The Senate today approved the first bill introduced by Sen. Ann Rivers since she became 18th Legislative District senator. It would give government agencies some breathing room when it comes to complying with a state law requiring them to move their fleets to biofuels and electricity by 2018.

“While I understand the intent of that law from six years ago, this is still a huge unfunded mandate on cities, counties, port districts, school districts, transit districts and more – every local government that operates vehicles, vessels or construction equipment,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “My goal is to make it easier for cities to meet the standards that were set out as the technology becomes available. That way it doesn’t become such an expensive proposition for the taxpayers and ratepayers who ultimately pick up the tab.” Continue reading →

Sen. Ann Rivers knows it was unusual for the Senate Ways and Means Committee to devote its entire meeting Thursday to a discussion of tax-increase bills that she and a majority of the committee members don’t support. Then again, as Rivers points out, she and the other Majority Coalition Caucus members who are leading the Senate this year don’t feel particularly bound by tradition.

“Our bipartisan coalition made some fundamental changes in how the Senate operates, in the interests of encouraging a more cooperative climate. Yesterday’s hearing fits right in with that,” said Rivers, R-La Center. Continue reading →

OLYMPIA… At its annual legislative lunch Wednesday the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs recognized Sen. Ann Rivers as Legislator of the Year for 2012 from among Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Rivers, R-La Center, had served in the House throughout the 2012 session and beyond until her mid-year appointment to the vacant 18th Legislative District Senate position. Continue reading →

Sen. Ann Rivers will have positions on four Senate committees when the 2013 legislative session convenes one month from today. The La Center Republican and member of the new Senate Majority Coalition Caucus said two of those assignments promise to put her right in the middle of the session’s biggest challenges – crafting a new state budget and addressing court-influenced changes to public education.

“I’m very lucky. These are some incredible committees,” said Rivers, who will be a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, Senate Government Operations Committee and Senate Rules Committee. Continue reading →

The state’s Republican senators today unanimously chose Sen. Ann Rivers as caucus whip. It’s a prominent position on the Senate Republican leadership team that is especially important when the full Senate is debating and voting on legislation.

“I’m honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with a leadership position so early in my time as a senator,” said Rivers, R-La Center. She was appointed 18th Legislative District senator in late June after former Sen. Joseph Zarelli stepped down after 17 years of service. Continue reading →

18th District senator also in line to serve on transportation-funding group

Sen. Ann Rivers will remain a member of the committee she helped create earlier this year to provide legislative oversight of the Columbia River Crossing project.

Rivers, R-La Center, attended the committee’s June 19 meeting in Vancouver as one of two state representatives named to the group by the two leaders of the House Transportation Committee. She said those committee leaders want her to stay on the oversight panel even though she resigned from the House of Representatives on Monday to accept an appointment to the Senate. Continue reading →

Sen. Ann Rivers says she is up and running as the 18th Legislative District’s new senator after a visit to the Capitol this morning. Rivers, R-LaCenter, was appointed Monday by Clark and Cowlitz county commissioners to succeed former Sen. Joseph Zarelli, who stepped down May 31 after 17 years of service.

For Rivers, who was elected to the House of Representatives from the district in 2010, today’s trip to Olympia was mostly to handle administrative tasks related to the move and get acquainted with Senate Republican staff members and other Senate officials. Continue reading →