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January 13, 2023

Dear Neighbor,

We just wrapped up the first week of the 105-day legislative session. The opening ceremony occurred on Monday at noon, and I had the honor of taking the oath of office for the first time on the floor of the House of Representatives.

You can watch the video of the opening ceremony here.

Republican perspective on governor's state of the state address

On Tuesday, after Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his annual State of the State address, I presented the people of Washington with a different vision – one of hope and opportunity for every corner of our state.

To read my entire speech, click here.

Community members in the Capitol

This week, I met with members of the South Sound Officials Association. These are the folks who make it possible for our youth athletes to play under the “Friday Night Lights.” We talked about a recent capital budget allocation to help officials manage games and players more efficiently and safely.

On Wednesday, Lewis County Court Clerk Scott Tinney stopped by the office after the State of the Judiciary address given by Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gonzalez. We discussed court efficiency and safety.

In the media

• United Learning Center Construction in Centralia Postponed After Federal Funding Falls Through – The Chronicle, Jan. 13
• Rep. Abbarno recaps Republican State of the State response, discusses Zack's Law & funding for rural fire stations – KEDO Radio, Longview, Jan. 12
• Inslee: 'The State of Our State Is Strong.' In Response, Republican Abbarno Says Democrats Have Failed on Critical Issues – The Chronicle, Jan. 11
• 'It is not too late': GOP responds to Inslee's 2023 State-of-the-State address – KUOW/NPR, Jan. 10
• Rep. Peter Abbarno gives Republican perspective on State of the State address – KONA radio, Tri-Cities, Jan. 10
• Rep. Peter Abbarno previews his Republican State of the State response – KIT Radio, Yakima, Jan. 10

Your involvement is crucial!

The Legislature has a system designed to allow the public to comment on a bill. I highly recommend you do this. Go to this page for more information: How to comment on a bill.

You can also sign in to provide written testimony on legislation or testify remotely during a committee public hearing. Go to this page for more information and to sign in: Committee Sign-In – Remote Testimony (House/Senate/Joint)

To learn more about citizen participation, we have set up a page with all the necessary information. Go here: How you can be involved in the legislative process.

Finally, I will be sending out frequent email updates, videos and radio reports throughout session to highlight good bills and draw your attention to concerning legislation. Follow my website for this information at: RepresentativePeterAbbarno.com.

Please contact my office if you have questions or comments on legislation that you would like directed to me. My contact information is at the bottom of this email update.

Abbarno 2023 legislation

I am sponsoring six bills this session aimed at making Washington a safer and more prosperous place to live.  

In our region, affordability and economic security are overwhelming priorities. I believe it's incumbent on us as lawmakers to provide some economic relief and support to our communities.    

• House Bill 1011 would repeal the state's new long-term care insurance program and payroll tax set to take effect July 1, 2023.
• House Bill 1004, also known as “Zack's Law,” seeks to prevent cold-water shock drownings through signage at bridges and along waterways throughout Washington state. House Bill 1004 is named in honor of 18-year-old Zachary Lee Rager, an experienced swimmer who fell victim to cold-water shock and drowned in the Chehalis River on March 23, 2021.
• House Bill 1005 would double the existing business and occupation tax credit for employers who hire a veteran, spouse of a veteran, or spouse of an active-duty military member and employ them in a full-time position for at least two consecutive full-calendar quarters.
• House Bill 1014 would provide a new grant funding source for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet the fire safety needs of their communities.
• House Bill 1259 would update the executive team of the office of the secretary of state by adding signing authority to the chief of staff position.
• House Bill 1361 would modernize laws related to state employee documents and procedures.

Stay involved and in touch!

Your involvement and input are important to our legislative process. Please call, write, or email me if you have questions, comments or suggestions about legislation, committee hearings, the legislative process or state government. I am here to serve and represent you!

Thank you for the honor of allowing me to be your voice in the Legislature as we embark on a new legislative session.

Sincerely,

Peter Abbarno