Tag Archives: Boehnke

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.

 

#

 

LISTEN | AUDIO

‘$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.

#

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.

 

#

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.

###

Senate unanimously passes Boehnke election-security bill

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

OLYMPIA… The state Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke that is intended to improve the security of Washington’s electoral process.

Senate Bill 5014 would strengthen election security by expanding the Secretary of State’s oversight of equipment and platforms used in elections. It also would require election officials to disclose security breaches and set cybersecurity requirements for county election officers.

“These changes are crucial to ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of our electoral process,” said Boehnke. “As we conduct elections entirely by mail-in ballots, safeguarding every step—from voter registration to ballot counting—is essential to maintain public confidence and uphold democratic principles.”

The 49-0 vote moves his bill to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Washington has several election-security policies already in place, such as voter-verification laws that require election staff to undergo signature-verification training from the Washington State Patrol; equipment-certification standards that require ballot tallying equipment to be certified by an independent testing lab; and post-election audits that compare manual counts with machine results.

“This is a good bipartisan bill that shows a strong collaborative effort. It’s about giving counties more resources and adding a layer of oversight at the state level to help combat threats and ensure the accuracy of local and state elections,” Boehnke said.

#

AUDIO | LISTEN

VIDEO | WATCH

Boehnke bills aimed at improving access to education move forward

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

OLYMPIA… Two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s pro-education bills have cleared the first deadline for legislation to move forward from policy committees in the Senate.

“Both of these bills will allow our higher-education system to accommodate more students to be successful as they move beyond the K-12 level,” Boehnke said. “They will remove barriers for these students to access the top-quality higher education our institutions offer.”

Senate Bill 5542 is about accommodating more enrollment in high-school completion programs at community and technical colleges. The bill, passed by the Senate’s higher-education committee, would expand tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges by removing the requirement that students be 19 years of age or older to qualify. The Senate Rules Committee now will decide if SB 5422 is eligible for a vote by the full Senate.

The second bill, Senate Bill 5543, would extend eligibility for College Bound Scholarships to students who have received a high school-equivalency certificate. Following its passage by the Senate education committee, the bill is now being considered by the Senate Ways and Means Committee because it would require a budget appropriation.

“These bills will bring a new level of fairness and equity for students across Washington to continue their education journey,” said Boehnke. “We know that more opportunities for students will lead to more success in their adult lives. Earning a degree or taking college-level classes will lead to a more educated workforce.”

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

“Not every student learns the same way, and a lot of kids find success in different types of learning environments. Smaller classes, a more fluid learning pace, and online access work really well for some students, and these bills will give kids better access to more scholarships and financial resources to be successful as adults.”

The next deadlines for action on legislation are this Friday, the “cutoff” for bills with financial implications to be moved out of fiscal committees, and March 12, the “house of origin” cutoff, meaning bills must be passed in their originating chamber to remain active.

#

 

Boehnke bill to update vehicle-emissions rule attracts strong public support

OLYMPIA… As Sen. Matt Boehnke suspected, there is strong public support for legislation he has proposed to realign Washington’s vehicle-emissions rules with federal standards instead of California’s.

Today the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held a public hearing on the Kennewick Republican’s measure, which also aims to bring more accountability to state emissions standards. Of those registering their views online, 1,865 people indicated support for the bill, while 665 opposed it.

“This is a significant step toward realigning our state’s emissions standards,” said Boehnke, the committee’s ranking Republican member. “Since 2005, Washington has followed California’s vehicle emissions standards, but California is a massive state with a larger population and different challenges.

“Washington needs to chart its own course rather than simply following California. I figured a majority of people in our state would share that view, if my bill was allowed a public hearing, and the numbers we saw in committee confirm that.”

Under SB 5091, the Department of Ecology would be required to submit annual reports on the state’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Boehnke noted that would be a major improvement from the current biennial reporting system, which offers no data newer than 2019.

The bipartisan bill would not alter Washington’s greenhouse-gas reduction targets but seeks to improve transparency and accountability in meeting those goals.

Under the federal Clean Air Act, states may follow federal emissions standards or California’s more-stringent rules. Washington is among several states that have chosen the latter. In light of its smaller population and lower number of vehicles, Boehnke argues, Washington should not want to remain tethered to the California policy.

“This bill ensures consistency with the Clean Air Act while preventing Washington from adopting outdated California emissions standards,” he said. “Our emissions profile is vastly different, and we should have regulations tailored to our state’s unique needs.”

While SB 5091 did not receive committee approval before today’s 5 p.m. deadline for action on policy legislation, Boehnke is aware that bills remain in play until the Legislature adjourns for the year.

“I don’t know why the majority was reluctant to move this bill forward. Was it out of concern for Ecology, or a desire to mimic California, or something else? But I’m not letting go, because I believe most of the people are with me on wanting this change.”

 

#