Some candidates will talk about what they think they might do if they are elected to the Washington Legislature. I would rather talk about things I have actually accomplished on your behalf.
Being elected to public office is about using common sense and making important decisions. We have plenty of lawyers, accountants, policy staff members and others who provide us the information we need. But in the end it is legislators that have to vote yes or no on every issue - there is no “maybe” button.
A budget is far more than just numbers. A budget is about making responsible decisions on the safety, future and security of the citizens of the State of Washington. Sound decision making comes from having real-life experiences and using common sense. It is one thing to talk about taxes and issues like not repealing Initiative 960, but it is another thing to have a record on it. I voted against repealing I-960 and voted numerous times against raising taxes. You can see what I actually did on your behalf as opposed to surmising what my opponent might or might not do. Below, you will see my positions and why I believe in them, and also, you can actually check out my votes on issues in the Legislature. You will always know where I stand. If you have any questions on a topic not mentioned here, feel free to ask, as I am always happy to listen to your issues and give my honest opinion.
You will also note that most candidates provide little detail about their positions on issues, but rather provide very limited information in the hopes that your attention is short. I disagree. It is my style to provide lots of information because I respect the fact that voters are not easily fooled by simple sounding ideas that are not based in substance or fact. You may note than in my newsletters, I provide a lot of information. I will attempt to do the same here. You may not agree with everything you see and read but at least you will have the information to make an informed choice. If you do not see what you need, please feel free to call me and ask. I will not tell you what you want to hear but after listening to you, I will give you my honest assessment of how I feel on your issue, and in the future, take your concerns and comments into consideration as I represent you.
Here, in no particular order, are some of the issues I have been working on for you in the legislature:
Being elected to public office is about using common sense and making important decisions. We have plenty of lawyers, accountants, policy staff members and others who provide us the information we need. But in the end it is legislators that have to vote yes or no on every issue - there is no “maybe” button.
A budget is far more than just numbers. A budget is about making responsible decisions on the safety, future and security of the citizens of the State of Washington. Sound decision making comes from having real-life experiences and using common sense. It is one thing to talk about taxes and issues like not repealing Initiative 960, but it is another thing to have a record on it. I voted against repealing I-960 and voted numerous times against raising taxes. You can see what I actually did on your behalf as opposed to surmising what my opponent might or might not do. Below, you will see my positions and why I believe in them, and also, you can actually check out my votes on issues in the Legislature. You will always know where I stand. If you have any questions on a topic not mentioned here, feel free to ask, as I am always happy to listen to your issues and give my honest opinion.
You will also note that most candidates provide little detail about their positions on issues, but rather provide very limited information in the hopes that your attention is short. I disagree. It is my style to provide lots of information because I respect the fact that voters are not easily fooled by simple sounding ideas that are not based in substance or fact. You may note than in my newsletters, I provide a lot of information. I will attempt to do the same here. You may not agree with everything you see and read but at least you will have the information to make an informed choice. If you do not see what you need, please feel free to call me and ask. I will not tell you what you want to hear but after listening to you, I will give you my honest assessment of how I feel on your issue, and in the future, take your concerns and comments into consideration as I represent you.
Here, in no particular order, are some of the issues I have been working on for you in the legislature:
Here's what we've been working on!
The Issues
Protections of I-960 More Relavant Than Ever
I understand as well as anyone the gravity of the financial condition we are currently in. Need is being most keenly felt today and indeed the impacts are beyond anything we have seen since the Great Depression. Unemployment numbers don’t lie. Families, businesses and those relying on critical government services have all seen resources being reduced to critical levels.
Also abundantly apparent is that almost a decade of neglect and lack of oversight of our financial markets have put us in the position we find ourselves in today - a global financial meltdown. So great was the national outrage, citizens changed control of the White House, but make no mistake about it, their patience is short. This was not so much a departure from the Republican Party as it was a huge move to the middle. That’s where most people live. Bitter and divisive politics have become so repulsive to the people that almost 40 percent of U.S. citizens today see themselves as Independents.
That is why a partisan solution will not suffice today.
I am deeply saddened that some in Olympia were single-mindedly determined to raise taxes by first suspending Initiative 960. I-960 was enacted by the people to require a two-thirds vote of the members of the House and Senate before raising new taxes, or in the alternative, to send any revenue package to the votes for their advice and consent.
The voters are not dumb. They know what they said and how they wanted their government to address what we hope will be the beginning of an economic recovery. They are also fearful that if their elected officials act wrongly and increase taxes unwisely, the recovery will be delayed or imperiled. I agree.
The problem is as much one of process as it is of substance.
I believe we have not done enough to reduce the size of some portions of government, in keeping with the financial conditions that exist today. Families have made adjustments. Businesses, both large and small, have also made adjustments. Government did not do enough before moving to a revenue option.
To those that claimed there were no other options, I disagree. The way the voters passed the initiative gave the Legislature, two, as of yet, relatively untried processes. The first is to find a solution that could get the two-thirds vote in the Legislature. I understand the difficulties very clearly; however some of this difficulty lies in predicating a cooperative discussion upon first working together to carefully evaluate government efficiencies. Make no mistake, we have a lot of very hard working and dedicated government workers doing everything they can each day to serve their citizens. Yet middle and upper management in state government is bloated and everyone knows it. Mark Emmert, University of Washington president, makes $906,500 a year at a time when enrollment costs for students is increasing 14 percent. That isn’t simply bloated, it’s arrogant. Then add to that his “sacrifice” of forgoing a pay raise this year, but only in return for a $450,000 bonus in a couple of years; he gets six months off with pay. That’s obscene and we could do better.
The second option available to lawmakers is to get government spending under control and then, if necessary, send a revenue package to the voters. There would be great wisdom in this. First, it would result in more diligence prior to sending a package for voter consideration. Secondarily, the voters are deeply concerned about raising taxes right now. So am I. Imprudent action could imperil our economic recovery. The protections initially granted by I-960 may be more relevant now than ever. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If the voters choose to repeal the current tax proposals, nothing is gained in the end anyway.
Therefore, I opposed and voted against the effort to suspend I-960 and raise taxes. It’s an imprudent course. We have not yet done everything to make government more efficient. Further, we have not seriously considered the other options contained in I-960 - greater cooperation leading to a consensus of two-thirds of the Legislature, or in the alternative, seeking the support of the voters. I trust they have great interest in a quick economic recovery and the creation of jobs for a stronger future. So do I.
Also abundantly apparent is that almost a decade of neglect and lack of oversight of our financial markets have put us in the position we find ourselves in today - a global financial meltdown. So great was the national outrage, citizens changed control of the White House, but make no mistake about it, their patience is short. This was not so much a departure from the Republican Party as it was a huge move to the middle. That’s where most people live. Bitter and divisive politics have become so repulsive to the people that almost 40 percent of U.S. citizens today see themselves as Independents.
That is why a partisan solution will not suffice today.
I am deeply saddened that some in Olympia were single-mindedly determined to raise taxes by first suspending Initiative 960. I-960 was enacted by the people to require a two-thirds vote of the members of the House and Senate before raising new taxes, or in the alternative, to send any revenue package to the votes for their advice and consent.
The voters are not dumb. They know what they said and how they wanted their government to address what we hope will be the beginning of an economic recovery. They are also fearful that if their elected officials act wrongly and increase taxes unwisely, the recovery will be delayed or imperiled. I agree.
The problem is as much one of process as it is of substance.
I believe we have not done enough to reduce the size of some portions of government, in keeping with the financial conditions that exist today. Families have made adjustments. Businesses, both large and small, have also made adjustments. Government did not do enough before moving to a revenue option.
To those that claimed there were no other options, I disagree. The way the voters passed the initiative gave the Legislature, two, as of yet, relatively untried processes. The first is to find a solution that could get the two-thirds vote in the Legislature. I understand the difficulties very clearly; however some of this difficulty lies in predicating a cooperative discussion upon first working together to carefully evaluate government efficiencies. Make no mistake, we have a lot of very hard working and dedicated government workers doing everything they can each day to serve their citizens. Yet middle and upper management in state government is bloated and everyone knows it. Mark Emmert, University of Washington president, makes $906,500 a year at a time when enrollment costs for students is increasing 14 percent. That isn’t simply bloated, it’s arrogant. Then add to that his “sacrifice” of forgoing a pay raise this year, but only in return for a $450,000 bonus in a couple of years; he gets six months off with pay. That’s obscene and we could do better.
The second option available to lawmakers is to get government spending under control and then, if necessary, send a revenue package to the voters. There would be great wisdom in this. First, it would result in more diligence prior to sending a package for voter consideration. Secondarily, the voters are deeply concerned about raising taxes right now. So am I. Imprudent action could imperil our economic recovery. The protections initially granted by I-960 may be more relevant now than ever. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If the voters choose to repeal the current tax proposals, nothing is gained in the end anyway.
Therefore, I opposed and voted against the effort to suspend I-960 and raise taxes. It’s an imprudent course. We have not yet done everything to make government more efficient. Further, we have not seriously considered the other options contained in I-960 - greater cooperation leading to a consensus of two-thirds of the Legislature, or in the alternative, seeking the support of the voters. I trust they have great interest in a quick economic recovery and the creation of jobs for a stronger future. So do I.
Washington: A Great Place to do Business
Some people, to get your vote, would have you believe that everything is doom and gloom in America and Washington State. While it is true that we are still in difficult economic times, it is an error not to note that things here, in Washington, are doing better than in most of the rest of the country and our prospects for the future, if we are careful and make sound choices, look very good.
Other states in the nation are hitting tough times, especially when it comes to the housing crash. Washington State has done better than some. This is because our economy, more than any other state, is based on exports and a balanced state budget required by our Washington State Constitution. Our workers make the world’s best airplanes (Boeing) and software (Microsoft), and we’re home to other world leaders like Costco, Starbucks and Amazon.com. They are here because Washington State is a great place to do business.
Forbes Magazine ranked Washington State one of the top for the best places to start a business, and our state is consistently ranked as among the best run in the nation and one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. I find this to be a stark contrast with the other Washington; over in D.C., where the White House and Congress have spent almost a decade turning the nation’s biggest surplus into a $10 trillion national debt. Even though things are tough here, we have fared better than many other states and currently are leading all other states in signs of economic recovery.
In Washington State, Legislators are required to pass a balanced budget. I am disappointed that we didn’t use this budget crisis before us to enact more reforms and streamline government much more. I could not support the raising of taxes while every family and business in Washington has cut back and continues to trim the budget. The state must do the same, or ask the voters if a particular program is worth an additional tax. Unfortunately, this was not the path chosen this year in Olympia, and I feel that we need to get back to basics, like living within our means and ensuring that programs and government entities are really doing what they should be.
As stated above, I voted against repealing I-960 and against raising taxes.
Other states in the nation are hitting tough times, especially when it comes to the housing crash. Washington State has done better than some. This is because our economy, more than any other state, is based on exports and a balanced state budget required by our Washington State Constitution. Our workers make the world’s best airplanes (Boeing) and software (Microsoft), and we’re home to other world leaders like Costco, Starbucks and Amazon.com. They are here because Washington State is a great place to do business.
Forbes Magazine ranked Washington State one of the top for the best places to start a business, and our state is consistently ranked as among the best run in the nation and one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. I find this to be a stark contrast with the other Washington; over in D.C., where the White House and Congress have spent almost a decade turning the nation’s biggest surplus into a $10 trillion national debt. Even though things are tough here, we have fared better than many other states and currently are leading all other states in signs of economic recovery.
In Washington State, Legislators are required to pass a balanced budget. I am disappointed that we didn’t use this budget crisis before us to enact more reforms and streamline government much more. I could not support the raising of taxes while every family and business in Washington has cut back and continues to trim the budget. The state must do the same, or ask the voters if a particular program is worth an additional tax. Unfortunately, this was not the path chosen this year in Olympia, and I feel that we need to get back to basics, like living within our means and ensuring that programs and government entities are really doing what they should be.
As stated above, I voted against repealing I-960 and against raising taxes.
Photo Enforcement: Public Safety Should Not Be About Revenue
When I was first contacted by a constituent who had received five red-light tickets for legal right on red turns, it brought back all of the misgivings I had about photo enforcement. After researching the issue and discovering the kinds of abuses that have happened in other states, it became clear to me that something had to be done.
With the budget crisis in the federal and state government also being mirrored in local governments, cities were looking for new ways to fill the gaping holes in their budgets. Many in Washington state chose to turn to the $101 to $124 a pop tickets issued by red-light cameras. At first, the discussions were about using them as a public safety tool to reduce dangerous T-bone collisions, but the longer they were in place, the more it became about generating revenue.
When I discovered that cities in other states had actually resorted to shortening yellow-light times, sometimes as short as 1.7 seconds to make more money. I was appalled. When I found several independent studies that showed that the cameras actually increase accidents, I knew steps had to be taken to ensure that these abuses wouldn’t come to Washington.
Public safety should never be about profit. That’s why we reformed how much money local jurisdictions get to keep from traffic infractions written by police officers - the same kinds of abuses we’re now seeing with traffic cameras were happening with police. The profit motive must be removed to keep the focus of public safety on protecting the community.
I was able to get a hearing on my proposal, and heard from thousands of folks from all across the state about how upset these cameras make them. I will continue to fight for this, and other reforms to hold government accountable.
With the budget crisis in the federal and state government also being mirrored in local governments, cities were looking for new ways to fill the gaping holes in their budgets. Many in Washington state chose to turn to the $101 to $124 a pop tickets issued by red-light cameras. At first, the discussions were about using them as a public safety tool to reduce dangerous T-bone collisions, but the longer they were in place, the more it became about generating revenue.
When I discovered that cities in other states had actually resorted to shortening yellow-light times, sometimes as short as 1.7 seconds to make more money. I was appalled. When I found several independent studies that showed that the cameras actually increase accidents, I knew steps had to be taken to ensure that these abuses wouldn’t come to Washington.
Public safety should never be about profit. That’s why we reformed how much money local jurisdictions get to keep from traffic infractions written by police officers - the same kinds of abuses we’re now seeing with traffic cameras were happening with police. The profit motive must be removed to keep the focus of public safety on protecting the community.
I was able to get a hearing on my proposal, and heard from thousands of folks from all across the state about how upset these cameras make them. I will continue to fight for this, and other reforms to hold government accountable.
Gas Price and Importing Foreign Oil
Every time I go to the gas pump, I worry about my son Andrew, who fought three tours of duty in the Middle East.
Instead of sending our money to strongmen in Iran, Saudi Arabia and other countries who want to harm America every time we fill up our tank, wouldn’t it be great to give that money to our local farmers, growing fuel that’s friendlier to our air, to our pocketbooks and to our national security?
Our addiction to foreign oil is an economic, military and security nightmare. I’m happy that our state passed Energy Freedom and is working on alternatives to crude oil. We need to do more to wean ourselves from this addiction. Today, Washington leads the nation in clean energy production, and we are making it better.
Instead of sending our money to strongmen in Iran, Saudi Arabia and other countries who want to harm America every time we fill up our tank, wouldn’t it be great to give that money to our local farmers, growing fuel that’s friendlier to our air, to our pocketbooks and to our national security?
Our addiction to foreign oil is an economic, military and security nightmare. I’m happy that our state passed Energy Freedom and is working on alternatives to crude oil. We need to do more to wean ourselves from this addiction. Today, Washington leads the nation in clean energy production, and we are making it better.
Fighting To Keep Your Proporty Taxes Down
When running in 2006, I promised you that one of my top priorities would be to enact the 1 percent property tax cap voters approved under Initiative 747 in 2001. As I thought might happen, the Supreme Court invalidated I-747 and the 1 percent property tax cap. The Governor called a Special Session in the Fall of 2007 and I had the honor of being the prime sponsor of the bill that fully enacted I-747 as it was passed by voters. This is now permanently the law.
What’s more, my bill eliminated all of the $188,721,193 in banked taxing capacity created by the Supreme Court decision. Anyone saying we did not fully eliminate this banked capacity is not telling the truth and is misleading the voters. There is a small amount of banked taxing authority that existed prior to 2001, which has been on the books for years, and has almost never been used. Currently, Pierce County, Edgewood, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Auburn and Enumclaw have no banked capacity at all. King County and Wilkeson have virtually none. This is not a threat to 31st District citizens.
Still, the Legislature needs to look at comprehensive tax reform. Homeowners need additional relief due to skyrocketing housing prices several years ago and increased valuations caused by real estate speculation. I will continue working with lawmakers - Republicans and Democrats - to reduce the property tax burden on working families and senior citizens.
What’s more, my bill eliminated all of the $188,721,193 in banked taxing capacity created by the Supreme Court decision. Anyone saying we did not fully eliminate this banked capacity is not telling the truth and is misleading the voters. There is a small amount of banked taxing authority that existed prior to 2001, which has been on the books for years, and has almost never been used. Currently, Pierce County, Edgewood, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Auburn and Enumclaw have no banked capacity at all. King County and Wilkeson have virtually none. This is not a threat to 31st District citizens.
Still, the Legislature needs to look at comprehensive tax reform. Homeowners need additional relief due to skyrocketing housing prices several years ago and increased valuations caused by real estate speculation. I will continue working with lawmakers - Republicans and Democrats - to reduce the property tax burden on working families and senior citizens.
Sports Stadiums
The Sonics were purchased by crooks from Oklahoma, who agreed to keep the team here if the Legislature funded their proposal for a new facility costing $500 million, the most expensive ever for a stadium this size. Taxpayers were to pay $400 million of the cost. I wanted to see the Sonics stay but I opposed this proposal and it did not pass in the Legislature. I do not support using your tax dollars to fund sports stadiums for wealthy individuals. In the end, the scoundrels who bought the team lied to Washington officials, citizens and past team owners, and I made sure that they didn’t get a dime of your tax dollars.
This last session, the University of Washington and some of their supporters came in and demanded over $200 million in state tax money for upgrades at Husky Stadium. I said no and again, made sure that your taxes were not used for any sports stadium. These projects must fund themselves, and they bring in plenty of money to do it.
This last session, the University of Washington and some of their supporters came in and demanded over $200 million in state tax money for upgrades at Husky Stadium. I said no and again, made sure that your taxes were not used for any sports stadium. These projects must fund themselves, and they bring in plenty of money to do it.
With the budget crisis of the last two years, many state agencies and programs have been cut. Some agencies have seen cuts to their budget in excess of 18%. I have fought to see that education receives as much funding as possible in these trying times, as our children are the ones who will be competing in the global markets of tomorrow. This commitment ensured that education saw cuts as small as 2.4% in the budget. While not good enough, it’s a start, and I remained committed to the importance of ensuring that Washington has a highly competitive education system.
This last Session, we passed a critical piece of legislation that will provide money and jobs for the state. By modernizing and making our schools more energy-efficient, we will save costs to our local school districts while at the same time, creating hundreds of construction jobs. The long term effects this proposal will have for our communities will long outlast the construction periods, and will provide an immediate boost to our recession-ravaged construction industry. The money saved will more than pay for the cost of the projects. Our schools will also be far safer for our children to learn in.
I promised for years that I would seek the end of the super-majority voting requirement for school levies and return local taxing authority decisions to communities, where the most direct line of accountability exists. I’m pleased to inform you that this constitutional change was approved by the Legislature, and then by you, the voters, in 2007. To me, this vote was an issue of fundamental fairness and political accountability by placing local oversight in your hands. I voted yes and you agreed.
This last Session, we passed a critical piece of legislation that will provide money and jobs for the state. By modernizing and making our schools more energy-efficient, we will save costs to our local school districts while at the same time, creating hundreds of construction jobs. The long term effects this proposal will have for our communities will long outlast the construction periods, and will provide an immediate boost to our recession-ravaged construction industry. The money saved will more than pay for the cost of the projects. Our schools will also be far safer for our children to learn in.
I promised for years that I would seek the end of the super-majority voting requirement for school levies and return local taxing authority decisions to communities, where the most direct line of accountability exists. I’m pleased to inform you that this constitutional change was approved by the Legislature, and then by you, the voters, in 2007. To me, this vote was an issue of fundamental fairness and political accountability by placing local oversight in your hands. I voted yes and you agreed.
Education
This is an issue I worked very hard on during my political career, ever since the Republican and Democratic parties sued us some years back and took away the open primary we had for decades, where we could vote for anyone we chose. Now that the Supreme Court upheld the top-two primary that citizens approved with Initiative 872, citizens will be able to vote for any candidate without picking a party ballot. This gives the people what they clearly want: more competition and better choices. Citizen after citizen told me they desired the right to vote for whoever they wanted, without having to pick a party. The top-two primary gives them that right, and that’s good news for our democracy.
Under the top-two primary conditions, the two candidates with the most votes - regardless of party - advance to the general election. But the important part is that we can, once again, vote for anyone we like without having to pick a party ballot. Something I promised you that we could get back, and we have.
I am happy to have been a part of this battle and I am glad we won.
Another victory for Pierce County voters was the repeal last year of “Ranked Choice Voting” which was very unpopular.
Under the top-two primary conditions, the two candidates with the most votes - regardless of party - advance to the general election. But the important part is that we can, once again, vote for anyone we like without having to pick a party ballot. Something I promised you that we could get back, and we have.
I am happy to have been a part of this battle and I am glad we won.
Another victory for Pierce County voters was the repeal last year of “Ranked Choice Voting” which was very unpopular.
New Primary a Victory for Washington Voters!
2009 Legislature Passes Balanced, Responsible Budget; and yet....
In 2009, we passed a balanced budget with no new taxes. This was an accomplishment of fiscal responsibility and restraint, and showed that, at least then, the Legislature understood that we needed to cut back, just as families and businesses had.
Unfortunately, as many had feared, this recession was not a short one, and the gross mismanagement of the lack oversight of Wall Street and the banks had spun into a meltdown of the housing market coupled with massive unemployment. When we returned this past January, all of these factors combined to create another $2.8 billion short-fall to make up.
Sadly, many members were unwilling to take a hard look at whether or not programs were truly effective, or distinguish between things that are nice to do in good times, but not a need in the bad. This led to the unacceptable decision to ignore the will of the voters and suspend I-960, and pass a budget that relies on new revenue. I voted against both of these proposals, and feel strongly that we should be focusing on the economy and jobs, not passing taxes that will further inhibit the ability of families and businesses to get back on their feet.
Unfortunately, as many had feared, this recession was not a short one, and the gross mismanagement of the lack oversight of Wall Street and the banks had spun into a meltdown of the housing market coupled with massive unemployment. When we returned this past January, all of these factors combined to create another $2.8 billion short-fall to make up.
Sadly, many members were unwilling to take a hard look at whether or not programs were truly effective, or distinguish between things that are nice to do in good times, but not a need in the bad. This led to the unacceptable decision to ignore the will of the voters and suspend I-960, and pass a budget that relies on new revenue. I voted against both of these proposals, and feel strongly that we should be focusing on the economy and jobs, not passing taxes that will further inhibit the ability of families and businesses to get back on their feet.
Toxic Toys from China and NAFTA
Since the federal government failed to act, in the 2008 session, we passed a law in Olympia to make sure the toys our kids play with - and that toddlers stick in their mouths - aren’t full of toxins and poisons.
When I go to a store and buy a product, I look for the country where that item was produced before buying. I don’t think I’m alone in this. Unsafe products are flooding the United States from countries where consumer safety laws are either completely ignored or don’t exist in the first place. I find it disturbing that we are allowing these products into our country, in particular from countries like China, where the government actually executed the head of their Food and Drug Administration due to contaminated products.
In Olympia, we began the process of dealing with proper warnings for consumers about the country of origin. Fundamentally, I must say, I am also deeply concerned about the percentage of goods consumed in the United States that we are importing from abroad that used to be manufactured here, by American workers. Americans who had good living wage jobs. This off-shoring and outsourcing of American jobs is deeply disturbing. Everything from agricultural products, and now, unfortunately, even airplane parts, are being either imported from, or outsourced to countries where environmental, work place safety and consumer protection laws rarely exist.
I have rolled up my sleeves and am working with other legislators to reverse these ill-conceived and detrimental federal policies.
In Olympia, we began the process of dealing with proper warnings for consumers about the country of origin. Fundamentally, I must say, I am also deeply concerned about the percentage of goods consumed in the United States that we are importing from abroad that used to be manufactured here, by American workers. Americans who had good living wage jobs. This off-shoring and outsourcing of American jobs is deeply disturbing. Everything from agricultural products, and now, unfortunately, even airplane parts, are being either imported from, or outsourced to countries where environmental, work place safety and consumer protection laws rarely exist.
I have rolled up my sleeves and am working with other legislators to reverse these ill-conceived and detrimental federal policies.
Trade Policy
Crime and Criminals
This Legislative Session seemed like mostly bad news - tax increases, budget woes, and a rough economy were overwhelming. However, it is a mistake to miss that this was the best public safety session in decades.
We strengthened laws to prohibit counties from engaging in “booking bail” - letting offenders out on bail without seeing a judge. We increased benefits for families of our fallen officers and put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall to allow judges to deny bail to violent offenders. There are many improvements for public safety, law enforcement, and our communities.
The police killings last year were horrific events, and we did much to keep them from happening again. As the Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, I worked extensively with my legislative colleagues, police groups, prosecutors, judges, victims’ rights advocates, and the family members to advance solid proposals that will give our law enforcement officers new tools to keep the community - and themselves, safe.
After examining the Lakewood case, we found gaps in how we handle criminals. My goal as Chair was to ensure that we passed workable laws that would make a real difference on the street and in the courtroom. I am proud of the accomplishments this session.
First among the critical pieces of legislation passed this year was House Joint Resolution 4220 - a proposed constitutional amendment on bail. Passed overwhelmingly, it would allow judges to deny bail when an offender faces a class A felony charge. This would have allowed a judge to keep Maurice Clemmons in jail, rather than releasing him on bail. This common-sense piece of legislation is backed by police, prosecutors, victim’s rights advocates, and judges. Now you will get to vote on it in November to make it law.
Another bill dealing with the bail system was House Bill 2625, which bans the practice of booking bail - allowing people accused of crimes to get out on standardized bail without seeing a judge, as Maurice Clemmons did. This bill requires that a person must see a judge before being released. In addition, this legislation also provides the courts with guidance on what conditions a judge needs to consider while deciding if denying bail will more adequately protect the public.
Another glaring issue with the Clemmons case and others was family members rendering criminal assistance. Under the old law, a family member helping such a criminal could only be convicted of a gross misdemeanor. Under Senate Bill 6293, a family member providing criminal assistance can now be sentenced to up to a class B felony.
Another victory was House Bill 2534 - the most drastic change to sex offender monitoring laws since the program was created. Under the old rules, offenders were required to physically go to a fixed location once each 90 days to check in. Under HB 2534, law enforcement will instead make unannounced visits of offender’s homes or places of work to ensure that they are where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there. A pilot program last year resulted in 982 new arrests of sex offenders for failing to properly register or new sex offenses. Police also got 3,886 new DNA samples from sex offenders. Making this program permanent will ensure that sex offenders now know that someone is watching them.
There were other important pieces of criminal justice legislation this session, but one last example is HB 2519, which increases benefits paid to families of fallen officers. Police encounter danger to keep us safe. They accept that risk. It’s important that we care for their families if they lose their lives protecting ours. HB 2519 also waives tuition for the children of fallen officers. Additionally, it removes a requirement that an officer serve ten years before being able to receive benefits - allowing police to go into harm’s way, knowing that their families will be cared for without them.
This is just part of the monumental criminal justice legislation that passed this session. A lot of hard work by members of both parties made it happen. I am proud of my committee members who toiled long hours on these important issues. Partisan politics never came up. Sometimes in Olympia, the news all seems bad, and cooperation rare. Not true with public safety. Police, prosecutors and judges, now have important new tools to keep our families and communities safe because of our work this year.
In 2007 and 2008, we passed landmark crime legislation dealing with offender re-entry. When criminals have served their time, it is important that they are closely monitored and they have some type of plan to assimilate themselves back in to society. Washington has been failing in this regard for many years. We set tough new standards for offenders who, in the past, would have simply been given time off their sentences for good behavior. Additionally, the offenders must have re-entry plans that are realistic, identifiable and obtainable, prior to even getting any “good behavior” time.
That legislation had broad bipartisan support and was universally heralded by police and prosecutors as one of the most significant advances in dealing with what has been a revolving-door system of justice for decades.
As a 25-year police detective and commander of a 15-city homicide/violent crimes task force, I know that one of the root causes of people returning to crime is releasing them back into society without the tools or supervision to integrate themselves as productive members.
I was the prime sponsor of House Bills 1220 and 1592, dealing with the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB), which oversees violent/sex offenders. We have now significantly increased the power of the ISRB to keep these kinds of offenders locked up, which is exactly where they belong.
If you or someone you know has had their car stolen, you’ll be pleased to know that we passed HB 1001, which will impose harsher penalties on auto thieves. It also focuses attention on the assessment of juvenile offenders and treatment of drug addiction to keep them from becoming career criminals. That was passed in 2007, and already we have seen a significant decline in auto theft; proof that the legislation had impact on the streets, not just in the headlines.
Methamphetamine. The good news is law enforcement and legislative efforts have led to a significant decline in the number of meth labs. The bad news is the supply of meth is now being replaced by Hispanic organized crime families importing the drug and recruiting local gang members to help distribute it. I became the chairman of a Legislative Task Force last summer studying this disturbing trend and made recommendations to the Legislature in January 2008. Below, in the “gang” section, you will see the results of our work.
We also funded highly successful drug courts around the state, intensifying our efforts to reduce the demand for illegal drugs.
DUI ignition interlock devices should save 100 lives per year in Washington State. We do put the worst drunks away for long sentences. But we can’t lock everybody up for a life sentence - the taxpayers couldn’t build enough prisons to do that. Ignition interlocks have worked in other states. People convicted of drunk driving pay for the device to be installed in their car and they can’t start the car without blowing into the tube and getting a clear result.
This bill also requires that out-of-state convictions for drunk driving be included when the courts calculate an offender’s previous offenses and hand down a sentence.
This past session has been one of the best for criminal justice legislation in decades. We have strengthened critical laws from prohibiting counties from engaging in “booking bail” - that is letting offenders out on bail without seeing a judge, to benefits for our fallen officers, to putting a constitutional amendment on bail on the ballot for voters to consider.
The Lakewood tragedy was a terrible event, and the best service we can provide to their families and memories is to do everything possible to ensure that another incident like this can never happen again. As the Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, I worked extensively with police groups, prosecutors, judges, victims’ rights advocates, and the family members to advance solid proposals that will give our law enforcement officers new tools to keep the community - and themselves, safe.
We strengthened laws to prohibit counties from engaging in “booking bail” - letting offenders out on bail without seeing a judge. We increased benefits for families of our fallen officers and put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall to allow judges to deny bail to violent offenders. There are many improvements for public safety, law enforcement, and our communities.
The police killings last year were horrific events, and we did much to keep them from happening again. As the Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, I worked extensively with my legislative colleagues, police groups, prosecutors, judges, victims’ rights advocates, and the family members to advance solid proposals that will give our law enforcement officers new tools to keep the community - and themselves, safe.
After examining the Lakewood case, we found gaps in how we handle criminals. My goal as Chair was to ensure that we passed workable laws that would make a real difference on the street and in the courtroom. I am proud of the accomplishments this session.
First among the critical pieces of legislation passed this year was House Joint Resolution 4220 - a proposed constitutional amendment on bail. Passed overwhelmingly, it would allow judges to deny bail when an offender faces a class A felony charge. This would have allowed a judge to keep Maurice Clemmons in jail, rather than releasing him on bail. This common-sense piece of legislation is backed by police, prosecutors, victim’s rights advocates, and judges. Now you will get to vote on it in November to make it law.
Another bill dealing with the bail system was House Bill 2625, which bans the practice of booking bail - allowing people accused of crimes to get out on standardized bail without seeing a judge, as Maurice Clemmons did. This bill requires that a person must see a judge before being released. In addition, this legislation also provides the courts with guidance on what conditions a judge needs to consider while deciding if denying bail will more adequately protect the public.
Another glaring issue with the Clemmons case and others was family members rendering criminal assistance. Under the old law, a family member helping such a criminal could only be convicted of a gross misdemeanor. Under Senate Bill 6293, a family member providing criminal assistance can now be sentenced to up to a class B felony.
Another victory was House Bill 2534 - the most drastic change to sex offender monitoring laws since the program was created. Under the old rules, offenders were required to physically go to a fixed location once each 90 days to check in. Under HB 2534, law enforcement will instead make unannounced visits of offender’s homes or places of work to ensure that they are where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there. A pilot program last year resulted in 982 new arrests of sex offenders for failing to properly register or new sex offenses. Police also got 3,886 new DNA samples from sex offenders. Making this program permanent will ensure that sex offenders now know that someone is watching them.
There were other important pieces of criminal justice legislation this session, but one last example is HB 2519, which increases benefits paid to families of fallen officers. Police encounter danger to keep us safe. They accept that risk. It’s important that we care for their families if they lose their lives protecting ours. HB 2519 also waives tuition for the children of fallen officers. Additionally, it removes a requirement that an officer serve ten years before being able to receive benefits - allowing police to go into harm’s way, knowing that their families will be cared for without them.
This is just part of the monumental criminal justice legislation that passed this session. A lot of hard work by members of both parties made it happen. I am proud of my committee members who toiled long hours on these important issues. Partisan politics never came up. Sometimes in Olympia, the news all seems bad, and cooperation rare. Not true with public safety. Police, prosecutors and judges, now have important new tools to keep our families and communities safe because of our work this year.
In 2007 and 2008, we passed landmark crime legislation dealing with offender re-entry. When criminals have served their time, it is important that they are closely monitored and they have some type of plan to assimilate themselves back in to society. Washington has been failing in this regard for many years. We set tough new standards for offenders who, in the past, would have simply been given time off their sentences for good behavior. Additionally, the offenders must have re-entry plans that are realistic, identifiable and obtainable, prior to even getting any “good behavior” time.
That legislation had broad bipartisan support and was universally heralded by police and prosecutors as one of the most significant advances in dealing with what has been a revolving-door system of justice for decades.
As a 25-year police detective and commander of a 15-city homicide/violent crimes task force, I know that one of the root causes of people returning to crime is releasing them back into society without the tools or supervision to integrate themselves as productive members.
I was the prime sponsor of House Bills 1220 and 1592, dealing with the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB), which oversees violent/sex offenders. We have now significantly increased the power of the ISRB to keep these kinds of offenders locked up, which is exactly where they belong.
If you or someone you know has had their car stolen, you’ll be pleased to know that we passed HB 1001, which will impose harsher penalties on auto thieves. It also focuses attention on the assessment of juvenile offenders and treatment of drug addiction to keep them from becoming career criminals. That was passed in 2007, and already we have seen a significant decline in auto theft; proof that the legislation had impact on the streets, not just in the headlines.
Methamphetamine. The good news is law enforcement and legislative efforts have led to a significant decline in the number of meth labs. The bad news is the supply of meth is now being replaced by Hispanic organized crime families importing the drug and recruiting local gang members to help distribute it. I became the chairman of a Legislative Task Force last summer studying this disturbing trend and made recommendations to the Legislature in January 2008. Below, in the “gang” section, you will see the results of our work.
We also funded highly successful drug courts around the state, intensifying our efforts to reduce the demand for illegal drugs.
DUI ignition interlock devices should save 100 lives per year in Washington State. We do put the worst drunks away for long sentences. But we can’t lock everybody up for a life sentence - the taxpayers couldn’t build enough prisons to do that. Ignition interlocks have worked in other states. People convicted of drunk driving pay for the device to be installed in their car and they can’t start the car without blowing into the tube and getting a clear result.
This bill also requires that out-of-state convictions for drunk driving be included when the courts calculate an offender’s previous offenses and hand down a sentence.
This past session has been one of the best for criminal justice legislation in decades. We have strengthened critical laws from prohibiting counties from engaging in “booking bail” - that is letting offenders out on bail without seeing a judge, to benefits for our fallen officers, to putting a constitutional amendment on bail on the ballot for voters to consider.
The Lakewood tragedy was a terrible event, and the best service we can provide to their families and memories is to do everything possible to ensure that another incident like this can never happen again. As the Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, I worked extensively with police groups, prosecutors, judges, victims’ rights advocates, and the family members to advance solid proposals that will give our law enforcement officers new tools to keep the community - and themselves, safe.
Protecting Communities: Sex Offenders and Gangs
Most know of the tragic events surrounding Zina Linnick’s death. This case made parents worry about their own children. Are they safe? I know from my experience as a police detective that we will never end all crime. But as a Legislator, it is now my duty to use that experience to make sure that our laws are sharply refined and effective.
Sex offenders are tough to catch. Victims are traumatized and embarrassed and often don’t want to testify - or they’re little kids and it’s hard for them to take the stand. All you have is the victim’s testimony and maybe some physical evidence. But unless you already have a suspect, that physical evidence doesn’t do you much good - who do you compare it to?
I am happy to tell you that we passed a reform this year to require all sex offenders, past and present - plus those convicted of kidnapping - to submit DNA samples. Police and prosecutors wanted this because it’s the best tool we have to crack all the cold cases where we have DNA evidence but no suspects.
We know that rapists and child molesters commit crimes again and again until they get caught, and that many never get caught for lack of evidence. This reform will help bring many of these criminals to justice.
In addition, this year we passed a major reform to how we keep track of sex offenders. Under current law, sex offenders just have to show up to a police station or other designated site to check in. Rarely do officers go to their place of employment or residence to see if that is truly where they are. No more. We codified a pilot project that worked wonders to reduce the number of “missing” sex offenders by having police visit them at the home or work place unannounced, to ensure that they are actually where they said they would be when they should be. This reform will go a long way to protecting our communities from sex offenders.
The Governor ordered the GPS monitoring of a large number of sex offenders, which we funded in January 2008. We tightened up the system of sex-offender registration and increased penalties for violators. The laws we passed will work in the courtroom.
I am Chairman of a legislative committee which developed legislation to deal with the growing number of gang members and their associated violence, now being seen in communities throughout the state. It addressed prevention, intervention and suppression as a coordinated approach to, in the short-term, bring gang members to justice for their criminal behaviors. In the long run, it seeks to reduce the number of individuals joining and staying in gangs. This, ultimately, reduces the cost to taxpayers. This past session, we added new tools to allow communities to take steps to halt the ability of criminal street gangs to terrorize their neighborhoods.
Sex offenders are tough to catch. Victims are traumatized and embarrassed and often don’t want to testify - or they’re little kids and it’s hard for them to take the stand. All you have is the victim’s testimony and maybe some physical evidence. But unless you already have a suspect, that physical evidence doesn’t do you much good - who do you compare it to?
I am happy to tell you that we passed a reform this year to require all sex offenders, past and present - plus those convicted of kidnapping - to submit DNA samples. Police and prosecutors wanted this because it’s the best tool we have to crack all the cold cases where we have DNA evidence but no suspects.
We know that rapists and child molesters commit crimes again and again until they get caught, and that many never get caught for lack of evidence. This reform will help bring many of these criminals to justice.
In addition, this year we passed a major reform to how we keep track of sex offenders. Under current law, sex offenders just have to show up to a police station or other designated site to check in. Rarely do officers go to their place of employment or residence to see if that is truly where they are. No more. We codified a pilot project that worked wonders to reduce the number of “missing” sex offenders by having police visit them at the home or work place unannounced, to ensure that they are actually where they said they would be when they should be. This reform will go a long way to protecting our communities from sex offenders.
The Governor ordered the GPS monitoring of a large number of sex offenders, which we funded in January 2008. We tightened up the system of sex-offender registration and increased penalties for violators. The laws we passed will work in the courtroom.
I am Chairman of a legislative committee which developed legislation to deal with the growing number of gang members and their associated violence, now being seen in communities throughout the state. It addressed prevention, intervention and suppression as a coordinated approach to, in the short-term, bring gang members to justice for their criminal behaviors. In the long run, it seeks to reduce the number of individuals joining and staying in gangs. This, ultimately, reduces the cost to taxpayers. This past session, we added new tools to allow communities to take steps to halt the ability of criminal street gangs to terrorize their neighborhoods.
The dumbest bill of the recent sessions had to be Senate Bill 6900, which would have taxed you based on how big your car’s engine was, alone. The bigger the engine, the bigger the tax, regardless of any other factor.
Every session, we see bills like this. It doesn’t matter which party is in charge - when lawmakers introduce 3,000 bills, you can bet on some of those bills being half-baked.
This bill was one of them. It’s the job of those of us who are more moderate and independent to represent our district and stand up to silly ideas. I’m happy to say this bill never had a chance. If, by some miracle, it had made its way to the House, it would have been dead on arrival.
Every session, we see bills like this. It doesn’t matter which party is in charge - when lawmakers introduce 3,000 bills, you can bet on some of those bills being half-baked.
This bill was one of them. It’s the job of those of us who are more moderate and independent to represent our district and stand up to silly ideas. I’m happy to say this bill never had a chance. If, by some miracle, it had made its way to the House, it would have been dead on arrival.
Protecting You Against Stupid Bills
There is good news for Lake Tapps residents who have been patiently waiting for a permanent solution to the crises they have faced for almost a decade. Pierce County Councilman Shawn Bunney and I fought long and hard to see a real solution, and I am proud to say that the homeowners on the lake and the Cascade Water Alliance have signed a memo of understanding about lake levels that puts keeping the lake full at the top. The placement of recreational levels in the lake as being superior to water consumption is a huge win, and ensures that the community can continue to enjoy Lake Tapps for generations to come.
You may not live on Lake Tapps, but it is an extraordinary public resource, and here is a little more background: After eight long years, we are finally entering the end game of a complex and frustrating process. The final sale of the Lake Tapps Project was completed just recently. The conversion of the water right from hydro-electric production to consumption, recreation and the protection of fish will be issued by the Department of Ecology sometime in early 2010. The collaborative process and all those who have worked so hard over the years should take great pride in what their hard work has accomplished. We are almost there but will not let our guard down in the final stage. We will continue to watch carefully and work this problem until the final permit is issued.
You may not live on Lake Tapps, but it is an extraordinary public resource, and here is a little more background: After eight long years, we are finally entering the end game of a complex and frustrating process. The final sale of the Lake Tapps Project was completed just recently. The conversion of the water right from hydro-electric production to consumption, recreation and the protection of fish will be issued by the Department of Ecology sometime in early 2010. The collaborative process and all those who have worked so hard over the years should take great pride in what their hard work has accomplished. We are almost there but will not let our guard down in the final stage. We will continue to watch carefully and work this problem until the final permit is issued.
Lake Tapps
It is a travesty to see our brave men and women, who have made great sacrifices on our behalf, return to an unprepared and uncaring federal administration. In the last few sessions, we have improved the situations of our returning veterans, including employment protection, education and tax relief. As the federal government does less, there is more Washington must do to help those who have given so much.
As a member of the Joint Legislative Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, I have been meeting with local veterans’ groups, constituents and the Washington State Military Department. We need to support our soldiers when they return home. The rates of suicide, substance abuse, divorce, mental illness and homelessness are unacceptable. Washington State will do better for our soldiers. What kind of Americans are we if we fail in this? With each passing day, more families in our state will continue to be directly impacted by the war. History will judge our efforts to honor the sacrifice of our soldiers who have fought and now return back home to our communities.
As a member of the Joint Legislative Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, I have been meeting with local veterans’ groups, constituents and the Washington State Military Department. We need to support our soldiers when they return home. The rates of suicide, substance abuse, divorce, mental illness and homelessness are unacceptable. Washington State will do better for our soldiers. What kind of Americans are we if we fail in this? With each passing day, more families in our state will continue to be directly impacted by the war. History will judge our efforts to honor the sacrifice of our soldiers who have fought and now return back home to our communities.
Veterans
In 2007, we passed a solid transportation budget that provided significant benefits for the 31st District. We already had almost $76 million of funds allocated to projects already under way, and we appropriated an additional $85,775,000 for the next biennium as well as $96,817,000 for the 2009-2011 biennium. These funds will provide significant improvements to Highways 18, 161, 167, 169 and 410, as well as many surface street projects.
Although the list is long, I would like to highlight one project, which is the widening of Highway 410 from 214th to 234th, and, finally, funding for a traffic light at 234th. The supplemental transportation budget of 2008 did not properly support projects in the 31st District and, in particular, needed improvements on HWY 167 and also Meridian in Edgewood. So, I voted against this budget, along with many other legislators from South King County and North Pierce County.
The good news is that that project is now just getting started and you will see construction very soon. There were many improvement in the transportation budget in 2010 and I supported it. Transportation projects throughout the 31st District will be underway soon and we will all get some relief.
Although the list is long, I would like to highlight one project, which is the widening of Highway 410 from 214th to 234th, and, finally, funding for a traffic light at 234th. The supplemental transportation budget of 2008 did not properly support projects in the 31st District and, in particular, needed improvements on HWY 167 and also Meridian in Edgewood. So, I voted against this budget, along with many other legislators from South King County and North Pierce County.
The good news is that that project is now just getting started and you will see construction very soon. There were many improvement in the transportation budget in 2010 and I supported it. Transportation projects throughout the 31st District will be underway soon and we will all get some relief.
Transportation
Although we certainly welcome transportation improvements to the 31st District, many citizens had contacted me with their concerns for a “roundabout” at 416th and HWY 169, just north of Enumclaw. As a user of this intersection myself, I too had serious concerns about a roundabout being the appropriate traffic safety upgrade in this location. Senator Roach and I met with citizens and government officials and in the end, due to public pressure, the project was ended. A more favorable traffic control system will take its place, one the citizens in the area support. Steve Hammond was also an integral part of this success as well.
State Route 169 Roundabout
Much has been said and written about transportation, and a lot of it is senseless rhetoric. I firmly believe that we cannot have a serious discussion on transportation without talking about out-of-control growth and a lack of infrastructure in place first. No matter what we do, it will not be enough if we build new homes faster than we can build roads or locate living-wage jobs where homes are being built. These two issues profoundly affect each other. Everyone wins when we have roads in place before we allow new homes to be built. Cities and counties must understand that the State of Washington cannot solve the problem of transportation if they continue to allow development to far outpace our ability to fund and build new roads. I will continue to bring folks to the table so we can work on this together.
Smarter Growth Will Help Fix Traffic Gridlock
This past year has seen the communities in the Green River valley and the state as a whole wondering if the damage to the Howard Hanson Dam could cause catastrophic flooding. As both the Chair of the committee that handles emergency preparedness in the House and a member of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet on the Green River Flooding issue, I have spent countless hours working to protect our communities from flooding. I am happy to report that the first temporary repair, a grout curtain to slow leakage in the weakened right abutment, that reduced the danger of a major flood from 1 in 3 each year to 1 in 25. I am working with members of our federal delegation to get the funding for a second grout curtain that will reduce this risk to 1 in 120. A final fix for the dam is still years away, but I will continue to work with state, local and federal governments to protect our communities.
Due to a lot of very hard work by a lot of good folks, the risk now to the Green River Valley and our whole regional economy is minimal if we can get the second grout curtain in place this construction season, and it looks very promising. I will stay dedicated to this project until it is done.
For the second straight year, we saw catastrophic storms which paralyzed portions of our state. As Chair of the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I have met the last two years with groups, individuals and government entities to seek ways to improve our ability to respond to disasters.
Three issues that I am working on include the stock piling of vaccines for pandemic flu, significant improvements to radio interoperability so emergency first responders can easily communicate with each other and changes to the Washington State Military Department to facilitate coordination between the National Guard and local jurisdictions prior to disasters. The third item was passed into law in 2008.
Due to a lot of very hard work by a lot of good folks, the risk now to the Green River Valley and our whole regional economy is minimal if we can get the second grout curtain in place this construction season, and it looks very promising. I will stay dedicated to this project until it is done.
For the second straight year, we saw catastrophic storms which paralyzed portions of our state. As Chair of the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I have met the last two years with groups, individuals and government entities to seek ways to improve our ability to respond to disasters.
Three issues that I am working on include the stock piling of vaccines for pandemic flu, significant improvements to radio interoperability so emergency first responders can easily communicate with each other and changes to the Washington State Military Department to facilitate coordination between the National Guard and local jurisdictions prior to disasters. The third item was passed into law in 2008.
Emergency Preparedness & Odds and Ends
Your private cell phone number should be kept private - it’s as simple as that. We passed legislation requiring a customer’s consent before any disclosure of their cell phone numbers. A successful measure from two years ago stops wireless telephone companies from publishing a citizen’s phone number in a directory without first getting the citizen’s approval. But this bill is needed to extend restrictions to halt third parties from sharing these numbers.
We also passed HB 1031, protecting consumers from “Spy Chips.” This bill is aimed at subduing modern-day thieves who are determined to exploit information garnered through a relatively new technology called, radio-frequency identification (RFID). This tracking, or “data skimming,” as it’s called, allows someone to read your chip without your permission. This law makes that a Class C felony. You might be surprised to find that companies place these chips in everything from goods you buy to customer loyalty cards to even your credit cards and they can be read from over 30 feet away with a handheld scanner.
I was the prime sponsor of a bill which will allow anyone to freeze their credit. This will significantly aid people in protecting themselves from identity theft. This legislation directs that credit reporting agencies must have this system in place now. Citizens are able to place a lock on their credit which will make it impossible for criminals to obtain credit in their name. Consumers can “thaw” their credit for 15-minute periods of time to easily conduct transactions that require the use of credit. Stopping identity thieves will have the added effect of cutting off funding for criminals who use that money to buy illegal drugs; in particular, methamphetamine.
We also passed HB 1031, protecting consumers from “Spy Chips.” This bill is aimed at subduing modern-day thieves who are determined to exploit information garnered through a relatively new technology called, radio-frequency identification (RFID). This tracking, or “data skimming,” as it’s called, allows someone to read your chip without your permission. This law makes that a Class C felony. You might be surprised to find that companies place these chips in everything from goods you buy to customer loyalty cards to even your credit cards and they can be read from over 30 feet away with a handheld scanner.
I was the prime sponsor of a bill which will allow anyone to freeze their credit. This will significantly aid people in protecting themselves from identity theft. This legislation directs that credit reporting agencies must have this system in place now. Citizens are able to place a lock on their credit which will make it impossible for criminals to obtain credit in their name. Consumers can “thaw” their credit for 15-minute periods of time to easily conduct transactions that require the use of credit. Stopping identity thieves will have the added effect of cutting off funding for criminals who use that money to buy illegal drugs; in particular, methamphetamine.
Consumer Protection
The fight to protect the Rainier School from those that want to close it will never be over, and this year it was a tough go as it was proposed that it be closed. Along with other legislators and local and county elected officials, I worked hard in the legislature to keep the Rainier School open and in business in Buckley, serving the most vulnerable of our citizens with catastrophic disabilities.
I will continue this fight whenever it comes and the Rainier School will not close.
I will continue this fight whenever it comes and the Rainier School will not close.
The Rainier School
I introduced HB 1157, banning state lawmakers from accepting gifts from lobbyists. In one of my newsletters, I pointed out that this would be an uphill battle, and that continues to be true. Although very popular with citizens, this proposal has been moving slowly due to the chilly reception from lawmakers and hostility from lobbyists. That being said, more lawmakers support it today than did when I first introduced it. I finally got a hearing and the legislation will, slowly, move forward. I have a no-gifts policy but other lawmakers in the Legislature collectively take over a half a million dollars per year in gifts from lobbyists - everything from expensive meals, to sporting event tickets to travel and golf trips; you name it. I think it is wrong and will continue to work to end this silly process that some elected officials see as an entitlement. I don’t let a lobbyist buy me so much as a cup of coffee. I wish everyone else felt the same.
No Gifts for Elected Officials from Lobbyists
Well...
That is not everything of course, but I wanted to give you an idea of some of the things I have been working on and how I feel on many issues. In the end, the most important thing I do is listen to citizens and work on problems and projects for them back home in the district, and that is what I actually spend most of my time on. The Legislature is more visible but what I do back here for folks is the most important.
If you do not find your answer here, please feel free to contact me and I will answer your questions as best as I can. If you have legislative business, you can contact me not only at home at 360-663-2608, but at my Olympia office number of 360-786-7866. Even better, during the legislative session, stop by for a visit, and I will show you around your capitol!
If you do not find your answer here, please feel free to contact me and I will answer your questions as best as I can. If you have legislative business, you can contact me not only at home at 360-663-2608, but at my Olympia office number of 360-786-7866. Even better, during the legislative session, stop by for a visit, and I will show you around your capitol!
This past year has seen the communities in the Green River valley and the state as a whole wondering if the damage to the Howard Hanson Dam could cause catastrophic flooding. As both the Chair of the committee that handles emergency preparedness in the House and a member of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet on the Green River Flooding issue, I have spent countless hours working to protect our communities from flooding. I am happy to report that the first temporary repair, a grout curtain to slow leakage in the weakened right abutment, that reduced the danger of a major flood from 1 in 3 each year to 1 in 25. I am working with members of our federal delegation to get the funding for a second grout curtain that will reduce this risk to 1 in 120. A final fix for the dam is still years away, but I will continue to work with state, local and federal governments to protect our communities.
Due to a lot of very hard work by a lot of good folks, the risk now to the Green River Valley and our whole regional economy is minimal if we can get the second grout curtain in place this construction season, and it looks very promising. I will stay dedicated to this project until it is done.
Due to a lot of very hard work by a lot of good folks, the risk now to the Green River Valley and our whole regional economy is minimal if we can get the second grout curtain in place this construction season, and it looks very promising. I will stay dedicated to this project until it is done.
Designed by Michael Luttmer
Paid for by Citizens for Christopher Hurst | Independent Democrat | 62504 Indian Summer Way E | Enumclaw, WA 98022