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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to thank you again for the incredible honor of serving as your state representative. We’re now almost two full weeks into the 2015 legislative session, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m looking forward to continuing to build as many relationships as I can, as well as introducing and supporting legislation that will help folks in the 13th District and throughout the rest of the state. I’m committed to looking for comprehensive and practical solutions to the many challenges we face.
Committees
I serve as the assistant ranking member on the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. As you all know, agricultural issues are on the top of my list, so it’s a great committee to be on. I am also serving on the House Appropriations Committee, which considers the operating budget and related legislation, budget processes, and fiscal issues such as pension policy and compensation. Finally, I am serving on the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee. Children are our most precious natural resource, so being able to serve on a committee that considers a broad array of issues affecting children and families is very important to me.
Bills I’m Supporting
I’m the prime sponsor of HB 1526, which requires all aircraft excise tax revenue to be deposited in the aeronautics account, which was the original intent of the account. Over the years, the Legislature reallocated the funding, so 10 percent went into the aeronautics account, while the rest went into the general fund. This bill makes sure the funds go back into the aeronautics account — specifically the Department of Transportation Aviation Airport Aid Grant Program.
Another bill I’ve sponsored is HB 1527, which will help streamline the pesticide recertification process for pesticide applicators if they can demonstrate they are meeting comparable recertification standards.
Finally, one bill I’m co-sponsoring is Rep. Van Werven’s HB 1533. The bill exempts from firearm background check requirements:
- The transfer of a firearm from a person or organization to a recognized historical society or museum for the temporary exhibition of the firearm.
- The transfer of a firearm from the historical society or museum back to the person or organization from which it received the firearm.
While it may be politically difficult to repeal I-594 at this time, there are certain steps we can take, such as supporting Rep. Van Werven’s bill, that will ensure we don’t make felons out of law-abiding citizens. I’m proud to support HB 1533.
Video Update
I recorded my first video update earlier this week. In the video, I cover topics such as why I wanted to serve in the state Legislature, my favorite part about the 13th District, my favorite U.S. president, and more. Take a look.
Foster Parent Caucus
I’m currently working on developing a bipartisan Foster Parent Caucus. As a foster parent, taking care of our foster children is something I care deeply about. They touch my heart and mean a lot to me, so I’m putting together a group of legislators that will work with me on passing legislation to improve our foster care system and give more opportunities to these children that have not had an easy start in life. I also look forward to partnering with groups such as Fight Crime: Invest in Kids on this.
Page Program
If you know a student that would like to serve as a page here at the House of Representatives, have them get in touch with me at tom.dent@leg.wa.gov. To serve as a page, a student must:
- Have permission from a parent or guardian.
- Have permission from school.
- Be at least 14 years of age and not have reached his or her 17th birthday.
To learn more about the House Page Program, click here.
Contacting Me
I have already met with many constituents, and I am looking forward to meeting with many more over the next few months of session and then into the interim. If you would like to get in touch with me with any questions, thoughts or concerns, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at tom.dent@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at (360) 786-7932. I look forward to hearing from you!
Until next time.
Sincerely,
Tom Dent
