Sen. Sheldon to end long career as Legislature’s most independent voice Legislature’s longest-serving member to exit in January when current term expires Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch (Photo credit Washington State Senate) OLYMPIA – Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, the longest-serving member of the Washington Legislature and its most independent voice, will be stepping down at the end of his current term, Sheldon... Read More...

Sheldon bill streamlining fire district operations wins final passage, goes to governor Bill allows large fire districts to hire own treasurers OLYMPIA – A measure sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheldon to streamline fire district financing passed the state House of Representatives Thursday and now goes to the governor’s office for final consideration. Senate Bill 5565 won approval in the House 97-0, following... Read More...

Senate capital budget provides funding for Shelton shelter, Skokomish water Senate approves bill; House to follow with own proposal OLYMPIA – A capital budget plan approved by the Senate Wednesday provides funding for the Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton and water-system improvements on the Skokomish reservation. Senate Bill 5651 was approved by the Senate 49-0 and now moves... Read More...

Senate approves Sheldon bill to improve fire district financing Measure would allow large fire districts to hire their own treasurers OLYMPIA – A bill from Sen. Tim Sheldon that streamlines the financing process for large fire districts cleared the Senate Wednesday on a unanimous 46-0 vote. Senate Bill 5565 allows larger fire districts with revenues in excess of $10... Read More...

Sheldon bill would open door to recreational target shooting on DNR lands Proposal resolves liability issues for state Department of Natural Resources — Belfair area a possible location OLYMPIA – A bill from Sen. Tim Sheldon that clears up liability issues for recreational target shooting on public lands gets its first hearing Thursday, making it possible for the state Department of Natural... Read More...

Put transportation first, Sheldon says As Legislature adjourns, Sheldon opposes taxes, budget; votes to keep transportation package alive To see video of floor speech, click here. OLYMPIA – As the Washington Legislature prepared to adjourn its 2021 regular session Sunday, state Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, voted against the operating budget, a new state income tax,... Read More...

Sheldon introduces bill providing relief from legal financial obligations More flexibility for judges could reduce recidivism OLYMPIA – A bill giving judges more leeway in imposing legal financial obligations during criminal sentencing was introduced Tuesday by Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, with the idea of raising the issue for the 2022 legislative session. Washington lawmakers are in the final week... Read More...

Idaho congressman’s dam-breaching proposal ignores looming power shortage Water spills at Lower Granite Dam, one of the four dams on the lower Snake River salmon advocates have targeted for breaching. File Tri-City Herald The following op-ed appeared in the Tri-City Herald April 4, 2021. By Sens. Mark Schoesler, Judy Warnick, and Tim Sheldon Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson doesn’t... Read More...

Dodging public vote on capital gains shows elitism The following op-ed appeared in weekly newspapers during the week of March 29. By SEN. TIM SHELDON Contributor   This will sound funny anywhere outside Olympia, but there is a question that for years has stumped half the Legislature. If an income tax is so good for the people of... Read More...

Sheldon backs legislative Phase 3 plan, urges governor to come up with own plan Bipartisan plan to reopen state comes at governor’s invitation – Legislature also could pass bill itself OLYMPIA – State Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, cosponsor of a bipartisan legislative plan to reopen businesses and schools across the state, says lawmakers are responding to an invitation from the governor, and it’s about... Read More...