Washington State House Republicans
Flashback: Rep Peter Abbarno urges House to repeal unpopular, unfair long-term care payroll tax
- Title
- Flashback: Rep Peter Abbarno urges House to repeal unpopular, unfair long-term care payroll tax
- Date posted
- 4 days ago
- Description
- On April 3, 2023, during floor debate on the House Democrats' 2023-25 operating budget (Senate Bill 5187), Abbarno offered Amendment 545 that would have repealed the program and payroll tax. House Democrats voted the amendment down.
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- Rep. Chris Corry, ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, on TVW’s Inside Olympia
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima and ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, joins Austin Jenkins on TVW’s Inside Olympia to discuss the state operating budget, House Republican priorities and what to expect in the 2024 legislative session. September 21, 2023.
To learn more about Rep. Corry, please visit: https://chriscorry.houserepublicans.wa.gov/
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- Rep. Jim Walsh discusses the cap-and-trade program, rising gas prices and legislative solutions
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, shares an update on the state's cap-and-trade program, its impact on rising gas prices, and proposed legislative solutions.
- Title
- Rep. April Connors proposes financial relief to WA drivers with CAR Payment program
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick, will be introducing legislation to use the surplus money from The Climate Commitment Act carbon auctions and redirect it back to the 7.5 million registered vehicle owners as a rebate known as the Carbon Auction Relief (“CAR”) Payment.
The bill deals only with the distribution of Climate Commitment Act auction revenue. It does not affect the program's emissions cap or the conduct of auctions.
Learn more about the CAR Payment program: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/relief
Learn more about how regressive Democratic policies increased Washington’s gas prices: https://houserepublicans.wa.gov/wa-gas-prices/
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- Rep. Jim Walsh discusses eastern Washington wildfires and federal court redistricting ruling
- Date posted
- 30 days ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, shares a legislative update on two top issues: the recent eastern Washington wildfires, including the governor's declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas, and the controversial decision by a Yakima district court invalidating the map for the 15th Legislative District. The map was drawn by the bipartisan Washington State Redistricting Commission in 2021, with the district in question encompassing parts of five counties in south-central Washington represented by three Republicans.
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- Rep. Peter Abbarno throws first pitch at Ridgefield Raptors' playoff game | Aug. 9, 2023
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, helped secure $700,000 in the 2023-25 capital budget for lights and improvements to the Ridgefield Sports Complex where the Ridgefield Raptors play. On Aug. 9, he was honored with throwing out the first pitch at the Raptors' playoff game with the Portland Pickles.
Learn more about Rep. Abbarno: https://peterabbarno.houserepublicans.wa.gov
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- Rep. Peter Abbarno and Dolly Parton at the Imagination Library Statewide Celebration | Aug. 15, 2023
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, provides opening remarks and Dolly Parton performs two songs at the Imagination Library Statewide Celebration in Tacoma on Aug. 15, 2023. Watch the full event on TVW at: https://tvw.org/video/imagination-library-statewide-celebration-2023081070/?eventID=2023081070
Learn more about House Bill 2068 (Creating the Imagination Library of Washington program | 2022) here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2068&Year=2021
Learn more about Rep. Peter Abbarno at: https://peterabbarno.houserepublicans.wa.gov
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- Rep. Jim Walsh: Special carbon auction not the answer to long-term gas pricing relief
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, discusses the Department of Ecology's decision to hold an extra cap-and-trade carbon auction as a way to help reduce gasoline prices in Washington state. The auction would sell extra permits to pollute. Walsh doesn't believe this would provide long-term relief to gasoline prices in Washington and says repeal of the cap-and-trade system may be the only way to ensure relief to consumers.
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- When bills become law in Washington state with Rep. Jim Walsh
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, explains the various timelines followed in Washington for the enactment of a new state law after a bill is passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.
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- Rep. Jim Walsh shares an update on rising gas and diesel prices
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- In this week's update, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, discusses concerns brought to him by constituents about rising gas and diesel prices. The 19th District lawmaker shares details on the cap-and-trade tax scheme and its impact on prices at the pump.
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- Rep. Jim Walsh questions testifiers during recent Joint Transportation Committee meeting
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- During a recent Joint Transportation Committee hearing, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, questioned testifiers. Walsh's questions were focused on electric vehicle capabilities in high-usage rural areas, such as most of the 19th District which he represents, and light rail construction trade-offs and opportunity costs. The June 20 hearing took place in Spokane, Washington.
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- TVW's Austin Jenkins interviews House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary | June 22, 2023
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- In a wide-ranging interview, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary sits down with TVW's Austin Jenkins to discuss why he ran for Leader, what his goals are, how he will define success, and more.
Learn more about Leader Stokesbary here: https://drewstokesbary.houserepublicans.wa.gov/
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- Rep. Jim Walsh answers questions about three top public policy bills and their impact on the state
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, answers questions and shares information on three public policy bills and their impact on Washingtonians. First, he discusses soaring gasoline prices linked to the cap-and-trade program; second, Walsh shares information on the controversial long-term payroll tax that starts on July 1; and, he discusses some changes to the state's child welfare laws under House Bill 1227, approved in 2021.
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- Rep. Jim Walsh shares an update on the governor's recent budget vetoes, and other legislative topics
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, discusses the governor's recent budget section vetoes. One section rejected in the 2023-25 operating budget would have required DSHS to notify residents about placing sexually violent predators in their communities; another sought to audit K-12 special education funding to ensure it was being used for students. Walsh also answers questions about the Legislature's ability to override executive office vetoes, and the people's referendum process to do so.
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- First-term lawmaker spotlight: Reps. April Connors and Travis Couture recap the 2023 session
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Representatives April Connors, R-Kennewick, and Travis Couture, R-Allyn, recently sat down with TVW's Austin Jenkins for a 30-minute interview on Inside Olympia on the challenges and opportunities that come with being a new lawmaker.
- Title
- Full House floor debate on SB 5536 drug possession law
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- This is the full House floor debate on Senate Bill 5536, which addresses drug possession and use. The debate occurred during a one-day special session on May 16, 2023.
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- House Republican floor speeches on Senate Bill 5536 (controlled substances) | 2023 special session
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- House Republicans deliver floor speeches on the Blake bill, Senate Bill 5536 (controlled substances), during a one-day special session on May 16, 2023. The measure passed the House, 83-13, and passed the Senate, 43-6, and was signed into law by the governor on the same day.
Learn more about Senate Bill 5536: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5536&Year=2023&Initiative=false
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- During debate on the special session's Blake fix, Rep. Walsh shares remarks on the bill
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- In Olympia, lawmakers recently gathered for a special session to vote on the latest negotiations on the Blake Fix, Senate Bill 5536. During the debate, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, shared his continued opposition by stating that — although an improvement — the bill does not adequately address Blake.
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- LIVE: House Floor debate on the Blake (SB 5536) fix | May 16, 2023
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- State lawmakers are back at the Capitol today for a special session. The plan is for the Legislature to vote on Senate Bill 5536, a measure that will change our state’s drug possession laws.
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- Rep. Peter Abbarno explains what's in the new drug possession bill that passed the House
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Senate Bill 5536, the Blake decision bill on controlled substances, passed the House floor on an 83-13 vote and was signed into law. In this video, Rep. Peter Abbarno explains what's in this new version of the bill.
Read more about Senate Bill 5536 here: https://bit.ly/3N4Gu4E
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- Rep. Greg Cheney says new drug possession law strikes the right balance
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, says Senate Bill 5536 properly balances criminal accountability with treatment and recovery options in a floor debate on the new law addressing the possession and public use of illegal drugs. The bill passed the House 83-13 during a one-day special session convened to enact a permanent solution after the Washington Supreme Court threw out the state's drug possession law in 2021 and a temporary measure was set to expire on July 1.
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- Rep. Gina Mosbrucker - Floor speech supporting stronger "Blake" drug possession law - May 16, 2023
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, urged the House to support the bipartisan agreement on Senate Bill 5536, which increases penalties for drug possession and use to a gross misdemeanor, among other provisions. Mosbrucker, ranking Republican on the House Community Safety, Justice and Reentry Committee, was a key negotiator of the measure. The bill passed 83-13 during the one-day special session, which was called to address this issue before a temporary law expired on July 1.
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- Rep. Jenny Graham advocates for victims in a floor speech supporting new drug possession laws
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jenny Graham, R-Spokane, says drug users should be held accountable for their actions during a floor debate on Senate Bill 5536, which increases penalties for drug possession and use to a gross misdemeanor, among other provisions. The bill passed 83-13 during the one-day special session, which was called to address this issue before a temporary law expired on July 1. The Washington Supreme Court overturned the state's previous drug possession statute in its 2021 ruling on the State v. Blake case.
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- Rep. Andrew Barkis provides personal testimony and speaks in support of Senate Bill 5536
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- During House floor debate during special session, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, shares personal testimony on how drug addiction and the importance of recovery has impacted his family, and why he supports Senate Bill 5536 on controlled substances/Blake fix.
- Title
- Rep. Peter Abbarno supports passage of new drug possession law
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, spoke in favor of a new version of Senate Bill 5536, a measure to criminalize possession of controlled substances.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 83-13 and was signed into law by the governor.
Read more about Senate Bill 5536 here: https://bit.ly/3BtYazA
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- LIVE: House Floor debate on the Blake (SB 5536) fix | May 16, 2023
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- State lawmakers are back at the Capitol today for a special session. The plan is for the Legislature to vote on Senate Bill 5536, a measure that will change our state’s drug possession laws.
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- Rep. Mary Dye and Asotin Co. Fire Chief 1 Noel Hardin discuss HB 1498 signed into law May 15, 2023
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Minutes after Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1498 into law, Asotin County Fire District 1 Chief Noel Hardin joined Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, to discuss the significance of the measure. The bill allows the state to reimburse local fire districts for their costs of using helicopters and airplanes to attack and douse a wildland fire when it initially breaks out. Often, local fire districts must wait for state mobilization to be authorized, and by the time that happens, a small fire could become a raging inferno. Dye originally introduced the bill in 2016 at the request of Hardin, and reintroduced it in subsequent years since, but it did not pass until this year. Both Dye and Hardin call it a "game changer," as it will save millions of taxpayer dollars, along with lives and property.
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- Rep. Jim Walsh shares an update about the upcoming 30-day special session
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, speaks from the House floor in Olympia about the upcoming special session. The 30-day special session has been called by the governor in order to address the criminalization of dangerous drugs, something the Legislature has long known is necessary. Walsh discusses the legislative fix that failed at the end of the regular 2023 session in April, and the solution needed to move forward.
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- Rep. April Connors' anti-light pollution bill signed into law
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- House Bill 1173, a measure by Rep. April Connors to restrict light pollution from wind turbines was signed into law today by the governor.
Read more about the bill here: https://bit.ly/3ptRVcc
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- Rep. J.T. Wilcox on the 2023 Impact Sine Die Special | April 23, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. J.T. Wilcox joined Mike McClanahan on the 2023 Impact Sine Die Special to discuss the operating budget, tax-increase proposals, bipartisan successes, housing, vehicular pursuit, and the Blake issue. Wilcox warned that there may not be enough votes to pass the Blake bill – Senate Bill 5536 (conference committee report). That legislation died on a 43-55 vote in the Washington State House of Representatives later in the day.
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- Rep. Dan Griffey speaks to the Hope Card bill
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, testifies in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee during a February public hearing on his Hope Card bill to help domestic violence survivors and others with protection orders.
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- During debate on a critically important drug possession bill, Rep. Stephanie Barnard shares remarks
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, shares remarks during debate on the "Blake fix" bill, Senate Bill 5536. The measure sought to address the 2021 Supreme Court's State v Blake ruling effectively decriminalized the possession of hard drugs like heroin, methamphetamines, and others.
After relating a story about her niece, who died of a fentanyl overdose, Barnard called for a bill that not only has compassionate rehabilitation services but also accountability for those accessing illegal substances.
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- Rep. Ed Orcutt discusses the results of the 2023 legislative session | April 28, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, discusses the successes, disappointments and unfinished business of the 2023 legislative session.
- Title
- Rep. Peter Abbarno discusses trio of anti-firearm measures signed by Gov. Inslee on Newsmax TV
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, appeared on Newsmax TV to discuss a trio of anti-firearm measures signed into law by Governor Inslee.
House Bill 1143 imposes training, permitting, and waiting period requirements on gun owners and firearm dealers with large fines and possible jail time. https://bit.ly/3HmtMKM
House Bill 1240 outlaws the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of any so-called “assault weapon” with an emergency clause to go into effect once signed. https://bit.ly/3AyzPZ7
Senate Bill 5078 holds gun manufacturers legally responsible for how individuals misuse their products. https://bit.ly/3LAAOhE
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- Gun bills, the failed 'Blake fix', and several recently funded local projects | Rep. Jim Walsh
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, discusses the governor's recent bill signing at the state capital. The governor closed down access to the Legislative Building on Tuesday, April 25, when signing three new bills into law that restrict constitutionally-protected gun rights. Other topics Walsh shares include the failure of the Blake bill, and several good news construction and transportation projects recently funded for the 19th District.
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- House Republican floor speeches in opposition to SB 5536 (controlled substances) | April 23, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, Rep. Greg Cheney, Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, Rep. Jim Walsh, and Rep. Gina Mosbrucker deliver floor speeches in opposition to Senate Bill 5536 (controlled substances) – often referred to as the Blake bill. The legislation failed on a 43-55 vote on April 23, 2023 – the last day of the 2023 legislative session.
Learn more about Senate Bill 5536: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5536&Year=2023&Initiative=false
Watch Rep. Peter Abbarno’s post-debate video from the House gallery here: https://youtu.be/No3kyjyqjaI
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- House Republican floor speeches in support of the 2023-25 transportation budget | April 22, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- House Republicans with leadership roles on the House Transportation Committee deliver floor speeches in support of the 2023-25 transportation budget – House Bill 1125. The legislation passed on a 98-0 vote on April 22, 2023.
Learn more about the 2023-25 transportation budget (House Bill 1125): https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1125&Year=2023&Initiative=false
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- House Republican floor speeches in support of the 2023-25 capital budget (SB 5200) | April 21, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Mike Steele, ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee, Rep. Peter Abbarno, assistant ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee, and Rep. Bryan Sandlin, assistant ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee, offer floor speeches in support of the 2023-25 capital budget – Senate Bill 5200. The legislation passed on a 96-0 vote on April 21, 2023.
Learn more about the 2023-25 capital budget (Senate Bill 5200): https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5200&Year=2023&Initiative=false
Project list report: https://fiscal.wa.gov/statebudgets/CapitalProjectListDistrictBien
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- Rep. Bryan Sandlin, speaks in favor of the bipartisan capital budget on the House floor.
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 15th District Rep. Bryan Sandlin, assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee, was on the capital budget development team and at the negotiating table. During his floor speech, he spoke of the bipartisan process and working with his colleagues across the aisle.
The budget passed the House unanimously.
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- House and Senate Republican media availability | April 24, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Republican leaders from the House and Senate hold their weekly media availability to discuss and provide a policy update on the 2023 legislative session.
- Title
- Rep. Cheney reluctantly urges a no vote on Senate Bill 5536, addressing drug possession.
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, gives a floor speech against Senate Bill 5536, addressing drug possession and fixing the state Supreme Court's so-called Blake decision. With a heavy heart, he urged a reluctant no vote. He has spent nearly 10 years working with Washington's drug courts and has ample experience working with individuals in the grips of addiction. Ultimately, he says an acknowledgement of a problem must be part of the solution, which this bill fails to recognize.
- Title
- Rep. Peter Abbarno explains why House Republicans opposed Senate Bill 5536, the drug possession bill
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Senate Bill 5536, the Blake decision bill on controlled substances, failed to pass off the House floor on a 43-55 vote. In this video, Rep. Peter Abbarno explains why House Republicans opposed this version of the legislation.
Read more about Senate Bill 5536 here: https://bit.ly/3N4Gu4E
- Title
- Rep. Peter Abbarno rises in opposition to bill that would exacerbate drug abuse crisis
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, rose in opposition to Senate Bill 5536, a measure that would have created opportunities for drug law violators to game the system without punishment or undergoing treatment.
The measure would have also prevented local governments from restricting the distribution of dangerous drug paraphernalia; housed recovering addicts with active drug users; established “safe” injection sites open to all ages, including children; and eliminated the public notice requirement for siting opioid treatment facilities.
The bill failed 43-55 with every Republican voting against the bill, joined by 15 Democrats.
Read more about Senate Bill 5536 here: https://bit.ly/3N4Gu4E
- Title
- House Republicans oppose 2023-25 operating budget (Senate Bill 5187) | April 23, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- House Republicans provide floor speeches in opposition to the 2023-25 operating budget – Senate Bill 5187. Speakers include: Rep. Chris Corry, assistant ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee; Rep. Kelly Chambers, assistant ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee; and Rep. Drew Stokesbary, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Learn more about Senate Bill 5187: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5187&Initiative=false&Year=2023
Watch House Republican floor debate highlights on the House Democrats’ operating budget on April 3, 2023: https://youtu.be/Q_hznHkNshg
- Title
- Rep. Drew Stokesbary delivers floor speech in opposition to 2023-25 operating budget
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Drew Stokesbary, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivers a floor speech in opposition to the 2023-25 operating budget (Senate Bill 5187) on April 23, 2023.
Learn more about Senate Bill 5187: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5187&Initiative=false&Year=2023
Rep. Drew Stokesbary offers a floor speech in opposition to the House Democrats’ operating budget on April 3, 2023: https://youtu.be/m8c7IHqCV50
- Title
- Rep. Maycumber joins TVW for a conversation about public safety, RUC, and her apprenticeship bill.
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, joins TVW's Mike McClanahan on The Impact during the final day of the 2023 legislative session. Topics include public safety, police pursuits, the potential for a Blake fix, her apprenticeship bill, and how the road usage charge (RUC) would hurt rural residents and families.
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- Rep. J.T. Wilcox announces he is stepping down as House Republican Leader | April 23, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox joins Mike McClanahan of TVW’s The Impact to announce he is stepping down from his leadership role.
To learn more about House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox, please visit: https://jtwilcox.houserepublicans.wa.gov/
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- Rep. Andrew Barkis speaks in support of the 2023-23 transportation budget
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The state House of Representatives unanimously passed the 2023-25 transportation budget. During House floor debate, ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, speaks in support of the bipartisan legislation.
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- Barkis Breakdown: Final days of the 2023 session: A video update from under the dome in Olympia
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- In the latest edition of the Barkis Breakdown, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, gives an update on what's happening under the dome in Olympia in the final stretch of the 2023 session. He gives an update on police pursuits, housing, and all things transportation. He also talks about a few bad bills including one that abolished the death penalty in Washington state, and one taking away parental rights.
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- Week 15 Review with House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox | April 21, 2023
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- In his week 15 legislative session review, House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox discusses state budgets, real estate taxes (House Bill 1628), the Blake fix (Senate Bill 5536) and controversial legislation that attacks Second Amendment rights (House Bill 1240 and House Bill 1143) and parental rights (Senate Bill 5599).
