Author Archives: ericlafontaine

Boehnke selected to serve on new state AI task force

OLYMPIA… On June 21, State Sen. Matt Boehnke, the Legislature’s leading expert on cybersecurity and technology, was selected to serve on a new state Attorney General task force on artificial intelligence technology.

Boehnke, R-Kennewick, will serve on the 18-person task force, which will be tasked with issuing findings, guiding principles and policy recommendations.

“Serving on this task force provides an incredible opportunity to bring the insights and experiences I have gained through my service in the military cybercommand units and representing the innovative Tri-Cities community to the forefront of state policy,” Boehnke said. “I look forward to contributing to the development of comprehensive AI guidelines that will benefit all Washingtonians.”

Boehnke is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, assistant professor, and founding director of Cyber Security studies at Columbia Basin College in the Tri-Cities. He currently serves as ranking Republican on the Senate Human Services Committee.

On May 17, Boehnke traveled to Quebec City, Canada, to participate in a meeting with the National Conference of State Legislatures Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy. During the event, he was involved in several discussions on topics such as EcoBytes, comparative AI legislation across the border, internet routing security, and the cybersecurity workforce and apprenticeships available in different states.

“Learning from our neighbors across the border is crucial,” Boehnke said. “Increasing our cybersecurity defense posture and learning more about comparative AI legislation allows us to adopt best practices and avoid pitfalls, ensuring that our policies are robust, forward-thinking, and capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by AI.”

The task force will be divided into eight subcommittees focused on education, public safety and ethics, health care, labor, government, state security and cyber security, consumer protections and industry innovation.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson partnered with Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center, to create the task force with Senate Bill 5838. Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, sponsored the companion bill in the House. The bill passed the Legislature with bipartisan support and was signed by Governor Inslee in March.

“By bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, we have a unique opportunity to craft policies that balance innovation with public safety and ethical considerations,” Boehnke added. “I am excited to be part of this important work and look forward to our collaborative effort.”

In addition to Boehnke and Nguyen, Ferguson selected state Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Clinton, policy experts, labor organization representatives, civil liberty experts, and other stakeholders to complete the task force membership. The task force will begin meeting this summer and provide a final report to the governor and Legislature by July 1, 2026.

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Boehnke joins Human Services Committee members on 2-day tour

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, will spend two days on a Human Services Committee tour to help shape the committee’s priorities and how they impact the social services available across Washington State, which are administered by the Department of Children, Youth & Families and Department of Social Human Services.

On June 10, the committee began he day with a work session on non-dependent minors exiting public systems of care, such as Juvenile Rehabilitation and Foster Care. They discussed what happens when a parent, guardian, or responsible adult does not pick up a minor in their care.

The afternoon will include tours of Jefferson County’s Proctor House, Nest, Pfeiffer House, and Parliament House.

The Proctor House is a community-based alternative juvenile detention facility. Runaway and at-risk youth, truants, and moderate/low-risk offender youth who are court-ordered to serve time in detention may be eligible to serve their time in the Jefferson County Proctor House.

The Nest is a community coffee house where, in addition to coffee, outreach advocates help young people explore opportunities via resources, community connections, outreach, events, and simply interacting, building connections, and social capital.

The Pfeiffer and Parliament Houses provide affordable housing for young adults 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness or fleeing an unsafe environment. The staff help the resident develop case plans and provide on-site therapeutic support services.

“As we begin our work session on non-dependent minors exiting public systems of care, it is crucial to understand the challenges these young individuals face when they lack a responsible adult to turn to. Our discussions today will help shape policies that ensure no minor is left without support during such critical transitions,” Boehnke said.

Day two will include a tour of the Clallam Bay Corrections Center, one of 11 corrections centers run by the Washington State Department of Corrections. The center is located in Clallman Bay, Wash., and has a medium close and maximum custody level. It was opened in 1985 and has a capacity of 858 male inmates.

“Visiting the Clallam Bay Corrections Center underscores the complexities of our correctional system. It is imperative that we continue to explore ways to improve rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for inmates, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful return to society,” Boehnke said.

Boehnke keynote speaker at Memorial Day ceremony

The City of Pasco honored Memorial Day on May 27 with a public ceremony at City View Cemetary. The ceremony included a wreath presentation and flag-raising ceremonies conducted by the Honor Guard and the Tri-Cities Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol.

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, was the keynote speaker at the event, which also included patriotic songs and performances by local artists Vickie Evans and Scott Sandifer. Evans and Sandifer sang “God Bless the USA” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

“On this Memorial Day, let us not only remember the fallen but also renew our commitment to the values they fought to protect. May their sacrifice guide us in our efforts to build a stronger, more just society,” Boehnke said.

Boehnke speaks at Memorial Day weekend ceremony

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, joined veterans, parents, middle school students, and the public at The Field of Honor Memorial Day Ceremony on May 24 at Bethlehem Lutheran School in Kennewick, Wash.

The Field of Honor is a visual representation of the fallen men and women of our Armed Forces. The ceremony paid tribute to their sacrifice and honored their service.

“As we stand among these flags, each representing a fallen hero, let us remember that their legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy every day. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the cost of our liberty and the enduring strength of our nation<” Boehnke said.

During the ceremony, Boehnke spoke about Memorial Day and its meaning to the families of those who have fallen.

“In honoring our fallen heroes, we also honor their families and the communities that support them. Let us come together in unity and gratitude, not just today, but every day, to uphold the principles of freedom and justice that they so valiantly defended,” Boehnke said.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church founded the elementary school in 1911, with 16 students, to provide a Christian education for its members’ children. Classes were held in the church building, and Reverend Henry Brockmann, the congregation’s first resident pastor, taught.

The school has occupied three campuses for over 100 years and moved to its present campus in December 2011. It serves the entire Tri-Cities community by providing a high-quality, Christ-centered education to students in preschool through eighth grade.

Boehnke chairs first Select Committee on Pension Policy

Since being appointed chair, Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, chaired his first Select Committee on Pension Policy on May 21 at the John L. O’Brien Bldg. in Olympia, Wash.

During the meeting, committee members elected officers and received an update on the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters (LEOFF) plan 2. The Office of State Actuary (OSA) provided a presentation on their operations and major OSA projects in 2024. The meeting concluded with a presentation on the ongoing Cost of Living Adjustment study, followed by public comment.

“I am honored to be elected by my peers to lead this important committee. I look forward to leading the committee on discussions crucial for our public servants’ financial well-being. I am committed to reviewing and recommending policies that will strengthen the retirement systems for our first responders who are in law enforcement and firefighters, as well as, other public employees who serve our great state,” Boehnke said.

The SCPP comprises 20 members, including members of the legislature, members appointed by the Governor, and the Directors of the Department of Retirement Systems and the Office of Financial Management. The Committee typically meets during the interim between legislative sessions; however, special meetings may be scheduled. At a high level, the work of the SCPP includes studying issues and policies affecting the state’s public employee retirement systems and making recommendations to the Legislature regarding changes.

Sen. Boehnke chairs the committee with Senator Steve Conway, D-Tacoma. The next SCPP is scheduled for June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the House Hearing Room A at the Washington State Capital, Olympia.

To learn more about SCPP, click here or visit the Pension Education and Overview page.

Boehnke participates in task force on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and privacy

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, traveled to Quebec City, Canada, on May 17 to participate in a meeting on the National Conference of State Legislatures Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy.

During the event, participants discussed several topics, including EcoBytes, comparative AI legislation across the border, internet routing security, and the cybersecurity workforce and apprenticeships available in different states.

“Learning from our neighbors across the border is crucial. Increasing our cybersecurity defense posture and learning more about comparative AI legislation allows us to adopt best practices and avoid pitfalls, ensuring that our policies are robust, forward-thinking, and capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by AI,” Boehnke said.

Boehnke speaks at B-5 grand opening

Following several years of planning and successful fundraising, the B5 Community Learning Center in Kennewick, Wash., celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on May 15. Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, spoke at the event, which dozens of Kennewick stakeholders attended.

“The opening of the B5 Learning Center is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit of our community. It is a place where dreams will be nurtured, and lives will be transformed, reflecting our shared commitment to making Kennewick a welcoming and inclusive home for all,” Boehnke said.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the new Center, learn more about B5’s programs and services, meet individuals and families from the B5 community, and engage with staff and volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of newly arrived refugees and immigrants.

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community, and the B5 Learning Center is a shining example of how we can come together to provide vital support to those in need. This center will play a crucial role in helping families build new lives and contribute to the rich tapestry of our society,” Boehnke said.

The center’s 4,300 square feet include a warming kitchen, child care space, a computer lab, two fixed classrooms, and a central space for larger activities and events.

For the past 15 years, the center, formerly the Family Learning Center, has served the refugee community in the Tri-Cities area.

Boehnke disagrees with Inslee’s decision to ignore recommendations on Horse Heaven Hills project

OLYMPIA… In a press release dated May 23, Governor Inslee made a significant decision. He rejected a recommendation from the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to require the Horse Heaven Wind Farm to mitigate the proposed power plant’s impacts on the endangered ferruginous hawk. This decision, according to Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, reflects poor governing.

“I disagree with the governor’s decision to reject the recommendation of the Council,” Senator Boehnke said. “I recognize that Washington State will need more energy in the next decade or two, but a project of this size creates several challenges for the area. The Council received a lot of input about that, but the governor seems to be ignoring it.”

The original Horse Heaven project is a significant undertaking. It includes constructing up to 222 wind turbines along 25 miles of hillsides outside the Tri-Cities. The project also includes three plots for solar arrays covering up to 5,447 acres.

In April, EFSEC recommended reducing the project’s scope due to concerns over ferruginous hawk nests found in the area. Governor Inslee has now asked EFSEC to retool its mitigation requirements within 90 days, allowing for a project with fewer safeguards.

“Inslee ignored the petition and the Council’s recommendation to appropriately calibrate the project,” Boehnke said. “I think the people of the Tri-Cities have spoken and think the project raises major questions about the impact our community.”

In October 2023, a local opposition group, Tri-Cities CARES, sent a petition to Inslee stating that the wind farm was too large and poorly sited, would harm wildlife and cultural resources, create public safety concerns, and negatively impact recreation, tourism, and regional economies.

“The full project would be like having over 200 Space Needles scattered across the hills of the region and would occupy thousands of acres,” Boehnke said. “Besides harming the nests of ferruginous hawks, the project doesn’t account for the cultural resources important to local tribes or the safety hazard of wildfires that can’t be extinguished without using aerial equipment. These concerns should be addressed if the project is going to move forward. I’m disappointed that the governor doesn’t seem to care.”

LISTEN TO AUDIO HERE

Great accomplishments for the Mighty 8th District

As a first-term senator, I am excited about how much we accomplished for the people of Washington and the Mighty 8th District during the 2024 legislative session.

As the Republican leader on the Human Services Committee, I am steadfast in my efforts on behalf of our developmental disability families, protecting our children, and fighting for victims’ rights.

I also serve on the Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee, the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, and played a crucial role as budget writer on the Ways and Means Committee.

These assignments gave we – and therefore the Tri-Cities – a seat at the table, and the opportunity to work towards bipartisan solutions to the problems faced by citizens in our state.

Out of the 28 bills I introduced in 2024 or carried over from the 2023 session, having six signed into law underscores my commitment to effective governance.

In mid-March, Gov. Inslee signed my following bills. Senate Bill 6296 creates a retail workforce by creating a work group to identify and recommend four colleges to pilot micro-term and short-term credentials.

Senate Bill 6079 makes juvenile detention records available to managed care organizations and behavioral health administrative services organizations for care coordination activities.

Senate Bill 6080 simplifies the funding provisions of the statewide tourism marketing account by removing the requirement that deposits to the account may only occur if the Legislature authorizes them.

Senate Bill 5891 protects the safety and security of students and maintains order within school buses by designating trespassing on a school bus as a criminal offense.

Senate Bill 6068 expands the ability of courts to work with the Department of Corrections to collect and report more data about foster kids’ adoption and reunification rates.

My last bill, Senate Bill 5660, directs the Washington State Health Care Authority to convene a workgroup to create recommendations for effectively implementing mental health advance directives. These directives declare a person’s preferences regarding behavioral health treatment in the event they are incapacitated due to their behavioral health disorder.

Defensive wins for the Senate and House Republicans

As a minority party member, many of our accomplishments are not about bills we passed but about bad bills we prevented from becoming law.

This session, Senate Bill 5770 would have allowed local governments to more than double property taxes – from 1% to 3%. Without direct voter input, this would have been the largest tax increase in state history.

We were able to kill this bill in the Senate thanks to the enormous outpouring of public testimony against this ill-conceived proposal. The last thing Washington needs is fuel on the fire of our housing affordability crisis.

Other bad bills that died this session include:

House Bill 2030 would have allowed convicted criminals – including serial murderers and rapists – to serve as jurors, vote, and run for elected office while in prison.
House Bill 2177 would have required a sex offender to serve on the state’s sex offender policy board.
House Bill 2051 would have banned many small gas-powered motors, such as leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and snow blowers.
Senate Bill 5241 would have imposed costly new regulations on hospitals, limiting access to essential health care by forcing many hospitals and clinics out of business.
House Bill 2114 would have imposed state rent control, reducing housing supply and exacerbating housing affordability in the long term.
House Bill 1932 would have removed local control of our local elections, ending our ability to hold odd-year elections, and imposed top-down rules that would have made our elections less secure.
House Bill 1893 would have allowed workers to collect unemployment benefits while on strike.
House Bill 2001 would have reduced sentences for convicted criminals, while Washington