July 20, 2023

Republican ag leaders highlight hypocrisy of Democrats on gas-price debacle

OLYMPIA… Agricultural-policy leaders from the Senate Republican Caucus are weighing in on attempts to gaslight the public on why Washington’s gas prices remain highest in the nation. While Gov. Jay Inslee and other Democratic elected officials tried to lay blame on the oil and gas industry during a news conference...
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July 14, 2023

E-News: Affordability crisis deepens in WA, between gas prices and new tax on workers

On Tuesday morning I had the pleasure of taking part in a memorable ceremony for the B5 Community Learning Center in Kennewick. Often the shovels are put in the hands of the elected officials and others who have had roles in getting a project to the construction stage; this time...
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April 27, 2023

E-News: 2023 session ends on schedule, but a big problem remains

No one would have seen this in 2021 and 2022, because pandemic restrictions kept the public from being heard when legislators were in session. I’m glad that’s over! The people of Washington have the right to come to their Capitol and assemble peacefully, the way we saw last week from...
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April 27, 2023

Legislative town halls coming next week in Walla Walla, West Richland

OLYMPIA… The three lawmakers serving Washington’s 16th Legislative District have scheduled town hall meetings May 2 and 3 to discuss the outcome of the Legislature’s just-concluded annual session. Both of the meetings hosted by Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, and Reps. Skyler Rude and Mark Klicker, both R-Walla Walla, will begin...
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April 15, 2023

E-News: Tax alert! Property-tax hike proposed as session nears end

At the edge of the Senate chamber with Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco, foreground, and Sen. Lynda Wilson of Vancouver. Dear Neighbor, Greetings from Olympia! As if there weren’t enough important decisions left for legislators to make, with just eight days remaining in our time at the Capitol, there is...
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March 31, 2023

E-News: Yes to one budget, no to another — and the latest on public safety

April 2, 2023 On the floor of the Senate chamber this week with Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick. This is his first session as a senator, coming over from the House; we’re neighbors, as the 8th Legislative District is primarily the Kennewick and Richland portions of Benton County adjacent to our...
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March 22, 2023

Sixteenth District state lawmakers to host virtual town hall Tuesday evening

OLYMPIA… Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, and Reps. Skyler Rude and Mark Klicker, both R-Walla Walla, will hold a “virtual” town hall meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28. The three lawmakers serve Washington’s 16th Legislative District, which comprises Walla Walla County and adjacent parts of Benton and...
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March 17, 2023

E-News: Budget proposals on the way; anti-firearm bills bring strong response

As lead Republican co-sponsor of a Senate bill about enhancing Washington’s tourism marketing efforts, and a member of the state Tourism Marketing Authority, it was my pleasure to meet with tourism leaders from throughout our state who visited the Capitol this week. We’ll know later this month if Senate Bill...
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March 04, 2023

Session passes midway point; long-awaited drug-possession bill clears Senate

March 4, 2023 This is what a “meeting” often looks like when we’re working full-time on the floor of the Senate chamber, as has been the case all this week. Between debates and votes on bills you try to grab a moment to talk, as I was doing here with...
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