It has been about one month since the Legislature adjourned for 2016. I have enjoyed being back in our district and meeting with constituents and community leaders to discuss the issues facing our state and region. There is much work to be done in Olympia, and I am as confident as ever that by working together we can accomplish great things for our state!

Since 2016 is an election year, this will be the last email update I am able to send out until late December. However, I can respond to constituents who contact my office directly. I encourage you to call, email or write to me if you have questions, comments or concerns. And, even though we have a part-time Legislature, I stand ready to assist you year-round.

If you do contact my office, you will be greeted by a new member of my legislative team, Pam Kentner. Starting in May, Pam will be taking over as my legislative assistant. Pam brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and has a long history of providing exceptional constituent services. Her ability to help people solve problems and navigate state government are two of the many reasons I am excited for her to begin. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Pam to the 35th District!

Before I sign off, I want to let you know some of the work I have been doing since session ended. I have met with several employers in the district to discuss reforming our state’s tax code, especially our outdated B&O tax. You may recall this is a reform I have been working on since last year. I will continue to work on this throughout interim, and look forward to introducing a reform package in 2017.

For those of you living in Mason County, last year’s announcement that the Simpson Mill in Shelton was closing was unsettling news. Rep. Griffey, Sen. Sheldon and I went to work immediately to ensure those affected by the closure would have the support they needed to make ends meet in the weeks and months ahead.

Recently, I met with Sierra Pacific who bought the site and is building a new state-of-the-art facility in the existing footprint. I am pleased to report they are months ahead of schedule and have already begun the process of adding jobs. This new mill will be more efficient and safer for both workers and the environment. I look forward to its opening early next year.

It is a tremendous honor to serve you in the House of Representatives. Many people go to Olympia and become a voice for special interests, but throughout my four years in the House, no voice has mattered more to me than yours. If you would like me to visit your community group, school, or business, please contact my office to make arrangements. I look forward to hearing from you this interim and seeing you out in the 35th!