Opening Day!
The 2014 Legislative Session was gaveled to order earlier today by Lieutenant Governor, Brad Owen who also serves as the President of the Senate.
The state Legislature operates on a two-year cycle. In odd numbered years, we have a 105 day “long” session when we create two-year budgets for operating, capital and transportation in addition to consideration of policy bills.
In even numbered years, like this one, we have a 60 day “short” session. During short sessions we make adjustments (usually relatively minor) to the two-year budgets and consider a variety of policy bills.
Just like Opening Day of the Spokane Indians season, there was a lot of ceremony and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. However, we seemed to be missing the sunshine, hot dogs, and OTTO the Spokanasaurus, all of which I normally enjoy on Opening Day for my other job!
Committees
During Senate floor action today, my committee assignments were confirmed. I am pleased to announce I will now serve on the Senate Ways and Means committee. This is the committee that writes and oversees the $33.6 billion two-year state operating budget so it is an important assignment as we work to protect and invest in Spokane and our entire state.
In addition, I will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education, Rules, and the Energy, Environment & Telecommunications committees, as well as be a part of the Senate Democrats’ leadership team as Minority Whip.
Campaign Finance Transparency
In each weekly newsletter, I will highlight a policy bill or two that we’re working to pass this session. Among my priorities for this session is passing legislation that increases campaign finance transparency and accountability.
The bill, which does not have a bill number yet because it won’t be introduced until tomorrow, will require disclosure of all significant contributors to campaigns in Washington State. Some non-profit groups are excluded from Washington’s statutory definition of “political committee.” As a result, some of these organizations are participating significantly in Washington State elections without disclosing their sources of funds or spending as is required of political committees.
Transparency and accountability of campaign contribution are essential components for a fair, responsible and healthy democracy. We have excellent campaign finance laws in this state, but this non-profit group exclusion is a large loophole that needs to be closed.
In case you missed it, the Spokesman-Review ran an editorial in support of this bill. Check out the editorial HERE.
Keeping In Touch
I am honored and humbled to serve as your Senator. As I work on your behalf, it makes me more effective when I receive input from constituents on bills, budget items, state government, or other community issues of concern.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with questions or comments at any time. If you have feedback, I’d like to hear from you. You can reach me by e-mail (andy.billig@leg.wa.gov) or by phone at 360-786-7604.
And if you know someone who would like to get their own copy of my weekly e-newsletter, please send them to my website at http://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/billig/ and click on the link to “Sign up for my e-newsletter” – I’ll be glad to keep them in the loop!
Onward!
Andy
