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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’re moving right along in this year’s legislative session, and with just a few weeks left until we wrap up on April 27, a lot is happening at the Capitol.
Last week, we reached the House of Origin cutoff, which means any bills that didn’t pass out of their original chamber by the deadline are unlikely to move forward this year—unless they are tied to the state budget. We’ve been working long days and late nights debating and voting on hundreds of bills, and now we’re reviewing legislation passed by the Senate.
I want to thank everyone who has emailed my office—we’ve received an overwhelming number of messages with questions, concerns, and ideas. If you have sent an email, I want you to know we have read it and noted your concerns or support. My legislative assistant, Jennifer, and I are the ones who answer these emails, and we are several thousand behind. Please understand that we are doing the best we can and that we hear from you!!
With so much going on, I know it can be tough to keep up with the latest. That’s why I want to share some resources to help answer your questions and keep you informed. The House Republican Caucus website has a lot of information on what’s happening during the session, and there are several other links that can help you navigate the legislative process.
Helpful resources
Policy for the people: Agriculture
Policy for the people: Childcare
Main House Republican website
How you can be involved in the legislative process
News and media
Information on the state’s operating budget
The Week Ahead
Fix Washington
Help Stop Bad Bills
As always, you can also visit my website: RepresentativeTomDent.com.
Bills I’m working on
I’m happy to report that several of my bills are moving forward, and I want to share where they stand. The House passed these bills, and they’re now in the Senate.
Defending agriculture and keeping our promises – House Bill 1912
When the state passed the Climate Commitment Act, lawmakers promised that fuel used for farming would be exempt from the additional costs. That hasn’t happened, and farmers have been forced to pay more than they should. This bill ensures that agricultural fuel is properly exempt and makes it easier for farmers to access lower-cost fuel. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we need to keep our word.
I hope you will take a few minutes to read the press release I sent to the media on this crucial bill. You can read it by clicking here or on the photo below.
Supporting childcare providers – House Bill 1648
Finding affordable, quality child care is tough, especially in rural communities. One of the biggest barriers is a workforce shortage. Right now, childcare workers are required to meet strict education requirements, but many haven’t had access to the training they need. This bill gives providers more time to meet those qualifications and allows experience in the field to count toward education requirements. It’s a practical, common-sense solution that will help keep childcare facilities open.
Protecting against wildfires – House Bill 1522
Wildfires have become more destructive in recent years, and many have been linked to power lines. Three years ago, we passed a bill allowing utilities to clear vegetation and reduce wildfire risks, but there was no formal process for approving their mitigation plans. This bill ensures that utilities submit wildfire prevention plans for review and approval so we can make sure they are doing everything possible to prevent fires.
Honoring our heroes – House Joint Memorial 4002
I’ve introduced a resolution to rename the Vantage Bridge as the Medal of Honor Bridge to recognize those who have received our nation’s highest military award. Only a small number of service members have earned this honor, and it’s important that we never forget their sacrifice.
Addressing our large animal veterinarian shortage – House Bill 1705
There’s a serious shortage of large animal veterinarians in rural Washington. Fewer students are going into large animal care, leaving farmers and ranchers with fewer options to keep their livestock healthy. This bill creates a work group to study the problem and recommend solutions, such as loan assistance or recruitment programs, to get more vets into the field.
Keeping pesticide safety on track – House Bill 1294
Pesticides are an important tool for farmers, but we need to make sure they are used safely and responsibly. This bill extends the pesticide application safety committee, which includes experts from agriculture, public health, and worker safety, to continue reviewing best practices and ensuring pesticide application remains safe for workers, consumers, and the environment.
Supporting local airports – House Bill 1650
Small airports play a critical role in our communities, whether it’s support agriculture, emergency services, or local businesses. Right now, cities and counties can use local real estate excise tax (REET) revenue for various infrastructure projects, but airports have been left out. This bill fixes that by allowing local governments to use REET funds for airport capital projects. Many small airports struggle to secure funding for necessary improvements, and this bill gives them another tool to maintain and upgrade their facilities. Whether it’s runway repairs, safety upgrades, or expansion projects, this change will keep our local airports running smoothly.
Thank you to our district media
I’m grateful for the media coverage of my bills and the opportunity to share what I’m working on in Olympia. Radio has always been a great way to keep folks informed, and I appreciate the stations across our district for helping get the word out.
If you would like to hear more details about the bills I’ve mentioned in this update, I encourage you to click on the links and photos below. These conversations dive deeper into my bills and why they matter so much to our communities and way of life. Take a listen.
Welcoming future leaders to Olympia
One of the best parts of this job is meeting young folks interested in how our government works. Recently, I had the pleasure of sponsoring two outstanding students in the House Page Program—Marchel Hanna from Ellensburg High School and Ricardo Garcia from Royal High School.
The House Page Program is an excellent opportunity for students to spend a week at the Capitol, learning about the legislative process, helping on the House floor, and meeting lawmakers. Marchel and Ricardo both did a fantastic job, and I was proud to have them here. It’s always encouraging to see young people getting involved and taking an interest in public service.
If you know a student who might be interested in being a page, I encourage them to apply! You can learn more about the program by clicking here.
Stay connected
As always, my door is open. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please reach out. You can call my office at (360) 786-7932 or email me at Tom.Dent@leg.wa.gov.
It’s an honor to serve the 13th District, and I’ll keep working hard to make sure Central Washington’s voice is heard in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Tom Dent
