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

Boehnke trashes passage of ‘hidden tax’ in recycling bill

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

OLYMPIA… A recycling bill recently approved through a partisan vote in the Senate amounts to another hidden tax that would increase prices at the grocery store, says Sen. Matt Boehnke.

Boehnke, the ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee, said the bill would shift the financial burden of recycling to producers, from cities and counties, punishing businesses that are already working to reduce waste and improve sustainability.

“Instead of making recycling more efficient, this very complex bill creates a costly bureaucracy that burdens small businesses with higher costs of doing business,” Boehnke said. “Food prices are already sky high, and this bill would drive them even higher, hurting families.”

Senate Bill 5284 would establish a producer responsibility organization (PRO) for certain paper products and packaging (PPP).  The bill would also mandate producers to participate in and fund the PRO, which would oversee the post-consumer management of covered PPP, including recycling systems, waste reduction efforts, and environmental sustainability.

Boehnke believes a government-mandated PRO would put too much power in the hands of unelected officials and force private businesses to fund a system over which they have no control.

“This is bad policy and bad for Washington’s economy. Instead of forcing producers into a one-size-fits-all program, we should focus on market-driven solutions that encourage innovation in recycling.”

“If we are going to start creating a waste-recycling program, we need to examine the costs more closely. The detrimental effects of this bill far outweigh the positive outcomes. The language is too broad.”

The House Committee on Environment and Energy held a public hearing on the bill Monday.

The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

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Video | Teach with TVW | Senate Page Ryan Benham, Kennewick

Senate Page, Ryan Benham, from Kennewick, asks Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee Chair Sharon Shewmake, (D) 42nd District, and Ranking Committee Member, Matt Boehnke (R) 8th District, the question: “With the rise in energy demands, polls show increasing public support for nuclear energy but many voters have concerns about safety and waste disposal. How do you balance these concerns with the need for clean and reliable energy?”

VIDEO | WATCH

VIDEO | The flaws of the Democrats’ Mileage Tax

Sen. Boehnke warns about the Mileage Tax (HB 1921 & SB 5726) from Legislative Democrats. It would charge 2.6 cents per mile, plus a 10% surcharge—a tax on a tax—tracked by a GPS transmitter. Boehnke says the rate will keep increasing and urges you to tell your legislators to oppose the Mileage Tax.

VIDEO | MILEAGE TAX

Sen. Matt Boehnke highlights the Senate Republican Budget, which closes the $6.6 billion deficit with no new taxes, no tax increases, and no cuts. He says it proves new taxes aren’t necessary and that WA families can’t afford more taxes.

VIDEO | SENATE REPULICAN BUDGET

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

Senate passes Boehnke bill making emissions data more timely

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

OLYMPIA… In a landmark move to require more accountability from climate-related policies and programs, the Senate passed legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke that would transition the state from biennial to annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting.

Senate Bill 5036 would provide a more current snapshot of Washington’s emissions, allowing lawmakers to make more informed decisions in their ongoing efforts to meet climate goals.

“It’s important we get this emissions data quicker. The current delay in receiving timely data hinders our ability to finely-tune these policies effectively,” said Boehnke, the ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee.

“A more frequent reporting cycle will allow us to assess the effectiveness of existing regulations quickly and make necessary adjustments to keep Washington on track to meet its emission-reduction goals. This bill is an important step toward greater accountability by setting up a process where we get real data to make better decisions.”

The new reporting framework would also align state policy adjustments with more up-to-date emissions trends, helping legislators and agencies refine climate programs that intersect with the state’s Climate Commitment Act, Clean Fuel Standard, and zero-emission vehicle policies.

Releases of GHG emissions data biennially, fail to provide the critical data needed to shape effective, science-based climate policies, Boehnke said.

“Currently, our greenhouse gas inventory relies on data compiled from the EPA and other sources. The latest inventory, published in 2024, included data only through 2021. This has created a multi-year lag between the period analyzed and the report’s release.”

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Washington’s current climate policies aim to significantly reduce GHG emissions compared to a 1990 baseline, with a key 2030 target of lowering emissions to 45% below 1990 levels.

The 49-0 vote moved Boehnke’s bill to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco/Credit: Washington State Senate

Senate passes two Boehnke bills creating more financial opportunities for students

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Today brought the deadline for the state Senate to pass legislation across to the House of Representatives, and the list of bills heading to the Legislature’s other chamber includes two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s pro-education bills.

Senate Bill 5542 and Senate Bill 5543, both of which passed unanimously, would create more financial opportunities for students in Washington to attend college or a technical school.

SB 5542 would eliminate the requirement that a student be 19 years of age or older to be eligible for a high school completion program tuition and fee waiver.

“This is a transformative education bill,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “While it may not solve every challenge, it will significantly reduce barriers for individuals over 19 seeking financial resources for community or technical college. By expanding access, we can increase enrollment and graduation rates, ultimately delivering more skilled workers to our local workforce.”

SB 5543 would extend eligibility for College Bound Scholarships to students who have received a high school-equivalency certificate. Currently, only students with a high-school diploma are eligible.

“Many college-bound kids before the pandemic did not get their high school diploma, for one reason or another, and went on to get an equivalency certificate. This bill opens up more financial resources for these kids and their families and brings a sense of pride. We want to inspire the future for all our kids, and this bill does that.”

Both measures have bipartisan sponsorship and were introduced in cooperation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Boehnke’s bills have been referred to the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.

 

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‘$ave Washington’ budget backed by Boehnke

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

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke and his Senate Republican colleagues have proposed a new state operating budget that would fund the shared priorities of Washington residents without tax increases or spending cuts.

Their “$ave Washington” proposal offers a commonsense approach that prioritizes financial stability while protecting essential services.

“Washington taxpayers deserve a budget that works for them, not one that asks them to pay more for the same services,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This plan keeps our state financially stable while rejecting unnecessary tax hikes.”

“Instead of pushing new fees on state parks, hunting, and fishing, the $ave Washington plan makes responsible choices. No one goes backward under this budget — it’s an honest solution that prioritizes fiscal responsibility.”

The $75.6 billion proposal would have state government live within its means. While revenue growth is projected to be 7.6% for the 2025-27 budget cycle (an additional $5 billion), this plan would increase spending by just 5%, keeping the state on solid financial footing while maintaining vital programs.

“This budget challenges the idea that tax hikes are the only way forward. With state revenues expected to grow by $5 billion, we can maintain vital programs without demanding more from hardworking families. The $ave Washington budget protects education, public safety, and social services.”

“It also demands accountability in state spending, tightening the government’s belt where necessary while keeping Washington on a sustainable path. This is the right way to govern — without forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for unnecessary tax increases. Washingtonians have consistently expressed opposition to higher taxes.”

A recent poll found that 98% believe taxes are too high or about right, with 78% saying taxes are too high. Despite this, Democrats have proposed raising fees for state parks, hunting, and fishing, even though such hikes could reduce public participation.

“If we want a government that serves the people, we must make responsible choices. The $ave Washington budget does exactly that—balancing our state’s finances without cuts or tax increases. Instead of asking more from taxpayers, it controls spending and prioritizes what matters most—education, public safety, and services for vulnerable residents.”

The $ave Washington budget prioritizes education funding, ensuring K-12 receives a larger share of the budget for the first time in six years.

The plan also includes public-safety investments, such as funding Senate Bill 5060, backed by Governor Ferguson, which would provide grants to help communities hire more law enforcement officers. In addition, it would implement reforms at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to reduce administrative costs and prioritize front-line workers.

The plan exempts public safety, social services, and K-12 education from across-the-board reductions, ensuring that vital services remain intact. However, it demands efficiency in other areas.

“If Democrats introduce a budget with tax increases, it’s because they want them—not because Washington needs them. This plan demonstrates that by freezing spending growth in key areas, we can balance the budget responsibly without burdening families or businesses.”

For more information on the $ave Washington plan, src.wastateleg.org/ave-washington.

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Sawyer Kreis serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

OLYMPIA… Sawyer Kreis, a sophomore at Hanford High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

He was one of 19 students who served as Senate pages for the eighth week of the 2025 legislative session.

He was sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes Kennewick and Richland in Benton County.

“The page program gives Washington students a unique chance to learn about government and get to know other students from across the state,” said Boehnke. “Sawyer was a fantastic page and a hard worker, and I am very happy he enjoyed this experience.”

The Senate Page Program provides an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working at the Legislature. Students transport documents between offices, as well as deliver messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a legislative mock session.

One of the highlights of the week for Sawyer was getting to talk with senators while preforming page duties and getting to know them on a more human level. “Everyone here is so normal, even the senators are cool people and make jokes like everyone else does.”

Extra free time is not something Sawyer has too much of, as extracurricular activities include being the theater program, tennis, crafting sculptures, and lots of involvement with other school clubs and groups.

He is the 16-year-old son of Shawn and Irish Kreis of Richland.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit:

https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/civic-education-programs/page-program/

The last day to apply for the Senate Page Program for the 2025 session is March 17, or until all available openings are filled. Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.

 

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Sen. Matt Boehnke and Reps. April Connors and Stephanie Barnard

8th District lawmakers to host town hall meeting in Kennewick on March 15

 Sen. Matt Boehnke and Reps. April Connors and Stephanie Barnard

As the 2025 legislative session continues, Sen. Matt Boehnke and Reps. April Connors and Stephanie Barnard are inviting 8th District residents to a town hall meeting on Saturday, March 15, to discuss key issues, provide legislative updates, and hear directly from the community.

Meeting details:

  • What: 8th District Town Hall with Sen. Matt Boehnke, Rep. April Connors, and Rep. Stephanie Barnard
  • When: Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Where: Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce | 7130 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336
  • Registration: Required – click here to register.

“The numbers don’t lie—Washington is becoming an increasingly difficult place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “We have the third-highest gas prices in the nation, a housing market that’s out of reach for most families, and a growing crime problem that state leaders aren’t addressing. I’m looking forward to meeting with our constituents, hearing their stories, and bringing their concerns back to Olympia as we continue pushing for change.”

“I want to be as accessible and open as possible with the people I represent, which is why I always look forward to these town halls,” said Connors, R-Kennewick. “These meetings give us the opportunity to have honest, direct conversations about the challenges we’re facing and the solutions we need. Whether it’s affordability, public safety, or the future of our schools, no topic is off the table. I’m looking forward to a great turnout and hearing from our community.”

“Our community deserves lawmakers who are engaged, who listen, and who fight for real solutions that will fix Washington,” said Barnard, R-Pasco. “Too many families are struggling, and Olympia keeps making things worse. I encourage anyone with concerns or ideas to join us at this meeting and be part of the conversation so we can work together to make a positive difference for our district and state.”

The 105-day legislative session began January 13 and is scheduled to adjourn April 27.

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

Boehnke says passage of environmental-law bill was premature

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

OLYMPIA… The state Senate should have held off Tuesday on considering a bill that would overhaul several state environmental laws in ways that are likely to discourage economic development, said Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick.

“Democrats and Republicans agree this is a very complex bill – but that doesn’t mean it’s also good policy that is ready to become law,” said Boehnke, ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, said of Senate Bill 5360.

“This bill needs more balance, and there needs to be further discussion about what else it’s missing. The House has the bill now, and maybe it can still be turned into something reasonable – but the better answer may be to have the House take no action so we can try again next year.”

The partisan bill would expand entity liability for corporations, local governments, and organizations, update sentencing and penalties, create and reclassify existing crimes, and repeal outdated statutes.

“Sometimes a bill is brought to the floor of the Senate before it’s ready, and frankly, this is an example of one that needed more work in committee. It’s more about crimes and penalties than the ‘environment,’ so the bill really should have gone before the Senate Law and Justice Committee instead of or in addition to ours.

“Those who violate environmental law should be accountable, and I support the part of this bill that would hold local governments to the same standard as the private sector,” said Boehnke. “But still, I’m worried about over-zealous prosecution, the voice of local businesses being lost, and the potential economic harm to local communities.”

The 29-20 vote on SB 5360 had just one Democrat joining Republicans in a no vote.

For more information about Boehnke’s legislative work, visit matt.boehnke@leg.wa.gov.

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