Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We just wrapped up week two of the 2024 legislative session. Only seven weeks remain before we gavel out, sine die, and so stay tuned and get involved!
Standing up against radical proposals
This week in the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee, we heard a bill that, shockingly, would allow convicted murderers and rapists to serve as jurors, vote, and run for elected office while in prison.
In Washington, those convicted of an “infamous crime” are not allowed to vote or serve as a juror. House Bill 2030 would redefine infamous crime to only include state crimes punishable by death; however, in 2018 the Washington Supreme Court determined that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
Legislative Democrats subsequently repealed statutes allowing for the death penalty. The effect of passing House Bill 2030 would be to restore the voting and juror rights of every incarcerated person.
The three Republicans on the committee, Representatives Greg Cheney, Sam Low and I strongly oppose this radical proposal and issued the following joint statement against it:
“House Bill 2030 is the latest in a long list of radical proposals that prioritize criminals at the expense of victims. Restoring the voting rights of convicted murderers and rapists – including serial killers such as Gary Ridgway – would revictimize thousands of Washington families still suffering from the immeasurable pain and lifelong scars that forever haunt the loved ones of crime victims.
“Under this proposal, someone convicted and serving a felony sentence for vehicular homicide could sit on a juror panel on a DUI charge – that’s absurd on its face. At a time when violent crime is on the rise here in Washington, we should be focused on restoring law and order, not empowering convicted felons.”
It’s my expectation that the majority party after the committee hearing will not be moving this bill forward. If they do, however, I will notify you immediately.
The hearing can be viewed here on TVW here.
Senate Democrats hear property tax increase
In the Senate Ways and Means Committee this week, Senate Democrats revived a bill to increase property taxes: Senate Bill 5770. This measure, which had a public hearing on Thursday, would triple the annual growth rate of local government property tax collections. Currently, governments can increase property taxes by 1% without voter approval. If Senate Bill 5770 were to become law, that rate would triple to 3%.
A massive property tax increase like this would throw fuel on the fire of our housing affordability problem. Washington is already one of the most expensive states in the nation for housing: the median home price statewide has increased by 244% over the last two decades, far outpacing inflation and wage growth. If we’re going to be a place where young people can live, work, and raise a family, — and help our senior citizens stay in their homes – then we must not enact policies that exacerbate the financial burden of homeownership.
Town hall meeting on Feb. 17
I will be hosting an in-person town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley (2426 N Discovery Pl).
I look forward to giving you an update, answering your questions, and seeing everyone there. Citizen involvement in government is crucial to good public process.
Five new anti-gun bills
The House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard five new anti-gun bills this week: House Bill 1902, 1903, 2021, 2054, and 2118.
As a defender of your state and federal constitutional rights, I strongly oppose any measure that would inhibit your right to keep and bear arms and will fight tooth and nail against these bills if they bring them to the floor for a vote.
Advisory votes
Two advisory votes have so far been certified:
- Initiative 2113 would fully restore the ability of police to engage in vehicular pursuits.
- Initiative 2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, which is responsible for increasing gas prices by 50 cents per gallon.
I support both initiatives and voted with my fellow House Republicans to swiftly hold public hearings for them. Unfortunately, the majority party blocked our motion to bring these initiatives forward.
Joel E. Ferris High School student pages in Washington State House of Representatives
This week, I sponsored a House page – Sophie Sikorra. Sophie is a Junior attending Joel E. Ferris High School (my alma mater) as an exchange student from Germany.
Sophie is an amazing young woman who has excelled academically, particularly in math and science. She also enjoys playing softball and has an interest in American society and government and had the honor of escorting the American flag to the House rostrum.
Sophie completed a 40-hour work week, which involved serving House members on the chamber floor, making deliveries throughout campus, supporting member offices, and attending Page School.
Page School supplemented her hands-on learning experience with a classroom component geared toward understanding the legislative process.
During the 60-day session, there are eight different weekly opportunities to be a page between Jan. 8 and March 7. When applying, potential pages can select which weeks they are available to work.
Eligible students must be at least 14 years of age and have not reached their 17th birthday.
Pages earn a stipend of $65 per day and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service.
Students interested in participating next year can find more information about the program at leg.wa.gov/house/pages/housepageprogram.aspx.
Applicants who need financial assistance for the expense of traveling and staying in Olympia may also apply for the Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship, which helps to offset expenses. Applications for the scholarship can be found at: leg.wa.gov/PageSchool/pages/ginagrantbullscholarship.aspx
Thank you!
Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments. I am here to serve you and everyone in the 4th Legislative District.
It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,