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February 13, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2015 legislative session is about a quarter of the way through and we've begun to pass more legislation off the House floor. So far, the House has sent more than 20 bills to the Senate for consideration.

With the first cutoff of session approaching Feb. 20, we'll be sure to hear more bills on the floor in the coming days. On Feb. 20, any bill referred to a policy committee that is not passed out of that policy committee is usually labeled “dead.” However, there are some ways a bill that does not make it past cutoff can still make its way through the process. Similarly, any bills with a fiscal component that do not pass the fiscal committee they were referred to are also deemed “dead,” on Feb. 27.

As we continue to move more legislation out of the House, I'll keep you updated on major policies advancing in the Legislature this session.

An update on my legislation

I'm happy to report that two of my bills have made it out of their committees. House Bill 1079, which authorizes two or more public agencies to enter into a contract for architectural or engineering services, provided certain provisions are met, was passed out of the House State Government Committee unanimously. My bill to create a local tourism promotion area for Federal Way and other local areas to increase tourism and economic development, House Bill 1279, also passed out of its committee and is now awaiting consideration on the House Finance Committee.

I've also co-sponsored a bill, House Bill 1223, to allow cities to issue general obligation bonds for affordable workforce housing paid for with hotel-motel tax revenues. The housing would be required to be located near a transit station. This legislation would provide much needed dollars for low-income housing and help our homeless populations throughout our state.

Honoring the Navy

On Wednesday, the House honored our men and women of the Navy. Seven Navy members – four aviators and three firefighters – were presented with Navy Marine Corps Medals for their rescue efforts during the Oso landslide last March.

I'm so thankful for their bravery and commitment to community service. Thank you to all who serve!

Sincerely,

Linda Kochmar