Tag Archives: News Releases

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.

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. MacEwen bill to save Christmas gets a hearing

A bill sponsored by, Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, could save Christmas next year. House Bill 1209, which had a hearing on Jan. 31, extends a program that licenses state tree growers and protects their harvest.

“If we were to incur an infestation it would pretty much shut down Christmas tree sales for the country. So really, my bill could save Christmas,” MacEwen joked. “All kidding aside, if our state Christmas tree crop did become infested, without this program the United States Department of Agriculture could quarantine the entire state. Since seventy-five percent of our trees are exported, there could be a lot of unhappy people 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. The Christmas tree legislation is one of two bills he is sponsored to aid the forestry industry. House Bill 1243 would allow more flexibility in the purchase of timber.

“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 a cornerstone of our state economy,” MacEwen said.

MacEwen sworn in as newest 35th District State Rep.

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, was sworn in yesterday on the House Floor. The galleries were full of friends and family, including MacEwen’s wife Danelle and two sons, who gathered to watch the opening ceremonies.

“It’s a privilege to be chosen as state representative for the 35^th District. I felt the true weight and importance of that honor while taking the oath of office,” MacEwen said. “We have a lot to do in order to address the budget, fund education, and get Washington working. I’m excited to get started and proud to be a voice for the people back home.”

In the oath of office, MacEwen stated, “I will uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of Washington, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of a Washington State Representative to the best of my ability.”

MacEwen, who has a background in small business and finance, will serve on four House committees: Business and Financial Services, Agriculture and Natural Resources (assistant ranking), Capitol Budget, and Early Learning and Human Services.

The 2013 Legislative Session is scheduled to last 105 days. Rep. MacEwen can be reached at his office in 431 John L. O’Brien building of the Capitol Campus or via e-mail at drew.macewen@leg.wa.gov.

Eleven new lawmakers join House Republicans

Eleven “freshmen” joined the House Republicans for the 2013 session, adding to the caucus numbers by one at 43.

“We have an impressive group of incoming lawmakers who are eager to get to work for their constituents,” said House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “We have a variety of backgrounds represented with these eleven people. Though they are new to serving as state representatives, they are well prepared with backgrounds in public and community service, owning small businesses and military service. They know how important this year will be to the future sustainability of our state and education for the next generation.”

The new lawmakers are (pictured from left to right):

Brad Hawkins, who works at Douglas County public utility district is from East Wenatchee and represents the 12th District.
Dave Hayes, a police sergeant from Camano Island, representing the 10th District.
Jeff Holy, an attorney and former police officer from Spokane, representing the 6th District.
Linda Kochmar, a risk manager from Federal Way, representing the 30th District.
Drew MacEwen, a small business owner from Union, representing the 35th District.
Chad Magendanz, a software design consultant from Issaquah, representing the 5th District.
Matt Manweller, a CWU professor from Ellensburg, representing the 13th District.
Steve O’Ban, an attorney from University Place, representing the 28th District.
Liz Pike, a small business owner from Camas, representing the 18th District.
Elizabeth Scott, a consultant and teacher from Monroe, representing the 39th District.
Brandon Vick, a small business owner from Felida, representing the 18th District.

Select their names or portraits above to find out more about them or contact them.

Read the releases announcing their swearing in, priorities and committees:
Hawkins sworn in as newest 12th District Representative
Holy takes oath of office as newest 6th District state representative
Hayes sworn in as newest 10th District Legislator
Former city council member Kochmar officially a state representative
MacEwen sworn in as newest 35th District state Rep.
Chad Magendanz makes his new role as state representative official
Newly elected 13th District Rep. Matt Manweller officially takes office today
State Rep. Steve O’Ban sworn in to serve first term
Pike sworn in again as 18th District State Representative
Scott sworn in as newest 39th District Representative
18th District State Representative Brandon Vick takes the oath of office Dec. 7

It should also be noted that Reps. Gary Alexander, R-Olympia, and Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, now represent different districts as a result of 2011 redistricting. Alexander, who represented the 20th District for 16 years, now represents the 2nd District. His phone number will change to (360) 786-7824. Orcutt, who represented the 18th District for 11 years, now represents the 20th District. Orcutt’s phone number is now (360) 786-7990.

House Republicans choose remaining leadership positions

House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, announced today appointments to the remaining House Republican Caucus leadership positions for the upcoming two years.

Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy, was appointed House Republican vice caucus chair. She will assist the caucus chair, Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, in setting legislative priorities for the caucus as well as presiding over caucus meetings for the chair when bills, amendments, voting and other legislative matters are discussed.

The caucus also appointed three new members to serve as House Republican assistant caucus whips. The caucus whip, Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, and his assistant whips help ensure caucus work is carried out in an orderly fashion while maintaining decorum during caucus meetings. The new House Republican assistant caucus whips are:

Rep.-elect Elizabeth Scott, R-Monroe, serving the 39th Legislative District;

Rep.-elect Drew MacEwen, R-Union, serving the 35th Legislative District; and,

Rep.-elect Jeff Holy, R-Spokane, serving the 6th Legislative District.

The four new appointees join the elected members of the House Republican leadership team and will play key roles in developing and implementing plans and policies supported by the House Republican Caucus.