Dear friends,
January 9th kicked off the 105-day legislative session! Ahead of us is nearly four months of work that is critical to tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our community such as public safety, supporting veterans and seniors, expanding economic growth, protecting our environment, and standing up for Washington’s working families.
What I’ve Been Working On
Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Last week, I worked with Rep. Alicia Rule (42nd LD) to sign on as the #3 co-sponsor of HB 1363. This bill supports our law enforcement by allowing suspects to be pursued under reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. By balancing the risk of not apprehending the offender and the risk of the pursuit, HB 1363 serves to ensure public safety and reduce deaths among innocent bystanders. Below is a photo of us submitting this important bipartisan bill at the “hopper” with 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans.
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I’ve also submitted HB 1413 which supports law enforcement in hiring and retaining police officers through flexible work policies. This means that we’ll be able to expand our law enforcement family with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge. We need to do everything we can to keep and support our police officers who protect us each and every day.
Environment & Agriculture: This week, I submitted HB 1412. This bill prohibits sales of agricultural land to foreign governments and entities. Foreign ownership threatens our state’s food security and damages our environment through poor agricultural practices. By supporting our local farmers and farmworkers, we can work towards environmental protection and a healthier agricultural community.
Having graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, I understand the importance of considering all forms of alternative energy sources. That’s why I’m co-chairing the Nuclear Energy Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group. Throughout the legislative session, we will consider technologies that allow recyclable / reusable nuclear waste that’s safe and environmentally friendly.
Veterans & The Military: Last week, I submitted HB 1384 which provides life-time free access to veterans for state parks. This bill expands upon the current statute which includes only disabled veterans of at least 30 percent. I will continue to work with Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission to bring this to reality.
I’ve also submitted HB 1346, the Purple Star Award. The purple star award is created to recognize military friendly school districts that show a commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military. With our Oak Harbor schools serving many of our service-member families, this is a great way to recognize our educators!
As a member of the Economic Development, Innovation, and Veterans committee, I put forward an amendment to Rep. Mari Leavitt’s bill relating to military spouse employment. The bill allows a military spouse to terminate an employment contract without penalty after the spouse receives orders for a permanent change of station. Thankfully, this passed out of the committee and will move forward! Check out the video below:
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Local Government & Labor: A few days ago, I testified on HB 1086 which increases local governments’ ability to contract with community service organizations. This means that our schools, park services and other organizations can find ways of helping our own community members while also saving money. For example, a park district working with a little league association to improve baseball fields, and counties working to bring fairs and events to the community. Great stuff!
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Most recently, I submitted HB 1458 which supports our apprentices. Apprentices enrolled in apprenticeship programs must leave work to complete classroom training and aren’t paid by their employer. Since classroom trainings are for a week at a time, this bill waives the waiting week for unemployment insurance each time they leave work to complete classroom training.
What I’m Working On – Looking Ahead
I’m really excited to work on the Service-Connected Veteran and Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption. This bill will include several updates that provide greater property tax relief for seniors, those retired due to disability, and disabled veterans. With rising costs and inflation, this update is critical to ensuring seniors and disabled veterans are not priced out of their home.
I’m interested in pursuing legislation related to exploring green hydrogen. Hydrogen could become feasible and widespread (produced from renewable energy sources) for a cleaner future. I will continue to work with the Green Hydrogen Caucus to promote this burgeoning technology.
I’ve been working to provide state funding for dike repair in Stanwood. With disastrous flooding, thousands of people and acres of farmland continue to be affected. This is something I’m working on with all levels of government – city, county, state, and federal.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue my life-long public service. As a veteran having attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, and served in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as a public affairs officer, I am now honored to serve you.
Always at Your Service,
State Representative Clyde Shavers
10th Legislative District