Author Archives: annrivers

Rivers named Guardian of Small Business

Sen. Ann Rivers is one of 15 senators to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award for a perfect, 100-percent pro-small-business voting record for the 2013-14 biennium – a record she has maintained since joining the Legislature in 2011.

“I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of the 1.1 million people who work for small businesses in Washington,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “Small-business owners need our support at the state level because – let’s face it – they are up against unique and expensive challenges that large corporations don’t have to deal with.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of rural communities, like many found in the 18th Legislative District. I’m proud to stand with the little guys because they make a big impact in communities all across the state.”

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Sen. Rivers, Rep. Pike to hold town hall meetings May 10 in Ridgefield, Camas

Sen. Ann Rivers and Rep. Liz Pike are inviting 18th District citizens to join them for town hall meetings Saturday, May 10, in Ridgefield and Camas.

The Southwest Washington lawmakers will provide an update of the 2014 legislative session, which concluded March 13. They will also discuss planned activities during the legislative interim, including formation of a Bi-State Bridge Coalition, made up of Washington and Oregon lawmakers, that will meet in June to discuss new options to the recently-scrapped Columbia River Bridge project.

“We always appreciate our constituents coming out to visit with us. It’s great to hear what’s on their hearts and minds,” said Rivers, R-La Center.

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E-News Legislative Update

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe a month has already passed since the Legislature adjourned this year’s session.

Remember, I work for you year-round – not just when I am in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office (360-786-7634) if you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance in dealing with a state agency.

My heart and prayers go out to the victims, families and community members affected by the Oso mudslide. The New York Times published an article about the mudslide a few weeks ago and it includes an interactive before-and-after map that shows how widespread the devastation truly is; you can view the map HERE.

Below I provide an overview of the governor’s budget vetoes and offer an excerpt of an editorial I wrote for the Columbian. Click HERE to read more.

The Governor Vetoes Sections of the Budget

Last Friday, the governor vetoed several sections of the budget before signing his name in approval. The most notable consequence of his vetoes is that the budget is now projected to be out of balance.

The major vetoes are:

  • Transfer of Life Sciences Discovery Funds to Education Legacy Trust Account – The Legislature had proposed eliminating new grants to the Life Sciences Discovery Fund (although allowing existing projects to continue to their conclusion) and transferring those funds to the Education Legacy Trust Account. The transfers were $20 million in 2013-15 and the intent to transfer the remaining $53 million in 2015-17. The governor vetoed the transfer – and, in so doing, reduced funding for the Education Legacy Trust Account, causing the budget to be out of balance at the end of the 2015-17 biennium.
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IN THE NEWS: Things Legislature did not do were for the best

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Things Legislature did not do were for the best

By Sen. Ann Rivers | Published: April 6, 2014, 6:00 AM

Since this year’s legislative session concluded March 13, exactly as scheduled, the published reviews I’ve seen tend to only focus on certain things that did not happen during our 60 days in Olympia.

Yes, there were some good bills that didn’t make it through and important changes that didn’t happen — as is the case every year. But I think it’s important that we celebrate the victories when we can, so here are several examples of things that luckily did not happen, which deserve far more attention than they have received.

• We did not raise taxes. As Washington’s business climate continues to slowly improve and chronic unemployment continues to make headlines, it was important that we made decisions that will promote economic growth and job creation. Holding the line against tax increases will give small businesses the chance to grow, innovate and flourish, while helping to protect their bottom line.

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Washington first state to require grace period notification for patients under Health Care Exchange

Washington became the first state to pass legislation requiring health insurers provide “grace period” notification after the governor confirmed his approval of Sen. Ann Rivers’ bill at the official bill signing Thursday.

Rivers’ work to correct an inefficiency caused by the Affordable Care Act and Health Care Exchange resulted in Senate Bill 6016. The bill requires that health insurers notify patients and health care providers when a patient has entered the 90-day “grace period,” which is offered to patients who are insured by a qualified health plan through the Exchange but have failed to pay their premium.

Additionally, even though a patient within the grace period is still eligible to receive care, the bill requires that the patient receives notice about alternatives for coverage so that they aren’t stuck with unpaid medical bills since the insurance company is only responsible for payment during the first 30 days of the grace period.

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Clark County residents share their personal story behind Rivers’ bill to increase protection for victims of sexual abuse

Rivers_SB6069The two Clark County sisters who inspired Sen. Ann Rivers to introduce Senate Bill 6069 were present for Monday’s bill signing. Thanks to their personal story, victims of sexual abuse now have an extra layer of protection between them and their abuser.

18th District residents Jennifer Chilton and Kimberly Abell told Rivers they were mortified when their abuser – who happened to be their father – tracked them down upon his early release from prison. Chilton said when they notified the district attorney’s office they were told there was nothing they could do to protect themselves.

“This had to change – for us and for all of the other victims out there,” Chilton said. “That’s when my sister and I got to work to change California law, which is where we were living at the time. It took a long time, but a bill passed and finally became law in 2006. My sister and I now call the great state of Washington home, but it didn’t take us long to realize that Washington law books were void of the protection we fought so hard for in California.”

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