Legislature must convene itself to protect public employee privacy, rein in Governor’s powers
As Washington faces a looming public safety crisis, Governor Inslee’s latest pronouncement mandating vaccinations as a condition of public employment is a step too far for state Sen. Phil Fortunato. The Auburn Republican representing the 31st District is calling for an historic legislative session to address these issues, as well...
Read More
My letter to the Attorney General on Critical Race Theory
The majority party pushed through several bills focusing on race this past legislative session. Some of the worst are attempts by the state to mandate Critical Race Theory to local districts. I believe firmly that CRT, as it’s known, sows discord and undermines the fabric of our society, especially if...
Read More
City adopts resolution mirroring Fortunato vaccine discrimination bill
As the governor and the Department of Labor and Industries unveiled new plans for Washington’s reopening, the guidance on vaccinations and masks for businesses and employees was met with consternation. One city in the 31st Legislative District, represented by Sen. Phil Fortunato, went so far as to pass a resolution...
Read More
Start the 90-day countdown to cleaner highways, says Fortunato
Encourages cities to start submitting estimates for reimbursement Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Phil Fortunato to clean up Washington’s littered highways was signed into law today. Senate Bill 5040, known as the “Welcome to Washington Act,” goes into effect in 90 days. The bipartisan measure seeks to improve litter control on...
Read More
The end of the 2021 Legislative Session
Greetings Friends, The Legislature adjourned Sunday evening on time. It was a 105-day whirlwind of bad bills and misplaced spending priorities for working families in Washington. Leading up the start of 2021 there was expected to be a $6 billion shortfall because of the economic effects of COVID. Not only...
Read More
End of Session Town Hall
Please join me and our 31st District neighbors on Wednesday, May 12 for my end of session virtual town hall. I’ll go over what happened and answer any questions you have about your state government. Register in advance for this webinar by clicking here. After registering, you will receive a...
Read More
Income tax sweeps Senate Freedom Caucus ‘Galloping Gertie’ Awards
Awards ceremony honors ‘epic fails’ of 2021 legislative session OLYMPIA – The new income tax passed by majority Democrats in the Washington Legislature earned top honors in the first annual Galloping Gertie Awards, presented by the Senate Freedom Caucus to honor the biggest fails of the 2021 legislative session. The...
Read More
Session Opening Prayers
It is my honor to sponsor local religious leaders in my district to provide the opening prayer for during the legislative session at the start of our day’s proceedings. We hit a roadblock when the Lieutenant Governor’s Office rejected prayers because they mentioned Jesus’ name. As it was turned out...
Read More
Virtual Town Hall Tonight!
Please join me for a virtual town hall this evening starting at 7PM. It’s not too late to register. I’m looking forward to giving 31st District residents an update on the 2021 legislative session and get your feedback on what I’m working on. Register in advance for this webinar: https://leg-wa-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tJNB_hQgQkO4_HTZxUmiyg...
Read More
Senate unanimously approves Fortunato’s ‘Welcome to Washington,’ litter control bill
On the final day to pass bills that originated in the state Senate, lawmakers gave unanimous approval to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Phil Fortunato to clean up Washington’s littered highways. Known as the “Welcome to Washington Act,” the bipartisan measure, Senate Bill 5040, would prioritize litter control on state highways and...
Read More