OLYMPIA… The only broad tax relief Washington residents are likely to see from a $15 billion budget surplus is an end to the sales tax on diapers – and the Democrat-controlled Legislature is offering that only because of legislation from Republican Sen. Ann Rivers. Rivers, R-La Center, proposed making all...

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican leaders released the following remarks after Sunday’s legislative deadline for bills that passed in their house origin to be considered by the opposite chamber. Bills that did not pass in both chambers by Sunday’s cutoff are considered ‘dead’ except for those considered necessary to implement the budget, such...

OLYMPIA… On a mostly partisan 27-22 vote, the state Senate today approved a $59.5 billion operating-budget proposal for 2021-23. Sen. Ann Rivers voted no, citing the sheer size of the spending plan and its reliance on imposing two controversial new taxes and draining the state’s rainy-day fund. “Today we offered...

CLARK COUNTY… The three members of the 18th District’s legislative team will hold town halls in Yacolt and La Center on Saturday, March 2, as this year’s legislative session nears its halfway point. It’ll be the second set of town-hall meetings in 2019 for Sen. Ann Rivers, Rep. Brandon Vick...

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...

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...

Last Wednesday the Senate overwhelmingly approved a supplemental budget proposal that is projected to balance over four years and prioritizes education without raising taxes. Since this is the first time in six years that we have entered session without a budget deficit hanging over our heads, we were able to...