Author Archives: Laudan

Bill sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins at request of Chelan County approved by House

A bill that would update a law from the 1950’s pertaining to residency requirements of a county position known as the chief examiner was approved by the House of Representatives today by a vote of 92-4. House Bill 1752 was sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, at the request of the Chelan County Commissioners.

A chief examiner maintains records and testing procedures for civil service positions in counties. A chief examiner is a staff-level, non-elected position usually within a county’s human resources division. Under current law, a county’s chief examiner must reside within the county. House Bill 1752 would relieve counties of this strict residency requirement by allowing employees who serve in this role to live within the county or an adjacent county.

“In the Wenatchee Valley, because of the proximity of our two cities, counties, and school districts, some employees live in one jurisdiction and work in another. When the county brought this old statute to my attention about a staff-level county position, I thought it made sense to get it updated,” said Hawkins. “Other counties in the state need this little-known law updated as well and might not even realize they have a potential compliance issue. It is a modest bill to refresh an old statute, but I am glad I can help.”

The bill passed the House during the 2015 session and received a Senate committee hearing, but it did not advance further. Under legislative rules, the measure was returned to the House for reconsideration. House Bill 1752 now advances to the Senate Government Operations and Security Committee where it awaits a hearing.

For more information about Rep. Hawkins, visit: www.representativebradhawkins.com.

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Rep. Hawkins’ media:

Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
461 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

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Rep. Brad Hawkins update on the components of the Washington state budget

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We have reached the halfway point of the scheduled 60-day legislative session. Feb. 5 was the final day for House committees to consider bills introduced in the House. Feb. 17 is the final day for House bills to pass the full House. As a result, we are now focusing our time on final action on House bills that have been approved by their committees.

Washington State Budgeting

The Washington State Legislature meets on a part-time basis each January. One of the primary roles of the Legislature is to approve state budgets. The state enacts budgets on a two-year cycle, called a biennium. The 2015-17 biennium began on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2017. The two-year budgets can be modified when the Legislature convenes in the even-numbered years, like this year. It is common for the Legislature to update and modify the state’s existing budgets. These revised budgets are known as supplemental budgets.

Washington state has three different budgets. Here is a brief description of each:

• The operating budget provides for the daily operating expenses of the state, including K-12 and higher education, health and human services and public safety. Since the enactment of the 2015-17 budget, we have seen modest revenue growth. However, there has also been an increase in our projected maintenance level costs. Although these costs are up, due in large part to an adjustment related to Medicaid managed care rates, lawmakers are looking at ways to prevent any potential shortfalls. The current 2015-17 operating budget is $38.2 billion.

• The capital budget is often called the “bricks and mortar” budget because it pays for public facilities, including the construction at colleges, prisons and state buildings. This budget invests in many infrastructure improvement projects throughout our state. It includes funding for additional school classroom space and in the past has provided loans to local governments for sewers, parks and other uses. The current 2015-17 capital budget is $3.7 billion.

• The transportation budget provides for the maintenance, preservation and operation of the state’s highways, bridges and ferries. It also funds the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Transportation. Having an effective transportation system is critical to our state and local economy. This budget is approved every two years and is often updated during the 60-day sessions. This budget funds the day-to-day operations of the transportation system and is separate from any transportation revenue package to fund new projects. The current 2015-17 transportation budget is $7.6 billion.

With each of these budgets, it is important that the Legislature make wise decisions that efficiently invest your hard-earned tax dollars. For more information on the state budgeting process, please click here.

KPQ “It’s Your Turn” Show

As always, I appreciate hearing any of your questions, concerns or comments. Occasionally, I even get the opportunity to do this live! Last week, I was a guest on KPQ’s “It’s Your Turn” show where I discussed issues before the Legislature and took calls from listeners. Please click here to listen to last week’s broadcast.

If you have any further questions, please contact my office anytime at (360) 786-7832, toll-free at (800) 562-6000, or by email at brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Olympia.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail: brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Web site: www.representativebradhawkins.com
122G Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7832 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

02-10-16 RADIO: 12th District Reps. talk with KPQ about challeges faced by lawmakers (audio)

Reps. Cary Condotta and Brad Hawkins of the 12th District talked frankly with KPQ about challenges being faced at the statehouse as floor voting begins to take place in earnest this week.

Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, had some strong words concerning the governor’s reaction to the Senate firing of Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. Hawkins, also a Republican from East Wenatchee, expressed concern about the number of bills moving through the House, versus funds available to pay for the ideas being brought forth.

Find more audio content on our Web site.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
451 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 – Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Broadcast studio: (360) 786-5046

02-05-16 RADIO: Rep. Brad Hawkins answers listener questions on KPQ (audio)

Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, spent nearly an hour with host Chris Hansen, fielding diverse questions from listeners of KHQ. The Republican lawmaker addressed issues concerning education, taxation, and even the Pledge of Allegiance. Hawkins, who has introduced legislation designed to create added safety in local communities in times of fire, also updated listeners on the latest action from the legislature as the cutoff deadline for policy bills nears.

Hawkins also took time to express gratitude for local law enforcement and the people of his district and the state.

https://soundcloud.com/wahousegop/hawkins-kpq-020516

Find more audio content on our Web site.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
451 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 – Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Broadcast studio: (360) 786-5046

02-05-16 RADIO: Reps. Hawkins and Condotta appear on KOZI (audio)

Reps. Brad Hawkins and Cary Condotta talked with KOZI about issues pending in the legislature as the session nears the midway point. Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, discussed a series of education bills addressed by lawmakers. One would streamline student assessments and potentially save the state $15 million the first year.

Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, talked about two measures that would affect state wineries. One piece of legislation would increase the number of tasting rooms allowed in the industry. The second would reduce taxes that affect wineries.

Find more audio content on our Web site.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
451 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 – Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Broadcast studio: (360) 786-5046

02-05-16 RADIO: Reps. Cary Condotta and Brad Hawkins update KOHO on legislative action (audio)

Reps. Cary Condotta and Brad Hawkins, both Republicans from East Wenatchee, appeared on KOHO radio to talk about activities at the statehouse as the legislative session nears the halfway point.

Condotta talked about a measure designed to reduce the tax rate on marijuana sales from 37 percent to 25 percent. He said the goal is to bring the price of pot in line with the black market, in order to encourage the legal sale of pot and discourage the sale of marijuana on the street.

Hawkins updated listeners on his bill that would allow local jurisdictions to enact temporary fireworks bans during times of extreme fire danger, or when the governor had declared a state of emergency. He mentioned that there has been strong pushback not only from the fireworks industry, but also from tribes around the state. But he maintained a positive attitude as the cutoff for policy bills nears.

Find more audio content on our Web site.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
451 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 – Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Broadcast studio: (360) 786-5046

Rep. Brad Hawkins update on visitors to Olympia and local broadcast information

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

One of the things I enjoy most about being a state representative is the opportunity to meet and talk with you. Serving constituents is, and always will be, my office’s number one priority. I welcome your letters, emails, and calls. When contacting me, please list your address so that we can identify you as a constituent and prioritize our responses to you.

One of the privileges of being your representative is the many visits people make to Olympia to share their ideas in person. I thought it would be fun to share photos from some recent visits, which include students, teachers, firefighters, and city officials. If you are planning a trip to Olympia in the next few weeks, please contact my office and set up a time for us to meet.

12th District Firefighters – (left to right) Jake Hepper, Rep. Brad Hawkins, Kelly Lindemann (at desk), Pat Moore, Clint Webley.
Wenatchee High School sports medicine students – (left to right) Rep. Brad Hawkins, Julia Lobe and Kayli Brown.
Wenatchee School District – (left to right) Diana Haglund (Wenatchee Learns), Rep. Brad Hawkins, Dennis Conger (Director of Career and Technical Education Wenatchee High School), and Julia Spangler of Wenatchee (Washington FFA President).
City of Chelan – (left to right) Councilmember Mike Steele, Councilmember Erin McCardle, Mayor Mike Cooney, Rep. Brad Hawkins, Councilmember Wendy Isenhart, Councilmember Kelly Allen.

For those of you who may not be aware, the 12th Legislative District includes Chelan and Douglas counties and parts of Grant and Okanogan counties. Here is a link to the district map. This area includes the Wenatchee Valley, Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, and Methow Valley, making this region one of the best and most beautiful destinations for tourism and outdoor recreation. We also have many agricultural areas and natural resources. It’s truly a privilege and honor to live in and represent such an incredible district.

Tune in to your local radio stations

I invite you to tune in to local radio stations to listen to our 12th District legislative updates. Our local radio stations have provided a great opportunity to communicate with you about events happening at the Legislature. My seatmates, Rep. Cary Condotta and Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, and I regularly call into our radio stations. I encourage you to listen in!

• Fridays 7:15 – 7:30 a.m. KOHO 101.1 FM Click here to listen to last week’s interview.
• Fridays 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. KOZI 1230 AM Click here to listen to last week’s interview.
• Wednesdays 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – KPQ 560 AM The “Legislative Hotline” is returning!

Also, this Friday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m., I will be a guest on “It’s Your Turn” on KPQ 560 AM.
Last week, I was interviewed about education issues by KONA. Click here to listen to this interview.

Thank you for keeping in touch with me, I value your input. Please share this email update with your friends and neighbors. If anyone reading this is not a subscriber to my email updates but would like to be, please click here to sign up.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your State Representative!

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

01-28-16 RADIO: Rep. Brad Hawkins talks education funding fundamentals with KONA (audio)

Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee talked with Ed Dawson and Rob Francis on KONA about education, which is the key focus of lawmakers at the statehouse. Hawkins updated listeners on progress concerning the Supreme Court’s McCleary decision as the 2016 legislative session nears its 20th day.

https://soundcloud.com/wahousegop/hawkins-education-012816

Find more audio content on our Web site.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
451 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 – Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Broadcast studio: (360) 786-5046

01-29-16 RADIO: 12th district Reps. appear on KOHO (audio)

Rep. Cary Condotta and Rep. Brad Hawkins, both Republicans from East Wenatchee, appeared on KOHO to talk about legislative issues. Hawkins shared that an amendment has been added to his fireworks bill, but that the intent remains the same: local jurisdictions would be able to implement temporary restrictions on fireworks in times of extreme fire danger or when the governor has declared a state of emergency. Said Hawkins of his legislation, “It has been an interesting journey.”

Rep. Condotta was asked to address the issues surrounding pot production in Chelan County. There have been complaints from the public about local production. Condotta said he believes local Commissioners have the tools available disposal to handle the matter. He also discussed a number of public hearings he has attended.

Find more audio content on our Web site.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
451 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 – Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Broadcast studio: (360) 786-5046