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February 16, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are now on day 33 of the scheduled 105-day session. Currently, more than 800 bills have been introduced and the pace is frenetic; however, the needs of the people back home are always at the forefront of my mind. Please feel free to pass along this e-mail to others you think would be interested; they can sign up to receive these updates by clicking here. You can also view my latest video update by clicking here or visiting my Web site at houserepublicans.wa.gov/buys.

This morning I testified on legislation I've sponsored to aid our local fair – and help fairs across the state. Fairs are an important part of the 4-H experience for kids and help prepare them for the future. House Bill 1550 would eliminate the disparity in property tax treatment between county fairs and nonprofit fair associations. This bill has strong bipartisan support and I'm optimistic that the bill will continue to move through the process.

The cut-off for House bills to be voted out of policy committees is Feb. 22. You can view the cut-off dates for the entire legislative session by clicking here. Once this first cut-off passes we will have a clearer idea of which bills are likely to continue through the process. All the legislation I have sponsored, or plan to sponsor this session, is in committee awaiting a hearing or executive session. I have included a table below so that you can keep track of how these bills are progressing and learn more about what they do. You can also click here for a quick reminder of how a bill becomes law.

Additionally, today was our first opportunity to vote on the House floor. We voted on two items: House Bill 1043, which is a good step towards saving a program that helps parents and kids afford college and House Bill 1250 which updates safeguards for runaway children.

Since I have been in Olympia, I have had the chance to meet with many groups and constituents from back home. On January 30, I was privileged to have members of the Dairy Federation and the Whatcom County Dairy Ambassadors come to Olympia (pictures at right). It was great to meet with people who encourage and support agriculture – a vital industry for our district and Washington's economy.

If you haven't had a chance to meet with me in Olympia, I invite you to attend the 42nd District Legislators' townhall on March 16, at the Ferndale High School auditorium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The address is 5830 Golden Eagle Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248. If you have come to Olympia I still urge you to participate in this townhall and share your ideas.

I will continue to work on these issues and many more. If there is any element of state government that I can help you with, my door is always open. I am here to be a resource for you. If you have any questions or comments, please call me at (360) 786-7854, or e-mail me at Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your voice in Olympia.

*Please click bill numbers for more information

Sincerely,

Vincent Buys