2025 session begins with cautious optimism

Legislative update from Olympia

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Wagoner

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2025 Legislative Session is underway, and there is reason for cautious optimism. In contrast to outgoing Governor Inslee’s partisan farewell address, Governor Ferguson delivered a pragmatic, collaborative message.  Frankly, I was astonished as the Governor outlined reasonable proposals that align with my own values. 

Citing issues from affordability to crime, he painted a realistic picture of problems faced by Washingtonians. He also highlighted commonsense Republican proposals he plans to actively support -- like executive powers reform (legislation which I just recently introduced) and increased support for law enforcement. Finally, he declared that he was here not to defend government, but to reform it!

We have big problems to solve in Washington; solutions come easier when working together. I welcome the Governor’s stated intentions, but will be carefully watching for follow-through and leadership.  

In less optimist news, the majority party inadvertently revealed their plans and “talking points” for new and higher taxes. With affordability a top concern for our citizens, I can think of no worse approach than increasing financial stress on our people to feed Olympia’s insatiable spending. (You can read the troubling details below.)

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As we wrap up the second week of session, committee hearings on proposed legislation are in full swing. I encourage you to participate in these public hearings by following the link to the right and making your voice heard.

If there are any bills that you have questions or concerns about, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Your feedback is truly valued; it helps me better represent you and our district.

As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice in the Washington State Senate.

Sincerely,

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Keith Wagoner
(R-39th District)

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On Air:

Explaining the role of Leadership positions on Public Radio

Wagoner On Air

Click here to listen now!

Early last month, Senate Republicans elected our Leadership team for 2025-26. I was honored to be re-elected to serve as the Caucus Whip. ...But what exactly does that mean? 

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Spokane Public Radio to answer questions related to legislative leadership roles, including – what’s a whip?

Click here to listen now.

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Leaked email shows Democrat plan for tax hikes

The Seattle Times editorial board  | Jan. 5, 2025

After years of ever-expanding state budgets, Washington legislators face a looming $12 billion shortfall over the next four years because of their planned overspending.

This situation deserves serious discussion. Too bad Senate Democrats took a pratfall with an internal messaging document on taxes and spending that inadvertently went public on Dec. 20.

Cringeworthy talking points amounted to more style than substance.

...“Going forward, we hope there is more budget analysis before seeing budget talking points. And there are no heroes or villains in the state budget. Local businesses pay taxes, create jobs and contribute to our prosperity in Washington state,” said Rachel Smith, CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “We all want to focus on those things that build up, not erode, trust in government when it comes to budgeting.”

Click here to read the full editorial.

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In Case You Missed It:

What? A good gun bill in Washington State?

By Washington Gun Law News

WGL

Click here to watch now!

No, we are not messing with you. ...Washington Gun Law President, William Kirk, discuses SB 5056, sponsored by Sen. Keith Wagoner, from Washington's 39th Legislative District. Unlike many of our gun bills, you know the ones that are meant to just disarm lawful and responsible citizens, SB 5056 actually provides a real solution to a real problem.... There are some good legislators, doing good work, and actually trying to preserve your rights rather than take them. 

Read the bill here.

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In the News:

Senate adds concealed pistol license exemption to bill banning firearms at 5,300-plus locations

Tim Clouser, The Center Square | Jan. 20, 2024

After Democrats pushed a bill to ban the possession of a firearm at more than 5,300 places, Republicans managed to add an exemption for people with a concealed pistol license.

...Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, noted a lot of mass shootings occur in gun-free zones, like schools. 

“If you look around the country, the areas that have the most restrictive gun ownership laws have the most violence,” Wagoner said. “This bill also creates more soft targets, where bad people who don’t follow the rules know there’s nobody there to fight back.”

The Senate Law & Justice Committee gave Substitute SB 5098, which includes the CPL exemption, a do-pass recommendation and sent it to the Senate Rules Committee. 

Click here to read more.

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Senate Bill 5472 addresses need for foreign reciprocity in agricultural land ownership

farm land

American farmers and investors deserve to be treated equally by countries that are allowed to own agricultural and natural resource lands in our state. 

To address this concern, I have introduced Senate Bill 5472. Starting this August, it would limit the acquisition of public or private agricultural land in Washington to citizens of countries that allow similar ownership in their countries by United States citizens.

This bill is not directed at any particular country, although there are some notable examples. 

My bill simply requires that Washington treat foreign countries as they treat us; reciprocity is a reasonable and fair approach and something we should enforce on behalf of our citizens.

Jan. 22, 2024

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Email: Keith.Wagoner@leg.wa.gov

Phone: 360-786-7676

Website: SenatorKeithWagoner.com 

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Resources

​​Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562.6000

Watch Floor Action and Committee live and recorded on TVW.org

Bill Information

​​Bill Tracking

 

Participating in ​a Committee Hearing
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Testifying in a Committee Hearing
Duri​ng the Legislative Session, you can register to testify in a​ virtual committee hearing either in person or remotely through Zoom in a similar manner as you would on campus. If you frequently testify on bills, you may find it useful to create a Legislative Account.​​ An account allows you to autofill sign-in information and view and edit your sign-in history.

Submitting Written Testimony to a Committee
If you do not wish to testify in a committee ​hearing, you can still submit written testimony on a bill for the archived legislative record​.

Get Your Position on a Bill Noted for Legislative Record
If you wish, you could choose to have your position noted. The Committee Sign In - Remote Testimony​ page also allows you to select a chamber, committee, and bill, then indicate you wish to have your position noted for the archived legislative record​​.

 

Overall Committee Information

 

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