In the Spotlight

SB 6345 Wireless Communications: It's impossible to ignore - driving while using a cell phone is dangerous. The National Safety Council recently released a study stating that 28 percent of all accidents involve talking or texting on cell phones. Cell phone use while driving has been shown to be as dangerous as drunk driving. Research shows drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash. Even Oprah Winfrey - who calls distracted driving an epidemic that is claiming lives and destroying families across the country - has demanded an end to driving while using a cell phone. I encourage you to visit her website to see her powerful message urging drivers to stop using their cell phones.

It is time to hang up and drive. That’s why I introduced SB 6345 that would make driving while talking and texting on a cell phone primary offense.

On Monday, the Transportation Committee had a public hearing on the bill. The Driven to Distraction Task Force; Washington State Patrol, Harborview Medical Center, AAA of Washington, and others all testified in support of the bill.

Education

Senate Bill 6696 was introduced to the Early Learning K-12 Education Committee. This bill would implement an effective accountability structure for the continuous improvement for all schools and districts.

Senate Bill 6488, SB 6518, and SB 6502 all relate to school district levies. I will continue fighting for school district funding equity so that the Federal Way School District is on equal ground with other school districts across the state.

The Federal Way School District is interested in SB 6601, which would adjust local school finances for online schools.

Economic Development

This week the Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee heard from workers from across the state who specialize in clean energy. The changing economy will allow Washington companies to take a lead in highly innovative fields such as medical technology. The committee discussed SB 6609, which would allow cities to move forward on infrastructure projects. This could create many jobs for workers in our state.

This Week’s Visitors

I am always happy to meet with constituents. Visiting me this week were:

• Public School Employees members including Ginger Cornwell, Brianne Segarra, Vonda Brest, and Carrie Hamby.
• IEW LOCAL 46 including Teresita Ronovillo, Larry Jackson, Virgil Hammond, Tess Ronquillo, and Kolyn Adams
• Carolyn Blanchey and her family
• Ramona Brandes and Patrick O’Reilly
• Rolf Amundson
• Steve Gorcester of the Transportation Improvement Board
• Washington Fire Commissioners Association: Lauri Perry, Commissioner Mark Freitas , Chief Al Church, Deputy Chief Gordie Olson
• Occupational Therapists Kathy Stewart, Vicki Bergstrom, and Jenny Ann Dibley
• John Theison, President and CEO of Orion, along with Kathy Powers
• George Cohee and Richard Barnard
• Joyce Williams from the Washington State School Retirees’ Association
• Jerry Fitz and Bill Hicks who are Realtor constituents
• Jean Fraber from the Puyallup Watershed Council