When the public’s away, the Legislature shouldn’t play The following op-ed appeared in the Kitsap Sun Jan. 3, 2021. By Sen. Tim Sheldon Guest column After 30 years at the statehouse, I’ve been around longer than anybody in the Legislature. And I can tell you, our next legislative session is going to be one of the most trying... Read More...

Sheldon blames governor for state’s worsening economic crisis, calls no-special-session decision irresponsible Longest-serving lawmaker cites Inslee ‘failure of leadership’ – governor has shut out Legislature and people Click here to read the complete text of Sen. Sheldon’s address, “The Cure Shouldn’t be Worse than the Disease.” OLYMPIA – In a blistering address to the Washington Public Utility District Association, Sen. Tim Sheldon,... Read More...

Mass release of prisoners a big mistake, Sheldon says Threatens public safety, violates state constitution, makes state liable for new crimes OLYMPIA – Democrat Tim Sheldon is joining Republicans in the Washington state Senate to protest Gov. Jay Inslee’s planned release of 1,167 prison inmates during the current coronavirus epidemic. Not only do the releases pose a public safety... Read More...

Sheldon survey shows deep opposition to tax increases, progressive agenda “Taxpayers are not ATMs,” say voters in 35th Legislative District – a benchmark for the vast region beyond the King County line OLYMPIA – A survey of voters in the state’s most rural district displays deep opposition to the agenda being pushed through the Washington Legislature in the final days... Read More...

Sen. Sheldon explains proposal to regulate ickiness on mean streets of Seattle Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, appeared on KVI’s “Commute With Carlson” show Jan. 20 to discuss his proposal to regulate human waste in the streets of Seattle and other communities surrounding Puget Sound. If cities are reluctant to require standards of civilized conduct from the homeless, Sheldon’s bill would put the... Read More...

Sheldon measure addresses one of the stickiest problems of homelessness OLYMPIA – Sen. Tim Sheldon is stepping into the one of the stickiest problems of homelessness – human waste in the streets. Sheldon, D-Potlatch, this week introduced Senate Bill 6283, which would require state regulation of the urban-camping trend that has swept Seattle and other Puget Sound cities, lining the... Read More...

State unprepared for power crisis, Sheldon says Coal-plant closures, ban on natural gas threaten brownouts, blackouts within next decade OLYMPIA – As nervous utilities and government planners warn of an electricity shortage just a few years ahead, Sen. Tim Sheldon is proposing a state planning effort to help head off trouble. Clean-energy legislation passed by the Washington... Read More...

Sen. Sheldon appointed to advisory panels on Capitol Campus design, energy and water policy OLYMPIA – Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, has been appointed to legislative panels dealing with state energy policy, river management, development of the Capitol Campus and a possible state memorial to those who died in the global war on terror. “A legislator’s duties don’t end when the session is over,” Sheldon... Read More...

New law will spur broadband deployment in rural areas, Sheldon says OLYMPIA – A bill signed into law Monday by Gov. Jay Inslee will spur deployment of high-speed Internet service in rural areas, said Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch. Senate Bill 5511 launches a $21 million program to promote rural broadband development, and creates a Statewide Broadband Office under the governor’s office... Read More...

Session ends with big new taxes — and a few bright spots The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Tim Sheldon’s subscribers May 7, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Sheldon’s newsletters, click here. At the Capitol. Session ends with big new taxes — and a few bright spots State’s urban-versus-rural split on full display We’ve just finished our 2019 legislative session, and... Read More...