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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Can you believe it’s Thanksgiving week already? November has gone by so fast, and I want to make sure I provide a quick update – although short – on what has transpired throughout the 9th District and in Olympia the past few weeks. It has been a hectic month with a special session, legislative Committee Days, multiple annual meetings and several speaking engagements. It was good to see so many of you as we work together to make Washington an even better place.
It is an honor to serve the great people of the 9th District. I wish you a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
In service to you,
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Susan Fagan
Full month of constituent meetings and site visits
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November is the month where everyone begins to think about the upcoming session. The best way for me to learn about the issues that are most important to our district and our state is to get out and participate in local meetings and events as much as possible. I joined Rep. John McCoy on his tour of Washington State University’s diversity programs; met with Education Service District 123 in Walla Walla to learn about their issues of greatest concern; and, attended the Washington Policy Center Solutions Summit in Pasco. I also participated in a panel discussion sponsored by WSU-Spokane regarding improving citizens’ perception of state government, the legislative process and legislative civility.
The Washington Education Association brought nationally-recognized science teacher Jeff Charbonneau of Zillah High School to Spokane. His presentation was amazing and inspiring! I also attended the Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) Awards ceremony. This event recognizes volunteers in law enforcement for their commitment to their communities and for saving law enforcement budgets more than $1 million per year.
The Washington Cattlewomen and Cattlemen met in Pasco, and I was asked to speak to the Cattlewomen’s group. The Tri-State Grain Producers met in Spokane, and I was able to attend the GMO panel presentation. The GMO labeling initiative failed earlier this month, but it is still important to continue to learn more about this issue.
Finally, I attended the Community Action Center’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner. The center is a lynch pin in our community helping those in greatest need.
Special session called
The governor called the Legislature into special session Nov. 7-9. The purpose was to consider a tax preference package and legislation that would boost aerospace workforce training and streamline permitting for Boeing in consideration of the company’s commitment to build the new 777x airplane in Washington. Although the two bills passed, Boeing’s machinists’ union turned down the negotiated contract the following week. Boeing has opened the opportunity to build the 777x and composite wing to other states. Utah and California are among those on the list of around a dozen locations across the nation.
It’s important to note that I voted against the tax preference package. If a case can be made that for every dollar of taxes the state foregoes for Boeing, three dollars are returned, then can’t we make the same case for other business sectors? The package included a 40 percent reduction in Business and Occupation tax for Boeing through 2040. As was pointed out during debate on the House floor, “if we can save Goliath, then we can also save David!”
Transportation package still being “developed”
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In addition to the Boeing measures, the governor also wanted lawmakers to consider a transportation tax package during special session. No action was taken, but transportation leaders are still working toward an agreement. There is still some hope an agreement can be reached and another special session called between Thanksgiving and Christmas is possible. I am hearing from constituents overwhelmingly that an increase in the gas tax will adversely impact an already sluggish recovery. Please continue to share your comments and concerns regarding this issue. Improving our transportation infrastructure is critical to our economy. But, it is essential that any final tax package also include tax and regulatory reforms as well as measures that add transparency and accountability within our state transportation department.
Committee Days proved fruitful
Legislators gathered in Olympia for Committee Days Nov. 21-22. There were several hearings scheduled over the two days. Some committee hearings were available online at tvw.org and can be viewed through its archived video feature. Committees on which I serve include the full Appropriations Committee (budget committee); Education Appropriations; K-12 Education; and Business and Financial Services (BFS). My newest committee assignment is BFS, which considers legislation related to the licensing and regulation of businesses and professions (except for health care and law-related professions). It also considers issues related to insurance. Financial services issues include the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions, the regulation of consumer credit and lending and the regulation of securities and investments. I’m just getting my feet wet on these issues and finding the work very challenging and interesting.
Share your thoughts with me
Now is the time to offer your feedback and solutions as we prepare for the 2014 legislative session, which begins January 13. My contact information is below. The unanticipated special session caused us to have to cancel and reschedule many meetings, and we want to make sure we reach out to those who still have concerns they want to share.
9th Legislative District
E-mail: susan.fagan@leg.wa.gov
Web site: www.representativesusanfagan.com
406 John L. O’Brien Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7942 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
