Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, talks with KMAS’ Jeff Slakey about several legislative issues, including education funding under the McCleary decision, an explanation of the “levy cliff,” and the committees MacEwen is serving on.
Tag Archives: Audio Reports
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, one of the deputy budget writers for the House Republicans, talks with KMAS about the 2017 session.
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, talks with KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross about legislation that would fund education first in the state budget before other programs. MacEwen believes this is a better approach than the $4 billion of new tax increases proposed by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union talks with KMAS about pressing issues in the legislature that have yet to be resolved. The lawmaker discussed the ins and outs of the on-going negotiations on the supplemental budget, as well as several attempts by Republican legislators to keep charter schools running in Washington state.
As the 2016 legislative session begins to wind down, several key issues continue to occupy the attention of lawmakers. Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, talked with KMAS about the supplemental budget. He explained that the House majority party has embarked on extensive policy changes, which is uncommon during a supplemental budget year. At the same time, the Senate has tailored a plan that leans toward the more traditional adjustments. The two proposals are approximately $400 million apart. “That,” said MacEwen, “is a truckload of money.”
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, talked with KMAS about the decision by House lawmakers not to impeach State Auditor Troy Kelley. MacEwen said he believes impeachment should have taken place at the beginning of the legislative session. “In politics,” he said, “you can kill something by delay.”
MacEwen also discussed recent votes on key legislation, as well as the budget.
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, talked with KMAS Daybreak about action in this year’s legislative session. MacEwen said he feels confident about the progress being made by lawmakers and predicts the session will end on time. As for the budget, MacEwen stated, “The biggest piece of the puzzle is done.” He added that the numbers will be released next week, and a public hearing has been scheduled. MacEwen also remarked on the rancor that has colored the session this year.
Johnson: The bill was written specifically in support of victims who often avoid asking for help, those whose immigration status may not be secure. Representative Drew MacEwen of Union told fellow House members that many people never come forward.
MacEwen: “They need to be able to work with law enforcement without fear of legal issues arising because of their immigration status when they are the victim of crime, such as human trafficking, sex crimes. They need to have that safe harbor provision.”
Johnson: And that safe harbor provision may well be House Bill 2895. It builds on federal statutes that allows law enforcement officials to certify applications for temporary visas for non-immigrants who are victims of crime. Says MacEwen: “Forcing victims to hide only adds to victimization. “It is vitally important,” he says, “that we give them a voice and help them seek justice.”
The bill now goes to the Senate.
Ruth Johnson, Olympia.
Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, talks to KMAS Radio in Shelton about his legislation that would protect undocumented victims of crime from being deported for coming forward to report the crime. He also discusses the refusal of the Senate to confirm WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson.