Legislative Update from Representative Keith Goehner

Election-year restrictions, 2024 Legislative Report, interim work

information released

Dear Friends and Neighbors;

As you are aware, the 2024 legislative session adjourned in March. I am hoping you received a hard copy of the 2024 Legislative Report Rep. Mike Steele and I sent you. In it, we review the three budgets – operating, transportation, capital – the initiatives to the Legislature, the potential natural gas ban and more.

If you did not receive the mailer, or if you have not looked it over yet, just click the link below.

• Reps. Goehner and Steele 12th District 2024 Legislative Report

For a review of House Republican priorities from the legislative session click here.

Transportation system

My interim work includes meeting with constituents, local leaders, and others to discuss the priorities and needs of our region. Part of that focus will continue to be transportation. If you receive my updates or follow the media, I have talked about a need for new options and innovative thinking as our transportation infrastructure needs grow at an unsustainable pace. A strong, high-quality transportation system is essential to our economy, public safety, and quality of life. Check out some of the latest headlines:

• Washington has some of the worst roads in America, according to a new nationwide analysis (The News Tribune)
• More than 210 bridges in Washington are in ‘poor condition,’ WSDOT data shows (KOMO TV)
• ‘Living on borrowed time’: Washington, US bridges need repair, replacement (MyNorthwest)

Public safety concerns

Reinstating vehicular pursuits with the passage of I-2113 in the 2024 session is an important step to addressing our public safety crisis. However, more work remains as Washington state ranks #1 for retail theft, #1 for burglary, #2 for property crime and #3 for motor vehicle theft. Our state also ranks dead last in police officers per capita. The news from a recent FBI crime report was also concerning:

• Washington ranked among the most dangerous states in the country, according to new study (The News Tribune)

Click here to check out some of the House Republican solutions to address our public safety crisis. This interim we must continue to work on additional solutions to strengthen our public safety system and make our communities safer.

Election-year restrictions

This is the last email update I will be able to send you until later this year. Due to election-year restrictions beginning May 6, my legislative communications will be limited. I will not be able to send email updates until after the November general election results are certified. There is an exception if the Legislature is called into a special session.

However, I can respond to constituents who contact me throughout the year. With that, I encourage you to email, call or schedule a meeting if I can address any of your questions, concerns or assist you in navigating state government issues.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you. It is an honor and privilege to represent the 12th District.

Sincerely,

Keith Goehner