GOP Representative Keith Goehner discusses his legislative priorities, including addressing transportation issues and restoring law enforcement authority. He emphasizes the need for hearings on Let’s Go Washington’s citizeninitiatives, anticipating voter interest. Rep. Goehner also highlights concerns about bills such as the natural gas ban and sentencing modifications. In addition, he explains proposed legislation for back country search and rescue support and laments the lack of transparency in fuel prices under the Climate Commitment Act.
What are the top three objectives you would like to see accomplished in the second half of this year’s legislative session?
- Address the transportation shortfalls in maintenance and preservation of roads and bridges and ensure reliable ferry vessels and service.
- Restore authority to our law enforcement officers.
- Reduce the size and scope of government.
Many Shift WA readers have expressed concern over the fate of the six citizens initiatives sponsored by Let’s Go Washington. Despite the Secretary of State certifying all six initiatives, Democrats continue to refuse any hearings for them. What is your perspective on this, and what do you foresee happening with these initiatives?
The initiatives have obviously resonated with the voters, and I believe it is the Legislature’s obligation to have hearings and make decisions how to respond while we are still here in session. It appears they will go to the ballot and then the voters will give the direction. There are significant fiscal implications so it would be in the Legislature’s best interest to deal with potential impacts.
We can see from the initiatives awaiting legislative action that many Washingtonians have concerns about laws the Democrat majority has passed in recent years. In your opinion, what are the top three bills which have the potential to cause the most damage if passed out of the Legislature and signed into law this year?
Banning of natural gas (HB1589). This is a restriction on the use of natural gas for new construction which removes and efficient and cost-effective energy source from consideration. HB1445 which allows the Attorney General to initiate action against local law enforcement officers. This is another step in undermining the will and confidence of the voters in their local processes of ensuring accountability. Although it is only one of a number of sentencing reduction bills, HB1396 modifies the sentencing for Aggravated Murder for individuals 18-20.
You have a piece of legislation, House Bill 2257, which aims to start back country search and rescue organizations and volunteers through the creation of a grant program. It passed out of committee and awaits further action. As a representative of a rural district, can you discuss why you proposed this bill and how it would help your constituents?
Counties are obligated to perform back country search and rescue operations without additional compensation. Typically, volunteer organizations are integral to the success of the rescue. They do not receive reimbursement for their costs or assistance in purchasing the specialized equipment needed for some of the rescues. The bill sets up a fund for contributions to be made for the WA State Military Department to determine whose requests for assistance should be funded. They must be non-profit organizations or a local government entity.
This legislative session, you also proposed legislation (House Bill 2050) which would require stickers on fuel pumps to feature the impact of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) on the price of fuel. Unfortunately, given the majority party’s interest in hiding the impact of CCA on consumers, the bill did not make it out of committee. Can you speak to the bigger problem your bill sought to highlight?
Transparency was the motivation for the bill. The purchase of gas and diesel is the only transaction where the consumer does not know how much the product is and what are the taxes collected. In addition to the gas taxes collected, the CCA has layered on a production cost that is paid to the State. I believe it is important for consumers to know where their money is going and what is the benefit derived from government programs. The gas taxes are dedicated to the roads but the additional charge, roughly $.50 at this time, is truly an opportunity cost for petroleum refiners pay for making the product.
Which political figure has most inspired your approach to governance?
President Reagan has probably been the most inspiring figure. His practical approach to domestic and foreign affairs proved to be very effective and he instilled confidence throughout the country without alienating his adversaries.
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