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The economic statistic we often hear about the most is the unemployment rate. Our state’s unemployment rate currently stands at 7 percent, while the national unemployment rate is 7.6 percent. In Skagit County, it is 8.3 percent. What doesn’t get as much attention is the number of people who are underemployed or fearful that they could lose their jobs. You can imagine what this collective uncertainty does to individuals and families, including their budgets. When consumers don’t have confidence, they don’t spend money. And this has repercussions for our economy, including business investment, job growth and tax collections.

It’s frustrating when some people in Olympia continue to blame Wall Street for all of Main Street’s problems. I’m not defending big banks. Some of them played a major role in our economic downturn. But instead of looking outward to the east coast to assign blame, state lawmakers should be looking inward at our state’s business climate. What is within our control to address as a state? In my opinion, a lot.

When you analyze our state’s disadvantages, you see that our employers face an expensive workers’ compensation insurance system, costly and time-consuming permitting processes, a bureaucratic maze, an avalanche of new rules and regulations each year, and the constant threat of new tax increases. But I don’t have to tell many of you this because you are living it. None of these problems involve Wall Street and all of them can be addressed at the state level. 

As the Legislature begins its second special session this year, all the focus is on the operating budget. In short, the governor and Democrats want to raise taxes. Republicans and moderate Democrats do not. What’s been lost in this important debate is how to increase revenue. When the state faces a budget shortfall, the default position of too many people in Olympia is to raise taxes or create new taxes. Why isn’t there a greater emphasis on economic growth and increasing existing revenue streams? The governor ran on this platform and then quickly stepped off of it when he was elected. If as much attention was paid to addressing the economic problems outlined above as was given to various tax-increase proposals, we could find bipartisan solutions that would benefit everyone. It would be a win-win for those on the right who want families to prosper in a stronger economy and for those on the left who want to make sure their favorite government services and programs are adequately funded.

The Legislature still has a long way to go to change its collective mentality on this issue and chambers of commerce can play an important role in educating state lawmakers.

Here are three bills that might be of interest to you. I voted for all of them and they had strong bipartisan support:

Rep. Dan Kristiansen
39^th District

State Representative Dan Kristiansen
39th Legislative District

Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen

335C Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7967 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

 

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Dear Friends and Neighbors:

We are on the last day of the 30-day special session, but the Legislature is headed into double overtime beginning tomorrow morning. The major areas of disagreement between the bipartisan Senate Majority Coalition Caucus and House Democrats continue to be the operating budget and state government reforms.

Many of you may be disappointed in this outcome, while some of you may appreciate one of the two distinct positions that have been taken on state spending. I understand the disappointment. We don’t want Olympia to be like Washington, D.C., and I assure you that it is not. The talk of a state government shutdown feels a lot like our nation’s capital, but I’m confident our disagreements at the state level will be worked out soon. I honestly believe everyone wants what’s best for our state, but just have different views on how to get there.

Progress on the I-5 Skagit River Bridge

Steady progress continues on the I-5 Skagit River Bridge. Crews have removed most of the damaged parts of the bridge, but some debris continues to be embedded in the Skagit River. The National Transportation Safety Board has also completed the on-site portion of its investigation. You can find more information here.

Detour routes seem to be working well, but unfortunately 30-minute delays have been occurring during peak commute times. You can find travel times here. The Washington State Department of Transportation is continuing to monitor traffic flow.

The best news: the temporary bridge could be ready as soon as next week. A visual approximation of the replacement can be seen to the right. Here is a Seattle Times article on the progress of the project.

An important thing to remember is that local businesses are open. Please help spread the word and visit if you can. The state Department of Commerce is also helping out in this area. Every little bit helps and we cannot allow this accident to set our communities back. To date, everyone has come together. Let’s do all we can to make sure it continues.

Honoring Washington State Trooper Sean M. O’Connell Jr.  

The Washington House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring the life and service of Sean M. O’Connell Jr. yesterday. Sean was a trooper in the Washington State Patrol. He died from injuries he sustained when a truck collided with his motorcycle while he was directing traffic caused by the collapsed I-5 Skagit River Bridge on May 31. Sean leaves behind a wife, son and daughter. His passing is a reminder that our law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line daily for us. I’m personally grateful for Sean’s service and accomplishments.

House Joint Memorial 4003, which I am a co-sponsor of, requests that the I-5 Skagit River Bridge be named the Trooper No. 1076, Sean M. O’Connell Memorial Bridge.

Bills that have been signed into law

While the operating budget has yet to be finalized, a lot of other work has been accomplished the last five months. There have been 2,080 total bills introduced in the 2013 regular and special sessions – with 1,102 introduced in the House and 978 in the Senate. These numbers will increase during the second special session. A total of 337 bills have been passed by the Legislature, so far, and have been signed into law by the governor. Some of these measures will only affect small groups of people, while others will have a broader impact. Below are some bills that deal with local government and control.

• House Bill 1045 waives the requirement of an engineering and traffic investigation when a city or town establishes a lower speed limit within a residential or business district.
• House Bill 1180 increases from $152,000 to $214,000 the lump-sum death benefit that is paid to survivors of Volunteer Fire Fighters’ and Reserve Officers’ Relief and Pension System members who die as a result of injuries or sickness that are the result of the performance of duties. The prime sponsor of this legislation is my seatmate, Rep. Elizabeth Scott. 
• Senate Bill 5113 allows state, local or county law enforcement personnel to enforce speeding violations on private roads in condominium associations and apartment associations, so long as the provisions required for homeowners associations are met by the associations.
• Senate Bill 5099 will require the state Department of Commerce to adopt rules that provide local governments the authority to exempt police, fire and other emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles used for emergency response, from the fuel usage requirement.

Special session part two

My hope is that the second special session of 2013 is short, focused and results in a no-new-taxes operating budget that emphasizes K-12 education. And if we can also pass meaningful reforms that help our public schools, and small-business owners and their employees, I will be even happier. Please stay tuned and feel free to share your thoughts will me. My contact information is below.

In your service,

Dan Kristiansen
State Representative
39th Legislative District 

State Representative Dan Kristiansen
39th Legislative District

Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen

335C Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7967 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

 

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The state Capitol may seem like a distant place sometimes. Part of my job is making it easier for constituents to understand what happens in their citizen Legislature. With the uncertainty of the last few days of the 30-day special session, I thought it might be nice to just pause for a moment and share some facts about the legislative process. I hope to provide you with an update on the special session next week. Here are some fast facts:  

When does the Legislature meet?

• The Legislature meets every year – for 105 days in odd-numbered years like 2013, and 60 days in even-numbered years. Legislative sessions begin the second Monday in January each year. Why longer in odd-numbered years? To give state lawmakers more time to develop and pass the three state budgets.
• Special sessions are called by the governor to address specific issues. There can be any number of special sessions within a two-year cycle, and they can last no more than 30 days.

State budgets

• The state has three primary budgets: the operating, capital and transportation budgets. The 2013-15 operating and capital budgets have yet to be determined, which are the focal points of the ongoing 30-day special session that ends June 11. The 2013-15 transportation budget passed and was signed into law.

How many state lawmakers does Washington have?

• There are 49 legislative districts. Each legislative district has two state representatives and one state senator. State representatives serve two-year terms, and state senators serve four-year terms.
• Of the 98 state representatives, there are currently 55 Democrats and 43 Republicans. Of the 49 state senators, there are currently 26 Democrats and 23 Republicans. Two moderate Democrats joined the 23 Republicans to form the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus – a unique political structure that has led to a lot of bipartisan outcomes in the state Senate. These state House of Representatives and state Senate numbers are subject to change every two years, or if there are off-year special elections.

The governor’s role with legislation

• When a bill reaches Governor Inslee’s desk, he has three options: sign it; veto it; or allow it to become law without a signature. The governor must act within five days, not counting Sundays, during the legislative session. He must act within 20 days, not counting Sundays, after the legislative session adjourns.

Legislation

• The state House of Representatives numbers its bills starting at 1000, while state Senate bill numbers start at 5000. House joint memorials and resolutions are numbered starting at 4000, while Senate joint memorials and resolutions are numbered starting at 8000.
• At the end of each biennium, meaning a two-year legislative period, the slate of bills is wiped clean and new bills are introduced beginning in the next biennium.
• There have been 2,070 total bills introduced in the 2013 regular and special sessions. Out of 1,096 House bills introduced, 176 were signed into law by the governor. He vetoed House Bills 1422 and 1652, and partially vetoed House Bills 1341, 1471, 1723 and 1552. There were 974 Senate bills introduced and the governor signed 161 of them. He partially vetoed Senate Bills 5024, 5077 and 5518. No bills introduced in the special session have been signed into law yet.

State Representative Dan Kristiansen
39th Legislative District

Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen

335C Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7967 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

 

Statement from House Republican Leader Dan Kristiansen on the passing of Sen. Mike Carrell

“We are saddened to learn about Mike’s passing. Mike was part of the House Republican family and many of us have worked closely with him over the years. He was a tireless advocate for the communities and people he represented. Mike had a passion for public policy and solving problems. He has been a leader on public safety issues and our state is no doubt better off today because of his efforts. It is a sad day for so many of us. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mike’s wife and the rest of his family. We wish them strength and peace in this difficult time.”

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Rep. Kristiansen’s media:
       

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We are in the homestretch of the 30-day special session that began on May 13. Progress has been slow and a lot of work remains to be done in the final days.

The special session can be distilled into one question: Should the operating budget include $1 billion in tax increases?

The governor and House Democrats say, “yes.” They want to raise taxes by around $1 billion at a time when our economy is fragile. The centerpiece of the House Democrats’ tax-increase package (House Bill 2038) would permanently extend the B&O surtax on service businesses – which represents a large category of employers.

A comprehensive list of service businesses wasn’t available initially. Through research, I found Main Street employers such as accountants, amusement and recreation industries, architects, assisted living facilities, auto dealers, builders, child day care facilities, dentists, direct selling, doctors, dry cleaning and laundry services, employment services, fruit farming, legal services, nursing care facilities, personal care services, real estate activities, traveler accommodations, social and civic advocacy organizations, and many more would be adversely impacted. This is just a fraction of businesses that would be expected to pay more – so that state government could grow more.

Is your business on the list? Please be sure to check to see if you are one of the employers listed: http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/files/uploads/TheList.pdf 

The House Republicans and Senate Majority Coalition Caucus are saying “no” to new tax increases. We believe – and have shown – the operating budget can be balanced with existing revenue. Please remember our state is expected to collect $2 billion more in revenue in the 2013-15 budget cycle compared to the current one. How many families and employers would like to be in that situation? But for some in Olympia, it’s not enough.

Rep. Dan Kristiansen
39^th District

 

State Representative Dan Kristiansen
39th Legislative District

Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen

335C Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7967 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

 

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Dear Friends and Neighbors:

We are now on day 16 of the 30-day special session and, unfortunately, there are still no agreements on the operating and capital budgets. Negotiations, to date, have primarily included budget and legislative leaders – including the governor’s office. However, state lawmakers will be back in Olympia on Thursday and will hopefully begin to move parts of the operating budget forward.

Special session goals

The special session should be about fiscally-responsible state budgets, job growth and holding the line on new tax increases. Now is not the time to revive failed, controversial bills that divide the Legislature. I am hoping these goals are met in the next two weeks.

Should taxes be raised?

The special session is essentially about one question: Should the operating budget include around $1 billion in tax increases? The operating budget could be balanced with existing revenue, as has been shown with the Senate operating budget. An important number to remember in the budget debate is $2 billion. The state is on track to collect $2 billion more revenue in the 2013-15 budget cycle compared to the current two-year cycle that ends on June 30. And that number will grow if our economy improves.

Service businesses targeted

I voted “no” when House Bill 2038 came before me during the regular legislative session, because it would raise taxes by $879 million on our fragile economy by permanently extending the B&O surtax on service businesses.

What is a service business? It’s a huge category of mostly Main Street employers and individuals. For example: accountants, architects, assisted living facilities, auto dealers, builders, child day care facilities, dentists, doctors, employment services, home health care services, legal services, nannies, newspaper publishers, nursing care facilities, personal care services, Realtors, and many more. I asked for a complete list of businesses that would be impacted, but it was not readily available. Through research, I found that thousands of people would be adversely impacted. You can find the list here.

My objection to these tax increases isn’t just about employers – it’s about their employees and customers. It’s also about people who are unemployed, underemployed or simply cannot afford to send any more money to Olympia. While our state’s unemployment rate is trending down, a lot of those new jobs are in King County. We need to be thinking about the whole state – not just the view from the Space Needle.

Recent poll 

A question in a recent statewide poll asked, “What do you think is the most important thing that should be done to balance the state budget: reduce spending even if some crucial programs are cut, or increase taxes, even if it is hard for middle-class families?”

The poll results seem to show that a strong majority of Washingtonians agree with House Republicans and the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus on the issue of tax increases. In fact, 61 percent of Washingtonians answered that their preference was to “reduce spending, even if some crucial programs are cut.” To learn more, click here.

Comparing budget proposals

To say that the special session boils down to the question of raising taxes is not meant to oversimplify the complex policy decisions confronting state lawmakers. These decisions will be hard, no matter what, but would be easier if the Legislature would take tax increases off the table and decide on the size of the state spending box. For a comparison of the three operating budget proposals – from the governor, House and Senate – click here. If you would like to see a detailed comparison of the House and Senate operating budgets that passed, click here.

I-5 bridge collapse over the Skagit River

When I first saw images of the collapsed section of the I-5 bridge in the Skagit River, like you, I was worried. My initial concern was for potential victims. I’m grateful that no one was seriously injured and for the collective response of everyone involved.

With everyone safe, we now need to find out exactly what happened. It’s important that we give the experts time to investigate. The results of the investigation will ultimately guide the reforms and solutions we consider moving forward. Our state must do all it can to prevent this situation from happening again in the future.

We know this roadway is the lifeline for our homes, schools and local businesses. It’s also a vital thoroughfare for the flow of goods and services throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our state needs a temporary solution that will provide safe and reliable routes for those who depend on this section of I-5. And, eventually, we will need a long-term solution that will serve our region for years to come.

To date, this situation has brought out the best in our communities. Now, it needs to bring out the best in our local, state and federal governments. This includes learning how to build safe projects in a more streamlined process. There are already solutions on the table for this goal. For example, House Bill 1236. This legislation would require state agencies to make permit decisions in 90 days or the permit is granted. Or, House Bill 1978 which would streamline the project permitting process. This measure actually passed in the House this year, but died in the Senate. Both bills would add certainty and eliminate unnecessary delays to transportation projects.

The bottom line is we need to address the high costs and delays associated with transportation projects in our state. This process begins with regulation-cutting concepts for existing and new infrastructure. 

Contact me

My door is always open. Please contact me if I can ever be of assistance or if you have any questions.

In closing, I hope you had a great Memorial Day. I’d like to thank all of the men and women of our Armed Forces – past and present. I appreciate your service to our country.

In your service,

Dan Kristiansen
State Representative
39th Legislative District

State Representative Dan Kristiansen
39th Legislative District

Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen

335C Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7967 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

 

Statement from Rep. Dan Kristiansen on the I-5 bridge collapse over the Skagit River

“My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been, and will continue to be, affected by the bridge collapse over the Skagit River. This is a bridge that so many of us have come to depend on throughout the years. To see a section of it in the river is disheartening and unsettling. I’m very proud of the response so far and I expect this collaboration to continue as our communities come together.

“We know this roadway is a critical thoroughfare. It is the lifeline to our local businesses, schools and homes, and vital for the flow of goods and services throughout the Pacific Northwest. We need temporary solutions that provide safe and reliable routes for those who rely on this part of I-5. And eventually, we will need a long-term solution, likely a replacement bridge, to serve our region for years to come.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions right now. Like everyone else, I look forward to the answers. I’m confident that state and federal officials will get to the bottom of what happened and we need to give them the time to do their work. I’m equally confident that lawmakers will hold those responsible accountable and come up with solutions to ensure this situation does not happen again.

“There are some people who will use this event as a vehicle to advocate for a new transportation revenue package. I don’t think it should be used to advocate for – or against – an increase in the state gas tax. Instead, we should use this event as an opportunity to evaluate all of our bridges, examine how we maintain our roadways, and determine how we can build and repair infrastructure in our state more time- and cost-effectively. These should be nonpartisan goals.

“As we consider short- and long-term transportation solutions, citizen input is a critical component. The best ideas often don’t originate in Olympia. I hope the voices of our communities will not only contribute to, but drive, many of the transportation decisions moving forward. I encourage people to be engaged in the legislative process.”

Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish 
39^th District
House Republican Leader

For more information about Rep. Kristiansen, visit: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen. To learn more about the House Republican caucus, visit: http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/about-us/.

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If the Legislature was graded by employers for its performance this year, the report card might read: Incomplete and needs improvement.

However, there are state lawmakers who are working to help employers and their employees. For example, House Republicans proposed a package of solutions that focus on workers’ compensation reform, streamlining government processes, creating accountability for rulemaking, and other reforms. House Bill 1403, which will provide a more user-friendly structure for businesses needing licensing information, is the only solution to be signed into law. You can learn more here: http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/files/uploads/HouseRepublicanEconomicSolutions2013.pdf

The biggest threat to employers in the ongoing special session is House Bill 2038. The centerpiece of the House Democrats’ plan to raise taxes by $879 million is to permanently extend the B&O surtax on service businesses. This includes a large category of Main Street employers.

House Republicans and the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus are united against these tax increases. We have shown how the operating budget can be balanced without raising taxes.

Here are some other bills of interest to businesses:

Good bills:

Bad bills:

• Implementing family and medical leave insurance | House Bill 1457 | died in the House
• Ensuring fairness to employers by protecting employees | House Bill 1440 | died in the House
• Establishing minimum standards for sick and safe leave from employment | House Bill 1313 | died in the House

Please stay tuned. Hopefully by the end of the special session, the Legislature will have earned a better grade.

Rep. Dan Kristiansen
39^th District
House Republican Leader

Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/kristiansen

335C Legislative Building – P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7967 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

 

It is the last day of the 105-day legislative session and we have just adjourned. Unfortunately, a special session is on the horizon — an outcome that is disappointing for everyone.

We are headed to overtime primarily because of one issue: the operating budget. The governor and House Democrats want to spend roughly $1 billion more than the state plans to take in for regular tax collections in the next budget cycle that begins July 1. To do so, they would increase taxes on Main Street sectors of our fragile economy.

Our state plans to take in $2 billion more in tax collections in the upcoming budget cycle than the current one (2011-13). With this in mind, House Republicans and the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus believe taxes should not be raised and the operating budget can be balanced by setting priorities. We are also advocating for reforms that would help grow our economy and ensure accountability in our public schools that the governor and House Democrats have opposed.

Some things are worth fighting for — no matter how long it takes. We don’t want a special session, but the alternative is accepting an approach that has led to many of the problems our state faces today.

Governor Inslee has been summoning state lawmakers to his office to talk about various issues. We appreciate his invitations and involvement. If there is one person in Olympia who could bring the two sides together to agree on one approach, it is the governor. All he would have to do is keep his promises to oppose tax increases and grow the economy. The governor made these promises publicly at least seven times — not only as a candidate, but after being elected. If tax increases were taken off the table, the budget debate would simplify and move forward.

We respect the governor and want to work with him, but he should be held accountable for his promises. It is what voters expect and deserve. We will continue to share our solutions (see below) with the governor, his team and all Democrats.

In closing, I want to thank my House Republican colleagues for electing me as their leader yesterday. It is an honor to lead such a talented, dedicated and compassionate group. You can learn more here.

Please stay involved in the legislative process and share your perspectives with us. We appreciate it.

In your service,
Rep. Dan Kristiansen
39th District
House Republican Leader

Our Solutions

• House Republicans unveil Fund Education First budget (March 14)
• House Republicans on state transportation system: Fix it before you fund it (March 7)
• House Republicans propose economic solutions to help struggling families, communities (February 15)
• House Democrats reject attempts to ensure two-thirds vote of House to raise taxes, Fund Education First (February 1)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2013

Washington House Republicans elect Rep. Dan Kristiansen as their leader

 Washington House Republicans unanimously elected Rep. Dan Kristiansen as their leader today. Kristiansen replaces Rep. Richard DeBolt, who stepped down due to health concerns on April 17.

“I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have shown in me, but this isn’t about me. This is about a group of 43 Republican lawmakers who are dedicated to creating jobs, improving our education system and protecting hard-working taxpayers,” said Kristiansen, R-Snohomish. “It’s a unique time to come in as leader, but we are all united and will continue to advocate for solutions to get Washington working.”

Kristiansen, 50, was first elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2002. He represents the 39^th District. Kristiansen and his wife, Janis, are small business owners. They have three children and have lived in Snohomish County for more than 25 years.

“I’m pleased with the leadership elections and the continuity in this time of change,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “We all know Dan will do a great job and continue the tradition of servant leadership in our caucus.”

Washington House Republicans also retained Rep. Joel Kretz as their deputy leader. The Wauconda Republican was acting leader following DeBolt’s departure, but did not seek the leader position in today’s elections. The rest of the leadership team includes:

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake | caucus chair (replaces Rep. Dan Kristiansen)

Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy | vice-caucus chair

Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm | floor leader

Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley | assistant floor leader

Rep. Steve O’Ban, R-Pierce County | assistant floor leader (replaces Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, who chose not to run for the position again)

Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver | whip

Rep. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney | assistant whip

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union | assistant whip

Rep. Elizabeth Scott, R-Monroe | assistant whip

The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn April 28. A special session is expected.

For more information, please visit: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov and www.facebook.com/wahouserepublicans.

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Contact: John Handy, Communications Director, (360) 786-5758