Dear friends and neighbors,

Last week, we spent most of our time on the House floor voting on bills. While we have voted on more than 300 bills already, still nothing substantial has been done to address our state's $8 billion budget shortfall. Only $942 million has been saved in bills passed by the Legislature.

Telephone town hall

Last year, Rep. Hinkle and I hosted a telephone town hall. We had a great discussion and had a lot of good feedback. We'll be hosting another telephone town hall on Thursday, March 19, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. To participate, dial toll-free 1-877-229-8493 and enter pin 13617. I hope you'll join us!

Online survey results

At the end of January, I asked you to complete a survey Rep. Hinkle and I created to receive your feedback on different issues. Here are the results. I think it's clear that folks are concerned about our economic situation and the state's budget and taxes. Your input is so helpful for us. Thank you for your participation!

Bill updates

DEAD:

• House Bill 1750: would have removed the fee for boat lift owners in Moses Lake. Read the press release I sent to the media here.
• House Bill 1232: would have extended the open space property tax exemption to livestock breeders. Though it was approved by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, it failed to move in the Finance Committee. Instead, Democrats sponsored House Bill 1733, which passed unanimously out of the House on Friday, March 6, and has the same effect as 1232.
• House Bill 1265: would have authorized limited outdoor burning. The bill received a hearing but failed to move afterward.

PASSED THE HOUSE:

• House Bill 1899: would encourage retired active physicians to volunteer by reducing the number of continuing education credits they are required to take to practice as a volunteer. The bill passed the House 96-0. Read the press release I sent to the media here.
• House Bill 1062: would extend a tax exemption for electrolytic processing businesses. Eka Chemicals in Moses Lake employs about 30 people and this tax exemption enables them to keep these jobs during an economic downturn. The House passed this measure 95-0. Read the press release I sent to the media here.