Author Archives: bookerstallworth

2020 Legislative Report from 8th District Reps. Matt Boehnke and Brad Klippert

In this six-page mailer, 8th District Reps. Matt Boehnke and Brad Klippert provide information and resources on the coronavirus, a review of the 2020 legislative session, an overview of House Republican priorities, and an update on legislation they sponsored.

Important: 8th District telephone town hall meeting tomorrow, April 23

Tomorrow afternoon from 4-5 p.m., Sen. Sharon Brown, Rep. Brad Klippert and I will be hosting an 8th District telephone town hall meeting. During the hourlong call, we’ll be answering questions from residents about this year’s 60-day legislative session and the ongoing coronavirus crisis. We’ll also be asking a number of survey questions.

Most 8th District residents with landlines will receive an invitation phone call to participate just before the meeting begins. If you do not receive that call and wish to participate, you may dial (509) 207-7114 anytime between 4-5 p.m.

If you have questions about the telephone town hall, please contact my office at (509) 873-0008.

I look forward to talking with you tomorrow!

8th District lawmakers to host telephone town hall Thursday, April 23

Eighth District Sen. Sharon Brown and Reps. Brad Klippert and Matt Boehnke, all R-Kennewick, will be hosting a telephone town hall this Thursday, April 23, from 4-5 p.m.

During the hourlong call, the lawmakers will provide their thoughts on this year’s 60-day legislative session and the ongoing coronavirus crisis. They will also take calls from constituents and ask a number of survey questions.

To participate, 8th District residents can call (509) 207-7114.

For more information, contact:

Sen. Brown at (360) 786-7614 or Sharon.Brown@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Klippert at (360) 786-7882 or Brad.Klippert@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Boehnke at (360) 786-7986 or Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov

Governor signs Boehnke bill to boost efforts of Washington State Historical Society

Governor Jay Inslee has signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke designed to help the Washington State Historical Society (Historical Society) carry out its mission. It’s Boehnke’s first bill to be signed into law.

House Bill 2837 gives explicit authority to the Historical Society to make operating grants to small heritage organizations around the state. These grants will be used to support public programming, educational programming, outreach, collections management, exhibitions, and organizational capacity building.

Founded in 1891, the Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington’s history. The nonprofit organization offers a variety of services to researchers, historians, scholars, and lifelong learners, and also operates the State History Research Center and the Washington State History Museum.

“As a veteran, an educator, and a lawmaker, I believe it is essential to make history as accessible as possible for all Washingtonians,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “House Bill 2837 will strengthen cultural and historical organizations across our state, helping them to meaningfully engage with our citizens and provide a unique and valuable experience. I am excited about the impact this bill will have for years to come. I want to thank the Historical Society and my fellow lawmakers for their support throughout the entire legislative process.”

House Bill 2837 will take effect June 10, 2020.

We’re all in this fight together; important information and resources on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

During this incredibly challenging time for our state, country and world, it is incumbent on all of us to support one another and work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This virus has done a lot of damage, both to people’s health and financial well-being, but I have no doubt we’re going to defeat this unseen enemy and come back stronger than ever.

Seeing the cooperation between federal, state, and local government agencies over the past several weeks has been heartening. And when Congressman Newhouse, Sen. Brown, Rep. Klippert, and I met with PNNL scientists earlier this week, it was great to learn they are working around the clock to fight COVID-19.

But nothing has moved me more than seeing our heroes in the medical field work 24/7 to take care of the sick and vulnerable, and restore people back to health. We are extremely blessed to have so many people with servant hearts and attitudes helping those in need.

Speaking of needs, I received an email yesterday from Michele Roth, Executive Director for the American Red Cross in Central and Southeastern Washington. She informed me that 4,500 Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled across the country, so they’re facing a significant shortage of blood donations.

“Although COVID-19 has consumed most of the country’s attention, we still have cancer patients, babies born with Sickle Cell Disease, and accident victims who will need and are counting on blood donations,” she wrote. “Every two seconds, someone needs blood and there is no substitute. Blood cannot be manufactured and does have a shelf life, so we are doing all we can to communicate the need to keep the supply up during these uncertain times.”

If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Finally, I wanted to provide you with links to critical information, resources and guidance on COVID-19 that I hope will be helpful to you and your family over the next several weeks. If there is information you’re looking for that is not listed below, please get in touch with me at (360) 786-7986 or Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov.

We’re going to get through this together, 8th District. Please be safe, stay strong, support one another, and help bring calm to our community by not spreading unsubstantiated rumors that seek to spread fear.

It is an honor to serve each and every one of you.

Sincerely,
Matt

General information

Washington state’s official COVID-19 site:

General guidance from the Department of Health:

  • Novel Coronavirus Fact Sheet
    • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
    • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Department of Health:

  • Call center | 1-800-525-0127
  • 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
  • 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)
    • Symptoms and Testing.
    • Resources and Recommendations.
    • Current Situation in Washington – What’s the current risk?
    • 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington.

Health Care Authority:

Updates from the Governor’s Office:

Teach with TVW:

Contact information for local health departments and districts

Department of Health:

Recent announcements and news releases

Recent announcements and news releases from the Governor’s Office and Department of Health:

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) | K-12 schools

OSPI:

Universities and colleges

Washington State Council of Presidents:

Washington State Community and Technical Colleges:

Independent Colleges of Washington:

Employers and employees

Governor’s Office | Partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19 coronavirus:

Employment Security Department:

U.S. Small Business Administration:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Department of Labor:

Department of Revenue:

Department of Financial Institutions:

  • Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
    • Accessing Your Financial Institution.
    • Unemployment Help.
    • Trouble Paying Credit Cards.
    • Trouble Paying Your Mortgage.
    • Trouble Paying Rent.
    • Student Loans Deferment.
    • Short Term and Emergency Loans.
    • Paying Utilities.
    • Insurance Issues.
    • Avoiding Scams.
    • At Home Financial Education Resources for Students.
    • Additional Resources.

Department of Labor & Industries:

Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave:

Office of the Insurance Commissioner:

  • Coronavirus
    • Health insurance.
    • For insurers and medical providers.
    • Travel insurance.
    • Other types of insurance

Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Military & Veterans

U.S. Department of Defense:

Washington Military Department:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs:

Other federal agencies

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

If you are looking for information that isn’t listed above, please get in touch with me at (360) 786-7986 or Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov.

It is an honor to serve you.

Majority party rejects House Republican efforts to provide tax relief for Washington families

Topics in this update include:

  • A word of thanks about last month’s town hall meeting in Richland
  • My first bill approved by the state House
  • House Republicans fight to provide tax relief for Washington families
  • Majority party advances comprehensive sex education bill

As always, I welcome you to contact me any time with your comments, questions or concerns. My email address is Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov, and my phone number is (360) 786-7986.

A word of thanks about last month’s town hall meeting in Richland

We’re now in the final week of this year’s 60-day legislative session, but before I get to policy updates, I first wanted to extend my thanks to everyone who attended our town hall meeting in Richland last month. My top priority is to represent you and your family well, so I always welcome the opportunity to hear directly from you.

I also firmly believe we can achieve so much more together than apart, so thank you again for being engaged, making your voices heard, and being so passionate about our communities. I’m honored to serve you in the Legislature.

My first bill approved by the state House

Sitting at my desk on the House floor and witnessing the passage of my first bill was a truly humbling experience. House Bill 2596, which was approved 93-5, would help lay the groundwork for our state to become a national and global leader in the future of commercial space exploration and development. It is critical we do everything we can to build our state’s economy and workforce both now and in the future, and this bill would help in that effort.

House Republicans fight to provide tax relief to Washington families

Earlier this session, lawmakers received good news when the state’s latest revenue forecast revealed a surge in new revenue and a $2.4 billion budget surplus. House Republicans immediately came together to discuss how we could use this massive surplus to provide tax relief for Washington families. All 40 of us signed on to a bill (HB 2946) sponsored by Rep. Drew Stokesbary to provide $1 billion in tax relief by implementing voter-approved $30 car tabs and eliminating the sales tax on certain grocery items and personal necessities.

When the majority party signaled they would not be supporting the bill, we knew it was likely their supplemental operating budget would spend almost all of the new surplus and not provide any tax relief. That turned out to be the case, so in a last-ditch effort to put money back in your pockets, we proposed two alternative budgets when they brought their budget to the House floor for a vote.

One of the alternative budgets was introduced by Stokesbary, and looked to deliver the tax relief in HB 2946. The other budget was introduced by Rep. Jim Walsh, and looked to provide $600 million in annual property tax cuts. Unfortunately, the majority party rejected both budgets and passed their own. When the governor signs it into law, state spending will have increased nearly 75% since 2013.

If you’re interested in watching a recap of the budget debate, please click on the image below.

Majority party advances comprehensive sex education bill

I have received so many emails from parents and teachers concerned about Senate Bill 5395, the majority party’s proposal to mandate comprehensive sex education in all grades by the 2022-23 school year. For six hours last Wednesday, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., I joined with my House Republican colleagues in battling against this bill, which goes way too far by taking away our children’s innocence and infringing on parental rights. Watch:

Contacting me

Please continue contacting me with your comments, questions and concerns. I always welcome your feedback. My email address is Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov, and my phone number is (360) 786-7986.

It is an honor to serve you.

Boehnke sponsors three local high school students as House pages

During this year’s 60-day legislative session, Rep. Matt Boehnke has sponsored three local high school students as pages in the Washington State House of Representatives.

Zoe Pfeifer attends Delta High School. Her interests include playing tennis, attending medical camps, and serving in her local church.

“Zoe was a great addition to my legislative team,” said Boehnke. “We had a number of really good conversations about state government, and the work we do here in the Legislature to help our local cities and counties. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her run for office one day. She is a true leader!”

Bailie Jansons attends Richland High School. She plays violin and viola, and enjoys reading, writing, and bird watching. She also loves spending time with her family.

“Bailie was an inspiration to me throughout her week here at the Capitol,” added Boehnke. “She’s smart, works hard, and questions everything, which is a good thing. I know she has an extremely bright future ahead in any career field she chooses.”

Gemma Cannon-Green attends Hanford High School. She’s a violinist in the school’s chamber orchestra and a member of the varsity golf team. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, writing and surfing.

“It was awesome to see how much Gemma enjoyed serving as a page. Every day, she had a smile on her face and a spring in her step,” said Boehnke. “Her commitment to participating in everything she could showcased a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude that will serve her well as she goes forward in life.”

During their respective weeks serving as pages in the House, the students attended page school every day to learn about the three branches of state government, the lawmaking process, and the importance of civil discourse. They also carried out a number of duties critical to the efficient operation of the Legislature.

To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program. For more information about the House Page Program, click here.

Rep. Boehnke with Delta High School student and House Page Zoe Pfeifer

Rep. Boehnke with Richland High School student and House Page Bailie Jansons

Rep. Boehnke with Hanford High School student and House Page Gemma Cannon-Green

Reminder: Town hall meeting Saturday morning in Richland

I wanted to send a quick reminder that I’ll be holding a town hall meeting with Sen. Sharon Brown and Rep. Brad Klippert on Saturday morning in Richland. The three of us will be providing a brief update on this year’s 60-day session, and then opening it up for your questions. I hope you’ll come out and join us!

Details of the town hall are as follows:

Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Richland Community Center (500 Amon Park Dr, Richland, WA 99352)

If you’re unable to make it to the town hall, I welcome you to call me at (360) 786-7986 or send me an email with your comments, questions and concerns. I always welcome your feedback!

It is an honor to serve you.

House approves Boehnke’s first bill, which seeks to develop the new space economy in Washington

With a 93-5 vote Tuesday, the state House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke aimed at fostering economic growth by supporting emerging businesses in the new space economy.

While the old space economy relied exclusively on federal dollars flowing through NASA and the Department of Defense, the new space economy largely relies on private-sector funding. The global space sector, currently valued at $350 billion, is expected to carry at least a $1 trillion valuation by 2040.

House Bill 2596 is the first measure sponsored by Boehnke to be approved by the House. It would direct the state’s Department of Commerce to complete a study of public policies that would:

  1. Foster the development of the new space economy in Washington.
  2. Look at the geographic distribution of potential employment and training opportunities across the state.

Results of the study would be required to be submitted to the Legislature by October 31, 2021.

“Sitting at my desk on the House floor and witnessing the passage of my first bill was a truly humbling experience,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “My top priority in this job is to make life better for Washingtonians in the 8th District and across the state. That’s the goal of House Bill 2596, which lays the groundwork for our state to become a national and global leader in the future of commercial space exploration and development. I look forward to continued bipartisan collaboration on efforts to build Washington’s economy and workforce both now and in the future.”

House Bill 2596 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

8th District lawmakers to host town hall meeting in Richland on Feb. 22

Eighth District lawmakers Sen. Sharon Brown, Rep. Brad Klippert, and Rep. Matt Boehnke will host a town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Richland Community Center.

During the meeting, the legislators will provide an update on the 2020 legislative session and take questions from attendees.

Details are as follows:

Date: Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Richland Community Center
Address: 500 Amon Park Dr., Richland, WA 99352

Constituents seeking more information may contact the legislators’ offices:

Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick
Email: Sharon.Brown@leg.wa.gov | Phone: (360) 786-7614

Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick
Email: Brad.Klippert@leg.wa.gov | Phone: (360) 786-7882

Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick
Email: Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov | Phone: (360) 786-7986