About Dan | News & Media | Email Updates | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Communication with those I serve is one of the most important parts of my job as your state legislator. That’s why I have provided regular email updates to you during the legislative session and on a monthly basis during the interim in a non-election year. I hope you have found them informative and educational. This, however, is an election year. There are limits to what and when I can contact you. Due to those election-year restrictions. this will be my last e-newsletter until December.
I want you to know I work for you throughout the year. I can respond to a direct request for information, so I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions about legislative or state issues.
2016 Legislative Report soon to be mailed/emailed
It has been several years since I’ve mailed a legislative report to the district. However, I felt it important to communicate some important things that have happened the past two years that have significant and positive impacts on our district and for the state. You may be receiving my newsletter in your mailbox soon. However, I am also allowed to send that report to you via e-mail, so be looking for it soon in your email inbox.
Successes during the 2015-16 biennium
One of my greatest honors, along with serving as your state representative, was to be chosen as House Republican Leader. In this position, I have had the privilege to work with dedicated legislators who share my goal to make Washington a better place to live, work and raise a family. I am proud of the accomplishments we’ve made during the 2015-16 biennium. I am also appreciative of your support and input that has helped to make these things happen. Here’s a quick look at some of our successes:
- Increased funding to K-12 education by nearly 19 percent, comprising 48 percent of the operating budget – the highest in 30 years.
- Provided salary increases and cost-of-living adjustments to teachers.
- Funded all-day kindergarten and reduced K-3 class sizes.
- Lowered tuition at Washington’s colleges and universities – the first for any state.
- Made significant investments in treatment and capacity for our mentally ill.
- Saved public charter schools.
- Increased funding for state parks.
- Provided pay raises for Washington State Patrol troopers.
- Prevented major tax increases. More than $1.5 billion in proposed tax increases, including capital gains income tax, carbon, cap and trade, and most business and occupation taxes were taken off the table.
- Protected Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.
- Held the Department of Corrections accountable for early release of prisoners and rejected confirmation of the Department of Transportation secretary following project cost overruns and major delays.
- Forced changes to the I-405 express toll lanes to relieve traffic congestion.
- Provided additional funding to kick-start widening of Highway 522 near Maltby.
Get involved in your government! Make a difference!
The best ideas in the Legislature often come from constituents. We truly have a citizen Legislature – a place where ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. You can make a difference from the 39th District. Here are some ways to get involved in the legislative process and state government:
Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000 (toll-free)
Governor’s office: (360) 902-4111 | governor.wa.gov
Legislature: leg.wa.gov
State agencies: access.wa.gov/agency
TVW: tvw.org
Bill information: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo
Civic education: leg.wa.gov/civiced
Washington House Republicans: houserepublicans.wa.gov
As always, I welcome your questions, comments and suggestions about state government. Contact me any time. You will find my contact information below.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to serve you!
In your service,
Dan Kristiansen
