Author Archives: bookerstallworth

Bipartisan Veterans and Military Families Caucus formed in House

NOTE: News release copied from Rep. Kristine Reeves’ website. It can be found here.

For the first time, members of the House of Representatives formed a Veterans & Military Families Caucus. The bipartisan group plans to give veterans, military service members, and their families a unified voice to advocate for the unique issues they face. All members have served in the military, are from a military family or represent a large military population.

“I have spent my career championing issues that impact veterans, military service members and their families. I look forward to continuing this work with a bipartisan commitment to meet the needs of those who have served and sacrificed for their country,” stated Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way). “All of us share a lived experience that connects us to our national security in some way. It’s one issue that transcends party lines and focuses on putting people first. This is personal to all of us.”

Reeves, whose twin brother serves in the United States Air Force, currently serves as the Executive Director of Economic Development for the military and defense sector within the Washington State Department of Commerce. Formerly she served as U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s Statewide Veterans Constituency Coordinator.

“Serving in the U.S. Navy was the greatest honor of my life. I am thrilled to be joining my fellow veterans on this committee to work on behalf of all active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel across Washington state,” said Rep. Drew MacEwen (R-Union).

After graduating from the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program, MacEwen served in the Navy’s submarine force for six years. He first developed his strong bond with western Washington after being stationed at Naval Base Kitsap. He went on to complete five strategic deterrent patrols on two different Ohio-class submarines, the USS Nevada and the USS Florida.

Reeves and MacEwen currently serve as the co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, which convenes in the interim to review and address issues pertinent to veterans, military service members and their families. Both will serve as co-chairs of this new caucus. Rep. Mari Leavitt and Rep. Chris Gildon, both newly elected to the state legislature, have been elected to serve as vice-chairs of this caucus.

Photo caption: Veterans and military families caucus, February 14th, 2019. Members from Left to Right: Rep. Gina Mosbrucker; Rep. Mike Volz; Rep. Kristine Reeves; Rep. Matt Shea; Rep. Brad Klippert; Rep. Larry Hoff; Rep. Christine Kilduff; Rep. Chris Gildon; Rep. Jenny Graham; Rep. Robert J. Sutherland; Rep. Cindy Ryu; Rep. Mari Leavitt; Rep. Matt Boehnke; Rep. Vandana Slatter; Rep. Melanie Morgan; Rep. Jeremie Dufault; Rep. Drew MacEwen; Rep. Tina Orwall; Rep. Vicki Kraft; Rep. John Lovick

Braving Snowmageddon to drop my first bill

Late last week, I had an opportunity to sit down and record my first video update of the session. In it, I discuss my professional background, my top legislative priorities, and the major issues being discussed in the House Innovation, Technology and Economic Development Committee. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch:

Introducing my first bill

Snowmageddon 2019 may have effectively shut the Legislature down on Monday, but it couldn’t stop me from showing up to drop my first bill in the hopper.

House Bill 2012, which has strong bipartisan support, would provide an opportunity for all K-12 instructional staff to receive a yearly bonus of roughly $5,000.

Since 2000, the Legislature has provided this bonus for K-12 instructional staff who have attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. However, certain staff, such as occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, school nurses, school social workers, and school psychologists have not been eligible for the bonus because their field is not included in the same certification process.

Under my bill, if any of these individuals attain national certification through the relevant national professional association for their field, they would receive the same annual bonus as their colleagues. Additionally, individuals working in high-poverty schools would receive an extra bonus on top of the annual bonus.

I want to make sure that we, as a Legislature, make it clear just how much we value all of the incredibly dedicated school staff members around our state. This bill would help us do that.

Contacting me

I really appreciate the feedback so many of you have provided this session on a variety of issues. As I mentioned in my video update, I am always available to hear your thoughts, ideas and concerns on the issues most important to you. Please continue reaching out to me at matt.boehnke@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7986.

It is an honor to serve you.

Boehnke introduces bill to boost pay of K-12 instructional staff who receive national certification

Rep. Matt Boehnke has introduced a bill that would provide an opportunity for all K-12 instructional staff to receive a yearly bonus of roughly $5,000.

Since 2000, the Legislature has provided a bonus for K-12 instructional staff who have attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. However, certain staff, such as occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, school nurses, school social workers, and school psychologists have not been eligible for the bonus because their field is not included in the same certification process.

Under House Bill 2012, if the individuals in these professions attain national certification through the relevant national professional association for their field, they will receive the same annual bonus as their colleagues.

Another provision of the bill states that individuals working in high-poverty schools would receive an extra bonus on top of their annual certification bonus.

“I want to make sure that we, as a Legislature, make it clear just how much we value all of the incredibly dedicated instructional school staff members in our state,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This bill would help us do that.”

The 2019 session began Jan. 14 and is scheduled to run for 105 consecutive days.


The 2019 legislative session is under way

It is an honor to serve as your newest 8th District state representative. As part of my efforts to keep you informed about everything I’m doing here in Olympia, I’ll be sending out email updates every two weeks during session. Please feel free to share them with your family and friends, or have them visit my legislative website to sign up for future updates. For those of you who don’t want to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe here.

Rep. Matt Boehnke is sworn in to office. Jan. 14, 2019.

If there was one word I would use to describe these first two weeks of the 2019 legislative session, it would be “whirlwind.” Every day has been a little different, but one thing has remained constant: the pace. We only have 105 days to tackle some really important issues, so members and staff are working as quickly as possible to complete tasks and meet legislative deadlines.

Each of the 20 House committees are hard at work offering legislation up for debate, and people are coming from all over the state to provide their input on the issues most important to them. It’s great to see.

The issues I’ll be heavily focused on this year are education, energy, cybersecurity, job creation, economic growth, and transportation. Due to my extensive cybersecurity background, I was chosen by House Republican leadership to serve as the assistant ranking member of the House Innovation, Technology and Economic Development Committee. The committee considers all legislation related to technology and/or digital communications.

I am also serving on the House Transportation Committee, as well as the House Environment and Energy Committee. Outside of these policy committees, I’ve been invited to join the Aviation Caucus, the Veterans and Military Families Caucus, and the Joint Legislative Systems Committee.

Interview on KONA Radio

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to join KONA Radio’s Ed Dawson to chat a little about my first week in the Legislature and my priorities for the year. You can listen to that interview here. I want to thank Ed for the opportunity to be on his program, and look forward to speaking with him again soon.

House Page Program

Here in the House, students ages 14 to 16 have an excellent opportunity to get involved in their state government by serving as a page for a week. To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor and obtain written permission from their parents and school. If you know of a student who would be a good applicant, please reach out to me at matt.boehnke@leg.wa.gov. To learn more about the House Page Program, click here.

Contacting me

I have already met with several constituents from our district, and am looking forward to meeting many more over the next few months. If you would like to set up a time to meet with me at my Olympia office, please reach out to my legislative assistant Jennifer Palmer. Her email address is jennifer.palmer@leg.wa.gov. I also encourage you to email me directly with any comments, questions or concerns you have about state government or particular bills.

It is an honor to serve you. Thank you for the privilege.

Matt Boehnke sworn in as 8th District state representative

Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, was officially sworn in today as the newest state representative for the 8th Legislative District.

Boehnke, a 21-year Army veteran with an extensive background in cybersecurity issues, has been appointed to three House committees. He will serve as the assistant ranking member of the House Innovation, Technology and Economic Development Committee. Since 2015, Boehnke has been the director and lead professor of the cybersecurity division at Columbia Basin College. He also owns a cybersecurity consulting business.

Boehnke will also serve on the House Transportation and Environment and Energy committees.

Prior to joining the House, Boehnke served for three years on the Kennewick City Council. He resigned from the council in December, citing the need to devote his full attention to his new legislative duties.

“I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to continue serving the people of the 8th District in this new role,” said Boehnke. “I look forward to working across the aisle with my colleagues, and to bringing my knowledge and expertise to every aspect of the legislative process. My goal in each of the committees I’ve been assigned to is to be as helpful as possible in developing long-term solutions to the many complex challenges we face. I can’t wait to get started.”

In Olympia, Boehnke can be reached at his legislative office at (360) 786-7986 or via email at matt.boehnke@leg.wa.gov. Constituents who would like to meet with him are encouraged to call ahead and make an appointment with his legislative assistant, Jennifer Palmer.

The 2019 legislative session began today, Jan. 14, and is scheduled to run 105 consecutive days.