Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2014 legislative session opened today. This year’s session is just 60 days, which is much shorter than the 105-day session for developing the two-year budget. I have high hopes we can fine-tune the current budget, pass other policy bills and complete our work on time. There is no reason things should take longer.

My thought about legislative positions is that they exist to serve others and represent folks back home. I actually wrote a guest opinion column in this month’s Wenatchee World about service to others, which explains my outlook on public service. It is truly an honor to serve you here in Olympia.

I like to connect with constituents on a regular basis through these e-mail updates. I also prioritize meetings with constituents over meetings with others, so please let my office know if you are planning a trip to Olympia and want to discuss issues of interest to you. My office contact information and the toll-free legislative hotline are both listed at the bottom of this email.

As you probably know, each legislator is assigned specific policy committees based on issues of interest, district priorities and personal experience. I serve on the House Education, Transportation, and Business & Financial Services committees. This is a great combination of committees for both me and our district.

What are my priorities for the session? First, we must make minor adjustments to the budget and complete our work in the time allotted by the state constitution. Second, we have some obligations to education we must look at – not only prioritizing funding for our state’s paramount duty, but providing time for teachers and students to implement reforms we have passed. Third, transparency and open government should always be a top priority in government. Read about the bills I’ve proposed this session.

Recently, I joined my seatmates Rep. Cary Condotta and Sen. Linda Evans Parlette on KPQ’s “It’s Your Turn” program to discuss the session and answer questions from listeners. You can listen to the complete interview here.

I appreciate serving alongside Sen. Parlette and Rep. Condotta. Based on our committee assignments, working relationships with fellow legislators, and areas of expertise, I don’t think there is any issue that we cannot address effectively as your 12th District legislative team.

As session continues, I always appreciate hearing from you. Please continue to share your concerns, suggestions or questions with me. If you no longer wish to receive my e-mails, you can unsubscribe here. If you have friends or colleagues who would like to receive my periodic updates, they can subscribe here. My goal is to be open and accessible to you as your public servant.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

E-mail: brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Web site: www.representativebradhawkins.com

Olympia Office (January-March)
122G Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7832 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

District Office (March-December)
11 Spokane Street, Suite 205A | Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 662-5733