in-between years, like this upcoming year, lawmakers convene for only 60 days.

Looking ahead to the 2020 legislative session 

The 2020 session begins on January 13, and we can expect some adjustments to the previously-approved budgets. Our state approves three budgets (Operating, Transportation, and Capital) and modifications to the budgets are common in follow-up years. In addition to updates to the budgets, the session presents lawmakers an opportunity to adjust current laws or approve new ones.

As we look ahead to the upcoming session, many in the Legislature are beginning pre-session activities. The House of Representatives recently met for its annual Committee Days and the Senate will be participating in planning efforts during the week of November 18-22. Our activities include a caucus planning retreat and convening for Assembly Days. Both events provide opportunities to meet with colleagues and committees to receive briefings on state issues and to discuss legislative ideas.

Special thanks to NCWLIFE’s Dan Kuntz for hosting me recently on Wake Up Wenatchee Valley to discuss the Legislature and my listening tour.

Recent activities help me prepare for session

I would like to again thank everyone who helped make my third annual listening tour a success. My staff and I traveled throughout the 12^th District again this September to the communities of Cashmere, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Mansfield, Pateros, Twisp, Winthrop, Mazama, and Chelan. It was great to connect with you in your communities.

In addition to my annual listening tour, here are some of my other recent events:

• Cashmere September 11^th Memorial: Many thanks to the Spirit of America Foundation for its excellent work with the Cashmere 9/11 Memorial. It was an honor to be at the event again this year to reflect upon the September 11^th attacks and be among our local firefighters and first responders.
• Wenatchee School District Reception: I attended a welcome reception for new Superintendent Dr. Paul Gordon. He and I have interacted on a few different occasions so far, and I am impressed with his energy and enthusiasm.
• Fiestas Mexicanas: The weather cooperated this fall for another successful weekend of Fiestas Mexicanas. I attended an evening activity with local city and school officials. Following our introductions, my family and I enjoyed music, tacos, juarittos, and cream-filled churros.
• Cashmere Mill Ribbon Cutting: Congratulations to the City of Cashmere, Port of Chelan County, and many partnering organizations that completed the 32.5-acre cleanup and construction at the Cashmere Mill Property. The new facilities and businesses are a great addition to our economy.
• NCW Youth Pastors: It was great to connect with youth pastors throughout our region to discuss recent legislative activities and the upcoming session. There are many excellent pastors working with youth each week throughout NCW.
• Wenatchee Central Lion’s Club: Thank you to the Wenatchee Lions for inviting me to be a speaker last month. My discussion included a legislative update from last session, a look ahead to next session, and Q&A on legislative matters.
• Chelan PUD Hydro Tax Discussion: I appreciated meeting with Chelan PUD General Manager Steve Wright and staff to discuss our continued efforts toward gaining equal tax treatment for hydropower. We are considering efforts to advance legislation that I introduced last session.

I enjoyed my recent discussion on clean energy with a Methow Valley student group.

• Methow Valley Water Discussions: Water availability is a growing issue of interest to the Methow Valley. I appreciated learning more about this important issue from the Methow Watershed Council.
• Wenatchee Kiwanis Club: For the second year in a row, I was the guest speaker at the Wenatchee Kiwanis Club. It was great to connect again with its members and discuss legislative activities.
• Dolco Packaging Tour: The Dolco Packaging Plant has been in operation in South Wenatchee for over 50 years. Dolco is the lead manufacturer of polystyrene egg cartons in the United States. The plant also manufactures trays for meat, apples, pears, and restaurants.
• Port of Chelan County Partners Breakfast: The Chelan and Douglas ports are merging into the Regional Port Authority. It was helpful to get an update on recent activities and to learn about our region’s current economic trends.
• Washington State School Directors: School board members from across the state gather each year to determine their legislative priorities. It was helpful for me to observe their process and to connect with our local school board members.
• Wenatchee Downtown Rotary: I enjoyed attending the Rotary Club’s luncheon to hear my colleague, Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib – who presides over the State Senate – discuss his upbringing in Washington state.
• TwispWorks Annual Dinner: One of the many success stories in the Methow Valley is TwispWorks, an organization that began 10 years ago to serve businesses, nonprofits, and artists. The annual dinner provided a great way to learn more about recent TwispWorks projects and future efforts.

These are some of the recent events that I have participated in that have helped prepare me for the upcoming legislation session. I will also be participating in further meetings during the remainder of the fall before heading over to Olympia in January.

If you have any questions or comments for me, please contact me anytime.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.

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