With local priorities in mind, I will continue to  strive to work in cooperation with fellow lawmakers, local leaders and community members to accomplish the important goals we have for Washington. My goals are to:

-- Jump-start our economy and encourage employers to expand and create good-paying jobs;
-- Protect families and ensure safe neighborhoods;
-- Find solutions to funding the fundamentals of
education and lowering the dropout rate;
-- Ensure families have access to affordable health care; and,
-- Restructure government in ways that protect our most vulnerable and taxpayers.

The best way to protect families is to make sure our public safety laws keep up with the times and technology. At the same time, legislators must work to protect taxpayers by creating budgets that reflect priorities - that means holding the line on new programs.

Education continues to be my main focus. State leaders must create a workable formula for K-12 education that "funds the fundamentals" such as books, transportation, classified staff salaries and special and gifted student needs. Passing unfunded mandates must stop and I believe the education reform bill we passed this year is a good start. I hope you will take the time to fill out my brief online survey.

Your opinions are first and foremost in my mind as we work on issues that matter to you this interim, and look ahead to the 2010 legislative session.

Please feel free to e-mail, call or visit to share your thoughts, concerns and questions. Together we can make a difference. I look forward to your feedback.

Skip Priest
State Representative
30th District
(R-Federal Way)