February 24, 2017
Today is the cutoff for fiscal bills to be approved by fiscal committees. Unfortunately, HB 1484 was not approved by the House Appropriations committee before today’s cutoff, therefore it’s likely the bill is dead for the session.
In spite of this set-back, I’m not giving up! I’m not giving up! I’m working with my colleague Rep. Norm Johnson of Yakima on ways to include these COLAs in the state operating budget.
Representative Johnson and I also submitted a joint budget proviso request to increase the PEBB Medicare-eligible retiree subsidy from $150 to $183 per retiree per month for the 2017-19 biennium.
Stay tuned…
January 26, 2017
Our PERS 1 and TRS 1 retiriees had an opportunity to tell their stories in front of the House Appropriations Committee. They packed the committee room so their voices would be heard on this important issue.
Click below to watch the testimony on the bill.
January 20, 2017
The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to create forums for constituents in the 22nd Legislative District who have not had their voices heard. I had the privilege of being the prime sponsor for the TRS 1 and PERS 1 retirees COLA bill (HB 1484).
These are our oldest Washington state retirees, and they have not received a COLA since 2011. You can imagine the hurt and financial hardship that has been experienced by these retirees.