My oath of office and Senate committee assignments
January 11, 2011
I took the oath of office for a fourth four-year Senate term today as the Legislature convened for its 2011 regular session at the Capitol. The session is scheduled for 105 days. I will continue as Republican leader on the Senate Environment, Water and Energy Committee. Even though state government’s... Read More...
About
January 01, 2011
Legislative Leadership: Republican Deputy Floor Leader 2009-10, 2011-12; Republican Caucus Chair, 2005-06; Majority Caucus Chair, 2004; Republican Whip, 2001-02. Elective Office: House of Representatives 1994, 1996; Senate 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, current term expires January 2015. Standing Committees (2011-13): Ranking Republican Member, Environment Water & Energy; Member, Agriculture & Rural... Read More...
I’ve been re-elected to a leadership post
November 20, 2010
Today members of the Senate Republican Caucus elected me deputy floor leader. This is the sixth time I’ve been elected to the caucus leadership team. I am honored my colleagues have selected me to continue serving as deputy floor leader. This is a difficult time for the people of Washington,... Read More...
Census returns varying widely across 15th Legislative District
April 13, 2010
The rate of 2010 Census returns are varying widely across Central Washington, and some communities have returned less than 50 percent of the forms. Here are some figures regarding the four counties in the district (figures as of April 6): • Clark County: 63 percent (2000 Census participation rate: 76... Read More...
My bill to speed up water rights applications signed into law
April 02, 2010
Land owners, cities, irrigators and other public water entities trying to access water for development will no longer spend years waiting for the Department of Ecology to process their water right applications because of a bill signed into law today. Senate Bill 6267was co-sponsored by me and has a House... Read More...
Senators sign letter supporting AG lawsuit
March 25, 2010
Today, as Senate Republican Deputy Floor Leader, I delivered a letter to Attorney General Rob McKenna in support of his decision to join a bipartisan, nationwide group of attorneys general challenging the constitutionality of the national health care bill signed into law this week. These senators signed the letter: Sen.... Read More...
Governor signs my bill protecting Civil Air Patrol members
March 23, 2010
Today Governor Gregoire signed into law a bill that allows Civil Air Patrol members to work with their employers when emergency situations arise, so they can get time off to serve the state on various Air Force missions. Substitute Senate bill 6647 would also prohibit an employer from discharging or... Read More...