Tag Archives: Press Releases

School recovery proposal by Rep. Brad Hawkins passes House unanimously

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 9, 2015

CONTACT: Sarah Stewart, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7720

School recovery proposal by Rep. Brad Hawkins passes House unanimously

A bill to help schools restore infrastructure in the aftermath of natural disasters was approved by the House of Representatives today by a vote of 96-0 and was among the first group of bills to clear the full House this year.

House Bill 1003, sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, would pull together state resources and agencies to develop a model policy to help school districts restore their facilities following disasters. These resources include the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, risk management entities, educational service districts, and school districts affected by prior natural disasters. The policy would detail who to contact for state support and what financial resources might be available.

“After the devastating Carlton Complex Fire, Pateros school district’s only school building was filled with smoke and needed major repairs, including roof repairs. When I visited Pateros following the fire, school officials told me they were a bit overwhelmed with where to start to get their building in working order,” said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. “The devastation is hard enough to endure without the added stress of figuring out who to call and how to pay for it. I’m hopeful this model policy for school districts will be a useful tool after natural disasters so school officials will know exactly who to contact and what resources might be available as they move forward.”

The proposal would apply to all natural disasters, including floods, landslides, earthquakes and wildfires. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

To read about Pateros Superintendent Lois Davies’ testimony during the public hearing of the bill last month, click here.

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

Carlton Complex fire economic recovery proposal receives public hearing; House approves $1.2 million for recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 29, 2015

CONTACT: Sarah Stewart, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7720

Carlton Complex fire economic recovery proposal receives public hearing; House approves $1.2 million for recovery

A proposal to provide funding for economic recovery in Okanogan County after the devastating Carlton Complex Fire received a public hearing in the House of Representatives today. Hours later, the House approved an amendment to the 2013-15 supplemental operating budget that allocates $1.2 million for recovery efforts. The state dollars are aimed at obtaining federal matching funds.

House Bill 1125, sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins would provide an additional $500,000 in the 2015-17 budget for economic recovery after the fire. The dollars would be provided from an existing fund called the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account, which is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The dollars could also be leveraged for federal funding.

“While touring the area with the governor after the fires swept through, he mentioned this account to me and how it might be able to help with some of the recovery. This is a very small amount, but it’s one of the tools we can use and I want to turn over every rock to help,” said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. “This is just the beginning of the recovery, and I’m committed to helping however I can to ensure our region comes back stronger. While these fires were devastating, there’s also a positive story in the midst of this about the resilience of our communities and people.”

The funding would be directed to the Carlton Complex Fire Long-Term Recovery Group. Several members of the group and other local officials traveled to Olympia to testify today.

Jon Wyss, chairman of the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group, testified that the size of the fire was about the size of Kitsap County and shared a video created by the Group that showed the devastation.

Roni Holder Deifenback, executive director of the Okanogan County Economic Alliance, shared that the area had always struggled with economic stability and was just starting to realize a strong local business base before the fire.

Julie Muyllaert, president of the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, talked about the impact of being without power and phone service for eight days on local residents and tourism.

Carlene Anders, executive director of the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group and a volunteer firefighter in Pateros, shared the stories of local businesses who lost buildings and products, and the students and teachers who lost their homes just before the school year started.

Amy Stork, executive director of Twisp Works, shared that about 10 percent of the businesses in Twisp were directly impacted by the fires and resulting floods. She said the funding can help the area become a model for rural revitalization and shared how the group is helping entrepreneurs and their plans to rebuild.

At the end of the hearing, a representative of the Washington Public Ports Association testified against the bill, saying it would set a precedent for use of the small account for future disasters.

Hawkins notified the lobbyist the fund had already been used after the Oso landslide to help with economic recovery.

The chair of the committee announced the bill would be voted on in Monday’s committee hearing.

Hawkins and the group met with the Speaker of the House afterward to talk about the fire and recovery efforts.

“I appreciate everyone for making the trip to share the work of our communities and the recovery group,” Hawkins said. “They gave compelling stories and evidence of the need for state support.”

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

Public hearing in Olympia discusses legislation to help schools recover after wildfires

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 15, 2015

CONTACT: Sarah Stewart, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7720

Public hearing in Olympia discusses legislation to help schools recover after wildfires

The Carlton Complex Fire not only burned hundreds of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of homes, and dozens of businesses, it also damaged the only school in Pateros. With just a few weeks until the school year was scheduled to begin, school administrators had to scramble to replace the roof, carpeting, ceiling tiles and more, while obtaining funding, working with insurance, and obtaining a waiver from the state to start school just five days late.

Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, wants to ensure schools have a better guide on how to handle natural disasters that affect school buildings.

Hawkins sponsored House Bill 1003 to help schools recover after natural disasters. If passed and signed into law, the bill would provide a model policy for school districts to know who to contact, what to do first, and how to get financial and informational support. A hearing was held in the House Education Committee today, and Pateros School District Superintendent Lois Davies drove to Olympia to testify in favor.

She spoke about how the school was saved from the devastating wildfires last summer four times, but still had smoke-filled hallways and embers that landed on the roof. Even with the damage, the school served as the resource center for the entire community. They served meals three times a day through early August until they had to shift from being an emergency center to teaching students again.

“We had more than $2 million in damage and had less than a month to get ready for the school year,” said Davies. “Everywhere I asked, ‘Is there a checklist?’ Everyone gave us support, but we didn’t have a resource list from anywhere. This would provide a consolidated, coordinated effort to come up with a model policy.”

Davies said she gets calls from other superintendents across the state on what to do and who she called for support. The model policy would save superintendents and school board members time and anxiety after a disaster, she said.

Jon Wyss, chair of the Carlton Complex Fire Long Term Recovery Group, traveled from Brewster to testify in support of the bill as well.

“All of the schools in the area have disaster plans for emergency exit, if there’s a fire, get out. But there’s not a plan that’s put in place for any school district in the state that I know of to prepare your community for recovery efforts and to be the lifeline to get your community back and stable,” said Wyss. “This bill would provide guidance and a checklist much like you have to evacuate a building.”

“After visiting the school several times and seeing the damage, Superintendent Davies expressed her appreciation of all the support she received from various groups and state agencies, but she also shared her confusion with who to call and how to handle various situations to get the school up and running in a very short amount of time,” said Hawkins. “My hope is that this bill will give school districts a starting point for what to do, who to call, and what resources are available if there is a natural disaster that directly affects another school’s infrastructure and school year. After this tragedy, we are all looking for good to come out of what happened so things are better the next time a natural disaster strikes.”

Watch the full hearing online here. The school recovery measure awaits action by the House Education Committee in order to move forward.

Hawkins also recently introduced House Bill 1125 to provide recovery funding from an existing account called the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account. The Carlton Complex Fire Long-Term Recovery Group would receive $500,000 for economic recovery in Okanogan County.

“This funding is about helping households and businesses financially – although no financial token can make up for the heirlooms, the history, and memories people lost in the fires,” Hawkins said. “I’ve been so inspired and encouraged by the resolve of the people in my district through these difficult times. They have helped each other in spite of losing things themselves, and they have been determined to carry on and rebuild. These recovery dollars will help them to do that, but it is just the beginning of what could be a decade-long recovery.”

The recovery funding bill has been referred to the House Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee, and awaits to be scheduled a public hearing. Hawkins said he hopes to have a work session in Olympia on last year’s wildfire season at the same time this bill is heard. Additional information will be provided when known.

The 2015 session is scheduled to adjourn April 26.

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

Governor signs Hawkins’ government transparency bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2014

CONTACT: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer/Broadcast Coordinator – (360) 786-7257

Governor signs Hawkins’ government transparency bill

A bill authored by Rep. Brad Hawkins that requires public agencies to post their meeting agendas online at least 24 hours in advance was signed Thursday (March 27) by Gov. Jay Inslee.

House Bill 2105 is part of an ongoing effort to increase transparency in government, said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee.

“It makes a modest change to the state’s Open Public Meetings Act to require public agencies to post their meeting agendas online at least 24 hours in advance,” Hawkins noted. “Interestingly, the Open Public Meetings Act was first enacted in 1971 and requires public agencies to issue notice of their meetings, such as the date, time, and location, but does not speak to posting meeting agendas. My bill is an effort to modernize the law to reflect our current online society.”

The measure provides exceptions for government entities without websites or with fewer than 10 full-time employees.

“Posting agendas online is important to providing more transparency in government,” added Hawkins. “This legislation will help citizens know what a public agency plans to discuss so they can better determine if an issue is important to them.”

Hawkins says the bill received the support of various newspaper associations and open government advocates. The measure takes effect June 11.

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

Rep. Hawkins’ media:

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

Rep. Brad Hawkins’ video updates from the 2014 legislative session

Jan. 20: Tour my office in Olympia. Then I discuss what I did during the interim between sessions, my outlook on the 2014 session, and share information on bills I sponsored.

Jan. 27: I discuss the supplemental budget process, education funding and my thoughts on the governor’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.

Feb. 4: Walk from my office to the House chamber and visit my desk on the House floor. I discuss how I decide on the hundreds of bills I vote on and share about constituents who recently visited Olympia.

Feb. 10: Walk from my House floor desk to the House Republican Caucus room. I discuss session deadlines and share an update on the bills I sponsored.

Feb. 17: I interview Governor Inslee about agriculture in Washington, education funding, his proposal on the minimum wage, and his vision for Washington state.

Feb. 17: I interview Malia Renner-Singer, the 2014 Civic Educator of the Year from Wenatchee High School.

Feb. 24: I interview the 2014 Apple Blossom royalty, who visited Olympia.

Governor signs Hawkins’ bill to eliminate unnecessary primary ballots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2014

CONTACT: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer/Broadcast Coordinator – (360) 786-7257

Governor signs Hawkins’ bill to eliminate unnecessary primary ballots

Counties will no longer be required to hold partisan primary elections when only one candidate and position is on the ballot, following action today by Gov. Jay Inslee on a bill prime-sponsored by 12th District State Rep. Brad Hawkins. At the state Capitol in Olympia today, the governor signed House Bill 2106. The measure will relieve county election offices of the requirement to hold a primary election when only one candidate for a position has filed to fill an unexpired term for partisan county offices.

Hawkins said the bill corrects an unintended result of legislation passed last year that required primary elections for any partisan race.

“Last year, Chelan County held a countywide primary election for an unopposed position. There was only one candidate and one position on the entire ballot. It was an expensive election,” said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. “My bill will save counties thousands of dollars in processing future primary elections.”

The bill passed the House on Jan. 27 with a vote of 81-10. It was approved in the Senate on March 4, 48-1. It has the support of Chelan County Auditor Skip Moore and Chelan County Commissioner Doug England, both of whom traveled to the state Capitol Feb. 20 to testify for the measure.

“This legislation was one of my highest priorities during this short session and involved months of work that began last summer,” said Hawkins. “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to move this bill forward in a short session and get it signed into law.”

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 2014 session tomorrow, March 13. House Bill 2106 becomes effective 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

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

PHOTO: Gov. Jay Inslee signs House Bill 2106, a measure prime-sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, that will relieve counties of the requirement to hold a primary election when only one candidate for a position has filed to fill an unexpired term for partisan county offices. Photo credit: Washington State House of Representatives.

Rep. Hawkins’ media:

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

Hawkins’ government transparency bill headed to governor’s desk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2014

CONTACT: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer/Broadcast Coordinator – (360) 786-7257

Hawkins’ government transparency bill headed to governor’s desk

A bill that would require public agencies to post their meeting agendas online at least 24 hours in advance has cleared the Senate, 41-6, and is heading to the governor for his consideration.

House Bill 2105, which passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 12 with a vote of 85-13, is part of an ongoing effort by 12th District State Rep. Brad Hawkins to increase transparency in government. The state’s Open Public Meetings Act, first enacted in 1971, only requires public agencies to issue notice of meetings (such as the date, time and location), but does not require those agencies to publish their meeting agendas.

“This bill is a modest first step at updating the Open Public Meetings Act to reflect our online society. Posting agendas online is important to providing more transparency in government,” said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. “This legislation would help citizens know what a public agency plans to discuss so they could better determine if an issue is important to them.”

The measure provides exceptions for government entities without websites or with fewer than 10 full-time employees.

Hawkins says various newspaper associations and open government advocates supported the bill this session.

“I worked closely with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in developing this bill, and it all worked out in the end. I am pleased that it received such broad support in both chambers. Taking a step to modernize the Open Public Meetings Act for online postings was long overdue,” said Hawkins.

Once the governor signs the bill, it will become effective 90 days after the end of the regular legislative session. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn its session on March 13.

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

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Rep. Hawkins’ media:

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

Senate passes Hawkins’ primary ballots bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2014

CONTACT: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer/Broadcast Coordinator – (360) 786-7257

Senate passes Hawkins’ primary ballots bill

The Washington State Senate has approved a measure by 12th District Rep. Brad Hawkins that will save thousands of dollars for counties processing future primary elections. The bill passed the House 86-10 on Jan. 27. Tuesday’s Senate vote was 48-1.

House Bill 2106 would relieve county election offices of the requirement to hold a primary election when only one candidate for a position has filed to fill an unexpired term for partisan county offices.

“Under current law, primary elections are required for all partisan county offices, even if there’s only one candidate. Last year, Chelan County had to hold a countywide primary election for a single position when only one person’s name appeared on the entire ballot,” said Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee. “Passage of this bill is one of my highest legislative priorities this session. This will benefit our district and counties throughout our state.”

Supporters of the measure include Chelan County Auditor Skip Moore and Chelan County Commissioner Doug England, who traveled to Olympia Feb. 20 to testify in favor of the bill.

“Passage of this measure reflects months of work that began last summer. In a short 60-day session, I’m pleased we were able to get this through when there are hundreds of bills at play from last year and hundreds more introduced this year. I’m very thankful for the support. I was determined to get it done,” added Hawkins.

The measure now goes to the governor for his consideration. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 2014 session on March 13. With the governor’s signature, House Bill 2106 would become effective 90 days after the session adjourns.

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

Rep. Hawkins’ media:

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

Two of Rep. Hawkins’ bills advance through Senate committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 28, 2014
CONTACT: Sarah Stewart, Public Information Officer – (360) 786-7720

Two of Rep. Hawkins’ bills advance through Senate committee

Two bills sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, are moving forward in the Washington State Senate.

House Bill 2105, to provide increased transparency with online public agendas, was heard and then unanimously passed by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee Feb. 24. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee where it will be considered for the schedule to be voted on by the entire Senate.

“Transparency is critical in all levels of government, and this is a modest step to providing more access to government for the people,” said Hawkins. “I’m hopeful we can get this bill passed in the Senate and on to the governor’s desk for his signature.”

House Bill 2106 would provide a fix to our primary elections process and help local governments save money in the future. Chelan County Auditor Skip Moore and Chelan County Commissioner Doug England traveled to Olympia Feb. 20 to testify in support of the measure. It was passed by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee unanimously Feb. 27.

“I appreciate that our local officials took the time to come over and share the need for this bill,” Hawkins said. “It was important for state lawmakers to hear directly from Chelan County about why this is important for communities across our state.”

Both bills have until March 7, the cutoff for House bills to be passed out of the Senate, to move forward. The 2014 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 13.

Caption: Rep. Hawkins testifies Feb. 20 in the Senate Governmental Operations Committee in favor of House Bill 2106, an elections bill he sponsored. Credit: Washington State Legislature.

Caption: Chelan County Auditor Skip Moore (right at table) testifies in favor of HB 2106, an elections bill sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins (listening in background), Feb. 20. Credit: Washington State Legislature.

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

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Rep. Hawkins’ media:

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