Issues
Michael Nelson
Ravensdale Park makeover to add multi-sport ...

“Breaking ground on this park is the result of a great deal of work by community members who had a vision to improve our region and are making it happen,” said Sen. Fain (R-Auburn), who secured a $650,000 grant for the park in the state’s 2013 capital budget. “Providing opportunities for families to recreate is vitally important to this growing area. I cannot wait to see the incredible community asset this park will be for many years."

 

Ravensdale Park makeover to add multi-sport synthetic fields

Good government

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South King County Mayors Unanimously Endorse Senator Fain’s Re-election Bid

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South King County Mayors Unanimously Endorse Senator Fain’s Re-election Bid

Covington-Maple Valley Reporter

In an unprecedented move, South King County mayors representing every city whose communities touch the 47th Legislative District have united to endorse Joe Fain for re-election to the Washington State Senate.

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Voters deserve more information on campaign backers

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Voters deserve more information on campaign backers

Voters have the right to know who’s paying for a politician’s campaign. While campaign funders do not necessarily define a candidate or issue, we’ve seen throughout history how hidden campaign spending in other parts of the country has fueled a culture of corruption and self-dealing.

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Here’s what you’re paying lawmakers in Olympia to work overtime

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Here’s what you’re paying lawmakers in Olympia to work overtime

State Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, said he turns down the money to dispel any notion that politicians welcome the special session so they can make a few extra bucks.

Fain, the GOP floor leader, is one of the few legislators in Olympia frequently during overtime sessions. Several others in leadership positions, including Senate budget writer John Braun, R-Centralia, and House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, also took no per diem early in the first special session.

Student journalists would get free-speech protection under bill in Olympia

Student journalists would get free-speech protection under bill in Olympia

Senate Bill 5064, introduced by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, would designate school media as “public forums for expression” and make students responsible for determining content so long as it is not slanderous or libelous, unjustly invades privacy, violates federal or state law or encourages students to break school rules or commit crimes.

“It’s about expanding the culture of freedom of speech and freedom of the press so that more students have an appreciation of that early on,” Fain said. “Beyond that, we need watchdogs.”

Bill ties special session days to post-session fundraising

Bill ties special session days to post-session fundraising

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - One Washington senator believes that a financial incentive might help future lawmakers get their work done on time. Republican Sen. Joe Fain introduced a bill Tuesday that would prevent lawmakers from raising campaign funds for the same number of days that it takes them to adopt an operating, capital or transportation budget during any special session.

 

Legislature passes Attorney General’s open government training bill

Legislature passes Attorney General’s open government training bill

Covington Reporter

“Washington’s strong open government laws allow people to remain informed about actions that affect everyone,” said Fain. “Ensuring officials know exactly what is expected of them will help many different statewide jurisdictions maintain a high level of transparency. More informed government officials will also greatly reduce potential violations, ultimately saving taxpayers money.”

 

No budget, no campaign funds

No budget, no campaign funds

On Tuesday, State Sen.Joe Fain, R-Auburn, filed paperwork for a bill that would expand the fundraising restriction in odd-numbered years, the years when the Legislature puts together the state's biennial operating budgets. The bill would forbid fundraising by elected officials until a biennial budget is passed — eliminating quickie fundraising surges between special sessions if budget talks go into overtime.