Tag Archives: Yakima

King to host 14th District telephone town hall meeting June 21

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, many households across the 14th Legislative District will receive a phone call from State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, with an invitation to participate in a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting. During the hour-long event, participants will learn about the 2011 regular and special legislative sessions and share their thoughts and questions with the senator.

Only those with landlines will receive a phone call, so residents wanting to participate via cell phone or from somewhere other than their home must call toll-free 1-877-229-8493. The access code is 15281. The number will be available about 10 minutes before the town hall begins. Continue reading →

14th District lawmakers protect Yakima Valley School from closure

Up to 70 percent of residents living at Yakima Valley School for the developmentally disabled have called it home for 25 to 30 years. With the passage of Senate Bill 5459 today, the Washington State Legislaturewill allow them to remain at the Selah facility for the rest of their lives.

The measure will close the Frances Haddon Morgan developmental disability facility in Bremerton by Dec. 31, but sets in place a plan to gradually reduce the number of residents at YVS. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, worked to keep the facility’s residents and staff in place for as long as possible. Continue reading →

King bill to allow off-road motorcycles on public roads signed into law

Today Gov. Christine Gregoire signed into law Senate Bill 5800, a measure introduced by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, to authorize the use of modified off-road motorcycles on public roads.

“My bill will allow outdoor recreationalists to use their motorcycles to get from one place to another, such as from a campsite to town and back, or from trail to trail,” King said. “I’m pleased that this measure will allow off-road motorcycle users more flexibility to enjoy their pastime without worrying about breaking the law in the process.” Continue reading →

Senate adopts King resolution to honor Yakima Health District

Members of the Washington State Senate took time Wednesday to mark the 100 years of service provided by the Yakima Health District. Senate Resolution 8654, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, was adopted unanimously.

“Back in June of 1911, the Yakima County Health District was formed to deal with a crippling outbreak of typhoid fever in the Yakima Valley,” King said. “The new agency was tasked with improving sanitation, sewage disposal and well location and construction throughout the entire county to prevent similar outbreaks in the future, and they have been doing an impressive job ever since.” Continue reading →

King to host telephone town hall meeting Wednesday

State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, is inviting residents of the 14th Legislative District to participate in a live community conversation on Wednesday. The telephone town hall meeting regarding the 2011 legislative session will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.

Many district residents can expect an invitational phone call from King a few minutes prior to the teleforum, but those who do not may also participate from the comfort of their own homes by dialing 1-877-229-8493 and entering the code 15281.

Continue reading →

King bill to align state with federal transportation law passes Senate

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 →

King co-sponsors resolution to honor fallen DOT worker

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 →

Ferry reforms would cut waste, bring parity and efficiencies

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 →

King votes for budget reductions during one-day special session

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 →