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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Every 10 years, after the federal government publishes updated census information, Washington redraws the boundaries of each congressional and state legislative district. This is to ensure an equal number of residents as populations shift.
Many of you have asked why I am your new state representative or have asked what the new district looks like. As you can see on the map below, the new 9th Legislative District is even larger than before. We picked up all of Lincoln County which includes the towns of Davenport, Creston, Wilbur, and Almira, to name a few. We also picked up Columbia County.
The 9th Legislative District is typically one of the largest land mass districts in the state. Currently we are second only to the 7th Legislative District in Northeast Washington.
To learn more about redistricting, you can visit the Washington State Redistricting Commission here.
Public Safety
The issue of public safety continues to be an important part of the work we're doing in the Legislature. Many people are feeling less safe in their homes and in their communities. I wrote a column for my local papers on this issue, highlighting some of the reasons why people feel less safe and what the Legislature should do about it. You can read that article here.
My Bills
You can view the bills I'm sponsoring this year here. You can also visit my webpage which has the same link.
One of my bills is House Bill 1315, which would help small local papers in our state by changing the definition of “paper of record” for the purpose of posting legal notices by municipalities and government agencies. Currently, some of these legal notices are being posted in out-of-state papers where the labor and tax costs are much cheaper. I don't think it's right for the state to implement high labor costs and taxes and then go to newspapers outside the state to post legal notices because it's cheaper. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
You can read an op-ed by Roger Harnack of the Cheney Free Press on my bill here.
Legislative Page Program
During the first week of session, I hosted Kate Schultheis (pictured above) as a legislative page in the House of Representatives. Kate is the daughter of Chris and Jana Schultheis from Colton.
Then last week, I hosted Dawson Lobdell as a legislative page (picture below). Dawson is the son of Todd and Shelly Lobdell of Farmington.
While serving as legislative pages, Kate and Dawson assisted with duties on the chamber floor, made deliveries throughout the legislative campus, and supported member offices. They also attended Page School to learn more about the legislative process.
To serve as a page for the Washington State House of Representatives, a students must be at least 14 years of age and have not reached their 17th birthday. However, the Legislature is making a one-time exception this year. The weeks of February 5-10 and April 2-7 will be designated for students who are 17-18 years old and were unable to previously participate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pages work a 40-hour work week, earn a stipend of $50 a day, and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service.
To apply to be a legislative page, or to learn more:
- House Page Program | FAQ
- Legislative Page Programs and Page School
- Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship Program
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my legislative update. Please contact my office with questions or concerns. It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Joe Schmick
