Author Archives: ericlafontaine

Governor signs bipartisan Boehnke bill, fortifying Washington’s election security

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Washington is taking a giant leap forward in election security. Thanks to a groundbreaking bipartisan bill championed by Sen. Matt Boehnke, the state’s elections will be more secure and resilient against cyber threats than ever before. On Saturday, the governor proudly signed Senate Bill 5014, marking a historic moment supported by a unanimous vote from both chambers of the Legislature.

This new legislation sets bold standards for election infrastructure security and mandates the quick reporting of any cyber breaches, ensuring that voter data stays safe and public trust in Washington’s elections remains unshaken. “This is about safeguarding democracy, not scoring political points,” declared Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Every voter deserves to know their information is protected and their vote is secure—this law guarantees that!”

By 2027, every county in Washington will be required to adopt cutting-edge cybersecurity measures, including the use of .gov domains for election offices, state-of-the-art ballot-tabulation systems, and the essential separation of election infrastructure from other county IT systems. Plus, election vendors, counties, and contractors will have to report any breaches or malicious cyber activity instantaneously to the secretary of state and attorney general.

“Washington is leading the way in election security!” Boehnke exclaimed. “Instead of waiting for a crisis, we’re gearing up now—with transparency, collaboration, and smart, forward-looking policy making the way!”

This visionary legislation has rallied a diverse coalition of cybersecurity experts, county auditors, and lawmakers across party lines. “This law shows that when it comes to safeguarding democracy, we can unite!” Boehnke added emphatically. “It’s not about ideology; it’s about doing what’s right for the people of Washington.”

In partnership with counties, Washington’s Secretary of State is working diligently until July 1, 2027, to bring this robust security infrastructure to life, allowing flexibility for those needing extra time. “The digital threats to our elections are real and evolving,” Boehnke warned. “Now, with this 21st-century framework, Washington is ready to tackle them head-on!”

The new law takes effect July 27.

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New law breaks down barriers to college for Washington’s most vulnerable youth

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Yesterday, Senator Matt Boehnke celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 5543 into law. This bipartisan effort expands access to the College Bound Scholarship program. It ensures automatic enrollment for eligible students, streamlining the process and eliminating bureaucratic barriers for some of Washington’s most vulnerable youth.

The new law, passed unanimously in the Senate and received strong bipartisan support in the House, makes critical improvements to the state’s College Bound Scholarship by ensuring eligible students are automatically enrolled without requiring families to navigate confusing application processes. The bill also clarifies eligibility for students who have experienced foster care or adoption and aligns more closely with the Washington College Grant to provide a stronger safety net for low-income students.

Senator Boehnke co-sponsored the legislation and praised the bill’s passage as a victory for educational equity and opportunity.

“This bill is about breaking down barriers—period,” said Sen. Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “For too long, students who qualified for help still slipped through the cracks because of paperwork and red tape. This law fixes that. Every eligible student will be automatically enrolled in the College Bound Scholarship program. That’s what good government looks like—smart, effective, and focused on real outcomes.”

The legislation builds on Washington’s ongoing commitment to ensure college is within reach for all students, regardless of income or background. Under the new law, students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will be enrolled in the scholarship program automatically, and additional supports will help ensure that youth in foster care or adopted from foster care between the ages of 14 and 18 remain eligible.

“This isn’t just a bill—it’s a promise to every seventh grader in Washington that if you work hard and graduate, we’ve got your back,” Boehnke added. “We’re investing in the next generation of nurses, teachers, technicians, and entrepreneurs. This is a smart investment in our workforce and communities’ future.”

The College Bound Scholarship covers tuition and fees at Washington’s public colleges and universities and provides a stipend for books. With the changes enacted in this law, the program is now even more accessible and impactful for those who need it most.

“Education is the great equalizer, and this bill brings us one step closer to ensuring that no student is left behind simply because they couldn’t fill out a form,” said Boehnke.
“Today, we celebrate a big win for kids, families, and the future of Washington state.”

SB 5543 was signed by the governor and takes effect July 27, 2025, in time for the next academic enrollment cycle.

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Lawmakers from the 8th and 16th legislative districts to host joint town hall in Pasco

Lawmakers representing the 8th and 16th legislative districts will hold a combined in-person town hall on Saturday, May 31, to hear from constituents, answer questions, and provide updates on the 2025 legislative session.

WHAT: Joint Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, May 31 | 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Columbia Basin College
Gjerde Center (H-Building, near the North H parking lot)
2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301

WHO:

  • Sen. Matt Boehnke, 8th District
  • Rep. Stephanie Barnard, 8th District
  • Rep. April Connors, 8th District
  • Sen. Perry Dozier, 16th District
  • Rep. Mark Klicker, 16th District
  • Rep. Skyler Rude, 16th District

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE LEGISLATORS:

“We look forward to meeting with constituents from the 8th and 16th districts to discuss the 2025 legislative session. There’s a lot to cover, from historic tax increases and record spending to legislation impacting housing, education, energy policy and public safety. This town hall allows residents to hear directly from us, ask questions, and share what matters most to them. We hope they’ll join us.”

All residents of the 8th and 16th legislative districts are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact the office of any participating lawmaker.

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Solar meets soil: Boehnke’s landmark clean-energy bill becomes law

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… On Tuesday, the governor signed a bipartisan measure from Sen. Matt Boehnke that accelerates the deployment of distributed energy technologies like solar, storage, and agrivoltaics across the state.

The new law is a major step forward for clean energy and land stewardship in Washington.

“This is a win for innovation, farmers, and every Washingtonian who want reliable, affordable, and clean energy,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “With this new policy, we’re not just talking about clean energy—we’re building the on-ramps for it.”

The law created by Senate Bill 5445 encourages the development of small-scale, locally generated clean energy—such as solar panels installed on landfills, irrigation canals, highway rights-of-way, and farmland—by cutting red tape, creating tax certainty for agricultural landowners, and streamlining environmental review where appropriate.

It also ensures that farmers integrating solar into their operations (“agrivoltaics”) won’t lose their open-space tax classification—a change Boehnke called “common-sense policy that rewards conservation and productivity.”

“This opens the door to clean energy projects that don’t compete with farmland—they complement it,” Boehnke said. “Rural communities can now lead the way in building a resilient, flexible, and forward-looking energy system.”

The new law also strengthens utilities’ incentives to invest in distributed energy by allowing qualifying projects to count quadruple toward their renewable energy targets under the state’s Energy Independence Act.

“This is about innovation. It makes room for technologies that are smarter, smaller, and closer to the people,” Boehnke said. “It brings opportunity to places we’ve long overlooked—like capped landfills, parking lots, and even rooftops. That’s the future of energy.”

The policy was approved by the Legislature with near-unanimous support, reflecting broad interest in clean-energy growth paired with responsible land use.

“Washington has an opportunity to lead the nation in distributed energy innovation—and this law helps us get there,” Boehnke said. “This is how you build an energy policy that works from Benton County to Bellingham.”

The new law takes effect July 27.

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8th LD Legislators - Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. Stephannie Barnard, and Rep. April Connors, March 24, 2023.

8th District lawmakers help deliver nearly $100 million for Tri-Cities projects in 2025-27 capital budget

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. April Connors, and Rep. Stephanie Barnard have secured critical investments for the 8th District and broader Tri-Cities region in the 2025–27 capital budget. Working collaboratively, they not only delivered millions in direct funding for the 8th District, but also partnered with fellow Tri-Cities legislators to advance key regional priorities.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers said:

“For the 8th District and the Tri-Cities region, the 2025–27 capital budget is a major win. In one of the most contentious legislative sessions we’ve experienced, the capital budget stood out as a bipartisan success story — a reminder of the good we can achieve when we work together.

“We’re proud to have helped secure funding that expands behavioral health and recovery services, strengthens local schools, invests in health care facilities, supports early learning, builds critical infrastructure, and improves access to parks, housing, and community services.

“These investments will create opportunity, strengthen our workforce, support families, and enhance quality of life across the region. That’s the kind of progress everyone should be excited about.”

Investments specific to the 8th District include:

  • $3.8 million – Three Rivers Recovery Housing
  • $750,000 – Columbia Park East Boat Launch replacement
  • $515,000 – Road 80 Neighborhood Park
  • $341,000 – Food distribution and storage improvements at Tri-Cities Food Bank
  • $309,000 – Municipal Services Facility backup power generator
  • $280,000 – Tri-Tech Skills Center HVAC RTU replacement
  • $88,000 – Tri-Cities Community Health

Additional regional projects benefiting the 8th District and the Tri-Cities area include:

  • $55 million – Columbia Basin College performing arts center replacement (16th LD)
  • $18 million – Columbia Basin College student housing construction (16th LD)
  • $4 million – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory test bed (16th LD)
  • $2.1 million – Boys & Girls Club, Prosser (15th LD)
  • $1.4 million – Boys & Girls Club, Pasco (14th LD)
  • $1.1 million – Early learning grant for ECEAP expansion for Prosser School District (15th LD)
  • $1 million – Columbia Basin Health Association (16th LD)
  • $1 million – Benton REA wildfire resilience project (15th LD)
  • $1 million – Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum (16th LD)
  • $927,000 – Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center renovation and expansion (14th LD)
  • $773,000 – Increasing storage capacity at the Port of Walla Walla (16th LD)
  • $700,000 – Grid-scale coordination (16th LD)

The state’s capital budget differs from the operating and transportation budgets in both purpose and funding. It supports physical infrastructure projects — such as public schools, behavioral health facilities, parks, housing, and water systems — using long-term financing tools like general obligation bonds. The final 2025–27 capital budget invests $7.6 billion statewide, including $4.5 billion in newly authorized bonds, with additional funding from dedicated accounts and federal sources. A list of all funded 2025-27 capital budget projects can be found here.

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Front row, L to R: Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Virginia Hall, SLA, Office of Sen. Boehnke. Back row, L to R: Dawn Boehnke, Derrek Wilson, Dept. of Ecology, Anthony “Tony” Abbot, Dept. of Ecology, Cameron Long, SRC Policy, WA State Senate, Ken Camp, Dept. of Ecology, Micheal Leone, Session Intern, Office of Sen. Boehnke, and Christina McNair, Session Aide, Office of Sen. Boehnke/Credit: Washington State Senate

Governor signs Boehnke’s bipartisan bill to strengthen Washington’s climate transparency

Front row, L to R: Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Virginia Hall, SLA, Office of Sen. Boehnke. Back row, L to R: Dawn Boehnke, Derrek Wilson, Dept. of Ecology, Anthony “Tony” Abbot, Dept. of Ecology, Cameron Long, SRC Policy, WA State Senate, Ken Camp, Dept. of Ecology, Micheal Leone, Session Intern, Office of Sen. Boehnke, and Christina McNair, Session Aide, Office of Sen. Boehnke/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Friday, the governor signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke that strengthens Washington’s climate accountability by transitioning the state to annual reporting of greenhouse-gas emissions.

“This law is about accountability, transparency, and making sure we’re using real data, not guesswork, when making decisions about Washington’s energy and environmental policies,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Good data equals better decisions.  We can’t fix what we don’t measure. By getting annual updates, the Legislature and the public will have better tools to evaluate whether we’re on track or need to change course.”

The state reports its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions every two years. The law created by Boehnke’s bill requires the Department of Ecology and the Department of Commerce to publish an annual inventory of statewide emissions, starting in 2031. It also directs the agencies to provide interim updates in 2027 and 2029 to improve visibility as the state moves toward its 2030 climate targets.

““Climate policy should be based on facts and outcomes, not politics or assumptions,” Boehnke added. “Regardless of ideology, we all benefit from better data and a clear-eyed look at whether our policies are delivering results.”

His SB 5036, which was passed by the Legislature unanimously , builds on Washington’s existing climate laws—like the Climate Commitment Act—by ensuring consistent public reporting on the effectiveness of those programs. The new law also ensures that natural-gas utilities continue to report annual emissions data as part of their participation in the state’s cap-and-tax program.

“This is a smart, responsible step forward that reflects the kind of bipartisan, data-driven work we need more of in Olympia,” Boehnke said.

The new law takes effect July 27.

 

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LISTEN

Boehnke opposes bill to reduce higher ed assistance to vulnerable populations

Today, a bill that would reduce higher ed assistance to vulnerable populations has now cleared both chambers of the legislature.

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, opposed the bill, along with Senate Republicans. The bill received 28 yays and 20 nays and heads to the governor for a signature.

BOEHNKE FLOOR SPEECH | WATCH | YOUTUBE 

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, and staff, and Gov. Bob Ferguson/Credit: Washington State Senate

Turf rules: governor signs Boehnke’s bill, planting seeds of fairness for local ag

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, and staff, and Gov. Bob Ferguson/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Today the governor signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matt Boehnke to strengthen and safeguard Washington’s turf-seed industry. The agriculture bill lays the groundwork for a more transparent and reliable turf-seed market by promoting contract integrity, protecting producers and buyers, and providing swift resolution for disputes.

The new law authorizes the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to establish rules requiring seed dealers to provide financial assurances for turf-seed production and purchase contracts. It also empowers WSDA to offer mediation services to help resolve conflicts before they escalate into costly legal battles.

“This is a major step forward for fairness, accountability, and trust in the turf-seed industry,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “By requiring financial backing for contracts and creating a path for dispute resolution, this new law protects our producers, landscapers, and anyone who relies on turf seed to get the job done. It’s a smart policy which is an example of how we can and should strengthen Washington’s agricultural economy from the ground up.”

Turf-seed production is vital in Washington’s ag sector, supplying seed for everything from sports fields to public parks to residential lawns. The law created by SB 5074 is designed to reduce risk, encourage fair business practices, and build confidence among buyers and sellers alike.

“This will ensure that contracts are honored and disputes are resolved fairly,” Boehnke added. “It’s about protecting livelihoods and promoting a healthy, predictable marketplace—one rural Washington can count on.”

The bill was signed on the 100th day of the 105-day legislative session and will become law in July 27, 2025. The legislative session began January 13 and is scheduled to end April 27.

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Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

Boehnke blasts majority party’s triple-tax package: ‘Wrong direction for Washington’

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… In a stark rebuke of the majority party’s latest tax agenda, Sen. Matt Boehnke today issued a statement following the Senate’s passage of three major tax bills—Senate Bill 5813, Senate Bill 5814, and Senate Bill 5794—all of which impose new or expanded tax burdens on Washington residents and businesses.

“At a time when families are facing higher costs on everything from groceries to gas, the majority party is doubling down on a tax-and-spend agenda that punishes work, savings, and innovation,” Boehnke said. “These bills do not reflect the values or priorities of Washingtonians. They reflect a government addicted to spending.”

SB 5813 would impose a 2.9% surcharge on capital gains over $1 million, on top of the existing 7% tax, and raise the estate-tax rate for estates exceeding $12 million to a staggering 35%, from the current 20%.

SB 5814 would expand the state sales tax to professional and digital services, targeting industries like IT, staffing, security systems, and digital advertising; it also includes a budget maneuver requiring large businesses to prepay taxes a month in advance to paper over a shortfall.

Nearly 97% of the residents who weighed in on SB 5814 opposed the bill – which Democrats framed as a “modernization” of the tax code – citing concerns over increased consumer costs, hidden taxes on services, and regressive impacts on middle-class families.

SB 5794 would eliminate over 60 tax preferences—some longstanding and critical to regional industries—and impose new taxes on aircraft and storage units, while selectively expanding incentives only in certain areas.

Boehnke, R-Kennewick, issued the additional statements following the Senate’s vote:

“SB 5813 sends a loud message to job creators and entrepreneurs: Washington doesn’t want you here. By pushing our capital gains and estate taxes to among the highest in the nation, we risk driving away the very people who invest in our economy, start businesses, and create jobs.”

“SB 5814 is a masterclass in how to hurt the economy while pretending to fix the budget. This bill taxes innovation, penalizes workers, and uses accounting gimmicks to fund unsustainable spending. It’s the wrong solution at the worst time.

“Let’s be clear: SB 5794 is not a cleanup bill—it’s a sweep. Instead of reforming tax preferences with care and accountability, this bill wipes out incentives that have supported jobs, economic development, and regional competitiveness for decades. The elimination of a preferred tax rate is, by definition, a tax hike.

“These bills aren’t about fairness—they’re about funding runaway spending on the backs of working Washingtonians. There is a better way to budget, starting with respecting taxpayers and restoring fiscal discipline.”

The 105-day legislative session is on its 97th day and will conclude on April 27.

 

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Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

Public hearings on five new tax bills this Wednesday

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Before the 2025 legislative session concludes in 12 days, lawmakers must adopt three new state budgets – the largest being the operating budget, which funds most state agencies and the services they provide.

Our state does have a budget gap caused by chronic overspending, but Senate Republicans have proposed a plan to close it. Using the $5 billion in additional revenue that is expected, and a combination of savings and efficiencies, we can fund the priorities Washingtonians share, boost K-12 funding by billions, protect the state’s rainy-day fund, and avoid cutting services, all without a single tax increase. The “$ave Washington” plan is Senate Bill 5810 (more detail is available here).

The Senate’s majority Democrats are treating the budget gap as an excuse to raise your taxes. In late March they proposed over $21 BILLION in new taxes, and just in time for today – Tax Day in America – they introduced five more tax bills, totaling an estimated $12 BILLION.

Again, legislators aren’t facing a revenue shortage — the problem is runaway spending. It’s legislative negligence, not fiscal responsibility, for Democrats to propose tax hikes even though another $5 billion is expected to come in, without any change in the tax code. Washington families are already struggling with inflation, rising housing costs, and higher energy bills. The last thing they need is a heavier tax burden.

The five new tax bills will be heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m., tomorrow, in Senate Hearing Room 4 in the John A. Cherberg Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Here’s my take on what each of the new tax bills means. Keep reading for how you can let the committee know your opinions about them.

SB 5815 – B&O Tax Expansion

This bill tells job creators, “Thanks for investing in Washington — now here’s your punishment.” It’s anti-growth, anti-innovation, and out of touch with the realities of running a business in this state.

SB 5814 – Sales Tax Expansion

All session long we’ve heard the majority talk about making the wealthy pay more. But as they say, talk is cheap, because increasing the sales tax on certain services has the opposite effect – it’s harder on lower- and middle-income families.

SB 5813 – Capital Gains & Estate Tax Hikes

When the tax on capital-gains income was imposed by Democrats in 2021, Republicans warned that it would eventually fail to generate the desired amount of money – and then the majority would look to expand the tax. Sure enough, that day has arrived, and Democrats want to increase the tax by 40% on an upper level of capital gains.

SB 5812 – Property Tax Increases

Tripling the cap on the annual growth rate of property taxes wouldn’t just go against the will of the people who set the cap at 1%; doing so when Washington already has a shortage of affordable housing would really squeeze families, seniors, and renters. The truth is, governments can already exceed the cap – they just need voter approval, but their lives would be easier if Democrats change the law.

SB 5811 – EV Credit Tax

The majority seems to have a love-hate relationship with electric vehicles. You can get a credit from the state for buying an EV, but at the same time EVs are blamed for a drop off in the gas-tax revenue that helps fund highway maintenance and construction. This takes the anger in a different direction, because it appears Tesla would be the only automaker hit by this bill.

How can you make your views known?

Visit this link and choose a bill to open the “select type of testimony” options. The simplest option is to have your position “noted for the legislative record” – meaning PRO or CON.

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VIDEO—Sen Matt Boehnke addresses concerns over proposed Democrat tax increases, highlighting their impact on technology, higher education & manufacturing. He urges citizens to oppose these measures to protect businesses and innovation #waleg

WATCH | YOUTUBE