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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
One of my primary goals of this year's legislative session is adopting solutions that would help to reduce our state's unemployment rate, stimulate private sector job growth, and get Washington working again.
Getting Washington Working
Last week, Gov. Inslee announced a $120 million jobs package that would provide tax breaks for certain companies and expand aerospace training. While I'm glad the governor is giving attention to the issue of jobs, we have to remember that our main focus must be on allowing the private sector to create jobs, not growing more government. Nor should government be picking winners and losers when it comes to which company or industry benefits. We need to raise the ship for everyone in all segments of society, not pick favorites.
My House Republican colleagues and I have a list of private sector job-creating solutions we believe will benefit all employers and workers. I invite you to read our solutions to get Washington working. Here's also a quick list of our jobs solutions in a printable PDF file that I encourage you to share with your neighbors.
One of the things that could help our employers is reforming our state's workers' compensation system (industrial insurance). We took some great steps in the last session toward allowing structured settlements as an option. But more is required to ensure we keep rates low for employers and have the ability to provide for injured workers. I wrote about this in an opinion editorial for our local chambers of commerce. I invite you to read the details of proposed workers' compensation reform in my article.
Let's have a “community conversation” on Thursday evening!
Please remember that this Thursday, Feb. 21, is my telephone town hall meeting. I want to hear from you! Join me and fellow citizens from throughout the 39th District from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. as we discuss issues important to you and the district. Call toll-free: 1-877-229-8493 and enter PIN code 15786 when prompted. Once you are on the line, if you have a question for me, press *3 (Star 3) on your telephone keypad. Click here for more information. I hope you can join me!
Children – our future
Today is Presidents' Day, but in the House of Representatives, it is also “Children's Day.” This morning, the House unanimously approved a resolution recognizing and honoring Washington's children – and we allowed children to come out onto the House floor while lawmakers spoke in favor of the measure. Seeking a better future for our families and our children is the motivation that keeps many of us working in the Legislature for important reforms in state government. I appreciate your support and your input as we work together for a better Washington.
Sincerely,
This week in Olympia 
I encourage you to become involved in your state Legislature. Below is the schedule for public hearings in the House committees this week. If you'd like to learn more about how to testify in committee, go here. Click on the links below to get information about each bill. For your convenience, I have highlighted in yellow those bills and issues that are most significant to the 39th District.
TUESDAY, FEB. 19
Higher Education Committee – House Hearing Room A – 8 a.m.
- Awarding Credit for Military Training – Public Hearing on House Bill 1858
- Providing Financial Aid for Illegal Immigrants – Public Hearing on House Bill 1817
Government Operations and Elections Committee – House Hearing Room E – 8 a.m.
- Improving Business Climate/Rules Review – Public Hearing on House Bill 1591
Business and Financial Services Committee – House Hearing Room B – 8 a.m.
Labor and Workforce Development Committee – House Hearing Room D – 10 a.m.
- Unionizing Drayage Truck Operators for the Port of Seattle – Public Hearing House Bill 1719
Technology and Economic Development Committee – House Hearing Room C – 10 a.m.
- Promoting Economic Development Through Business and Government Streamlining Projects – Public Hearing on House Bill 1818
- State Universal Communications – Public Hearing on House Bill 1857
Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs – House Hearing Room E – 10 a.m.
- Park Closures/Transfers to Local Governments – Public Hearing on House Bill 1704
- Veterans' Homes – Public Hearing on House Bill 1782
- Veterans' Assistance Programs – Public Hearing on House Bill 1806
Local Government Committee – House Hearing Room D – 1:30 p.m.
- Local Government Fiscal Condition Commission – Public Hearing on House Bill 1828
Education Committee – House Hearing Room A – 1:30 p.m.
- Concerning the Educational Opportunity Gap – Public Hearing on House Bill 1680
- Phasing in 24 Credit Graduation Requirement – Public Hearing on House Bill 1692
Government Accountability and Oversight Committee – House Hearing Room E – 1:30 p.m.
- Internet Gambling Penalties – Public Hearing on House Bill 1824
- Sunset Review Process – Public Hearing on House Bill 1860
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20
Labor and Workforce Development Committee – House Hearing Room D – 8 a.m.
- Increasing Penalties on Employers Under WISHA – Public Hearing on House Bill 1891
Higher Education Committee – House Hearing Room A – 1:30 p.m.
- State Need Grant for Independent Colleges – Public Hearing on House Bill 1878
- Evaluating Colleges Participating in Financial Aid Programs – Public Hearing on House Bill 1843
Public Safety Committee – House Hearing Room D – 1:30 p.m.
- Vacating Misdemeanor Marijuana Offenses – Public Hearing on House Bill 1661
Transportation Committee – House Hearing Room B – 3:30 p.m.
- Enforcement of Proof of Insurance Requirements – Public Hearing on House Bill 1803
Education Committee – House Hearing Room A – 5:30 p.m.
- Governor STEM Initiative – Public Hearing on House Bill 1872
THURSDAY, FEB. 21
Government Operations and Elections Committee – House Hearing Room E – 10 a.m.
- Creating a Searchable Database of Capital Projects – Public Hearing on House Bill 1733
FRIDAY, FEB. 22
Capital Budget Committee – House Hearing Room B – 8 a.m.
- Yakima Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan – Work Session and Public Hearing on House Bill 1414
Important ways to connect to your Legislature
Get connected to my radio program – Capitol Report – which discusses current issues of the 39th District and the state. Click here for this week's program. Sign up for my RSS podcast. You can also get all of the Washington House Republican Capitol Report programs on your iPhone and iPad through the iTunes store by clicking here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/capitol-report-washington/id579017734. Capitol Report is also aired Tuesdays and Fridays in the 5 p.m. hour on KSVR – 91.7 FM, Mount Vernon, with legislators from both the 39th and 10th legislative districts.
In addition, listen to my interviews with Ed Bremer on KSER 90.7 FM in Everett on Tuesdays at 4:06 p.m. and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.
Here are some other important links:
- Check out my Web site – This year, I have a new Web site: houserepublicans.wa.gov/dan-kristiansen. From this link, you can get more information about me, view my news releases and read my regular articles to the chambers of commerce and our local newspapers.
- Photos – Access my photo gallery here.
- Video updates – Every two weeks, I record a new legislative video update with the latest news from the Legislature. You can view my reports here on YouTube.
- TVW – The state's own version of C-Span, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live. You can also watch on your computer, smartphone or tablet: www.tvw.org
- Legislature's Web site – You can get bill reports, committee agendas and information about upcoming activities in the Legislature at: www.leg.wa.gov
Please share this e-newsletter with everyone you know and encourage them to sign up for it from my Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov/dan-kristiansen.
Come visit your state Capitol
We have many groups that visit the state Capitol during the legislative session and participate in events. Here's a quick look at last Thursday's events:
- Dance for demanding an end to violence against women and girls of the world
- Comcast Newsmakers taping
- Massage Awareness Day
- Associated General Contractors Day in Olympia
- Youth Legislature Proclamation Signing
- Refugee and Immigrant Legislative Day
- Washington State Patrol Promotional Ceremony
If you'd like to see the events scheduled at the state Capitol, click here for more information. If you plan to visit, call my office in advance so that we can help you when you plan your schedule. The phone number is (360) 786-7967.
In your service,
Dan Kristiansen
