Tag Archives: Email Updates

Rep. Hawkins’ Nov. 7 e-mail update

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. MansonSchoolDistrictSuperintendent-SchoolBoardMembersOct3013

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

Rep. Hawkins’ transportation update: Sept. 25, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With the cooler weather and shorter days, it definitely feels like fall is in the air. Autumn has always been my favorite season in beautiful North Central Washington. Of course, this means winter — and the 2014 legislative session — are right around the corner.

One of the big issues being discussed statewide right now is transportation. It is a topic of critical importance to our state and district. I am pleased to share with you that legislative leaders have appointed me to the House Transportation Committee. This committee will provide me an opportunity to weigh in on this essential service provided by our state government.

I listened to a legislative forum held Sept. 23 in Wenatchee, coordinated by leaders of the Senate Transportation Committee. Many local leaders and citizens attended to share their thoughts to us about transportation and how to pay for improvements and maintenance of our roadways. Many citizens also discussed ideas for reforms, which I believe must be an important aspect of any future transportation proposal.

More feedback forums will be held in several other locations around the state – see the schedule below. These are an important way for the Legislature to hear directly from the people on an issue as critical as this one, especially if taxpayers would be likely asked to help pay for any future projects. As you know, a 10-cent per gallon gas tax increase was pursued multiple times during a recent special session. I voted against those proposals because I believed they were rushed, did not include meaningful reforms, and did not involve due diligence with broad input from citizens. See below for information about the most recent proposal during session.

The recent forums being hosted throughout the state are a good start of the discussion about reforming and funding our state transportation projects. If you were unable to participate in the forum last Monday, please feel free to contact my office to share your thoughts. Hearing from you helps me to do my job better.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Olympia!

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

Bipartisan feedback forums being held across the state

Hundreds of people attended meetings in Bellevue, Everett and here in Wenatchee to share their views on a potential transportation revenue package. There will be additional meetings, if you are interested:

Thursday, Sept. 26 – Tri-Cities 6-9 p.m.
Columbia Basin College, Gjerde Center, 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301
Wednesday, Oct. 2 – Spokane 6-9 p.m.
Central Valley High School theater, 821 S Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Monday, Oct. 7 – Vancouver 6-9 p.m.
Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St., Vancouver, WA 98660
Wednesday, Oct. 9 – Tacoma 6-9 p.m.
Evergreen Tacoma Campus, Lyceum Hall, 1210 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405
Monday, Oct. 14 – Seattle 6-9 p.m.
King County Courthouse, Room 1001, 516 3rd Ave., 10th Floor, Seattle, WA 98104
Tuesday, Oct. 15 – Bellingham 6-9 p.m.
Port of Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

Those unable to attend a feedback forum in person can submit their comments online at: www.senatetranspofeedbackforum.org

Most recent proposal

While a new, compromise transportation revenue package may be proposed this fall or in January, what that may look like is unknown. However, the most recent proposal was for a $10 billion transportation tax package which included the following funding sources and expected revenues:

Statewide Revenue Source	12 year total
A gas tax increase of 10.5 cents per gallon phased in over one year ($0.06/$0.045)	$3.76 billion
A passenger weight fee increase ranging from $15, $25, or $35 (depending on the weight)	$1.4 billion
A weight fee increase of 15 percent for trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight	$120 million
A $5 fee for each vehicle registration renewal not processed by a sub-agent and a $12 fee for each certificate of title transaction not processed by a sub-agent (creates fee equalization)	$255 million
Various service fees on certain Department of Licensing transactions and a fee increase of $6 per year for an Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identicard	$58 million
Elimination of the handling loss deduction for licensed fuel suppliers, distributors, and importers	$22 million
Redeployment of the 2012 fee increases	$841 million
REVENUE PACKAGE TOTAL	$6.5 billion

You’ll notice the package above generates about $6.5 billion over 12 years. However, a portion of the fuel tax increase would be bonded to generate an additional $3.5 billion, for a total of approximately $10 billion in spending over 12 years.

Projects contained within a different revenue package are unknown and would hopefully be determined in a public process and prioritized according to needs. As a new member of the Transportation Committee, I will also ensure the needs of those of us east of the mountains are heard.

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative DistrictE-mail: brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Web site: houserepublicans.wa.gov/hawkins

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

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

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | August 27, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I continue to enjoy making visits throughout the district. The interim months between legislative sessions in Olympia provide me an opportunity to reconnect with constituents and answer questions about the recent legislative session.

Earlier this summer, I joined the North Central Washington Fieldman’s Association for a breakfast and provided a review of this year’s session. It was great meeting with them and touching base on agriculture issues. I am so grateful to all of the people who work in agriculture, maintaining our area’s rich agriculture history and feeding our state and world. Did you know that the 12th District’s crop value is about $1.8 billion every year?

Earlier this month, I was honored to speak to the Wenatchee Downtown Kiwanis Club. Service clubs are an excellent way for people in our communities to stay connected with each other and complete important service projects in our area. Pictured in the photo with me is Wenatchee School District Superintendent Brian Flones who kindly invited me to speak to the club. This opportunity allowed me to provide a recap of the legislative session, answer questions, and discuss the session ahead. Thank you to the Wenatchee Downtown Kiwanis for hosting me.

Late last week, I traveled to the Methow Valley and met with the Twisp Chamber of Commerce and the mayor of Twisp, Soo Ing-Moody. I provided the chamber a review of the session (see photo at left) and how legislation would affect small businesses. Ms. Moody and I met with small business owner Dan Donohue and discussed his business and our overall economy. I’m grateful for their time to meet with me and share their questions and concerns about statewide issues.

You can view more photos of my interim visits here. If you would like me to meet with your group, contact my office at the information at the bottom of this e-mail and we can set up a meeting.

The Methow and Wenatchee Valleys are among the many beautiful places in the 12th District. Sadly, these areas have seen their share of fires and mudslides caused by the recent lightning storms and flash flooding. I have been monitoring the events and keeping in touch with response officials during this time. As you may know, some residents have lost their homes due to the fires and flooding. My family continues to pray for those affected and the crews responding to these events. If you would like to learn more about the status of the response, please visit the Department of Natural Resources Web site on fire information, Twitter account dedicated to wildfire information, and stay tuned with local news reports.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your 12th District State Representative.

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

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

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | July 26, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I have been thoroughly enjoying my time back here in the district. It is great to see so many familiar faces, see such beautiful places and enjoy the warm sun of our area.

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the City of Pateros Parade and Apple Pie Jamboree. The city organized a centennial celebration, which was attended by a delegation from Pateros, Philippines. Thanks to Mayor Gail Howe, I was the official witness to attest to the sister city ceremonies. The photo on the right includes me with Pateros, Philippines Mayor Joey Medina, and Pateros, Washington Mayor Howe, along with city honorees. In addition to meeting the delegation, my family and I participated in the parade and enjoyed delicious apple pie. Congratulations to Mayor Howe and the entire city for organizing a fabulous event.

I also had the opportunity to attend the annual Washington Apple Education Foundation Scholarship Banquet, which recognized outstanding students throughout North Central Washington. The foundation raised more than $650,000 in scholarships thanks to generous businesses and supporters in our agricultural community. Congratulations to the Washington Apple Education Foundation for another amazing year.

The 12th Legislative District is beautiful, and my family and I look forward to more visits in the weeks and months ahead.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you!

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | June 28, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

After many days in both regular and special legislative sessions, I am pleased to share with you that I have voted for and lawmakers have approved an operating budget for the 2013-2015 biennium. This $33.6 billion package will guide state spending for the next two fiscal years. As with any negotiated budget, there are aspects that both parties like and dislike. To me, this means that lawmakers have achieved real bipartisan compromise.

The operating budget (Senate Bill 5034) takes many steps to move our state forward and is a significant improvement over previous budget proposals. As you know, the legislature was confronted with a budget deficit of approximately $1 billion. We also faced a Supreme Court decision related to K-12 education estimated to cost an additional $1 billion. In the end, the $33.6 billion operating budget approved by the legislature resolves both these challenges and maintains a respectable amount in reserves.

The legislature’s approval of the 2013-2015 operating budget:

Averts a government shutdown by meeting the June 30 fiscal year deadline.
There will be no lapse in services as the next biennium begins July 1, 2013.

Keeps the state’s promise not to extend the Business and Occupation tax.
The “temporary” tax increases approved in the past are now removed from the budget.

Invests an additional $1 billion into K-12 education for the McCleary decision.
Directs additional funds for school operating costs, learning assistance, transportation, reduced class sizes, increased instructional hours, and all-day kindergarten.

Avoids tuition increases at our state’s higher education facilities and increases funding.
Students and families will benefit from this stability in tuition costs. Nearly $200 million is invested in additional funding, financial aid and student achievement support.

Addresses two unresolved court issues involving estate taxes and telecommunications.
Clarifies the estate tax statute related to trust accounts and implements telecommunications reforms to avoid potential state lawsuits.

Dedicates extra revenue from the recent forecast into the state’s reserve account.
The budget preserves $630 million in projected reserves for the two-year period.

Protects our most vulnerable citizens.
Provides increased funding for home care workers, adult dental needs and mental health services.

The senate approved this budget by a vote of 44 to 4, and the House approved it by a vote of 81 to 11.

If you would like more detailed information on the operating budget, please click here.

The passage of this budget represents the culmination of many months of hard work. While this effort took much longer than I had anticipated or preferred, I am pleased with the outcome. Many of you voiced your thoughts, ideas and concerns in recent months and weeks. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to communicate and help me best represent you here in Olympia.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | June 27, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This past week has been filled with both hope and frustration. Lawmakers were called back to Olympia on Sunday with news that House leaders, Senate leaders and the governor were within hours of reaching a compromise on the operating budget for 2013-2015. The governor even confirmed this at a subsequent press conference. Unfortunately, hours turned into days, but I am pleased to say that a negotiated budget proposal between leadership and the governor has been reached.

Just hours ago, lawmakers were informed that budget negotiators shook hands in the governor’s office to bring a proposal to the full legislature for consideration. In the near future, lawmakers will be taking steps to pass a series of bills necessary to implement this budget, with the final vote on the actual budget at the end. Sometimes this entire process can take a couple days. I will be working hard to study the proposal so that I can make an informed vote for the people of the Twelfth District.

Below are some of the highlights of the negotiated budget proposal. The proposed budget:

· Averts a government shutdown by meeting the June 30 fiscal year deadline.

· Keeps the state’s promise not to extend Business and Occupational taxes.

· Invests an additional $1 billion into K-12 education for the state Supreme Court’s McCleary decision.

· Avoids tuition increases at our state higher education facilities.

· Addresses two unresolved court issues involving estate taxes and telecommunications.

· Dedicates extra revenue from the recent forecast into the state’s reserve account.

While this process has taken too long, I am optimistic – based on the framework shared to us – that this budget proposal will pass the legislature. My colleagues and I will be working hard in the coming hours to study this proposal in more detail with the hope of voting on the final operating budget on either Friday or Saturday.

I am sending this information through my email update because you deserve to know these details as soon as I have learned of them.

Thank you for your continued interest and support!

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | June 20, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Legislature is completing week two of the second special session. Leadership from both parties have been meeting with the Governor this week to develop a budget for the next two years (July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015). The goal in negotiations is to develop a budget that the House, Senate, and Governor can support.

I have been eagerly awaiting the call to return to Olympia to vote on an operating budget proposal that adequately funds education, preserves services for our most vulnerable, and ensures public safety. House members have been presented two budget proposals so far. I voted “No” on both proposals. The first House budget proposed would have raised taxes by over $1 billion, and the second budget would have raised taxes by nearly $600 million.

Both budgets were unacceptable to many of us because they contained tax increases, depleted reserve funds, and used budgeting gimmicks. While I know that we all want a budget completed, I did not feel comfortable approving a plan that would be unsustainable in future years and adversely impact our recovering economy.

This process has taken longer this year for many reasons, including the challenge of overcoming a deficit, meeting a supreme court ruling concerning education funding, and finding true bipartisan compromise. Recent legislatures have included one party control in all aspects of the process (House, Senate, and Governor). The process is different this year as the House and Senate have different majority parties.

Regardless of political parties in control, we must continue to work together to approve a sustainable budget that we all can be proud of given the circumstances. The good news is that the state’s most recent quarterly revenue forecast was released this week, which anticipates an extra $110 million in revenue over the next two years. This is a positive message about our recovering state economy. I anticipate being called back to Olympia for votes over the weekend. I hope to deliver another positive message next week — hopefully news of a budget compromise.

Thank you for your interest and continued support. It is my honor to represent you in Olympia.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | June 13, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This past week has been filled with both disappointment and optimism. Tuesday marked the end of the 30-day special session with no agreed-upon state budget. This is disappointing given state lawmakers’ advanced knowledge of our state budget shortfall and the need for reforms. When times are tough, it has become common here in Olympia to point fingers and assign blame. Rather than doing that, I will tell you that all of us lawmakers share in the responsibility of our budget situation.

My optimism comes from signs that both parties are working toward a compromise solution. Citizens across our state are expecting us to pass a balanced and sustainable budget that adequately funds education, preserves essential services, and protects the economy. As your representative, this is what I will continue to pursue.

I voted against a budget last week that would have raised taxes by over $600 million while backtracking on proposed funding levels for K-12 education. I hope you appreciate my vote despite interest in finishing this process. The Governor has called us into a second special session during which I hope we will get an opportunity to vote on a budget we all can be proud of considering the circumstances. Hopefully, I can share this good news in my email update next week.

Thank you for continued support and the opportunity to represent you here in Olympia.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

A message from Rep. Brad Hawkins | June 6, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I wanted to let you know that I have opened my district office in Wenatchee. I’m so excited to have an office in the 12th District. It’s important to me to be accessible to you, the people I serve, and having this office should make things easier for you to come visit me.

The address is:

11 Spokane Street
#205A
Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 662-5733

The office is located on the second floor of the historic Go USA Building near the corner of Spokane Street and South Wenatchee Avenue.

My legislative assistant, Taylor Kenck, will staff the District Office. Having Taylor at the office is an added benefit as he has deep roots in the Wenatchee Valley and will be helping me stay connected with constituents all throughout the district.

The office will be staffed by Taylor, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except when constituent meetings and events occur off site throughout the district.

If you would like to meet with me, please don’t hesitate to call Taylor and set up an appointment. I look forward to seeing you around the district this interim.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Representative Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District