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OLYMPIA–As a lawmaker, I try to minimize the unintended impacts of legislation. To prevent unintended consequences, it is critical that legislators listen to concerns from those impacted and make sure those voices are represented when policy decisions are made. Such is the case with several police reform policies enacted in 2021 (House Bills 1310 and 1054) that severely hampered our law enforcement officers. Our delegation heard from those impacted, and opposed both flawed bills. Officers c...
This week, majority party transportation leaders rolled out their vision for the future of Washington state’s transportation system through the Move Ahead Washington proposal. There are some good goals and projects within this proposal. However, while state revenues remain high, people are still economically recovering from the pandemic, and our transportation system has a massive backlog of projects. The focus of the Move Ahead Washington plan is mostly for the transportation needs of the w...
In even-numbered years, the Legislature convenes for 60-days. Because the session is so short, the process will move rapidly. We just completed week two and already had a debate surrounding one of the most significant issues facing our state – the controversial long-term care insurance program and payroll tax. By way of background, in 2019, House Bill 1087 was enacted. This bill is known as the long-term care insurance program and payroll tax or the Washington Cares Fund. It intends to p...
OLYMPIA–Both the House and Senate have approved their versions of the state's two-year capital, transportation, and operating budgets. Now, budget writers will go line-by-line to make any final adjustments to these budget proposals. Before the final gavel on April 25, we will be given one more opportunity to weigh-in and vote on the finalized budgets before they head to the governor's desk for signature. Two of the three main budget proposals passed both chambers with bipartisan support, i...
OLYMPIA–Voters approved the Death with Dignity Act in 2008 with support from 30 of 39 counties, including my home county of Walla Walla. When voters approved this law by initiative, we became only the second state in the nation to allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request a lethal prescription from their doctor. Qualifying patients may take the prescription at a time of their choosing, only by self-ingestion and without assistance from others, w...
OLYMPIA–The state has a responsibility to protect the environment for all of us and future generations. It's a commonly agreed-upon sentiment, but like so many other issues, approaches differ widely on solutions. I am committed to economically sustainable environmental policies that do not place excessive costs and financial burdens on the taxpayers of Washington state. We continue to see a push for a low-carbon fuel standard mandate, year after year. This year, it comes in the form of House B...
OLYMPIA–The last year has put a strain on most people's trust in government, and its ability to balance the severity of the pandemic while keeping our economy open and strong. Remaining in various phases of shutdown has caused families to struggle, our economy to suffer, and businesses and jobs to disappear. The mismanagement of the Employment Security Department, which handles unemployment insurance claims, only added to the public's growing mistrust. Much-needed benefits were delayed, or n...
OLYMPIA–2020 was an unprecedented and difficult year for all of us. This week helps bring the last year into perspective as we hit the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 continues to bring us challenges in the areas of public health and the economy. The Legislature convened on Monday, Jan. 11. As a lawmaker, I always strive to work across the aisle to represent Eastern Washington perspectives and values. One of the first actions of the Legislature on Friday, January 15, was p...
OLYMPIA–One of the best things about being your state representative is the time I get to spend learning. By listening and observing, I can more effectively advocate for you and your family in the Legislature. Last fall, I offered to job shadow teachers and staff at each school district in our region. I spent one day each in Finley, Starbuck, Waitsburg, Kennewick, Paterson and Richland. I got to see firsthand how the work we do in Olympia directly impacts the education our students are r...
By Skyler Rude, Walla Walla, R-16th OLYMPIA–In this technology-driven age, the Legislature needs to ensure accessibility and transparency in the legislative process. Access needs to be user friendly and available to everyone. Although a 130-year-old institution, the legislature must keep up with changing technology that enhances access. It is important that we make and honor that commitment to you. After driving back and forth from Walla Walla to Olympia for six years now for my official d...
