Rep. Peter Abbarno In The News

Washington state is facing a real and urgent housing crisis. Families are struggling, individuals are experiencing homelessness, and communities across our state are searching for solutions that are both compassionate and effective.…

“Lily brought a great attitude, a strong sense of curiosity, and an eagerness to learn during her time in Olympia,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair. “It was a pleasure to sponsor…

"The page program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at state government and helps bring civic education to life," Abbarno said. "It is always encouraging to see young people take an interest in…

Instead of prioritizing families, education and programs that help children succeed, the majority in the Legislature chose to fund major increases in state employee compensation and to expand costly new environmental programs.…

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, called the income tax unconstitutional, unpopular and unnecessary. “Washington has more revenue in this biennium than they had in the last biennium, and so it wasn’t needed,” he…

After more than 24 hours of debate on the House floor, Democrats in the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6346, moving Washington another step toward something voters have rejected again and again: a…

The Onalaska High School Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) program joined the Pacific Education Institute at the state Capitol on March 5 to advocate for funding for the 2027-2029 fiscal year,…

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, said that “this bill is akin to giving the attorney general the ability to just kick the door down to your house or your business and demand all…

"I truly enjoyed spending time with the Napavine students and seeing their enthusiasm for learning about what happens under the dome in Olympia," Abbarno said. "Their curiosity and creative questions were impressive.…

“While this proposal touches on important statewide buckets like K-12 school construction, housing, energy and natural resources, I am most proud of the significant funding we secured for critical local projects,” Abbarno…

"Tabitha did a wonderful job representing our community and the Centralia Christian School while serving as a page," Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair, stated in a news release. "She brought a positive…

“By working directly with our neighbors to the north, we can better advocate for policies that keep our communities thriving,” Abbarno said.

“Tom was a friend and a dedicated public servant, and the votes he received were a testament to how much this community cared for him,” Abbarno said. “However, the current rules forced…

"Welcoming these Lions from the Centralia Christian School to the Capitol was very meaningful," said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair. "Seeing these seventh graders learn about government, ask great questions and experience…

This session, two citizen-led initiatives have been certified by the Secretary of State and sent to the Legislature, one protecting fairness in girls’ sports and another restoring parents’ rights in their children’s…

"These fourth-grade Vikings had an unforgettable experience seeing democracy in action and asking great questions about how laws are made," said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair. "Opportunities like this help bring classroom…

"We're talking about people's drinking water, families, seniors, and entire neighborhoods who rely on this aquifer every single day," Abbarno said. "There cannot be one set of rules for private citizens and…

"Engaging with students from my home district is one of the highlights of serving in the Legislature," Abbarno said. "Their curiosity and questions show a genuine interest in how we can work…

As your representative, I have always believed that the best solutions to our challenges don’t come from a top-down approach in Olympia. They come from listening to neighbors, understanding local challenges and…

Why should a potential drug policy decision made in Seattle concern a legislator in Southwest Washington? Because too often, policy experiments that begin in Seattle don’t stay there. Through Democratic majorities in…

Across urban, suburban and rural communities, families are living in child care deserts — places where there are far more children in need of care than licensed, affordable options available. For working…

“Site visits like this are essential to responsible policymaking,” Abbarno said in the release. “When the Legislature debates tax and regulatory policy, it’s important to understand how those decisions affect employers with…

“I think it's really important for policymakers to not just consider, debate and pass policy from Olympia, but you have to get into the classroom,” Abbarno said.

Washington’s budget isn’t in trouble because we have too little money. It’s in trouble because we keep spending as if growth will never slow down. According to the latest state budget outlook,…

“We talk about how we can partner with the school district to improve the facilities, whether it's parks or playground equipment in the back, whether it's water, sewer, whether it's seismic,” Abbarno…

“The important thing to always realize, especially when we're dealing with whether it's crisis, stabilization, mental health, drug addiction, is that the state is woefully behind in their infrastructure to deal with…

Your engagement is not just your right — it’s your leverage. When you speak up, you bring real stories into the conversation. Lawmakers need to hear from the parent stretching to fill…

“This is not a revenue problem,” Abbarno said. “This is a spending problem and it is a priorities crisis.”

“Serving as a page is more than just observing government — it’s experiencing it firsthand,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair. “Students get to see democracy in action, meet leaders from across…

“Communities win when local vision meets state investment,” Abbarno said. “I am grateful for this recognition, but the real victory is for our farmers, small businesses and families who will benefit from…

“Your policy and budget priorities are no surprise,” Abbarno said. “I think that's a testament to the collaboration the commissioners have with the delegation both the 19th and the 20th, and I…

“When we invest in our kids, we invest in our future,” Abbarno said. “The Boys and Girls Club is a perfect example of how partnerships between local organizations and the state can…

If Washington state wants to close opportunity gaps, strengthen its future workforce, build strong families, and set students up for success, then the Imagination Library is a clear starting point. Investing in…

In Olympia, the instinct of the majority is to raise taxes. But with Washington already among the priciest states in the country for daily life, we must ask: when does it become…

The City of La Center recognized its 20th District legislative delegation on Tuesday, Sept. 16, while celebrating the earlier completion of renovations at the Wheel Club Community Center.

Rather than taxing our way to prosperity, we need to focus on policies that strengthen the earning power of working families and make it easier to save for the future.

Here’s the problem: while Olympia has doubled down on spending — up 116% over the last decade — median household income in Washington has grown by just 47%. Families are being asked…

Washington is in the midst of a child care crisis — and families across Southwest Washington are paying the price. In communities throughout the 20th Legislative District — from Centralia to Vancouver…

Washington is already the fourth most expensive state to live in. Yet, this year, the Legislature, led by Democratic majorities in the House, Senate and Governor’s Office, approved a series of increases…

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1039, sponsored by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, on Tuesday, May 13. The legislation allows cities to voluntarily provide urban governmental services, such as utilities, to…

Each day, Washington’s law enforcement officers stand as the thin blue line between safety and chaos — often under-resourced, frequently underappreciated, but unwavering in their commitment to serve. At a time when…

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, secured $2 million for a new District 5 apparatus bay in the 2022 capital budget after he toured the station in 2021. In that same legislative session,…

Cole credited state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, for pushing to keep the full $1.5 million in the final capital budget. Earlier Senate drafts had proposed cutting the…

The 2025 session saw Democrats in Olympia pass the largest tax increase in Washington state history. It delivered a series of blows to small businesses across the state, creating an environment where…

Concerns over rising costs, particularly insurance premiums and local taxes, began the discussion as several residents voiced frustration over numerous financial pressures.

“It seemed odd that you would have to either get a process server or travel to another county to mail eviction notices or notice of unlawful detainer,” Abbarno said. “This bill is…

"The page program gives young leaders like Becca a front-row seat to the lawmaking process," Abbarno said. "She made the most of this opportunity, and I'm excited to see all the ways…

“Infrastructure is one of the most critical investments we can make in the long-term success of our communities,” Abbarno said. “This legislation helps ensure that public dollars are spent wisely, projects are…

Last week, as the House debated changes to the Parental Bill of Rights, the majority party used a rare maneuver to cut off debate and silence the opposition while debating the bill.…

State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, and Reps. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, called for the immediate relocation of pheasants off the Bob Oke Game Farm in Centralia to help eliminate…

“Special Olympics Washington has been a beacon of hope, opportunity and inclusion for thousands of athletes and their families,” Abbarno stated in a news release. “These athletes are absolutely amazing — not…

Abbarno and Orcutt took offense to WDFW officials continuing to prioritize providing hunting services despite the threat to the aquifer. Abbarno said the agency is liable for the decrease in the quality…

This year, the three lawmakers representing the 20th Legislative District — Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama — have the primary sponsors for 54 bills…

The stakes are high, and the fight to Fix Washington is far from over. With your help, we can protect our communities, keep government accountable and ensure our state works for the…

“As Washington faces increasing threats from wildfires, earthquakes and flooding, we must take proactive steps to secure our critical infrastructure,” Abbarno, House Republican Caucus chair, said in a news release. “This bill…

“The House Page Program is an incredible way for students to get involved in civic life and experience government in action,” Abbarno said. “Connor’s dedication to learning and his drive to challenge…

Instead of providing relief, the majority party is advancing tax hikes, increased fees and excessive regulations that hurt working families. If we want Washington to remain a place where people can afford…

20th District state Rep. Peter Abbarno also helped secure $1.95 million in state funding last year for the project along with $4 million in federal funding secured through efforts from U.S. Sen.…

"I've had the great honor of visiting with many of these students in their classroom and now at the Capitol," Abbarno added in the release. “This is a very fun and engaged…

The $206,000 in state funding was secured by state Rep. Peter Abbarno through his work as a ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee.

"The page program is one of the most valuable tools for educating our future leaders," Abbarno said. "Hudson embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, and I hope he came away with not only a…

"The students of Orin Smith Elementary embody the values of curiosity, community, and collaboration," Abbarno stated in the release. “This visit not only provided them with an up close look at the…

“Washington can help relieve the financial burden on overburdened communities by investing in education at the state level,” Abbarno said in a statement. “A larger state investment will help create successful opportunities…

The Washington State House Republicans also elected the rest of their leadership team: Caucus Chair: Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th Legislative District (Centralia).

An additional $1.95 million was delivered through state funding secured by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia.

"Basic education is the paramount duty of the state of Washington," Abbarno said in a news release. "We must continue to strive for excellence by meeting the educational needs of all our…

“I think this initiative strengthens the bonds that a child, a student, has with their family,” Abbarno said. “I think that’s really important to me as a father of two school-age kids,…

"I met Will a year ago when he was advocating in Olympia for greater investments in mental health in K-12 education," Abbarno said in a statement. "I was proud to see him…

"Whenever I get a chance to meet with students from the district, it's always the highlight of my day," Abbarno said. "Capitol visits give folks a front row seat to the process…

“I try to never miss an opportunity to meet with and engage students when they visit our state Capitol,” Abbarno, R-Centralia, said in a press release. “Capitol tours are such a great…

"Jackie is from one of the many rural schools in the 20th District — where students aren't always able to take advantage of these opportunities — and so I am grateful she…

Abbarno said he first learned about the issue when he was approached by the Lewis County coroner, who told him that despite the trauma and death coroners and medical examiners are exposed…

The rate of violent crime in Washington is now on par with the national average, according to the FBI’s 2022 Crime in the Nation Statistics released in October. The homicide rate, at…

Abbarno, R-Centralia, visited the Chehalis West Assisted Living Center in Chehalis Wednesday ahead of the legislative session to discuss the state’s long-term care program, the trouble of attracting and retaining staff and…

“I live in Centralia, for instance, and I don’t have very good internet,” Abbarno said. “So it just points to the needs that we have. Whether it be senior citizens accessing telehealth…

“Anytime you can celebrate accessibility and inclusion in your community, you should,” Abbarno said. Abbarno also said as a former Centralia City Council member and now as the ranking member of the…

Addiction to hard drugs and substance abuse devastates our families and communities. We see the rise in crime, rise in homelessness and the perpetuation of intergenerational poverty resulting from the state of…

In the 20th District, Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, had three of his nine bills introduced pass.

State Rep. Peter Abbarno’s legislation designed to raise awareness about cold-water shock deaths got unanimous support as it made its way through the Legislature this year. House Bill 1004, also known as…

The Washington state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 5765 on Tuesday, April 18, which would open the door for tolling on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project between Vancouver and Portland.

HB 1004, also known as Zack’s Law, was sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno (R-Centralia) ... Signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday, the bill aims to deter bridge jumping by…

The most common issues we heard from constituents were concern about public safety, homelessness and the high cost of living — the same kitchen table issues I hear about every week in…

"Unlike many other fiscal budgets, the state capital budget is based on community solutions," said Abbarno, who serves as one of two Republican assistant ranking members on the House Capital Budget Committee.…

Abbarno, who serves as one of two assistant ranking members on the House Capital Budget Committee, said the capital budget often brings legislators from both parties together. Abbarno told the town hall…

Oakville Elementary School won’t need to worry about its roof for at least 20 more years thanks to approximately $750,000 in funding secured for the roof’s replacement in last year’s state capital…

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, was able to secure $8 million in state appropriations for the work in 2021. Funds approved on Tuesday come from that appropriation. When those dollars were approved,…

The top Republican on the committee Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, agreed. “Anytime we can highlight the diversity within our state … I think is a good thing,” Abbarno said. “I think this…

Republican Rep. Peter Abbarno offered the GOP’s take on the status of Washington. “There are those in power who, year after year, sell us a future based on fear,” Abbarno said. “They…

On the state level, 20th District state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia have made their stances against the pursuit laws clear in editorials and statements.

Seeing the paper cranes representing children who underwent trafficking, abuse and assault while visiting the Youth Advocacy Center of Lewis County on Tuesday afternoon, though, sparked tears in the eyes of 20th…

On Wednesday, state lawmakers representing the 19th and 20th legislative districts and other local leaders made up a panel of inquisitors at Cascade Community Healthcare, a mental health service provider in Centralia,…

“The committees I serve on have an important and direct impact on the citizens of the 20th Legislative District and Southwest Washington,” said Abbarno. “I look forward to working on real solutions…

"Affordability and economic security are overwhelming priorities in Southwest Washington," Abbarno said. "Too many of our families are struggling financially. Too many children are caught in the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Too…

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, who as assistant ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee played a key role in securing funds for the project, said he’s been working with the…

For Abbarno, the camp was the type of experience he hopes can be made available across the state to get more students excited about learning. “The STEM camp is an amazing educational…

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, told the audience the China Creek Project has been a high priority for him. “Living near China Creek, this project has been very personal,” Abbarno said. In…

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and a former Centralia College Foundation President, call the project our “Field of Dreams.” “Great effort by Centralia College Student Government, Centralia College Foundation, Centralia College, city…

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, was a cosponsor of the legislation. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helps children build the necessary reading, writing and comprehension skills to become kindergarten ready; but maybe more…

Abbarno’s reaction to the program was enthusiastic, calling the aquaculture class a “great program that most certainly needs to be replicated, not only for fish recovery but also for educational purposes. I…

Now thanks to a local lawmaker, the same request was greenlighted in the 2022 state supplemental capital budget. "This year, we worked with Rep. Peter Abbarno’s office and he really went to…

"This year's House-proposed capital budget reflects many of our priorities in education, mental and (behavioral) health and housing,” Abbarno said. “House Republicans are focused on real solutions for our communities and the…

Abbarno on Tuesday called it an “insolvent program” and continued calls for its repeal and replacement. He said Democrats and Republicans should come together to solve this issue and utilize private options.…

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, said he was initially disappointed that the commission was unable to meet its deadline, though the release of the maps was an assurance they actually came up with…

State House Republicans on Nov. 1 called for a repeal of the Democrats’ long-term care insurance program and payroll tax, according to a release from the Washington House Republicans.

"This is a regressive payroll tax that gives working families the illusion that their long-term care needs are satisfied with this 'short-term' limited care program. The reality is that private investments provide…

Rep. Peter Abbarno visited the Morton and White Pass school districts on Thursday, Oct. 22, as he talked with educators and school administrators during a tour facilitated by the Washington Association of…

Centralia Republican state Rep. Peter Abbarno wrote the law and will file it for passage in next year’s legislature. “Most bodies of water in the state of Washington can cause cold water…

“We need people to understand the actual dangers of some of these bodies of water,” Abbarno said at the press conference. “It may not be enough to say ‘don’t swim,’ it may…

The extent by which the governor is exercising his emergency power is beyond the scope of its intent. Unfortunately, the courts have not reined in the governor’s power, and his majority party…

“I don’t think anybody truly knows what will happen if OSPI or the governor comes down and says, ‘If you don’t have a mask mandate, we’re going to withhold money.’ I’m sure…

Centralia Republican state Rep. Peter Abbarno’s critiques centered mainly on the governor, criticizing him for his “white-knuckle grip on government” and saying he “continues to move the goal post on all Washingtonians…

I agree that long-term care planning is needed and often neglected. However, this is a very flawed program that provides little benefit with lots of restrictions. I know we can do better…

Centralia Republican and freshman lawmaker Peter Abbarno said he was “extremely disappointed, not with Northwest Innovation Works, but with Governor (Jay) Inslee and his state agencies, who have continued to move the…

“I think that if we’re going to end intergenerational poverty, it starts with education. It starts with supporting families and working with families to achieve the economic success that they can by…

“Over and over again through the session we heard about the upside-down and backward tax system that the state of Washington has,” Abbarno said, adding he believed it was created through Democrat…

The funding, secured by the Legislature through the 2021-2023 Building Communities Fund Grant program, is expected to cover about a quarter of the necessary costs related to the project ... Rep. Peter…

“I’ve complained about the lack of collaboration on legislation in other areas, but not with the capital budget,” Abbarno said in a statement. “... This is a grassroots construction budget, because so…

Republican Rep. Peter Abbarno, whose district includes the northern edge of Clark County, said that the Legislature ought to look for ways to relieve the tax burden instead of adding to it.…

“This historic budget invests deeply into our local communities and strengthens those local partnerships, which is maybe the best part of this budget,” Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, said during the virtual legislative…

Under the first-term representative’s proposal, approximately $138 million be carved out of the House’s $5.68 billion capital budget for projects in the 20th district, which includes most of Lewis County. “I am…

The Washington state House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday to “join the people of the State of Washington in commending, saluting, and honoring Trooper Justin Schaffer for his exemplary…