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MacEwen sworn into office for fourth term, will serve in leadership role on two House committees

Rep. Drew MacEwen was sworn into office Monday, marking the beginning of his fourth term in the Washington State House of Representatives.

The 35th District lawmaker will serve in a leadership role on two House committees.

Prior to the beginning of the 2019 session, he was appointed ranking Republican of the House Commerce and Gaming Committee. The 11-member committee considers legislation related to the regulation of commerce in the alcohol, tobacco and cannabis industries in Washington state, as well the regulation and oversight of gaming. In fiscal year 2018, liquor, cannabis and cigarette taxes generated more than $1 billion in revenue for the state.

“Each of these industries is extremely important to our state’s economy,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “Our job on the committee is largely to let the free market work, but we may also be required to implement certain regulations when necessary to protect the citizens of Washington state. It’s all about finding a proper balance.”

MacEwen will also continue in his role as assistant ranking Republican of the House Appropriations Committee, which considers and approves the operating budget.

“Our state’s operating budget has grown by more than 75 percent in less than a decade,” he said. “It is my hope committee members on both sides of the aisle can work together this session to demonstrate some semblance of fiscal discipline.”

In addition to his committee assignments, MacEwen serves as an assistant floor leader for the House Republican Caucus — a position he has held since 2018.

The 2019 legislative session began Jan. 14, and is scheduled to run 105 consecutive days.

35th District representatives elected to leadership positions by Washington House Republican Caucus

Following a vote by their peers Monday afternoon, 35th District Reps. Dan Griffey and Drew MacEwen were elected to leadership roles for the Washington House Republican Caucus.

Griffey will serve as the caucus’ Whip, a role in which he will count votes and help maintain decorum during floor action and caucus meetings. Griffey previously held an Assistant Whip position.

“I am humbled by the vote of confidence from my fellow caucus members to serve as their Whip for the upcoming legislative session” said Griffey, R-Allyn. “Serving as Whip is similar to being a fire lieutenant. In both roles, it’s imperative you support and motivate your team in order to advance common goals. I am confident our new leadership will do just that as we prepare for the 2019 session.”

MacEwen, R-Union, who was first elected assistant floor leader in March, was re-elected to the post.

As assistant floor leader, MacEwen will help manage legislation and debate on the House floor, as well as provide input in House Republican leadership meetings. He will also represent the caucus in negotiations with majority party floor leaders.

“I am honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to once again serve our caucus in a leadership role,” said MacEwen. “We have a strong leadership team and a dedicated caucus of individuals eager to continue fighting for lower taxes, better educational outcomes, and budgets that are both balanced and sustainable. We are committed to serving all Washingtonians, and you will see that reflected through our policy proposals and our actions when the 2019 session gets underway in just seven short weeks.”

The 2019 legislative session will begin Monday, Jan. 14.

Washington State House Republicans select new leadership

Rep. J.T. Wilcox has been re-elected by his legislative colleagues as leader of the Washington State House Republicans. Wilcox was chosen for his leadership post during the group’s reorganizational meeting today.

“I’m looking forward to session and the work ahead,” said Wilcox, R-Yelm. “Our caucus is focused on standing up for the hard-working taxpayer and the people left behind in our state. We’re also going to fight for effective state government oversight – something that is critical when power rests with only one party in Olympia.”

The Washington State House Republicans also selected the rest of their leadership team:

  • Rep. Joel Kretz, 7th Legislative District (Wauconda) | Deputy Leader
  • Rep. Paul Harris, 17th Legislative District (Vancouver) | Caucus Chair
  • Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, 14th District (Goldendale) | Vice-Caucus Chair
  • Rep. Drew Stokesbary, 31st Legislative District (Auburn) | Floor Leader
  • Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, 7th Legislative District (Republic) | Assistant Floor Leader
  • Rep. Drew MacEwen, 35th Legislative District (Union) | Assistant Floor Leader
  • Rep. Dan Griffey, 35th Legislative District (Allyn) | Whip

Additional leadership positions will be appointed in the upcoming weeks.

The legislative session will begin Jan. 14 and is scheduled to run 105 days.

MacEwen bill prioritizing crime victim compensation signed into law

A bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen to ensure incarcerated criminal offenders pay court-ordered restitution to their victims in a timely manner was signed into law Wednesday.

Restitution is a sum ordered by a sentencing court to be paid by a criminal offender over a specified period of time as payment of a victim’s damages — injury to property, expenses incurred for the treatment of injuries, lost wages, and any counseling required as a result of the offense.

Under House Bill 1058, courts will be prohibited from granting postponement of an offender’s restitution payments until after their release from confinement.

“With this bill, we are making sure crime victims, many of whom have suffered significant financial losses, will at least have some money coming their way to help with the purchase of basic necessities,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “Never again will restitution be prioritized behind other financial obligations a criminal offender may have. Victims’ needs should come first in our criminal justice system.”

Bills go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the regular legislative session. The 2018 legislative session adjourned March 8.

Governor signs MacEwen bill to protect crime victims

A bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen to require law enforcement agencies to provide assistance to crime victims, regardless of their legal status, was signed into law Thursday.

MacEwen says House Bill 1022, which was brought to him by a constituent, will codify into state law existing federal law that ensures crime victims can receive the help they need in a timely manner.

“After working on this bill for three years, I’m glad our state is finally taking a stand and declaring that all crime victims deserve justice,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “Because of this bill, victims will know better than to believe the lie told by their perpetrators that they won’t receive help from law enforcement. No longer will monsters who prey on women and children be able to escape justice for months and years on end. This is an important bill that will make our communities safer, and I’m grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support it received in both chambers.”

House Bill 1022 was approved 95-1 in the House and 49-0 in the Senate. It will go into effect later this year.

The 2018 legislative session is scheduled to adjourned March 8.

MacEwen bill authorizing counties to support local housing authorities signed into law

A bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen to affirm that counties have a legal right to provide support to local housing authorities was signed into law by the governor Tuesday.

During public testimony, MacEwen, R-Union said he introduced House Bill 2261 after learning from former state Rep. Kathy Haigh — now chair of the Mason County Housing Authority — that there was some confusion surrounding the law. He said prosecutors in multiple counties had informed county commissioners of their belief that any assistance provided by them to local housing authorities could be construed as an illegal gift of public funds.

MacEwen says his bill will remove any ambiguity once and for all.

“This bill makes it clear that county commissions, and all other state public bodies, can legally assist local housing authorities,” said MacEwen. “It’s important for there to be clarity on this because there is so much good work counties and housing authorities can collaborate on to serve local residents. I’m grateful to Kathy for bringing this issue to my attention, and for the strong bipartisan support House Bill 2261 received in both chambers.”

A “state public body” includes the state and any city, town, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority, or other subdivision or public body within the state.

Under MacEwen’s bill, state public bodies may provide monetary, in-kind, or other support to the board of commissioners of a housing authority to carry out its duties or powers, but not for the purpose of compensating the commissioners for their service.

Bills go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the regular legislative session. The 2018 legislative session adjourned March 8.

Mason, Thurston and Kitsap projects included in 2018 supplemental capital budget

The $198 million supplemental capital budget approved by the Legislature Thursday includes $3.1 million in funding for projects in the 35th Legislative District. This is in addition to the $37 million the district will be receiving in the 2017-19 capital budget, which passed earlier this year.

Of the $3.1 million in local funding, $1.3 million is provided to replace the structures and fencing in the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area that were destroyed in a fire last August.

“After a wildfire ravaged hundreds of acres of native prairie land in the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, I’m excited to bring dollars home to help with rebuilding efforts,” said 35th District Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn. “I’m glad Sen. Tim Sheldon, Rep. Drew MacEwen, and I could work together to secure funding for this and other important projects for our communities.”

The supplemental capital budget also provides $412,000 to renovate the North Mason Teen Center, $376,000 to update existing facilities at the Port of Allyn marina, $288,000 for the William G. Reed Library, and $742,000 for the design and reconfiguration of the Schafer State Park campground.

“As a former capital budget negotiator, I’ve been able to establish strong relationships with negotiating teams in both chambers. That, along with the great working relationship I have with Dan and Tim, has helped deliver significant results for the 35th District,” said Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union. “I’m proud of the projects we were able to secure in this year’s supplemental capital budget. My request will provide significant funding for the Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound’s North Mason Teen Center, which serves hundreds of North Mason youth each year. Capital budget funds will supplement the more than $1 million already raised by the Boys & Girls Club, and will allow the club to relocate the Teen Center from an old 5,500 square-foot building to a newly-renovated 10,000 square-foot building. That will make a real difference in a lot of people’s lives, and I couldn’t be happier.”

The $4.17 billion 2017-19 capital budget that passed earlier this session included $3 million for tiny homes for homeless veterans in Mason County, $3 million for sewer repairs in Shelton, $515,000 to provide a wastewater connection from the South Kitsap Industrial Area to the Belfair Wastewater Reclamation Facility, and $200,000 for improvements to Camp Schechter in Tumwater.

It also allocated $475,000 to construct a new building for the Holly Ridge Center in Bremerton, which has served residents of the 35th District for more than 50 years. Additionally, $27,000 will be spent on shelter resident room improvements, technological replacements and security upgrades at the Turning Pointe domestic violence shelter in Shelton.

The supplemental budget now awaits the governor’s signature.

The 2018 legislative session adjourned March 8.

Washington State House Republicans elect Rep. J.T. Wilcox as their Leader

Rep. Drew MacEwen assumes Stokesbary’s previous role as an Assistant Floor Leader

Washington State House Republicans elected Rep. J.T. Wilcox to be their Leader today. He replaces Rep. Dan Kristiansen, who stepped down as Leader on Tuesday and announced he would not run for re-election in November.

“I love this caucus. These are the greatest people I’ve ever worked with. To be elected Leader by my peers is an honor. I feel like I’ve got a big job to do,” said Wilcox, R-Yelm. “I continue to believe we have the biggest tent when it comes to ideology and points of view at the Capitol. I think this is a major reason why we’ve been so successful in a blue state – including this legislative session.”

Wilcox was first elected state representative of the 2nd Legislative District in 2010. Prior to being elected Leader, he served as Floor Leader and sat on the House Appropriations, Finance and Rules committees.

Wilcox is a graduate of Washington State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. In the 2000s, he served as Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Financial Officer of Wilcox Farms. 

Wilcox grew up on his family farm in rural Pierce County, where he still lives today with his wife Kathy. They have three children and one granddaughter.

In other House Republican Leadership changes, Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, was elected to replace Wilcox as Floor Leader. Stokesbary was previously an Assistant Floor Leader.

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, was elected to replace Stokesbary.

The House Republican Leadership Team is as follows (*new changes):

*Rep. J.T. Wilcox 2nd Legislative District (Yelm) | Leader
Rep. Joel Kretz 7th Legislative District (Wauconda) | Deputy Leader
Rep. Matt Shea 4th Legislative District (Spokane Valley) | Caucus Chair
Rep. Joe Schmick 9th Legislative District (Colfax) | Caucus Vice Chair
*Rep. Drew Stokesbary 31st Legislative District (Auburn) | Floor Leader
*Rep. Drew MacEwen 35th Legislative District (Union) | Assistant Floor Leader
Rep. Joyce McDonald 25th Legislative District (Puyallup) | Assistant Floor Leader
Rep. Dave Hayes 10th Legislative District (Camano Island) | Whip
Rep. Dan Griffey 35th Legislative District (Allyn) | Assistant Whip
Rep. Bill Jenkin 16th Legislative District (Prosser) | Assistant Whip
Rep. Vicki Kraft 17th Legislative District (Vancouver) | Assistant Whip

There are 48 Republicans in the 98-member Washington State House of Representatives. Learn more at:

The 2018 legislative session will end tonight.

MacEwen to host telephone town hall Monday, March 12

Thirty-Fifth District Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, is hosting a live telephone town hall Monday, March 12.

The community conversation will begin at 6 p.m. and last one hour. MacEwen will provide a short recap of the 2018 legislative session, and then take questions from constituents about state legislative issues.

To participate in the interactive town hall, 35th District residents can call (360) 623-7335. If listeners have questions during the call, they can press the STAR (*) key on their telephones.

For more information, contact MacEwen’s office at (360) 786-7902.