Dear friends and neighbors,
Hello from Olympia, where we’ve completed the second week of the 2023 Legislative Session! I am excited that after two years of mostly virtual sessions, we are once again back in person.
As we start a new year, I want to thank you all for the confidence you’ve placed in me as your state senator. I am committed to representing the values of the people of southeast Washington by listening to your needs and supporting good policy.
I appreciate the support of my Senate Republican colleagues for reelecting me into a leadership position as Deputy Whip. Additionally, I will be serving on the Senate’s Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee as the Ranking Republican member, the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and the State Government & Elections Committee.
 |
Participating in YOUR state government
Now that we are back in person, there are many events, hearings and activities happening on the Capitol Campus. Additionally, we will continue to offer virtual options which may be more convenient. To help you navigate the legislative website and external resources, I have provided the following frequently used links to make your participation in the legislative process a little easier:
Watch legislative hearings, floor sessions and press conferences – https://www.tvw.org/
Testify in a committee – https://leg.wa.gov/legislature/Pages/Testify.aspx
Provide remote testimony – https://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/Pages/RemoteTestimony-RegisterToTestify.aspx
Comment on a bill – https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/
Visit my website – https://perrydozier.src.wastateleg.org/
Senate Page Program. If you know a teen (between the ages of 14-16) interested in spending a week in Olympia learning about our state government, have them apply here – https://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/Pages/default.aspx
What you need to know this week
As your voice in Olympia, I want to make sure you stay up to date on the issues being discussed by lawmakers. Here are a few hot topics:
Advisory votes
My office has received several emails regarding a proposal to remove advisory votes from ballots. This is a complicated issue as advisory votes do not impact the policies that have already been approved by the legislature. However, I believe advisory votes are vital to the democratic process as they keep legislators informed on whether you agree or disagree on legislation that has been signed into law.
Legislation introduced to restrict your 2nd Amendment rights
In what seems like a reoccurring theme, majority Democrats have again introduced legislation aimed at eroding your 2nd Amendment rights. Senate Bill 5078 would create a consumer protection cause of action under where victims of gun violence would be able to sue manufacturers, dealers and retailers for producing or selling a firearm that is used in a crime where someone is injured.
Additionally, this bill seeks to undermine federal law. In 2005 Congress pass a law that immunizes gun manufacturers, distributors and retail sellers from lawsuits arising out of injuries caused by criminal misuse of a firearm. This legislation could also drive manufacturers out of our state. I am firmly opposed to this legislation.
Parental Bill of Rights
This year, I have reintroduced Senate Bill 5024 which would seek to increase and protect parental participation in our K-12 school system.
This legislation ensures that parents receive better access to who is teaching their children and what’s being taught, publicly identifies the entities that have curriculum-related contracts with the school district and requires remote accommodations for school board meetings. Our children deserve the best education we can provide them, and our parents deserve transparency and access to the information their child is being taught.
Stay in contact with my office
Please remember that I am here to serve you. Although we may not always be able to meet face to face, I encourage you to reach out to my office and to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns on matters of importance to you. Please, if you don’t already, follow me on Facebook. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
