Senate Republican Caucus News & Views 2008

Benton (top)

(6/26) Benton praises U.S. Supreme Court for upholding the Constitution
(3/13) Three Strikes law loophole closed: Benton's Chelsea Harrison Act signed into law
(3/10) Benton pleased governor signs bill to help fund three Clark County project
(3/05) Benton offers amendment to protect toll revenues from becoming a "general revenue" source
 (3/05) Benton calls SR 520 bridge bill a plan to fail
(3/04) Benton's Chelsea Harrison Act heads to governor
(2/29) Washington has invested 5 times more than Oregon in a $6 billion Columbia River crossing fix that won’t work
 (2/29) Benton’s amendment to make more disabled veterans and senior citizens eligible for property tax exemptions gets shot down
(2/28) Benton offers amendment to supplemental budget to get an accounting of tax dollars spent on services for illegal immigrants
(2/28) Senate approves Benton's "Donate Life Month" resolution to encourage more people to become organ donors
(2/27) Supplemental transportation budget lacks commitment to new Columbia River crossing; Benton votes no
(2/25) Benton appointed new Washington state chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council
(2/20) Benton's Chelsea Harrison Act gets House committee OK after public hearing
(2/20) Senate approves Public Works Trust Fund loans bill, three Clark County projects included
(2/20) Benton's bill regarding sex offender registration of e-mail address and Web site information approved by Senate
(2/18) Benton tries to force Senate vote on property tax relief measures
(2/15) Benton's Chelsea Harrison Act receives a unanimous vote of the Senate
(2/08) Benton testifies in favor of his bill to make more disabled veterans and senior citizens eligible for property tax exemptions
(1/30) Benton bill would allow more senior citizens and veterans to qualify for property tax relief
(1/24) Chelsea Harrison Act gets “do pass” recommendation from Senate Judiciary Committee
(1/23) Benton files bill to rein in court decisions allowing government land grabs
(1/18) Benton says homeowners have a right to know why their assessed valuation went up
(1/15) Benton takes aim at banked capacity; builds arsenal to protect homeowners from being taxed out of their homes
(1/14) Benton goes after sex predators who prey via e-mail and the Internet
(1/14) Benton puts full weight of Senate behind Chelsea Harrison Act

Brandland (top)

(12/18) Brandland to serve on budget, human services and education committees
(11/20) Brandland re-elected Senate Republican whip
 (9/23) Sen. Brandland honored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for his ignition interlock legislation
 (8/19) Watching Your Tax dollars: Protecting our children
 (3/07) Brandland bill to help poor and mentally ill gets House approval
(2/16) Senate approves Brandland bills to promote DUI-interlock compliance, aid mentally ill
(2/06) Brandland makes case to committee for ignition interlock license
(1/31) Committee will consider Brandland bills to improve 'safety net' for mentally ill people released from custody, hospital

Carrell (top)

(5/20) British government looks at Washington for offender reentry solution
(4/29) Anderson Island residents to get ferry back earlier than expected                                           
(4/25) Sen. Mike Carrell to host 28th Legislative District town hall meetings
(3/19) More good news for Pierce County as governor signs two Carrell law enforcement and corrections bills
(3/17) Pierce County jail closer to relief after governor signs Carrell's community supervision bill
(3/13) $50,000 approved by state Legislature for Dynamite Train shelter
(3/10) Senate concurs with changes to Carrell's prison moral programs bill, passes it unanimously
(3/07) Tribal law enforcement bill passes Senate with Carrell amendment intact
(3/05) House passes Carrell's bounty hunter bill, prison moral programs bill
(3/04) Carrell community supervision bill unanimously passes House
(3/03) Carrell brokers deal to break stalemate between tribal cops, county law enforcement
(2/28) House committee passes Carrell's computer access; amends and passes prison moral guidance programs bill 
(2/28) House Commerce and Labor Committee passes Carrell's bounty hunter regulation bill
(2/26) Carrell fights to get bigger ferries, return Steilacoom II to Anderson Island residents
(2/26) House Human Services Committee passes Carrell's community supervision bill
(2/26) Senate honors late pro-life crusader Kathy McEntee
(2/18) Senate passes Carrell bill to create moral guidance programs in prison and protect chaplains
(2/16) Senate passes two more Carrell bills during late-night session
(2/15) Carrell bill to restrict sex predator computer access passes Senate
(2/07) Committee passes Carrell bill to establish moral guidance programs in prison, protection for chaplains
(2/06) Carrell bill restricts access to computers by sex predators
(1/31) Sen. Carrell statement on CTED offender housing grant decision
(1/29) Carrell bill would protect prison chaplains from violating the tenets of their faith
(1/21) Committee hears Carrell resolution to fix state constitution
(1/14) DNR cancels plans to put geoduck farm on Anderson Island
(1/08) Carrell decries revelation of child pornography at state-operated special commitment center and promises legislation to stop it

Delvin (top)

(12/17) Delvin named to Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee

(12/05) Delvin invites local students to work in Olympia as Senate pages

(12/02) Climate Advisory Team report expensive, flawed, and not believable

(11/20) Delvin re-elected Senate Republican Caucus deputy whip

(7/29) Delvin says study confirms climate change team recommendations are misleading, even dishonest

(6/10) Delvin wins $1,000 prize for Jefferson Elementary in Richland

(5/01) Senators urge public to attend property tax meetings in Kennewick   

(3/05) Delvin fights to stop hasty, costly greenhouse gas emissions bill

(2/20) Delvin supports public works bill that funds Kennewick project

(2/15) Delvin statement on today's state revenue forecast

(2/14) Eastern Washington Republican senators to hold a media availability

(2/11) Delvin bill making false AMBER Alert a felony passes Senate

(2/05) Delvin announces bipartisan, bicameral Future Energy Caucus

(1/30) Delvin bill to support Hanford Reach Interpretive Center heard in Senate

(1/16) Delvin hosts ARC of the Tri-Cities; co-sponsors bill to prevent institutionalization

(1/15) Delvin says climate change team is delaying expensive laws until after the election

(1/15) Delvin seeks B&O rate cut for key Hanford cleanup contractors

Hewitt (top)

(6/16) Hewitt, Erickson call for investigation of gubernatorial role in tribal compact negotiations
(5/27) Sen. Mike Hewitt's statement regarding Sen. Swecker's hospitalization
(3/13) Hewitt votes 'no' on supplemental operating budget
(2/28) Hewitt votes "yes" on capital budget that includes funding for Dayton's historic depot
(2/25) Hewitt to hold tele-town hall meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 26
(2/15) Hewitt statement on today's state revenue forecast
(2/14) Eastern Washington Republican senators to hold a media availability
(2/11) Hewitt's veterans' tuition waiver measure passes Senate unanimously
(1/17) Hewitt introduces measure to ensure standardized use of veterans' tuition waivers
(1/09) Senate Republicans debut new Web site, new look for 2008

Holmquist (top)

(12/29) Holmquist: Don't balance the budget on backs of disabled children!

(12/18) Holmquist to be "a voice for small business and the men and women they employ" as ranking Republican on the Senate labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee

(10/30) Sen. Holmquist to hold "District Office Day" for Kittitas and Yakima county residents

(10/01) Holmquist applauds suspension of ill-conceived paid family leave entitlement; Calls for repeal of the program

(8/04) Sen. Holmquist to hold "District Office Day" in Ellensburg, Moxee

(7/01) Sen. Holmquist: "July 1st and the Fourth of July couldn't seem further apart"

(6/03) Sen. Holmquist and Rep. Warnick schedule joint "District Office Day" for Kittitas County residents

(6/02) Sen. Holmquist schedules "District Office Day" for Yakima County residents

(4/01) Holmquist supports key local programs

(3/21) Senate refuses to add hydropower to massive environmental bill

(3/19) Lt. Governor recognizes Holmquist for vigilance on I-960

(3/07) Senate passes bill to protect Washingtonians from gang violence 

(2/29) Holmquist joins Senate in honoring CWU President McIntyre's service to state

(2/29) Holmquist blasts Senate Dems for "irresponsible spending" in supplemental budget

(2/28) Tax Alert!

(2/27) Holmquist sponsors resolution recognizing Spay Day USA

(2/19) Democrats heed Holmquist call and pull flawed, expensive and poorly planned family leave bill from floor

(2/15) Holmquist comments on today's release of the state's revenue forecast

(2/11) Holmquist pleased as Legislature moves forward on bill to help establish a "Biofuels Economic Development Grant" program

(2/08) Holmquist bill to protect workers, employers and the environment from Brinks decision's unintended consequences

(2/07) Holmquist, King say bill to unionize child care centers likely means more cost to parents, less money for kids  

(2/04) Holmquist: "Senate should reject this flawed, expensive and poorly planned family leave experiment."

(1/24) $113 million/biennium price tag for family leave

(1/18) Report gives Paid Family Leave Task Force an "F" for "Failure"

(1/16) 13th District legislators mourn the passing of Vera Clausen

Honeyford (top)

(12/16) Reclaiming the state’s responsibility for clean water

(12/16) Energy Update

(12/05) 15th District legislators concerned about EPA's involvement in private well issue

(11/20) Senate Republicans elect Honeyford to leadership post

(8/21) The Spokane gaming compact: Pact paved way for other tribes to up the ante

(8/05) Energy Update

(8/04) Gregoire approved largest expansion of gambling in state history

(7/24) Ag Alert

(7/14) Honeyford’s statement on the President’s decision to lift the executive ban on offshore oil drilling

(7/02) Energy Update

(6/20) Sen. Honeyford statement on Supreme Court decision in Spain v. Employment Security

(4/07) 2008 Post-Session Update

(3/24) Ag Alert

(3/13) Olympia Report

(3/07) Senate passes bill to protect Washingtonians from gang violence 

(3/04) Sen. Honeyford condemns ecoterrorism and calls on fellow legislators and environmental community to do the same

(2/20) Olympia Report

(2/13) Senate unanimously passes Honeyford bill to develop anaphylactic guidelines

(2/11) Honeyford proposal to protect children from allergies clears key committee

(2/04) Olympia Report

(1/24) Lower Valley wins Best Community for Young People award

(1/01) Olympia Report

King (top)

(3/21) 14th District lawmakers to host town hall meetings March 29
(2/15) King says lawmakers shouldn't wait to address predicted deficit
(1/21) King bill to spare beekeepers from tax receives committee hearing
(11/29/07) King votes to reinstate I-747 taxpayer protection on first day as senator

McCaslin (top)

 

Morton (top)

(12/23) Morton announces $2.9 million grant to Airway Heights for wastewater project

(12/23) Morton to keep leadership role on natural resources committee

(10/16) Attorney general assures Morton: Local laws regulating guns are  prohibited

(6/17) Morton tells federal panel there are untapped sources for hydropower

(5/27) Morton says forest health pilot project proposal looks good

(5/21) Morton pleased $800,000 in Ecology grants awarded to 7th District

(4/08) Funding to compensate ranchers for livestock killed by wildlife vetoed from budget

(3/27) Governor signs Morton-sponsored bills to promote local farms and help local public utility districts

(3/26) Governor signs Morton bill to allow private schools to participate in state's waste reduction grant program

(3/20) Morton attends bill-signing ceremony in Spokane that included his Highway 97 and beach mining bills

(3/14) Washington's water law does not encourage conservation

(3/14) Morton applauds legislative approval of good bills for agriculture

(3/11) Morton notified that the Stevens County Conservation District wins $250,000 grant

(3/10) Governor signs Public Works Trust Fund bill; loan for Omak approved

(3/07) Morton successful in getting important amendment added to PUD bill

(3/06) Morton bill to designate a portion of SR-97 as a heavy haul industrial corridor heads to governor

(3/03) Morton adds funding for the Edwall water system to the capital budget; he won funding for the Tonasket salmon viewing platform in 2007

(2/25) Morton joins bipartisan effort to allow private schools to participate in state's waste reduction grant program

(2/20) Senate approves Public Works Trust Fund loan for Omak

(2/20) Senate approves Morton bill to help small counties save money on county road projects

(2/16) Morton bill to designate a portion of SR-97 as a heavy haul industrial corridor passes Senate

(2/14) Senate unanimously approves Morton's bill on water rights transfers

(2/14) Eastern Washington Republican senators to hold a media availability

(2/08) Morton defends Ferry County against having to hold an election to receive funds from the state City-County Assistance Account

(1/31) Morton offers realistic bill to allow PUD crews to do more work without contracting out

(1/25) Morton bill starts discussion of impact to northern border counties when a water right's point of diversion is moved south

(1/21) Morton's bills on wolf predation and wolf-hybrids receive public hearing

(1/17) Morton's bill to ensure geological surveys meet current and future needs gets positive public hearing

Parlette (top)

(6/18) 12th District legislators to participate in property tax forum June 24
(5/02) Parlette honored with award for agriculture and forestry leadership  
(4/30) Parlette will again sponsor bill to require photo ID to vote at polls
(3/12) Parlette and Condotta to hold tele-town hall meeting on March 20
(3/12) Funding for George Sellar Bridge in final transportation budget
(2/27) Parlette restores funding for George Sellar Bridge, including pedestrian tunnel, in Senate transportation budget
(2/21) Bridgeport class visits Olympia, meets with Sen. Parlette
(2/20) Parlette supports measure to assist local communities
(2/15) Parlette statement on today's state revenue forecast
(2/12) Parlette bill for local school districts passes Senate unanimously
(1/18) Report gives Paid Family Leave Task force failing grade
(1/18) Parlette introduces bills aimed at increasing access to health care
(1/09) New legislative gift center features local merchants’ products

Pflug (top)

(5/28) Pflug announces $2 million in local Department of Ecology grants
(5/15) Pflug says McCain proves Washington should not give away its electoral votes
(5/08) Pflug introduces Tahoma High School’s winning We the People team to Washington, D.C. legislators
(4/03) Pflug says special session needed for ferry fix
(3/13) Pflug gets additional $150,000 for Lake Sammamish
(3/13) Pflug saves North Bend $300,000 in pipeline costs
(3/12) Pflug says bill to allow unelected officials to raise state fees at will is an insult to voters
(3/11) Pflug calls HIP program a missed opportunity, doomed to fail
(3/06) Pflug calls 520 Bridge plan 'inadequate, ill-conceived and obsolete the day it opens'
(3/03) Pflug says teachers, seniors, pensions missing from bloated state budget
(2/15) Pflug bill approving e-mail update to constituents passes Senate
(2/14) Pflug honors Tahoma High School "We The People" debate team as Washington's best
(2/12) Pflug invites 5th District residents to join her telephone town hall
(2/12) Pflug decries failure to change transportation governance
(1/31) Pflug bill seeks new dental care delivery system for low-income children
(1/31) Pflug bill OKs e-mail updates to constituents
(1/21) Pflug recognized by NAMI Washington
(1/16) Clueless in Olympia: Pflug urges legislators to focus on traffic congestion impact

Roach (top)

(3/12) 2008 state budget to fund Sen. Roach's foreign language pilot project

(3/08) Senate honors Auburn School District Superintendent Linda Cowan

(3/04) Legislature passes Sen. Roach's bill making it cheaper for military personnel to fish

(2/28) House panel OKs Sen. Roach's foreign language pilot project bill

(2/22) Sen. Roach will try to amend eminent domain bill passed by House

(2/21) House panel OKs Sen. Roach bill making it cheaper for military personnel to fish

(2/21) Senate passes Sen. Roach's resolution honoring victims of violent crimes

(2/19) Senate passes Sen. Roach's foreign language task force bill

(2/14) Senate again passes Sen. Roach's foreign language pilot project bill

(2/14) Sen. Roach defends taxpayers against public funding of candidates

(2/13) Sen. Roach pushes to include funding for Sumner flood control project in capital budget

(2/12) Senate passes Sen. Roach bill offering fishing license to military personnel at resident rate

(2/06) Senate panel to hear Sen. Roach bill allowing concealed pistol license holders to bring guns on college campuses

(2/06) Sen. Roach bills target program for sex offenders

(1/30) Sen. Roach bill requires public hospitals to assess, diagnose autism spectrum disorders

(1/29) Washington could be key player in presidential race

(1/29) Pierce County gets grant to protect lower White River

(1/23) Sen. Roach offers bills targeting 'banked capacity' for property taxes

(1/22) Panel hears Sen. Roach bill offering fishing license to military personnel at resident rate

(1/18) Sen. Roach bill aims to protect initiative signature-gathering process

(1/17) Sen. Roach introduces bill making mail theft a state crime

(1/11) Sen. Roach to host 31st District town hall meetings on Jan. 19

Schoesler (top)

(6/06) Schoesler disappointed by latest L&I decree
(5/29) Watching Your Tax Dollars (2)
(5/19) Two different approaches to property tax relief
(4/30) Watching Your Tax Dollars (1)
(4/24) Higher wheat prices help the economy
(4/22) Schoesler named chair of state pension panel
(3/18) Schoesler calls telephone town hall meeting ‘a great success’  
(3/14) Ninth District legislators team up on state capital budget
(3/13) It was a quite legislative session for agriculture
(3/13) Schoesler votes 'no' on final operating budget, 'superfee' bill as session adjourns
(3/06) Legislature passes Schoesler bill simplifying state's tax code
(3/05) Schoesler named Legislator of the Year by Washington Student Lobby
(3/04) Schoesler to hold tele-town hall meeting on Monday, March 17
(2/28) Schoesler says Senate budget "fast-forwards us toward a deficit"
(2/20) Senate passes public works bill that funds Tekoa project
(2/18) Senate OKs Heath appointment to Sentencing Guidelines Commission
(2/15) Schoesler statement on today's state revenue forecast
(2/14) Eastern Washington Republican senators to hold a media availability
(1/28) State should not provide money for Husky Stadium renovations
(1/21) Schoesler statement on UW request for Husky Stadium funding
(1/16) Schoesler bill to help Connell, Franklin County deal with prison costs
(1/14) Schoesler says Senate page openings available this year in Olympia

Stevens (top)

(6/26)  Stevens cheers Supreme Court ruling upholding citizens right to bear arms
(6/23)  Stevens urges citizens to attend Senate Ways & Means Committee meeting in Mount Vernon
(6/18)  Stevens says Children's Administration must be held to state-mandated accreditation process
(4/04)  Stevens cheers as governor signs bill to create free, searchable Web site on state spending
(3/15)  Stevens truancy bills unanimously pass Senate
(3/11)  Stevens statement on final transportation budget
(3/10)  Stevens gets Highway 2 an extra $5 million in state funds
(2/28)  Stevens amendment seeks equal raises for all school employees
(2/27)  Stevens fights for Highway 2 safety project
(2/26)  Stevens honors Granite Falls teacher with Senate resolution
(2/15)  Stevens statement on today's state revenue forecast
(2/15)  Stevens' anti-pedophile bill unanimously passes Senate
(2/12)  Steven's final plea for Highway 2 help goes unheeded
(2/08)   Stevens bill to help prevent flooding passes committee
(2/06)  Stevens bill calls for Children's Administration to hire social worker assistants
(2/01)  Stevens truancy bills give schools and courts more clout to keep kids in school
(2/01)  Stevens cheers Democrat support of her idea to split up DSHS
(1/17)  Stevens bill limits use of emergency clause, protects public right of referendum
(1/09)  Stevens bill to train social workers supported by JLARC study
(1/07)  Stevens introduces bill to create free, searchable website on state spending

Swecker (top)

(12/31) Sen. Swecker statement on Alaskan Way Viaduct design delay
(11/17) Sen. Swecker wants citizens as safe as possible as flood season begins
 (6/16) Swecker resumes legislative duties full-time after heart surgery
(5/30) Sen. Swecker recovering and ‘feeling great’ after open-heart surgery
(6/02) Swecker returns home from hospital after successful heart surgery
(5/27) Sen. Swecker in hospital following cardiac episode over weekend
(3/13) 2008 operating budget includes funding for Lewis County watershed project
(3/11) Swecker joins Senate in passing final transportation budget
(3/11) Senate passes flood mitigation measures
(3/07) Senate honors local citizens for helping establish African university
(3/05) Legislature passes bill expanding rights of domestic partners  
(2/28) Swecker votes "yes" on capital budget, "no" on operating budget
(2/25) Swecker says Senate transportation budget preserves local projects
(2/25) Sen. Swecker statement on 2008 Senate transportation budget
(2/15) Swecker statement on today's revenue forecast
(2/04) Committee hears Sen. Swecker's flood work group proposal
(1/31) Swecker bill to create flood mitigation planning work group
(1/14) Senators offer measure requesting new Narrows bridge be named after former Sen. Oke
(1/10) Swecker says final 520 Bridge design plan should be first priority

 Zarelli (top)

(6/19)  Sen. Zarelli statement on June state revenue forecast
(4/24)  Budget Tidbit #4: Growth in the Governor's Office
(3/12)  Sen. Zarelli statement on 2007-09 conference operating budget
(3/06)  Budget Tidbit #3: Paving the Way for 2009 Tax Increases
(2/28)  Sen. Zarelli statement regarding Senate vote on supplemental operating budget
(2/26)  Sen. Zarelli statement on supplemental operating budget
(2/20)  Budget Tidbit #2 - It's the Spending  
(2/19)  Sen. Zarelli statement on increase in projected budget shortfall
(2/18)  Senate unanimously approves Zarelli bills to help kids
(2/15)  Sen. Zarelli statement on February state revenue forecast
(2/07)  Zarelli statement following hearing on his measure to exempt $100,000 of property value from state tax
(2/05)  Zarelli encouraged by response to measure that would help foster children, parents deal with attachment disorders
(2/04)  Budget Tidbit #1 - The Anti-Shift Homestead Exemption
(1/16)  Zarelli calls for constitutional property tax exemption
(1/09)  Zarelli's child welfare bills would hold DSHS more accountable

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