The Washington State Senate today voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 5260, which removes the 75-foot length limit for saddlemount vehicle combinations from Washington State Law and increases the limit to 97 feet.
“You’ve probably seen these vehicle combinations on freeways around the state. Often it’ll be a chain of tractor-trailer cabs,” said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and sponsor of the bill. “This bill will bring Washington into compliance with the federal standard.” Continue reading
On Jan. 16, Billy “Bud” Rhynalds was killed by a falling tree during a storm while he set up safety cones on State Route 203 near Carnation, in rural King County. Today, members of the Washington State Senate paused to remember Rhynalds, a 12-year maintenance employee with the Washington State Department of Transportation.
“He was helping to protect motorists from water over the roadway during that powerful storm,” said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, “and he ended up giving his life for them. It’s something we don’t often think about, and I’m proud to support this resolution honoring Mr. Rhynalds.” Continue reading
The state ferry system would eliminate wasteful practices, adopt operating efficiencies and bring ferry employees’ compensation in line with other state employees under a package of reforms introduced today by key Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate. Continue reading
The Senate Republican Caucus today announced its committee assignments for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions, including ranking (lead) Republicans on the state Senate committees. They will be:
Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Ranking: Sen. Jerome Delvin
Other members: Sens. Mark Schoesler, Jim Honeyford and Randi Becker
Early Learning and K-12 Education Ranking: Sen. Steve Litzow
Other members: Sens. Curtis King and Andy Hill
Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Ranking: Sen. Michael Baumgartner
Other members: Sens. Joseph Zarelli, Janéa Holmquist Newbry and Don Benton
Environment, Water and Energy Ranking: Sen. Jim Honeyford
Other members: Sens. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, Jerome Delvin and Bob Morton
Financial Institutions, Housing and Insurance Ranking: Sen. Don Benton
Other members: Sens. Joe Fain and Steve Litzow
Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Ranking: Sen. Dan Swecker
Other members: Sens. Pam Roach and Bob McCaslin
Health and Long-Term Care Ranking: Sen. Randi Becker
Other members: Sens. Linda Evans Parlette, Cheryl Pflug and Mike Carrell
Higher Education and Workforce Development Ranking: Sen. Andy Hill
Other members: Sens. Randi Becker, Michael Baumgartner and Doug Ericksen
Human Services and Corrections Ranking: Sen. Val Stevens
Other members: Sens. Mike Carrell and Doug Ericksen
Judiciary Ranking: Sen. Cheryl Pflug
Other members: Sens. Mike Carrell, Bob McCaslin and Pam Roach
Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Ranking: Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry
Other members: Sens. Curtis King and Mike Hewitt
Natural Resources and Marine Waters Ranking: Sen. Bob Morton
Other members: Sens. Val Stevens and Dan Swecker
Rules Ranking: Sen. Mike Hewitt
Other members: Sens. Curtis King, Val Stevens, Mark Schoesler, Linda Evans Parlette, Joseph Zarelli, Cheryl Pflug and Mike Carrell
Transportation Ranking: Sen. Curtis King
Other members: Sens. Joe Fain, Dan Swecker, Steve Litzow, Andy Hill, Doug Ericksen and Jerome Delvin
Ways and Means
Ranking: Sen. Joseph Zarelli
Other members: Sens. Jim Honeyford, Mike Hewitt, Mark Schoesler, Michael Baumgartner, Cheryl Pflug and Linda Evans Parlette
Members of Senate Republican leadership for 2011-12, announced in late November, are:
State lawmakers today approved several budget bills designed to narrow the state’s $1.1 billion budget gap during an emergency six-hour special session. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, voted in favor of the bills, saying he supports this first step toward fiscal sustainability.
“This is just a first step,” King said. “The state still has to make more changes if we are to complete the current fiscal year without having a deficit, and even when we close the budget gap for the current biennium, the state will still be facing another multi-billion dollar shortfall going into the 2011-13 biennium. There are some vital structural reform proposals that need to be looked at in January if we’re going to get the state back on the right track.” Continue reading
The Washington State Senate today passed a bill amounting to the single largest operating-budget tax increase in state history. Senate Bill 6143would increase taxes by $794 million in the current biennium and nearly $1.7 billion in the 2011-13 biennium.
Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, voted against the bill, saying the direction it takes the state is very troubling. Continue reading
Today Senate Republican Deputy Floor Leader Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, delivered a letter to Attorney General Rob McKenna in support of his decision to join a bipartisan, nationwide group of attorneys general challenging the constitutionalityof the national health care bill signed into law this week. These senators signed the letter:
| Sen. Randi Becker Sen. Don Benton Sen. Mike Carrell Sen. Jerome Delvin Sen. Mike Hewitt Sen. Janéa Holmquist Sen. Jim Honeyford Sen. Curtis King | Sen. Bob McCaslin Sen. Bob Morton Sen. Cheryl Pflug Sen. Pam Roach Sen. Mark Schoesler Sen. Val Stevens Sen. Dan Swecker Sen. Joseph Zarelli |
“Our caucus has long sought to ensure all Washingtonians have access to high-quality, affordable health care while maintaining our commitments to the vulnerable, working poor and elderly. Over the years we have introduced legislation to accomplish this goal,” the letter stated. Continue reading
The Washington State Senate today passed Senate Bill 6143, which would create or raise 21 separate taxes, including the state’s business and occupations tax. This is the second time the Senate has passed the massive tax bill due to the Legislature currently being in special session until the majority can agree on a budget.
Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and former small business owner, issued this statement after the measure passed by a vote of 25-18. Continue reading
The Washington State Senate today passed Senate Bill 6143, which would create or raise 21 separate taxes. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, issued this statement after the measure passed by a vote of 25-23.
“Before the passage of this tax package and the budget it would support, the Legislature had been saying it was going to start holding government accountable. Instead, those who receive tax incentives to help grow our economy would be held accountable. The state has outspent its revenues over the last several years, but we won’t recognize that fact. Instead, we are holding small businesses and private citizens accountable by forcing them to pay for what we have done. Continue reading
