Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This weekend I am headed to Olympia, because the governor has called us into a special session to consider bills aimed at ensuring the Boeing 777X is built in Washington and that our state is more competitive for jobs. Here’s what the governor outlined as his goals for this special session in a press conference on Wednesday:

• pass a tax incentive package for aerospace businesses in Washington;
• increase permitting efficiency;
• address workforce development;
• adopt an executive rule (made solely by the governor) regarding fish consumption and water quality; and
• pass a transportation revenue package (gas tax and other transportation fees for current and new projects around the state).

You might remember my last e-mail in which I discussed transportation feedback forums occurring around the state. If you weren’t able to attend one of those, or even if you did, I encourage you to take this short survey to share your opinion about transportation funding with me.

I look forward to seeing the details of each of these proposals from our governor, how they are accomplished, and what it means for average citizens. We know other states are trying to recruit our job creators, jeopardizing jobs for our families here. We need to ensure our state’s business climate remains competitive, to help create more job opportunities for everyone.

One of my concerns with this special session is that the public has adequate time to weigh in on all of these complex and important decisions. We must not rush legislation, or we risk losing the confidence of the public to make well thought-out decisions. I will update you on the progress of this special session when I know more.

Spending time in Chelan

I was honored to spend some time in Chelan last week, meeting with school officials, business owners and talking with the media.

First, I chatted with Jim Dai on KOZI radio – perhaps you caught the interview. If not, you can listen to it here. We discussed my first session this past year, how I’ve worked with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and what I expect will be big issues for the 2014 session beginning in January.

Next, I visited with Chelan School District Superintendent Dr. Rob Manahan and school board members (see photo on left). I had the opportunity to visit one of the classrooms and see some adorable kids working on early learning projects. I traveled to Manson to visit with Manson School Board members and Superintendent Matt Charlton (see photo on right). We discussed a variety of education policy issues.

I had lunch with a small business owner before meeting with City of Chelan officials. They shared important issues related to city government. Next, I enjoyed a tour of Karma Winery. The winery business is booming in Chelan and I’m happy to see it bring new tourists and jobs for the area.

The new editor of the Lake Chelan Mirror and I met for the first time to get acquainted and provide her my accessibility for any questions she or the community has about the Legislature or about me.

My family and I have always spent time in Chelan during the summer vacationing. Visiting as an elected official makes me even more proud to call the 12th District my home. I appreciate being able to spend time with the many people that make our area so great – from those that educate our children to those running businesses that employ people.

Please continue to feel free to contact my office anytime. It’s an honor to serve you!

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

E-mail: brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Web site: houserepublicans.wa.gov/hawkins

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