Tag Archives: Boehnke

Jason D’Aquila and Sen. Matt Boehnke

D’Aquila serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

OLYMPIA… Jason D’Aquila, a 9th-grader at South Ridge High School, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. D’Aquila was one of 32 students who served in the Senate during the Ninth week of the 2024 legislative session.

He was sponsored by 8th Legislative District Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents Kennewick, Richland, and Benton counties.

“Jason did a fantastic job paging this week and I am so happy I was able to be a part of such a special experience,” said Boehnke. “I’m so appreciative of all the hard work and learning Jason was a part of this week here in Olympia,” said Boehnke

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering 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 mock committee.

“This experience wasn’t what I expected, but I am so glad I decided to become a page because of how amazing the opportunity was for me,” said D’Aquila. He also stated that his favorite part of this experience was the chance to be on the Senate floor and have first-hand experiences.

D’Aquila, 15, enjoys reading, studying politics and history, playing video games, and spending time with his dog. Jason is the son of Jessica and John D’Aquila.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/ to learn more.

Senator Matt Boehnke speaks with Senator Linda Wilson on the Senate floor.

5 Boehnke bills pass legislature

OLYMPIA… Washington State Senator Matt Boehnke has been very active in representing the 8th district this legislative session, with 28 bills introduced or retained from the 2023 legislative session. As the 2024 session ended today, Boehnke had five bills pass the House last week, all unanimously, and concurred by the Senate this week. All five bills are now headed to Governor Inslee for signature.

SB 5891 and SB 6296 were unanimously passed by the House February 27 and concurred with the Senate on Monday. SB 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. SB 6296 supports the retail workforce by creating a retail industry workgroup to identify and recommend four colleges to pilot micro- and short-term credentials for the retail workforce.

“Today, we celebrate not just the passing of SB 5891 and SB 6296, but the spirit of progress and protection they embody. These bills reflect our collective resolve to safeguard our students’ well-being and to fortify the foundation of our retail industry through education and opportunity,” Boehnke said. “Together, they symbolize our commitment to building a future that honors the safety, dignity, and potential of every member of our community.”

SB 6079 was unanimously passed by the House February 28 and delivered to the Governor on Thursday for signature. SB 6079 will make juvenile detention records available to managed care organizations and behavioral health administrative services organizations for care coordination activities.

The fourth bill to pass the House was SB 5660, which Boehnke introduced during the 2023 legislative session.  The bill failed to advance but, by resolution, was reintroduced in its present status during this year’s legislative session. The bill was unanimously passed by the House February 29 and then the Senate on Monday.

SB 5660 directs the Washington State Health Care Authority to convene a workgroup to create recommendations for effectively implementing mental health advance directives. This document declares a person’s preferences regarding their behavioral health treatment in the event they are incapacitated due to their behavioral health disorder.

“The unanimous House approval of both SB 6079 and SB 5660 sends a clear message: our community’s health and well-being are paramount,” Sen. Boehnke said. “These bills, now awaiting the Governor’s signature, are more than legislation; they are beacons of hope for a future where care coordination and mental health support are not just ideals, but realities.”

Boehnke’s last bill, SB 6068, expands the ability of courts to work with the DOC to collect and report more data about foster kids’ adoption and reunification rates A report will be due to the legislature by July 1, 2025. The bill passed the House March 1, the final cutoff for bills to pass out of the opposite house and was concurred in the Senate on Monday.

“In a world where mental health often takes a backseat, SB 5660 shines as a beacon of progress, ensuring that individuals have a say in their treatment through mental health advance directives,” Sen. Boehnke said. “These bills mark a significant milestone in our journey towards a more empathetic and effective approach to health and welfare. I want to thank all the members who helped work these policies, our great committee and budget staffs and the local community passionate people who took the time and effort to share these ideas, to fight for solutions to these issues impacting our state.”

Coates serves as page for Sen. Matt Boehnke

Ethan Coates and Sen. Matt Boehnke

 OLYMPIA… Ethan Coates, an 8th grader at Bethlehem Lutheran from Cashmere, recently spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the Capitol in Olympia. Coates was one of 32 students who served in the Senate during the seventh week of the 2024 legislative session.

He was sponsored by 8th Legislative District Sen. Matt Boehnke, who represents Kennewick, Richland, and Benton counties.

“It was such an honor to have Ethan as a page this week,” said Boehnke. “He did an outstanding job, and I was thrilled that he chose to be a part of this opportunity and learn more about the process,” said Boehnke.

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering 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 mock committee.

“I wanted to become a page because I love the history and learning that comes with the experience,” said Coates. He also stated his favorite part was being on the Senate Floor and getting the opportunity to see aspects of government he wouldn’t normally get to see.

Coates, 14, enjoys playing competitive chess and recently competed in states. He also enjoys reading and learning about history as well as playing golf in his free time. Ethan is the son of Donald and Jennifer Coates of Cashmere.

Students interested in the Senate Page Program are encouraged to visit the program’s webpage.

Property-tax increase bill dies, Boehnke praises Republican leaders

On Feb. 8, 2024, members of the Republican caucus, homeowners, and small business owners held a press conference to inform the public about Senate Bill 5770, a bill that would have significantly raised property taxes.

One day later, on Feb. 9, it was announced that Democrats have ditched the bill repealing a voter-backed cap on property tax hikes.

“This is a huge victory for Washington, homeowners, business owners, and even renters,” State Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, said. “This was one of the most dangerous bills this session. And now it is dead.”

Washington is currently ranked fifth worst in the country for housing affordability and seventh worst for rent. The potential passage of SB 5770 would only exasperate the housing crisis, making all forms of housing more unaffordable.

“Today, we celebrate the preservation of the voter-backed cap on property tax hikes. It’s a victory for democracy and every resident who values fair taxation and affordable housing. This bill’s failure is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize the financial well-being of our citizens over tax increases that disproportionately impact them,” Boehnke said. “The shelving of SB 5770 is a clear message that we stand against rising taxes that threaten to drown our homeowners and local businesses.”

“SB 5770’s potential impact on housing affordability would have been devastating. Its defeat ensures that Washington remains a place where people can afford to live, work, and thrive. Tax increases are a burden on our citizens and a deterrent to economic growth. We must protect our community from policies taking more from their pockets,” Boehnke said. “We must remain vigilant against any legislation that seeks to undermine the financial stability of our residents by imposing unnecessary tax hikes.”

SB 5770 is sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, and cosponsored by 18 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. The measure cleared the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 5 on a Democrats-only vote, was then placed on second reading in the Rules Committee on Feb. 7, and will not advance this legislative session.

Charting a Sustainable Energy Future

As Washington stands at a pivotal moment in shaping its energy future, it becomes increasingly clear that adopting sensible, forward-thinking solutions is crucial for a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound power grid.

It’s time for our state to embrace energy policies that genuinely prioritize the well-being of its residents. The Power Washington plan, a comprehensive strategy I advocate for, is designed to confront and resolve critical issues within our energy landscape. The plan is led by Sen. Curtis King of Yakima, who is a Republican leader on both the Senate commerce and transportation committees.

This ambitious plan allows our state to build on our accomplishments. It sets seven major goals, each meticulously crafted to serve the best interests of all Washingtonians. It’s a pragmatic, equitable roadmap from promoting alternative energy vehicles to bolstering our clean hydropower systems. Importantly, Power Washington aims to keep energy costs manageable, ensuring that our homes and businesses remain secure and that the burden of high fuel prices is alleviated.

In this discourse, I will highlight three pivotal goals of this plan and the critical aspect of cybersecurity.

Addressing the burden of high fuel prices is our primary challenge. The Climate Commitment Act, colloquially termed “cap-and-tax,” has notably escalated gas prices via a complex carbon allowance auction system. In response, I endorse Initiative 2117, which seeks the repeal of cap-and-tax. This legislation has inflated gas prices in Washington by approximately 50 cents per gallon, heavily impacting our working families. It’s essential that I-2117 gain momentum in this legislative session, echoing the clear demands of our citizens for its repeal.

Next, we must focus on transitioning to clean, innovative energy technologies. This involves responsible growth strategies, such as reinstating local review processes for solar- and wind-farm projects and introducing recycling protocols for wind-turbine blades and solar panels. Understanding and addressing the disposal and recycling of vehicle batteries is also crucial. We must actively explore and implement solutions in this area.

Furthermore, reinforcing our electric grid is paramount. We aim to provide affordable and reliable power while moving towards zero carbon emissions in electricity production. Embracing a diversity of fuel sources that adhere to strict emission standards is key. Local solutions, such as hydropower in irrigation canals and promoting advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors, are central to this endeavor. As a proponent of advanced nuclear technologies, Washington should actively support and incentivize the manufacturing and development of nuclear power, particularly SMRs, for a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

The Power Washington plan significantly strides toward our state’s rational, sustainable energy future. By tackling high fuel costs, embracing clean-energy technologies, and fortifying our electric grid, we pave the way for an environmentally responsible and resilient energy landscape for future generations.

However, another critical issue arising from past energy policies is the diminishing competitiveness of Washington’s manufacturing sector, leading to the exodus of high-paying jobs. Investing in workforce development is imperative to bolster our energy sector. This involves a holistic approach to education and training in areas like apprenticeship programs, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, nuclear technology, and clean-energy systems. Aligning state policies such as 2021’s Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) Act with educational initiatives and industry growth empowers our workforce to meet future challenges and opportunities.

Reflecting on the past year, Washington’s energy policy milestones have established a solid foundation for progress. Concentrating on grid reliability and nuclear innovation positions us to effectively meet our environmental, economic, and energy security objectives. Building upon these enacted policies, Washington is poised to advance towards a sustainable, dependable, and innovative energy future, benefiting current and future residents.

As the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 5518, signed by Governor Inslee in April 2023, I have contributed to enhancing our state’s cybersecurity framework. This legislation integrates cybersecurity into our emergency management processes, akin to our approach to floods, fires, and other state emergencies. A robust, secure grid is vital; it is foundational in successfully integrating renewable energy sources and maintaining a steady power supply for our growing population.

— Sen. Matt Boehnke represents the 8th Legislative District and is a member of the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, Chair of the Washington State Joint Committee on Energy Supply, Energy Conservation, and Energy Resilience, and Co-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Nuclear Working Group.

Link to the Cheney Free Press.

Boehnke introduces SB 5957 addressing A.I.

Olympia, Wash. – In the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence (A.I.), distinguishing between what is genuinely original and what is the product of AI is becoming increasingly challenging. This scenario echoes the transformative early phase of the internet, where technological advancements necessitated legal evolution. Understanding this critical juncture, Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, is committed to ensuring that Washington State’s governance keeps pace with the advancements in A.I.

To address this pressing issue, Boehnke introduced Senate Bill 5957 on the opening day of the 2024 Washington State legislative session. This bill mandates the Office of Privacy and Data Protection to formulate comprehensive guidelines governing A.I. use. The legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support, backed by Senators Dhingra, Dozier, Hasegawa, Lilas, Short, and Warnick.

“As A.I. reshapes our world, it’s imperative that our laws evolve at the same pace to ensure responsible use of this transformative technology. Senate Bill 5957 represents a crucial step towards achieving that goal,” Boehnke said. “In the era of A.I., safeguarding personal information while promoting ethical use of technology is not just an option. It’s a necessity. This bill is a testament to our commitment to these values.”

Senate Bill 5957 proposes amendments to RCW 43.105.020 by adding a precise definition of A.I. Additionally, it aims to revise RCW 43.105.369 by introducing guidelines for A.I. utilization. These changes are crucial to guarantee the ethical, transparent, accountable, and responsible deployment of AI technologies, emphasizing the enhancement of the security of personal information.

“Through SB 5957, we’re defining A.I. and setting a standard for its ethical application. It’s about striking a balance between technological advancement and personal privacy,” Boehnke said. “The introduction of SB 5957 marks a pivotal moment in legislative history – adapting our legal framework to address the rapid evolution of AI, ensuring it serves the people ethically and responsibly.”

The bill was introduced on Jan. 8 and referred to the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, where Sen. Nguyen, D-White Center, is chair. Boehnke is joined by leading Republican Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, and Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy.