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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Click below to watch my video update:
Integrity First Legislation
We are moving forward on the “Integrity First” legislation I have been working on with Spokane Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich as well as the police unions and will be introducing the legislation this week. I believe the final bill will be one that all stakeholders can be proud of, 
and will make sure those few don’t give the rest of our outstanding officers a tarnished reputation.
Every officer I have ever met is an outstanding individual who is deeply committed to our community and willing to sacrifice themselves for others. This legislation is to address the actions of a select few, and is not a commentary of all of our brave law enforcement officers in Washington.
School Safety
I have heard from many you about your concerns surrounding gun violence in our schools. As many of you may know, I am a survivor of the Columbine shootings and school safety is an issue close to my heart.
I have been working closely with FBI offices around the nation about how best to develop and implement school safety and evacuation plans. I believe empowering school districts with knowledge about best practices during emergencies will be one of the most successful ways we ensure our children’s safety.
Economic Minute
Last year alone, the Federal administration issued regulations that will cost our economy over $236 billion in compliance costs, requiring 87 million hours in paperwork compliance. The regulatory cost of the President’s first term totaled over half a trillion dollars – more than the combined GDP of Norway and Portugal. That’s half a trillion less that our nation’s job creators have to hire people or expand their businesses.
We as a state must do everything we can to make sure we are not passing on regulatory costs to our small businesses. We must return to the principle that a strong economy makes a strong government, not the other way around.
This morning I spoke to a constituent named Doug who has two kids about to enter college. He is doing everything he can to start a small business to keep his family afloat. He just started using food stamps but desperately wants to work. We need to make his life easier by creating a more friendly business environment.
In past years I have made it a habit to regularly meet with the State Economist and discuss international, national and state factors impacting our economy. I find these meetings to be very informative and helpful in crafting fiscally responsible legislation for Washington state.
It is an honor to serve you. Please contact me if I can help in any way.
Sincerely,
Kevin Parker
