Senate budget plan keeps promise not to raise taxes
April 03, 2013
Today the Senate released its 2013-15 operating budget plan. The proposal would make meaningful investments in Washington’s environment and education system without raising taxes. This budget plan keeps the promise made by the Senate’s bipartisan coalition to make investments in our state’s education system while living within our means. The proposal... Read More...
Bill to advance evidence-based approach for improving environment signed into law
April 02, 2013
Today Senate Bill 5802 was signed into law. The bill establishes a task force to examine approaches to improving the environment and develop best practices for future action. I welcome this new, evidence-based approach to environmental improvement. With Senate Bill 5802 we are fundamentally changing the way that state government operates. For the first... Read More...
Sen. Ericksen: ‘Inslee’s tax-increase proposal is just plain wrong’
March 28, 2013
Following the governor’s announcement today that he is proposing new taxes totaling $1.4 billion in the next two years, including tax increases on businesses, oil refineries, beer and bottled-water drinkers and out-of-state shoppers,  Sen. Doug Ericksen, GOP-Ferndale, released this statement: “If you are going to promise not to raise taxes... Read More...
Dr. Easterbrook’s presentation on climate change
March 26, 2013
Today in the Senate Energy, Environment & Telecommunications Committee, we’ll hear testimony from Dr. Don Easterbrook, geology professor emeritus at Western Washington University. Dr. Easterbrook will be providing the committee with his viewpoint on climate change. Below are two examples of slides that he’ll be presenting. If you’re interested in viewing the full... Read More...
State tax receipts expected to grow by $2 billion
March 22, 2013
Yesterday the state agency that monitors the collection of taxes and fees by the state held their quarterly forecast meeting. Despite the gloomy predictions of many in Olympia, our state’s economy is continuing to recover. Over the next two years, state tax receipts are expected to grow at a rate of... Read More...
Whatcom County telephone town hall meeting next Wednesday
March 20, 2013
Next Tuesday, March 26, I will be hosting a legislative telephone town hall meeting with Representatives Vincent Buys and Jason Overstreet. This will be an opportunity for us to share the phone lines with Whatcom County residents and hear your questions and input about the important issues facing our state.... Read More...