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March 15, 2024

Recapping the 2024 session: This year the people set the pace

In this week’s video update, I recap the biggest issues of our 2024 legislative session. You can see it by clicking here. Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’ve just finished our 2024 legislative session, and it’s time for a few final thoughts. This was a year in which the people of...
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March 07, 2024

Senators mystified by cut in drug task force funding; lawmakers approve other Republican fentanyl proposals

  OLYMPIA – Two Republican bills addressing Washington’s fentanyl crisis are headed to the governor’s office for final consideration, but senators say they are surprised by a cutback in this year’s budget for local law enforcement drug task forces. Senate Republicans offered proposals this year to combat the spread of...
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March 05, 2024

Legislature passes three initiatives – voters will decide three more in fall

Note: This e-newsletter originally was distributed to Sen. Gildon’s subscribers March 5, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Gildon’s e-newsletters, click here.    Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Washington Legislature often saves the toughest decisions for last. On Monday, just a few days before we are scheduled to adjourn, lawmakers of both...
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February 29, 2024

A success story from the Washington Legislature

Note: This e-newsletter originally was distributed to Sen. Gildon’s subscribers Feb. 29, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Gildon’s e-newsletters, click here.  See this week’s update from Olympia by clicking here. Dear Friends and Neighbors It’s not often you hear good-news stories in politics, but I have one to share this...
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February 26, 2024

Senate budget funds measures to combat fentanyl addiction, overdoses

OLYMPIA – Republican proposals to tackle skyrocketing fentanyl usage and overdose deaths in Washington state are funded in the operating budget passed by the Washington Senate Friday. The $71.6 billion budget bill contains funding for local law enforcement task forces, a public education campaign focused on opioids and tribal opioid...
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February 23, 2024

Live from Olympia — the good, the interesting, the controversial

Note: This e-newsletter originally was distributed to Sen. Gildon’s subscribers Feb. 23, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Gildon’s e-newsletters, click here.  A visit from royalty: I was delighted this year to present the Senate resolution honoring Pierce County’s Daffodil Festival, and to welcome the Daffodil Court to the Capitol. The celebration,...
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February 22, 2024

Hearings set on three initiatives

Note: This e-newsletter originally was distributed to Sen. Gildon’s subscribers Feb. 22, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Gildon’s e-newsletters, click here.    Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’ve had some surprising news at the statehouse. Our majority Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate have announced they will permit hearings on three...
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February 14, 2024

Senate passes bill bringing social services into the smartphone age

Note: This e-newsletter originally was distributed to Sen. Gildon’s subscribers Feb. 14, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Gildon’s e-newsletters, click here.  I’m excited to be working this year on a concept that brings social services into the smartphone era, with an app connecting people to the programs they need. I call...
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February 13, 2024

Senate passes bills to tackle opioid addiction, overdose deaths

OLYMPIA – Washington state’s fast-rising rate of opioid addiction and overdose deaths are targeted by a pair of bills that emerged from the state Senate this week. Both measures passed the Senate 49-0 and now move to the House. The bills launch a coordinated statewide education program aimed at youths...
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