Tele-Town Hall
Last week, my seatmates and I hosted a tele-town hall. I hope you were able to participate and found the event to be informative. If you were not able to tune in, you can listen to the event in its entirety by clicking here.
Stopping Foreign Money in elections
Our bill, SB 5570, to prevent foreign-owned companies from contributing to political campaigns in Washington state will receive a public hearing in the State Government Committee on Wednesday.
Under federal law, foreign nationals are prohibited from making political contributions or financing campaign activities whether acting as individuals or as a corporation. SB 5570 requires that corporations donating to campaigns in Washington state declare whether their ownership is comprised of less than 50 percent foreign nationals.
Ellen L. Weintraub, a Federal Election Commissioner, is travelling all the way from Washington D.C. to testify in support of this bill. You can read a New York Times op-ed she wrote about this issue by clicking here.
Spokane Hall of Fame
Is there someone you know in the Lilac City who has inspired you by his or her contributions to our community as a leader, volunteer, teacher or artist? If so, nominate them for the 3rd annual Spokane Citizen Hall of Fame Awards. Nominations are due by Feb. 15.
This year, I am proud to nominate Lori Wyborney, the principal of Roger’s High School. Lori is responsible for implementing a school wide program intended to improve literacy among all of her students. In 2015, Lori was named the Washington State Principal of the Year.
Keeping in Touch
Please keep in touch throughout the legislative session. I value your input as we work to improve opportunity and prosperity in our state. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have a comment, idea or questions.
You can reach me by email andy.billig@leg.wa.gov or by phone at 360-786-7604.
Onward!
Andy
