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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In my first e-mail update this year, I shared with you what I believe will be the major issues this legislative session. I would like to know what your legislative priorities are this year. Please consider taking the time to share your views in this short survey.
Did you know?
Did you know because of I-502 (marijuana), which passed in 2012, local marijuana grow operations are now located near neighborhoods and areas where children are present?
Some of you have contacted me with your concerns about this issue. I discussed it at the Associated Press Legislative Preview on January 8. The media has taken an interest in the story. While I wasn’t quoted in this KING 5 story, I did talk to Susannah Frame and shared some of my concerns. I think she did a nice job reporting on the problems we are seeing at the local level.
These problems underscore the importance of decisions made by both local and state governments. It is also clear the Legislature needs to change or clarify certain laws pertaining to the marijuana initiative, and I expect some reforms to move forward this year.
Two videos from this week
I taped my first video update of 2015 this week. In this video, I discuss the governor’s operating budget proposal and whether or not our state needs to raise taxes. You can watch it here. Please let me know if you have any feedback.
I also participated in a news conference with leaders of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus on Tuesday. You can watch the event here.
74 + 73 = 147
There are 147 state lawmakers in the Legislature — 74 Democrats and 73 Republicans. These close numbers mean the Legislature must work closely together. Despite what you might hear, Olympia is not Washington, D.C. Members of the Legislature work closely together and rely on their constituents for input. Here are ten ways you can be involved in the legislative process.
Telephone town hall meeting | Tuesday, February 3
Just a reminder that I will be hosting a telephone town hall meeting with Rep. Elizabeth Scott on Tuesday, February 3. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last an hour. To join the community conversation, please call (360) 350-6256.
In your service,
Dan Kristiansen
