Author Archives: Erik Smith

Rep. Drew MacEwen response to the state revenue forecast – “Enough is enough”

The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council today released its quarterly revenue forecast for the 2011-13 biennium and the 2013-15 biennium. The council is projecting a $19.1 million decrease in expected revenues for the 2013-15 biennium, primarily due to federal sequestration reductions, reinstatement of the federal payroll tax, and a state economy that remains fragile. The forecast has also been reduced by $48.7 million for the 2015-17 biennium. An improved trend in housing construction and sales is expected to help buffer against further revenue reductions.

“Today’s revenue forecast is not a surprise. There is growth, though not as much as we hoped for, and it is slow. However, new taxes could easily derail any improvement. Asking citizens to send more money to Olympia and Washington, D.C. will not return dollars to the local economy,” said Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, who serves on the Business and Financial Services Committee.

“Taking more money from hardworking taxpayers rather than prioritizing our budget is unacceptable. House and Senate Democrats have already proposed more than $10 billion in new taxes and its time we say ‘enough is enough’. Our state leadership should be following the example of former Governor Gary Locke,” MacEwen said. In his 2002 address, Locke made the statement:

‘We are convinced there is a better way. This year, we decided not to start with current spending to try to meet the forecasted revenue. Instead, we decided to look at how we should be spending our state’s money in the first place. We are looking at what matters most to Washington citizens. We are focusing on results that people want and need, prioritizing those results, and funding those results with the money we have.’

“Our citizens have dealt with a depressed economy by tightening their belts and prioritizing. The state should be doing the same. My fellow Republicans and I have offered solutions that will create jobs and strengthen our economy without new taxes. We have also put out an education budget that allocates well over $500 million more for education without additional taxes,” MacEwen said. “Creating a budget that addresses priorities without asking for even more money from our citizens is not only possible, it is necessary.

“Political insiders will say this forecast is a crisis, and use it to levy new taxes on struggling families,” MacEwen continued. “In order to have meaningful state budget reform – reform that gets Washington working, educates our children, and creates a state transportation system to address congestion relief and freight mobility – we must stop punishing hard working citizens with more taxes. I will continue to be an advocate for the taxpayer and fight the proposed $10 billion in new taxes.”

MacEwen helps key agriculture bills pass the House

Since being sworn in, freshmen legislator Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, has made supporting the agricultural and forest industry a top priority. Four bills that impact these industries passed off the House floor this week. House Bills 1245, 1244, 1243, and 1663 all address agriculture or forestry needs; and passed with strong bipartisan support. Three of the five bills passed unanimously.

“In Mason County more than 3,800 people are employed by the forest industry. Statewide, agriculture employs about 160,000 people. Anything we can do to support the agriculture and forest industries helps our state’s bottom line. High unemployment in our state continues to be a problem and we must find a solution,” MacEwen said. “By promoting and supporting these industries we improve our economy and help get Washington working.”

The four bills help in a multitude of ways, including: conservation of roads and trails; flexibility in timber sales; extension of exemptions for the use of forest derived biomass as fuel; preservation of recreational areas; and disposal of derelict vessels which impacts the shellfish industry.

“I’m happy that we have passed bills that take positive steps to protect the environment and jobs,” MacEwen said. For more information, visit our Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov.

See Rep. MacEwen’s floor speech in support of House Bill 1245 at: https://youtu.be/lMWEtI4nY1Q

Transportation package a disappointment for state legislators

The transportation package introduced yesterday, February 20, by House Democrats would unfairly impact the citizens of rural communities according to Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, and Sen. Tim Sheldon, D- Potlatch. Both legislators from the 35th District are disappointed to see a new tax offered alongside long awaited construction funds.

Yesterday’s proposal included a 10-cent gas tax; which would be in addition to state taxes already in place. Like many areas around the state, a large percentage of 35^th District citizens commute to work.

“Industry and businesses are regulated in our rural communities to the extent that most residents have no choice but to drive far distances for a job. Hardworking taxpayers should not be penalized for their commute which has been created by previous mistakes of government,” MacEwen said. “While ten cents might not sound like much when it’s all added up, our citizens will pay 66 cents for every gallon at the pump and we would effectively have the highest gas tax in the nation.”

“A gas tax unfairly targets the people of my district because they have to travel for work. Additionally, inclusion of the tax makes it unlikely that many people will support this bill, so again we will lose funding for the Belfair Bypass, which is a key aspect of our community growth,” Sheldon said.

Both legislators were hopeful funding for the critically-needed Belfair Bypass would become a reality this year. Discussions and planning to solve the congestion along State Route 3 have been in the works for over 40 years. In 2009, the Washington State Department of Transportation listed it as a top priority, however, no construction has been started.

“The new package proposed yesterday confirms for many of us that the concerns of the people in our communities are not a priority. Our communities have already paid for failed projects and construction that only benefits citizens of urban areas. The money we have spent on city projects could have paid for the Belfair Bypass many times over,” MacEwen said.

MacEwen bill to save state Christmas trees passes the House

A bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, that could save Christmas next year, was voted off the House floor today unanimously. House Bill 1209 would extend a program that licenses state tree growers and protects their harvest. Without this program, if the state Christmas tree crop were to become infested, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) could quarantine an entire season of growth.

MacEwen’s bill would extend the program, which is currently in place until 2014 through 2020. Supporting the forest industry is crucial to MacEwen. The Christmas tree legislation is one of two bills he has sponsored to aid the forest industry. House Bill 1243, which would allow more flexibility in the purchase of timber, is still moving through the process.

“In Mason County alone, 3,897 people are employed by the forest industry. Statewide the impact of this industry is huge – it provides more than 118,000 jobs and $5.3 billion in wages. We need the forest industry to thrive because it is vital to our state economy,” MacEwen said.

House Bill 1209 will now move to the Senate where it will be heard in committee. It has until March 3 to be voted on in the Senate policy committee.

Rep. Drew MacEwen’s Legislative Update: February 21, 2013

We are now on day 39 of the scheduled 105-day session. To date, nearly one thousand bills have been introduced in just over a month. All of the bills in policy committees have until tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 22, to be voted out. The pace is very fast and my days are filled with hearings, voting and meetings with groups and constituents. We also took our first votes on the House floor this week. I am happy to say that my bill to help our forestry industry, House Bill 1209, is scheduled for a floor vote tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 22.

So far only a handful of bills have been voted off the House floor and moved to the Senate. The bills we have passed are not controversial and had strong bipartisan support. This pattern is likely to continue for the remainder of the week with the exception of a few bills.

Universal Background Checks

One bill that is moving through the process is regarding universal background checks for firearms purchases. I have heard about this bill from many constituents and I appreciate your feedback. Rest assured I will vote “no” on this legislation.

House Bill 1588 mandates universal background checks for gun sales – even private sales. I believe Washington state already has strong gun laws. Criminals continue to break them and use guns for violence. However, guns are tools, not the cause. This bill does not address the root causes of gun violence – including mental health, gangs and economic despair. Additionally, this bill would be hard to enforce and unnecessarily burdensome on law-abiding citizens.

While this bill passed out of Judiciary Committee Tuesday, I believe that our solutions must consider the rights of the people first and foremost. If this bill comes to the floor for a vote, I will oppose it; in the meantime I will continue to actively support your rights.

Transportation

At the start of this session, funding for the Belfair Bypass was a goal of mine. For too long we have had to deal with congestion that is easily fixable if the state would make it a priority. It is a key aspect of our community growth and one that impacts the quality of life in our district. However, yesterday the Democrat transportation budget was released. It has greatly reduced my belief that construction of the bypass is achievable this year. The budget proposed confirms the concerns of the people in our communities are not the priority of the majority party. You can see their project breakdown here.

This budget proposed a new 10-cent gas tax, which would unfairly burden people like us – people who live in rural communities. A large percentage of the citizens of the 35th District commute to work. Industry and businesses are so regulated that most people have no choice but to drive far distances for a job. Hardworking taxpayers should not be penalized for commutes created by previous mistakes of government.

While 10 cents might not sound like much, it would effectively make our gas tax the highest in the nation. When you add federal taxation to this proposed increase, Washington drivers will pay 66 cents for every gallon at the pump. I cannot support a transportation budget that unfairly burdens hardworking taxpayers. They cannot handle sending anymore money to Olympia or Washington, D.C. We can’t ask more from struggling families and employers without the assurance that help is on the way.

Additionally, our communities have already paid for failed projects and construction that only benefits citizens of urban areas. The last state gas tax increase built an off-ramp in the wrong place, a faulty ferry and flawed pontoons for the 520 Bridge replacement. The money we have spent on projects in Seattle could have paid for the Belfair Bypass many times over.

Before we even consider a new tax, of any kind, reforms are needed. And, not just transportation reforms, but an overhaul of the budget process that addresses out of control spending. House Republicans will talk more about reforms next week. I hope that, with the Senate as an example, Democrats will be willing to compromise for the betterment of all our communities – rural and urban.

Pages

I was proud to sponsor my son, Christian and high school sophomore, Alycia Gerou, as a pages from Feb. 10 through Feb. 15. Christian is 14 and Alycia is 15. I felt that both kids were great examples of the bright kids and potential leaders from our district. During their week at the State Capitol they were an asset to me and the entire legislature.Seeing Christian serving as a page reminds me of why my involvement in public service is so important. I encourage you to have your children participate in the House page program.

Students must apply to participate in the legislative page program, must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. For more information about the program, you can visit: https://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

If there is any element of state government that I can help you with, my door is always open. I am here to be a resource for you. If you have any questions or comments, please call me at (360) 786-7902, or e-mail me at Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your voice in Olympia.

MacEwen sponsors Mason County teen in House Page Program

Mary M. Knight High School sophomore Alycia I. Gerou paged in the state House of Representatives Feb. 11 through Feb. 15. She was sponsored by her 35^th District Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union. Alycia, 15, is the granddaughter of Deanna Gerou of Elma.

“I enjoyed having Deanna as a page. She is a great illustration of the hardworking kids and potential leaders from our district. During her week at the State Capitol she was an asset to me and the entire legislature,” MacEwen said. “She did a great job and I hope she continues her involvement in public service.”

During her week in Olympia, Alycia attended page school every day to better understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. As part of her page duties, Alycia navigated the many buildings on the Capitol campus and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff.

Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the legislative page program. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program.

To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. For more information about the legislative page program, visit: https://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

MacEwen proud to have son participate in House Page Program

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, was proud to have his son, Christian MacEwen, serve as a page from Feb. 10 through Feb. 15. Christian, 14, is MacEwen’s youngest son. Christian attends Oakland Bay Junior High in Mason County. Christian is also a graduate of the U.S. Space Academy in Mobile, AL.

“I really loved having Christian here and having him see what my job is all about. He really gained a lot from the program and has the potential to use this experience to broaden his horizons. During his week at the State Capitol, he was an asset to me and the entire legislature,” MacEwen said. “He did a great job and seeing Christian serving as a page reminds me of why my involvement in public service is so important.”

During his week in Olympia, Christian attended page school every day to better understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. As part of his page duties, Christian visited the caucus, navigated the Capitol campus and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff. And, at the end of the week he sponsored a mock bill to raise the bar in education by allowing courses needed for graduation to be taught sooner and to younger age students.

Bill to save Christmas trees passed out of committee

A bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, could save Christmas next year. House Bill 1209 had a hearing on Jan. 31 and was voted out of committee yesterday, Feb. 7. It extends a program that licenses state tree growers and protects their harvest.

“Without this program, if the state Christmas tree crop were to become infested, with gypsy moth or another disease, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) could quarantine the entire harvest,” MacEwen said. “Basically an entire season could be lost by USDA regulation. Since 75 percent of our trees are exported, there could be a lot of unhappy people nationwide in December.”

MacEwen’s bill would extend the program, which is currently in place until 2014 through 2020. Supporting the forestry industry is crucial to MacEwen, and his district, which is why he decided to sponsor this legislation.

“In Mason County alone, 3,897 people are employed by the forestry industry. Statewide the impact of this industry is huge – it provides more than 118,000 jobs and $5.3 billion in wages. We need the forestry industry to thrive because it is important to our state economy,” MacEwen said.

Rep. Drew MacEwen’s Legislative Update: Feb. 6, 2013

When I am in Olympia, you – the people back home – are at the forefront of my mind. I am honored to be your voice in the Legislature. Thank you for this opportunity.

We are now on day 24 of the scheduled 105-day session. Action is ramping up and more than 700 bills have been introduced in just three short weeks. In order to keep you informed I will be sending out e-mail updates, like this one, to let you know what I am doing on your behalf. These e-mails will also include highlights of what is happening at the Capitol and insight on pending legislation.

Please pass along this e-mail to others you think would be interested; they can sign up by clicking here. I also encourage you to watch my short video updates. You will be able to view these videos on our local television stations, the House Republicans YouTube channel and my new website at houserepublicans.wa.gov/macewen.

(You can view my latest floor speech and most recent video update by clicking on the image at the right).

New rules for the people
Four days ago, the House of Representatives adopted the permanent House Rules for how the body will operate for the next two years. It is standard protocol and is usually done quickly and quietly.
However, this year, House Republicans offered four amendments to those rules. Our goal was to show the majority that we are here to fight for the people, not just continue with business as usual. One of the rules we tried to amend would fund education first by changing House Rule 12.

It was a privilege for me to address my fellow legislators on the House floor about the importance of supporting quality education. It is our children who are impacted when the Legislature does not live up to its paramount duty. The graduation rate in my children’s school district is 63 percent compared to the state average of 79 percent. And fifty-four of the children in my sons’ district are considered low-income. These numbers are not acceptable. The path out of poverty is through a quality education. It is time that the legislature prioritize funding education instead of holding it hostage to other political needs.

Unfortunately, at the end of our fight only one of the rules was adopted. However, Republicans did have their voice heard – and thereby your voice was heard. The other rules we proposed would have:

Placed the 2/3’s requirement to raise taxes – which the voters passed with more than 64 percent of the vote statewide – into statute. The rule failed on a party-line vote; nobody in the majority voted to uphold the will of the people.
Ensured that each legislator received a public hearing on at least one of their bills. Each legislator represents a district of approximately 137,000 people. The majority party did not support your legislator having at least one opportunity to represent you.
Prioritized citizen testimony in committees.

We asked for those who take the time to travel to Olympia be given priority over lobbyists and Olympia insiders. Thankfully, the majority listened to our common-sense approach and chose to uphold this rule. We fought for you and now you will be heard.

Legislation to support forestry and agriculture
I believe it is important to be judicious in the legislation I sponsor. Big government does not benefit state citizens. Therefore, I have chosen to prime-sponsor only one bill so far this session. However, I have also co-sponsored some important legislation. Key among these bills are three that I am sponsoring to aid forestry and agriculture.

In Mason County alone, 3,897 people are employed by the forestry industry. Statewide the impact of this industry is huge as it provides more than 118,000 jobs and $5.3 billion in wages. One of my bills would extend a program that licenses state tree growers. Without this program, if the state Christmas tree crop were to become infested, with gypsy moth or another disease, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) could quarantine the entire harvest. Basically an entire season could be lost by USDA regulation. Since 75 percent of our trees are exported, there could be a lot of unhappy people nationwide in December. My other forestry bill would allow more flexibility in the purchase of timber.

My bill that will help our agriculture industry would create a program to return underused agricultural land back into a state of production by fostering connections among landowners, potential growers, and purchasers. Two of my bills are scheduled for a vote in committee on Thursday, February 7. Supporting our forestry industry has a huge impact on our economy. Anything we as legislators can do to bolster our state’s economy and get Washington working is imperative.

I will continue to work on these issues and many more. If there is any element of state government that I can help you with, my door is always open. I am here to be a resource for you. If you have any questions or comments, please call me at (360) 786-7902, or e-mail me at Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your voice in Olympia.