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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2020 session is underway. Serving you is an honor and something I never take for granted. Thank you for placing your trust in me to represent our region's values and needs in Olympia.
Legislative priorities | Supplemental budgets
In even-numbered years, like 2020, the Legislature meets for 60 days. The legislative session is scheduled to end on March 12. This year, lawmakers will spend most of their time working towards approving adjustments to the state's already approved biennial operating, transportation, and capital budgets. These supplemental budget proposals should only make minor changes to the allotted funding for state agencies, projects and policy areas.
Unfortunately, far too often over the years, they've become an opportunity to increase spending and government bureaucracy. As your state representative, I will be carefully inspecting every bottom line on these funding requests. Like many of you, I believe state government can and should learn to live within its very ample means.
It's your home. Expect more.
Over the last few months, I've spent a great deal of time traveling throughout the 13th District speaking and listening to the people in our communities. It's clear many of us continue to be concerned about what is happening in our state. Median home prices are up $100,000, violent crime has increased 16%, chronic homelessness is up by 240% in just three years, child care expenses have increased by almost $2,000 per year, and the state gas tax remains in the top five nationally. This insanity needs to stop.
It's time to expect more from your state government: more job opportunities, more public safety, more fiscal accountability, and more focus on making the dream of homeownership a reality for working individuals and families. Lawmakers need to ensure that every tax dollar collected is used wisely. That means measuring success not by the amount of money spent, but by the results of the investment. Real outcomes that move the dial on home affordability, educational opportunities and transportation improvements shouldn't be rare. They should be regularly occurring events in the running of our state.
Legislative Survey
I want to hear from you. Your input helps me do my work in Olympia. Take a short survey and tell me what you think the Legislature's top priorities should be during the 2020 session.
Stay informed and updated!
During the legislative session, I'll be sending frequent updates on bills being debated in Olympia. In addition, I've listed several helpful links below that can keep you informed and updated on the activities of your state Legislature:
- My legislative website | Here you will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
- The Washington State Ledger | News aggregator | View breaking news, policy updates and opinions from the House Republican Caucus.
- 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.
- Legislature's website | You can find bill reports, committee agendas, and information about upcoming activities in the Legislature here.
- Capitol Campus activities and events | Find a calendar of legislative events here.
Remote testimony now available for some House Committees
The House of Representatives is conducting a remote testimony pilot program during the 2020 session. The participating committees will use audio-video connections at select locations—including one in the 13th District: Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
Thank you!
Please contact me if you have questions, concerns or comments about state government-related issues. Better yet, if you are planning a visit to Olympia during the next few weeks, come see me. My door is always open.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Olympia!
Sincerely,
Alex Ybarra
