Author Archives: ericlafontaine

Boehnke bill aimed at timely greenhouse-gas emissions data clears House committee

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

OLYMPIA… Legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke to improve the tracking of greenhouse-gas emissions is one step closer to final approval in the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 5036 would shift Washington’s biennial reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to annual reporting, ensuring policymakers have timely and accurate data to make informed decisions. The measure received unanimous approval from the House Environment and Energy Committee and now awaits placement on the voting calendar.

“Reliable, timely data is essential for effective policymaking,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Transitioning to annual emissions reporting enables us to track progress more accurately, respond swiftly to emerging climate trends, and ensure that our policies are producing tangible results. This bill strengthens transparency, accountability, and our ability to take meaningful action in reducing emissions.”

By increasing the frequency of emissions reporting, SB 5036 would improve the state’s ability to respond to environmental changes, refine climate policies, and better align with Washington’s climate initiatives, including the Climate Commitment Act, Clean Fuel Standard, and zero-emission vehicle policies.

“It’s unacceptable that we must rely on outdated emissions data to develop policy. Waiting two years for updated numbers slows our ability to adapt and improve. Annual reporting will provide us with the real-time insights needed to make evidence-based decisions that support both our environment and economy,” he explained.

Rather than adding bureaucracy, SB 5036 focuses on enhancing accountability and efficiency in emissions tracking. Boehnke emphasized that more frequent reporting will keep state agencies transparent, ensure lawmakers have current accurate information, and keep the public informed on Washington’s climate progress.

“If we’re serious about meeting our climate goals, we need precise and up-to-date data to guide us,” He said.

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

 

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

Boehnke opposes Senate Democrats’ $78.5 billion budget, largest tax hike in state history

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

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke joined Senate Republicans today in voting against Senate Bill 5167, the majority Democrats’ 2025-27 operating budget, which dramatically increases state spending and relies on the largest set of tax hikes in Washington State history.

Prior to adopting their $78.5 billion budget proposal, majority Democrats rejected the Senate Republicans’ $ave Washington approach, which would have balanced the budget without raising taxes or cutting essential services. That plan was voted down along party lines, 30-19.

Despite bipartisan opposition, the Senate budget was passed 28-21. Once the House adopts an operating budget, which is expected to happen Monday, budget leaders from the two chambers will meet to work on a compromise version.

Senator Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, issued this statement:

“The budget passed by the Democrats today would cut support for child care, force an increase in tuition at our state-run colleges and universities, raise the costs of hunting and fishing licenses and the Discover Pass, reduce the pay of state employees through furloughs, and more – all while increasing taxes by a record $21 billion. And they adopted that budget after voting down the budget we proposed, even though our plan didn’t require a single tax increase or make a single service cut yet supports K-12 education and other priorities we all share.

“A responsible budget isn’t just about how much we spend—it’s about setting the right priorities, and the priorities in the majority’s budget are clearly wrong. It’s more than just the tax hikes and cuts; they would almost completely drain the state’s rainy-day fund, even though our state is not in a recession and revenues are still on the rise. The budget we offered is focused on preserving core services, and the complete lack of tax increases ensures fiscal responsibility. That’s real value for Washingtonians, and the better way for our state. Fortunately, the Senate budget isn’t the final version, and there is still time for some sanity to overcome the tax madness we’re seeing from the Democrats.”

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

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Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature

Boehnke bill to expand renewable energy clears key House committee

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

OLYMPIA… Legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke that would expand renewable-energy development while balancing environmental regulations and land-use policies is moving closer to a final vote in the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 5445 would promote distributed-energy projects and support “agrivoltaics,” meaning agricultural production underneath or adjacent to solar panels. It received unanimous approval from the House Environment and Energy Committee and now awaits placement on the voting calendar.

“Expanding distributed-energy projects is a win-win for our district,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This bill makes it easier to develop renewable energy while protecting farmland and supporting rural communities. By cutting red tape and allowing all energy options to coexist with agriculture, we’re ensuring that farmers can benefit from clean energy without jeopardizing their land-use status or tax benefits. This is smart policy that would strengthen both our economy and our energy future.”

SB 5445 also would encourage the growth of clean energy, enhance the state’s energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and create economic opportunities in rural communities.

“This bill strikes the right balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth,” Boehnke said. “By streamlining regulations for renewable-energy projects and providing utilities with more flexibility in meeting clean-energy targets, we’re paving the way for a stronger, more resilient energy grid. This approach not only reduces our carbon footprint but also stimulates investment in rural areas, creating jobs and new opportunities for both landowners and businesses alike.”

Boehnke expects the bill to reach the House floor for a vote before the April 16 deadline for action on bills passed by the Senate.

 

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House committee backs Boehnke bills creating more opportunities for students

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

OLYMPIA… Today, two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s bills, which would create more financial opportunities for students in Washington to attend college or a technical school, came one step closer to a vote by the full House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 5542 and Senate Bill 5543 were endorsed by the House Committee on Postsecondary Education and Workforce, with the former gaining unanimous support. Both are now before the committee that determines which legislation will be placed on the voting calendar.

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

“Education should never have an expiration date, and by removing the age restriction on high school diploma and certificate course fee waivers, this bill opens the door for more Washingtonians to pursue their education, regardless of their stage in life,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This bill is about breaking down barriers to opportunity. No one should be denied the chance to earn a diploma or certification simply because they don’t meet an arbitrary age requirement. By expanding access to fee waivers, we’re ensuring that more students, especially those facing financial hardship, can get the education they need to build a better future.”

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.

“Every student deserves a fair shot at higher education, regardless of how they completed high school. Expanding this scholarship to include those with a high school-equivalency certificate removes an unnecessary barrier and opens doors for more students to pursue their dreams. This bill recognizes that success doesn’t follow a single path, and it ensures that financial aid is available to those willing to work for a brighter future.”

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

Boehnke expects the bills will come up for a vote on the House floor ahead of the April 16 voting deadline. They were passed unanimously by the Senate during the first week of March.

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

Boehnke, Senate Republicans push back on Democrats’ tax-heavy budget proposal

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

OLYMPIA… Sen. Matt Boehnke is among the Senate Republicans sounding the alarm over the 2025-27 operating budget proposed Monday by the Senate’s majority Democrats, which calls for nearly $78.5 billion in spending and includes significant tax increases that would burden Washington families and businesses. The plan, which outspends the no-new-taxes, no-cuts Senate Republican “$ave Washington” proposal by $3 billion, prioritizes government expansion over real solutions for working families.

Senator Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, issued this statement:

“Washingtonians are already struggling with the high cost of living, yet Democrats are pushing a budget that demands billions in new taxes while cutting critical services. This plan fails to support working parents and small businesses and creates additional barriers for students to access higher education. It’s clear where their priorities lie—growing government instead of easing financial burdens on taxpayers and increasing college attendance. The ‘$ave Washington’ budget from Senate Republicans proves we can fund essential services, fully support K-12 education, and protect our most vulnerable citizens without raising a tax or cutting a single service.”

“The Democrats’ budget proposal requires the largest tax increases in state history, yet it still leaves behind those who need help the most. Cutting financial aid while raising tuition, slashing childcare support, and making outdoor recreation more costly is not the way to move Washington forward. On top of that, the Senate majority’s plan would even double the annual bed fees in long-term care facilities like nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Republicans have proven there is a better way—we can fund key priorities, invest in public safety, and balance the budget without burdening families with higher taxes.”

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

 

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VIDEO

Sen. Matt Boehnke warns of rising taxes and tuition, emphasizing the impact on higher education. Tuition hikes across WA colleges will affect students statewide. He urges the public to stay engaged and voice concerns against increasing tuition.

WATCH

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

Kamiakin, Hanford students serve as pages for Sen. Matt Boehnke

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

OLYMPIA… Ryan Benham and Alexander Li recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia.

The teens were among 19 students who served as Senate pages for the ninth week of the 2025 legislative session.

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

“The page program is a great opportunity for youth from all over the state to connect and meet other students interested in politics,” Boehnke said. “Both of these boys were fantastic pages who did great work, and I am glad they both enjoyed their experience here at the Legislature.”

Ryan, a sophomore at Kamiakin High School and 16-year-old son of Denise Benham of Kennewick, became interested in paging when it was brought to his attention though his school.

He couldn’t be happier about having applied, commenting that “paging is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with an abundance of knowledge to gain in only a week’s time.”

Alexander, 15, is the son of Huidong Li of Richland. He is a sophomore at Hanford High School, where he is involved in Key Club and has gone to state as a Knowledge Bowl team member two years in a row.

Getting to meet fellow pages from across the state was the highlight of Alexander’s experience. “Making friendships with other students from all over the place was something I never expected, but I am so happy it happened,” he said.

Alexander Li, Richland and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate 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.

Alexander Li, Richland and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

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.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit the Senate Page webage.

Applications for the 2026 legislative session open November 1, 2025.

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