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8th LD Legislative Report, January 17, 2025

Posted on January 17, 2025

Address: 117 Legislative Modular Building * PO Box 40408 * Olympia, WA 98504

Olympia Office: (360) 786-7614 * Toll Free Hotline: (800) 562-6000 * E-mail: Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov

Jan. 17, 2025

Legislative Session kicks off

Washington State Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session began on January 13. This year’s session is 105 days long, allowing the legislature to address several key issues, including a significant projected budget shortfall. 

In addition to budget issues, I will focus on providing law enforcement with the necessary tools and policies to be more effective in their jobs. I will also work on establishing a more affordable Washington, including building capacity on our energy grid addressing future electricity needs. I will fight hard to keep taxes off the table and fully support legislation that creates a better future for our children.

As the ranking Republican leader on the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I am working on new reliable energy sources, such as small modular nuclear reactors, Artificial Intelligence infrastructure and standards, and unmanned aircraft manufactured in foreign countries. This committee will examine the effects of the Climate Commitment Act and consider the effectiveness and increase reporting.

I was also appointed to the Higher Education & Workforce Development, Rules, and Ways & Means committees. 

I have already filed 12 bills this year, which will improve our election security, obtain better data on motor vehicle emissions, remove Governor oversight on energy projects, and improve retirement benefits and farm and agriculture practices.

Each day is a new opportunity to work with my colleagues to find common-sense, consensus-based solutions and get things done. But to be most effective, I need your help. Having the people of the Mighty Eighth actively involved in the process is key to ensuring that our community’s concerns are addressed. 

Please contact me if you have any views on any issue or questions about this report or would like to discuss anything else related to the legislature. I can be reached via email (Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov), phone (360-786-7614), or SenatorMattBoehnke.com. 

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the Legislature. It is a great honor and privilege to serve the people of the Tri-Cities in the state Senate. 

Governor has too much authority in siting energy projects

Washington State Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick

As the new ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee (ENET), I pre-filed a bill in early December that aims to reform the siting of energy projects by ensuring the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) has the final say rather than the governor.

A recent EFSEC process to approve the revised site certification agreement for the Horse Heaven wind farm in the 8th District did not correctly account for local concerns and gave the governor too much authority. To remedy this, I filed SB 5015, which was already referred to ENET.

Senate Bill 5015 draws lessons from recent projects in which the governor sought to influence council decisions. The bill would confirm that the council is better positioned than the governor to make the final decision because it has reviewed the projects and heard from all sides.

Removing the governor from the final approval process would depoliticize it and help make it more efficient and effective. If passed, this bill would apply to any governor and seek to improve a vital state process. It would not be retroactive or specific to any project.

The energy facility site evaluation process culminates in a recommendation to the governor as the final step. The site evaluation process would be improved if the council had the authority to make the final decision without making a recommendation to the governor.

 Free Washington from California vehicle emissions rules

Currently, the Washington State Department of Ecology follows California emissions standards. California has a population of 39 million compared to our state’s 7.17 million residents and is roughly twice the size geographically as Washington State. They produce more vehicle emissions than we do and are the second largest producer of vehicle emissions in the nation, trailing only Texas. I believe we should follow federal standards, not California.

I introduced Senate Bill 5091 before the 2025 legislative session, which aims to separate our state from California’s vehicle emission standards. The bill would direct the state Department of Ecology to adopt rules that align with federal standards rather than California’s. Should the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waiver that allows California’s emissions standards to depart from federal standards be reversed, I expect the proposal will receive attention in Olympia.

Year after year, lawmakers have unsuccessfully tried to get the Department of Ecology to track the state’s GHG emissions better. The public should know and determine whether the programs meant to reduce emissions work.

My bill also requires Ecology to submit yearly reports on Washington’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The system requires reporting every two years, but Ecology has fallen behind and has only submitted data up through 2019. Data through 2021 will be made available by the end of 2024, which is too long between reports.

Senate Bill 5091 does not change the state’s greenhouse gas targets but would hold the state more accountable for its progress toward those targets. Under the federal Clean Air Act, the federal government sets vehicle emissions standards, but California can differ. States may choose to follow California’s rules. Washington is one of several states that have agreed to be in lockstep with California.

The incoming presidential administration is widely expected to rescind California’s recently granted waiver. Washington law still requires DOE rules to match California’s, but if SB 5091 passes, this will change, and Washington will follow federal rules.

Thank you for attending 

In December, I hosted a few events and had the opportunity to visit with voters in the 8th Legislative District and hear their concerns. For those who attended, thank you. Hearing from constituents was an absolute honor, and I enjoyed the face-to-face time.

The first Legislative Latte event was held in early December at The Arc of the Tri-Cities. We had between 50 and 60 people attend. I spoke for a few hours about my priorities this legislative session and was able to answer dozens of questions about local issues. We poured a lot of coffee that morning.

The last Legislative Latte was held in late December. Again, we had between 50 and 60 attendees. The second event was an excellent opportunity for me to answer some of the same questions and concerns addressed at the first event. I heard concerns about our schools, law enforcement challenges, and city and county growth.

Coming away from both events gave me an increased understanding of what is important to voters in our district. I have heard from you and look forward to creating a safer and more affordable Washington, including a better future for our children.

Page program accepting applications

The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. Each year, hundreds of students from across Washington have the opportunity to take part in the legislative process and watch the Legislature and other branches of state government in action

Pages are sponsored by legislators and serve for 1 week during the legislative session, which runs January through April in odd numbered years and January through March in even numbered years. This session, I am able to sponsor eight pages.

Pages spend their week learning about the legislative process while distributing materials throughout the capitol campus, assisting offices, delivering messages, working on the chamber floor, and carrying the flags at the opening of each day’s legislative session. They also also spend time each day in Page School learning about all aspects of state government.

It is an honor to be selected as a page and if you are selected, you can look forward to a fun and educational experience that immerses you in the legislative process.

If you know someone who may be interested, please have them send an email to Virginia Hall at virginia.hall@leg.wa.gov or call the office at 360-786-7614.

To learn more about the page program visit their webpage.

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2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Vaccination is described as safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). ... See MoreSee Less

Washington state releases new vaccine recommendations ahead of flu season

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The state of Washington announced its vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.
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If we're reading this correctly, Trump has just broken the law by advising the public to buy Lilly stock, which is a violation of the STOCK Act - short for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, the STOCK Act is a 2012 law that aims to prevent insider trading among members of Congress, government officials, and their staff.🚨INVESTMENT ALERT🚨Eli Lilly is set to build a $5,000,000,000 manufacturing plant in Virginia! ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

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What’s different now is the looming threat of entire research programs being eliminated, not just reduced.www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/our-view-sept-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3oFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo... ... See MoreSee Less

We can’t afford to lose this much talent. PNNL layoffs put scientific progress at risk

www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com

The real risk of PNNL layoffs is brain drain on a national scale.
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2 weeks ago

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For the first time since 2021, there are more unemployed job-seekers than available openings. ... See MoreSee Less

Trump’s Economy Is Finally Here—and It’s Even Worse Than You Imagined

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Layoffs are spreading and unemployment is rising—and one kind of worker is being hit the hardest.
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2 weeks ago

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Some good news to report this morning, but we wish Rep. Dan Newhouse would step up and work with his WA state Dem colleagues to challenge the potential shut down of Hanford's VIT plant. ... See MoreSee Less

Representatives Newhouse and Schrier push for Washington conservation bill to aid farmers

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance conservation efforts in Washington state.
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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    October 3, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W. Victoria Ave Kennewick, WA

    We are going to start a social every first Friday of the month and BIG thanks to Moonshot Brewing who has agreed to let us meet there. Join us on Friday, Sept 5th, 4-6pm. Let’s come together and have some fun! Hope to see you there!

    See more details

•
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    For current location please visit https://www.facebook.com/TriCityDems/

    See more details

•
11
12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
31
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