OLYMPIA… Sen. Phil Fortunato today introduced legislation that would repeal a host of state laws he sees as unnecessary, redundant, or wasteful. When Fortunato was appointed to the Senate on Jan. 7 he listed his top legislative priority as protecting both the taxpayer and the American worker. This is the first in a series of bills Fortunato will sponsor aimed at eliminating unnecessary laws and regulations.

“The most common statement my constituents make is ‘we just have too many laws’, and I agree” said Fortunato, R-Auburn. “While other legislators talk about how many laws they pass, I am focused on repealing the unnecessary and wasteful laws that already exist.”

SB 5316 will repeal specific statutory tasks that have been completed or statutory authority that has not been used. The bill also would remove unnecessary language from the state code, making the laws that already exist easier for the public to understand.

“My top priority this session is protecting the Washington taxpayer,” Fortunato said. “Repealing costly and unnecessary state laws is a good first step.”

King and Pierce County councils fill vacancy left by former Sen. Pam Roach’s resignation

Phil Fortunato was sworn in today as the 31st Legislative District’s state senator. He took the oath of office after the King and Pierce County councils voted to appoint him to the position made vacant by former Sen. Pam Roach’s resignation earlier this week.

“Pam Roach did such a remarkable job for our district and the people of Washington,” said Fortunato, R-Auburn. “I am honored to receive this appointment and look forward to fighting on behalf of taxpayers and the American worker on day one.”

Fortunato will serve on three Senate committees: Financial Institutions and Insurance, Natural Resources and Parks, and Transportation.

Fortunato has been a contractor for over 30 years, starting his first business at age 18, and is a recognized expert in Clean Water Act compliance. He and his wife, Suzanne, live in Auburn and have five children.

The 31st District comprises parts of King and Pierce counties and includes the communities of Auburn, Edgewood, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake, Enumclaw, Buckley, South Prairie, Wilkeson and Carbonado.

The 2017 legislative session convenes Jan. 9 and will last 105 days.