Dear neighbors,
On Monday, January 14, the 2013 legislative session kicked off in Olympia with opening day ceremonies and the swearing-in of all members of the House of Representatives.
It was an honor to stand with my colleagues and take the oath of office together as a group. While we all represent different parts of the state, we are united in our commitment to ensuring Washington emerges from the Great Recession leading the way in job creation, educational opportunity for all, and quality of life.
Please take a look at the side bar section where my committee assignments are linked. These are the specific policy areas where I will be focusing much of my time and effort during the legislative session. I appreciate all of your ideas and feedback but I’d particularly like to know about your thoughts or concerns about bills and the ideas discussed in these committees.
Video Update
Check out my first video update of this session:
Budget Overview
While the overall economic picture in our state is improving, the legislature will still have to resolve a projected shortfall in the state budget about $1.4 billion. We ended last year’s session with a balanced budget, but since then the revenue we’ve taken in has not equaled the cost of operating our schools and colleges, prisons, and safety net programs.
Additionally, a year ago the state Supreme Court ruled the legislature is not fulfilling its constitutional duty to fully fund basic education (known as the McCleary decision). While the House has led the way in recent years on educational reforms that put us on the path to fully funding education, this year we’ll need to devote an estimated $1.4 billion in funding for our public schools to keep us on the right track and comply with the Court’s order.
That’s a hole of at least $2.8 billion in the next two-year budget – on top of the $12 billion we’ve already reduced state services the last few years.
I’d like to hear your thoughts about the state budget and education funding. If you have ideas, please take a moment to send me an email. Your feedback is crucial as I establish my priorities this session and work with my colleagues to solve these important issues.
Flu season is upon us
Winter is peak flu season in our state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is widespread in our state. One of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your coworkers is to get a flu shot, and it’s not too late to do it if you haven’t already. The state Department of Health has online information about where to get a flu shot, and other flu-related information.
Help me do my job better by letting me know what is important to you. Please send me a note, give me a call, or swing by my office if you’re in the area. All my contact information is on the left column of this message.
If you want to meet with me, be sure to contact my Legislative Assistant, Rory Paine-Donovan, to schedule an appointment.
Sincerely,
Luis