Author Archives: Laudan

Nearing the half-way point

Greetings from Olympia,

This past Friday the Senate had one of its first deadlines that we call the policy cutoff. It was the last day for bills that aren’t budgetary to receive a public hearing and move along the process. The Senate budget committee, Ways and Means, worked late into the evening looking at legislation with fiscal impacts to meet its deadline Tuesday. We have until Feb. 17 to vote on bills originating in the Senate and then we will start to consider legislation coming from the House of Representatives. That means we’re about at the half-way point of the legislative session. While all of this is happening, the majority is crafting a supplemental budget to address emerging needs since we adjourned last April.

The state is projected to collect nearly $1 billion more in revenue than we expected when we adjourned last year. That pushes the total budget to unprecedented levels. I continue to believe that we can and must find ways to provide tax and regulatory relief for families and small businesses. As I mentioned in my last update, the Senate approved a bill that increases the business and occupation tax on all kinds of industries. It was a “fix” because a similar tax increase approved last year was so complicated and convoluted that the state Department of Revenue wasn’t sure it could collect the money.

At a time when we have serious problems with rising health-care costs and a spate of nursing-home closures, the “fix” this year actually raised taxes on doctors and nursing homes! I opposed that bill.

Agriculture Update

In addition to my work on the budget, I continue to serve our district on the Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee. Even though this is a short, 60-day session, there is a lot of activity relating to agricultural and water issues.

We have four big bills concerning water that are being discussed dealing with water-rights sales and transfers. Just before the session, The Seattle Times did an in-depth story on an emerging issue in which out-of-state investors are buying up water rights. That presents a challenge to balance the rights of people to do what they want with their property with our state’s broader needs for access to water in critical areas. We don’t want to craft laws that may cause other problems for work that is ongoing, especially in other parts of the state.

Water law is complex. Tackling this emerging issue isn’t something we can or should do quickly, and it can’t happen in a vacuum. That is why we’re making sure to include a broad group of stakeholders with an eye toward protecting water-rights holders.

Some other issues I’m watching relate to pesticides. I’m a member of a legislative task force that is looking into the use and application of pesticides in our state. There is a bill this session to do an outright ban of one particular product. This could have a severe impact on the tree-fruit industry.

From the looks of it, producers weren’t consulted about the use of the pesticide or what impacts a ban would have. It’s my understanding that the pesticide in question is only rarely used and in an emergency situation. It affects a particular pest that could wipe out an orchard in just a couple of days. If that is the case, our orchardists need tools to protect their crops. I will be fighting for them to have a voice at the table.

Making home ownership more affordable

Housing costs aren’t an issue only in urban western Washington, as extremely low vacancy rates also mean a short supply of affordable housing in many eastern Washington cities.

I introduced legislation to boost affordable housing production east of the Cascade Mountains under a local infrastructure investment program. Senate Bill 6328, which has strong bipartisan support and was approved by the Senate Housing Stability and Affordability Committee. Although my bill was not approved by the budget committee, there is a similar bill in the House that appears to be making its way through the legislative process.

We need to give local jurisdictions more tools to meet affordable housing needs in their communities. A significant cost driver for building housing is all the regulations and permitting costs. These proposals are a way to incentivize construction of more housing so that its affordable, not mandates or more taxes. Read more…

Improving our State’s Food Supply System

Today, the state Senate approved legislation I sponsored that would formalize a public-private partnership to improve the state’s food-supply system. Senate Bill 6091 outlines goals of the Washington Food Policy forum, to include support for small farms, increasing the availability of food grown in the state, and reducing food insecurity.

The food policy forum will be overseen by the state Conservation Commission and Department of Agriculture and include a broad group of stakeholders including legislators…read more…

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have about your state government.

Sincerely,

Judy Warnick,

Your 13th District State Senator

Working to lower the costs of home ownership

Housing costs aren’t an issue only in urban western Washington, as extremely low vacancy rates also mean a short supply of affordable housing in many eastern Washington cities.

State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake has introduced legislation to boost affordable housing production east of the Cascade Mountains under a local infrastructure investment program. Senate Bill 6328, which has strong bipartisan support and was approved by the Senate Housing Affordability and Stability Committee, now awaits action by the Senate’s budget committee.

“We need to give local jurisdictions more tools to meet affordable housing needs in their communities,” said Warnick. “My proposal allows for local jurisdictions to create an options infrastructure program, not more taxes or mandates, to help build needed housing.”

A similar bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan. House Bill 1938 would increase home affordability by creating a local infrastructure investment program to help offset some of the initial construction costs.

“We know there’s a problem in many areas of the state because of rising home prices. Even people making a decent wage like teachers, nurses, administrators and others are being priced out of the market,” said Steele. “It’s time to ask the question: What are some ways we can help lower the costs?”

Recently approved by the House Finance Committee, Steele’s bill would allow a 4.37 percent remittance of the state sales and use tax on things like sidewalks, sewer systems, gutters and other items to help lower the initial cost of purchasing a home.

The 12^th District legislator says efforts like this—that help make the dream of home ownership a reality for working individuals and their families—need to be stepped up.

“Finding viable solutions to help close the gap between construction costs and what people can afford need to be prioritized. My bill does that,” continued Steele.

Under Warnick’s proposal cities and counties could apply for a remittance of the state portion of sales tax on the construction of affordable housing. The jurisdictions would need to adopt local policies creating the infrastructure program, which would be limited to designated revitalization districts. Localities that choose to move forward with the program could receive a remittance of up to 4.37 percent.

“Cities like Wenatchee have been doing a lot of great work to meet the housing needs of their residents, but there is more we can do at the state level,” Warnick said. “This legislation provides flexibility and incentives for middle-class Washingtonians to access affordable housing.”

The bill approved by the policy committee earlier this week also includes provisions that limit the program to jurisdictions of a certain population and raise the income threshold for families to qualify. Reports on the performance of the innovative program would be due to the Legislature from the Department of Revenue just before the June 2027 end of the application period.

Warnick bill to boost funding for rural skill centers becomes law

The governor Wednesday signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, that will improve funding for rural skill centers.

Senate Bill 5874, which was approved by the Legislature unanimously, requires direct funding of certain satellite skill centers in rural areas. The concept for the legislation was brought to Warnick’s attention by the Davenport School District.

“This change in state law will allow better funding of these critical centers in rural communities around the state,” said Warnick. “As our economy changes, we need an adaptive and skilled workforce in areas, but funding can be a challenge. I’m pleased that this legislation to ease the burden on local districts for operating these satellite centers will become law. These rural skill centers now have more options to deliver quality educational opportunities without additional administrative and financial burdens.”

The Davenport School District operates a satellite skill center in partnership with the Spokane School District, providing career and technical education (CTE) to high school students. However, some of the CTE programs may be too expensive or specialized for one school district to operate alone. Warnick’s legislation allows for direct funding of these centers if they meet certain requirements such as:

the center is located at least 30 miles from a core campus or other satellite program and enrolls students from a minimum of two school districts;
the center is solely responsible for hiring staff and covering all staffing costs; and
the CTE Advisory Committee and local school district board of directors recommend and support the direct funding.

“The Davenport School District and community is very appreciative of Senator Warnick’s efforts to get the rural satellite skill center bill passed this session,” said Superintendent Jim Kowalkowski. “This bill will allow us to receive direct funding for our two satellite skills programs (construction trades and nursing) and will provide our students and students in nearby rural districts opportunities for pre-apprenticeship courses that are hands-on and pathways to amazing careers.”

There currently are 14 skill centers in Washington state, many serving rural communities. The new law goes into effect July 27.

Warnick bill strengthens livestock identification program

The Washington State Legislature has approved a proposal by state Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, aimed at strengthening the state’s livestock identification program.

Senate Bill 5959, approved with strong bipartisan support, now heads to the governor for his signature.

“This is an invaluable program to the protection of the livestock industry in our state,” said Warnick. “The needs were outpacing the capacity and the program was facing some serious financial challenges, but this stakeholder-led proposal will help the program’s long-term viability. The bill will modernize our system and create more accountability.”

The legislation includes provisions to increase membership of the Livestock Identification Advisory Committee from six to 12 members through July 1, 2023. It would also expand the use of the electronic cattle transaction reporting system to all cattle and allows additional reporting of livestock moving out of the state.

In an effort to professionalize the program, Warnick’s bill would create a certification requirement for individuals who are interested in performing livestock inspections run by the state Department of Agriculture. Livestock inspectors would be trained in the reading of printed brands, microchip and other electronic identification tools, and processing official documentation.

“We could not have made this happen without a lot of hard work from livestock industry stakeholders involved,” Warnick said. “I’d especially like to thank Rep. Tom Dent for his invaluable insights to make sure this program is sustainable and fair.”

Standing up for domestic violence victims

Victims of domestic violence need to be protected and should have the ability to protect themselves. The Senate majority has pushed through legislation that would require law enforcement officers to confiscate legally owned firearms from victims and not return them for five days. Those are five vulnerable days that survivors will be unable to protect themselves, even if they want to. Watch my comments on the Senate floor.

We can’t tax our way to prosperity

March 14, 2019

Greetings from Olympia,

We have reached a significant deadline in the legislative process, and have spent the past week and a half working late into the night voting on bills before the cutoff this past Wednesday. This means that only bills that were approved by their respective chambers will continue. It’s a lot like a funnel, winnowing down proposals so only a fraction of the thousands of bills introduced are left.

I’m pleased that another one of my bills has made it through, granting dedicated funding to career skills centers in rural communities around the state. Senate Bill 5874, which was approved unanimously, would require direct funding of certain satellite skill centers in rural areas. The concept for the legislation was brought to my attention by the Davenport School District.

These are important assets for rural communities. They help develop our skilled workforce in areas like construction trades and health care, but funding can be a struggle. This legislation will help ease the burden on local districts for operating these satellite centers and offer even more programs in our communities.

Currently, the Davenport School District operates a satellite skills center in partnership with the Spokane School District, providing career and technical education (CTE) to high school students. However, some of the CTE programs may be too expensive or specialized for one school district to operate alone. My legislation would allow direct funding of these centers if they can secure agreements to enroll students from two or more school districts.

You can see a full list of legislation that I’ve sponsored by clicking here.

We can’t tax our way to prosperity

Budget history

Thanks in part to federal tax cuts and deregulation, our state has seen a big increase in tax collections. In fact, almost $5 billion more than expected since we approved our last two-year budget, now projected to be nearly $50 billion. You shouldn’t be surprised that some in Olympia don’t think that’s enough. The governor wants to spend $5 billion more, and is proposing a new income tax, carbon taxes, and increased taxes on small businesses to pay for it. Senate Bill 5129 would include a 67 percent increase in taxes on service-related businesses and a new income tax. You have voted nine times to reject an income tax.

The Senate majority also recently approved Senate Bill 5438, which would further add to our state’s challenges to attract workers in the agricultural industry. We are already facing a worker shortage and the proposal would add additional fees and regulations, making it harder for family and small farms to compete. This really amounts to double taxation, and I voted against this legislation.

Hearing from you – Town halls

13LD

I want to thank everyone who sends correspondence to my office. It helps me to hear from you about issues you care about that are before the Legislature. I take those notes and calls to heart when working on your behalf in Olympia. However, sometimes we receive hundreds of form letters with constituent information and it just isn’t possible for me to respond to everyone. I recently received letters from an advocacy group and did respond to one individual who had no idea that group was sharing their information!

My seatmates and I will be holding in-person town halls throughout the district March 22-23. Please see below for locations, dates and times. Please share with others who might be interested in attending. We want to hear from you and give an update on what is going on in your state government.

Ellensburg

Friday, March 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Ellensburg City Hall

501 N. Anderson

Davenport

Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lincoln County Court House

450 Logan St, Davenport, WA

*Parking is located on the west side of the entrance on the lower level

Moses Lake

Saturday, March 23, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Big Bend Community College,

ATEC Building 1800, 7662 Chanute St. NE

For more information, contact Sen. Judy Warnick’s office at (360) 786-7624, Rep. Tom Dent’s office at (360) 786-7932 or Rep. Alex Ybarra’s office at (360) 786-7808.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have about your state government.

Sincerely,

Signature

Judy Warnick,

Your 13th District State Senator

Update from Olympia

Greetings from Olympia,

I hope that you are faring well after this most recent spate of winter weather. The state Legislature’s work has been slowed considerably, even seeing the cancellation of business this past Monday. We are fast approaching a deadline, so now that operations are back to normal, there seems to be a bit of a frenzy to catch up. I wouldn’t mind that too much, but many of the proposals coming out of Olympia are cause of concern, such as mandatory in-home visits from government employees when you bring a new baby home, endless taxes, and regulations that are making it much harder to live and work in Washington.

There are so many bills coming at us so fast, but I want to thank everyone from our district who reach out with input and words of encouragement. My office receives over 600 emails a week. Some of the issues we work on can be contentious and my goal as your state Senator is to represent our community. I was heartened to receive a phone call recently about such a piece of legislation with some great insights about what positive things it will do for that constituent and the future of his family business.

One issue being discussed is a statewide ban on plastic bags and requiring a 10-cent fee on paper bags. This is really just a 10-cent tax on consumers that the state Department of Revenue estimates will take $75 million per year from shoppers. Proponents of this tax believe that it will help the environment by encouraging use of “reusable” fabric tote bags.

In theory, bills like these sound good, but aren’t backed by science. In the grand scheme, fabric bags are actually worse for the environment by requiring more carbon-intensive resources to make. The life cycle use to offset the production of fabric bags is much higher than plastic. The other consideration is that the plastic that is supposedly plaguing our oceans isn’t ours. Instead, that plastic is coming here from other countries, namely China.

It is similar to the Governor’s push for higher taxes to help fight global climate change, making Washington residents pay higher costs for fuel, energy and food when we are already one of the cleanest states in the country. No one is saying that we shouldn’t be good stewards of our environment, but we should really focus our efforts and your tax dollars on things that work. The Spokesman-Review’s editorial board recent published a great take on the issue that highlights why this ban is bad policy. Click here to read more.

Community Connection

While the state Legislature is a whirlwind, I want to highlight some things happening in our community. I received word that Kittitas High School has a star in its midst. Brock Ravet has been recognized as the state’s all-time high school basketball scorer. What an accomplishment for him and our community!

Sadly, rodeo legend Deb Copenhaver passed away earlier this month. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1992. A Creston resident, he was known as “one of the greatest riders to come out of the Pacific Northwest.” I had the privilege of getting to know and spend some quality time with Deb over the years. He was a great man and will be missed. The Spokesman did a great write-up on Deb’s legacy. Click here to read more.

Save the Date!

My seatmates and I will be holding town halls in March. If you’re interested, we are planning on being in Ellensburg, Friday, March 22, and Davenport and Moses Lake Saturday, March 23. More details to come.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have about your state government.

Sincerely,

Signature
Judy Warnick,

Your 13th District State Senator

Update from Olympia

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,

The first week of the 2019 legislative session has been a whirlwind. This past Monday, I was sworn-in for another 4-year term. It is an honor to continue to serve you in the state Senate. On Tuesday, the governor outlined his priorities for the legislative session. I happen to believe that some of those are misguided, particularly efforts to implement and raise new taxes to pay for more government spending.

There are programs and policies that the state should address, such as a robust reform to our state’s ailing mental health system. However, fixing problems in Olympia shouldn’t always require more taxes from you. As of now, every budget the governor has proposed has included significant tax increases. I do not believe that we need to seek more revenues. The reality is that the state’s projected budget is going to be $50 billion – a historic amount. We should assess what the state should be doing, then figure out how much we may need to invest, rather than come up with a wish list and then raise taxes to pay for it.

Before the legislative session began, I sent out a newsletter with a survey asking for your input. Click here to view the results. I will be working hard to ensure our district is heard, and will be a voice for restraint when it comes to spending your tax dollars.

What I’ll be Working On

This session I will be serving on the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee, the Housing Stability and Affordability Committee, and the Senate’s budget committee, known as the Ways and Means Committee.

A Legacy of Hope

Yesterday the legislature honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a resolution that recounted his many contributions to our nation in the fight for equality. Through his writings and many speeches we are reminded that there is much more that unites us as Americans than divides us. Dr. King’s legacy of hope continues to strengthen the character of our nation and the promise of equality enshrined in our Constitution.

Your 13th District Team

As you may have heard, we finally have our new state Representative, completing the 13th District delegation. I’m pleased that Alex Ybarra from Quincy has been appointed to this position, as he will be a strong addition to our team.

I met Alex a few years ago at an education tour, and was so impressed by his passion for serving the community and insights into issues facing rural communities. He’s no stranger to Olympia, having worked on a number of task forces and commissions, and is getting right to work with me and Rep. Tom Dent to ensure our district’s voice is heard. You can click here to read a recent editorial with more information about who Alex is.

I’d also like to introduce you to my new staff this year. When you call my office, my legislative aide, Cynthia Banuelos, will likely be the one helping. She worked in my office last year for the session, but recently joined me full-time. This year my session aide is Samantha Ward and my intern is Caleb Carlson.

Work with me in Olympia

During the legislative session, young people ages 14-17 can work with me as a Page. It’s a week-long program where students get a behind-the-scenes experience of state government. Click here for more information and how to apply.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have about your state government.

Sincerely,
Signature

Judy Warnick,

Your 13th District State Senator

The Results are In

Before the legislative session began, I sent out a newsletter with a survey asking for your input. Here are the results. I will be working hard to ensure our district is heard, and will be a voice for restraint when it comes to spending your tax dollars.