From the capitol: A message from Rep. Mari Leavitt

January 25, 2019

Friends and neighbors,

This is the first of many updates I plan to send during the 2019 legislative session to keep you briefed on legislation I’m working on, status of bills I’m interested in or think will be of interest to the district, and other events in Olympia. It has been two whirlwind weeks in Olympia, so read on below to find out what I have been doing as your state representative.

Highlights of Weeks 1 and 2

Walking on to the floor of the House of Representatives on my first day was humbling. I was accompanied by seatmate Rep. Christine Kilduff and took the oath of office along with my fellow legislators first thing in the morning.  

The first few days included meeting with constituents, attending committee hearings, and working to formulate bills. I’ve enjoyed getting a chance to talk with constituents, stakeholders, and fellow lawmakers about policy changes in our state government. I have had the pleasure of meeting people who are passionate about the issues they advocate for and present solid reasoning for why a bill should be passed. Additionally, it is nice to see lawmakers on both sides of the aisle working together and having honest debate. I strive to engage in policy work that is bi-partisan and I am proud that each bill I have introduced thus far has met that standard.

I have introduced several bills on a variety of issues. The first bill that I had the honor of introducing addresses pay for National Guard members when serving the state in wildfire fighting.

To read my other bills, click here.

Addressing Unfair Pay for National Guard Members

On Wednesday, I testified in front of the Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee on House Bill 1137, concerning National Guard pay in state active service for wildland fire response duty.

Currently, when the Governor calls upon the National Guard to help with wildland fire duties, their active duty compensation is calculated using a statute that has not been updated in 30 years. The result is that National Guard members are paid less than our state fire fighters while doing the same labor intensive, dangerous, emergency response work. My bill updates this out-of-date statute so that our National Guard members are compensated at a level consistent with the rates set by the Department of Natural Resources.

wildfire
Our National Guard members are regular citizens, with families and day jobs. They are the ones to answer the call when our country, or state, call on them to serve. Their service is critical and must not be taken for granted. I was honored to testify in support of our National Guard members and look forward to passing this bill into law.

Do you have a teen interested in government?

One of the best ways for students to learn about civics government is to be a part of it. The House of Representatives has a page program, where students ages 14-16 come to Olympia for a week to learn about the legislative process, work real jobs in the capitol, and meet lawmakers.

Pages do receive a daily stipend and there is a scholarship available to ensure any student can participate regardless of economic status.

I would love to host students from the 28th Legislative District.

For more information or to apply, please visit the House Page Program’s website.

Please contact my office with any issues, concerns, or requests you might have and my office will get back to you promptly. You and your family are important to me. It is my honor to serve you!

Sincerely,