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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’m the newest state representative in your legislative district, after being elected in November. I join Rep. Paul Harris as your 17th District state representatives. I’m extremely honored and humbled to be a part of the Washington State House of Representatives. But more importantly, I’m honored to serve the people and communities in my district. Please click on the image below to learn more about me and what I’m working on in Olympia.
This is my first email update, but I will be providing regular updates in the weeks and months ahead to keep you informed about everything I’m working on and what’s going on in the Legislature. Here’s a quick look at some of the important things happening so far.
Make Your Voice Heard
The last two legislative sessions were mostly virtual. But this year, the capitol is open again, and we are happy to be in Olympia. Likewise, the capitol is now open to the public again, and we want to hear from you. Whether here in Olympia or remotely from your location, we hope you make your voice heard. You can testify regarding any bill that comes up this session. Just use these links to sign up:
You can also reach out to me to share your ideas, opinions, and questions, whether you choose to testify or not. I am here to listen to you, and I value your input. So, please contact me and share whatever is on your mind.
My Legislative Priorities
I will be focused on several issues during the 2023 legislative session, including the top priorities of the House Republican Caucus:
We will have a lot more information about these issues and efforts as the session moves forward, so please check back often using these links to stay updated.
I also plan to introduce some of my own legislation as we move forward. And if you have input on any of the issues that matter to you, please reach out to me.
Operating Budget and Taxes
Perhaps, the most important task, and maybe one of the most difficult, is the state’s new two-year operating budget. Fortunately, state government has plenty of revenue to work with. Inflation and affordability are both big issues for everyone in Washington, especially in smaller rural locations. I join with my fellow House Republicans as we continue to push for meaningful tax relief and real solutions to improve the cost of living and make life more affordable.
Committee Assignments and Leadership
As a new state lawmaker, I have been assigned to serve on four House committees. I am the assistant ranking Republican on the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee. This committee considers issues relating to postsecondary education, including governance and coordination of public and private institutions of higher education and technical training; postsecondary offerings; student success; and removing barriers to employment, among other things.
I’m also serving on the Capital Budget Committee that considers the state capital budget, which approves money for the construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and transfers. In addition, the committee considers grants and loans to local governments or nonprofit organizations for infrastructure, broadband, housing, and cultural and heritage facilities.
I’m a member of the Innovation, Community and Economic Development and Veterans Committee, which considers issues relating to community development; community investment programs; underrepresented communities; and veterans’ and military affairs.
Furthermore, I will be part of the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee, which considers issues relating to the regulation and taxation of alcohol, tobacco, vapor products and cannabis, as well as product safety and access, and issues relating to the regulation and oversight of gaming, including tribal compacts.
I will keep you updated on the most important issues we face in these and other committees as this session progresses.
Stay in Touch with Me
If you want to keep up with the work of the Legislature, here are some links that will help:
My legislative website | Here you will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
The Capitol Buzz | A weekday roundup of online news stories. Click on the link to subscribe.
The Current | An online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans. Click on the link to subscribe.
TVW | The state’s own version of C-SPAN, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live online.
The Ledger| A legislative news aggregator.
Legislature’s website | Here you can see bill reports, committee agendas, and information about upcoming activities in the Legislature.
State agencies | You can find a list of all state agencies, boards, and commissions here.
Tracking a bill?|Click the link to find information on specific bills. In addition, when you visit my website, you can easily view the legislation I’m sponsoring or co-sponsoring by clicking “Sponsored Bills.”
Thank You for Your Support!
Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to serve you. I’m humbled and honored to be your voice in the Legislature and will do everything in my power to represent you and our great district. I want you to know my door is truly always open and I hope you will reach out to me. I need your input to be the best legislator I can be.
It’s an honor to serve,
Kevin Waters
