Town Hall Meetings on the Budget
This past weekend I hosted two Town Hall meetings to discuss our economy and the state budget. Joining me was Senator Karen Keiser, 33rd Legislative District (SeaTac), and Senator Claudia Kauffman from the 43rd Legislative District (Kent). The meetings were standing room only with over 200 people each day. I want to thank everyone who attended and am very grateful for the feedback received from constituents of the 30th district. This input will guide the difficult budget decisions that I will have to make in the next couple weeks.
City of Federal Way
SB 5412- On Thursday March 19th I testified to the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources along with Council Member Jeanne Burbidge, Ken Miller (Federal Way Public Works) and constituent Michael McKasy. This bill would provide stable funding to reduce adverse environmental and health impacts of excessive sea lettuce along Dumas Bay and other Puget Sound beaches. A big thanks to the Federal Way folks for traveling to Olympia and testifying -- it really helps!
SB 5413- On Tuesday March 17th Chief Wilson of the Federal Way Police Department and I testified to the House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. This bill will help the Federal Way Police Department address the growing use of look-alike guns that are used to threaten or assault police officers. I want to thank Chief Wilson for his help in crafting and testifying on this bill at the public hearing. Good news; HB 5413 passed out of committee the following day.
Education
This session I have been working hard to assist the Federal Way Internet Academy. On Tuesday March 17th Senate Bill 5378 had a public hearing in the House Committee on Education. Ron Mayberry, the Federal Way Internet Academy Principal testified for the bill. His testimony was helpful and professional; thank you Ron!
2SHB 2119 which will expand dual credit opportunities for running start students passed the house last week. It will have a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning and K-12 Education on Thursday, March 26th at 10:00am. This bill is a high priority for our Chamber of Commerce.
Economic Development and Jobs
This week the Committee on Economic Development, Trade and Innovation worked on legislation that will reorganize and streamline existing programs and governmental authorities in order to promote increased efficiency and economic growth. The committee passed the house version of my bill SB 5748 out of the House and had a public hearing this week in the Senate. This bill will assist businesses by creating a one-stop shop for license and permitting. This new assistance will expedite both large and small scale projects and encourage business development in our state.
Federal Way Chamber of Commerce
Senate leadership holds on-going meetings with Chambers of Commerce throughout the state. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss issues of mutual importance and develop strategies on improving Washington's business climate. We met this Thursday and I was pleased that Tom Pierson of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce participated along with Chamber representatives from Walla Walla, Everett, Tri-Cities, Spokane and Bellevue.
I participated in the bi-weekly Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Government Operations Committee conference call on Tuesday March 17th. We discussed Chamber and legislative priorities important to our community. I am still working on getting a $250,000 state budget proviso for incubator project funding.
Visitors this week:
I am always happy to meet with visitors from my area. Some of my visitors this week were:
Olympic View Elementary students, parents and teachers (Gifted Program)
Students and faculty from the Puget Sound Skills Center