Washington

Washington State has had a very tough beginning this year. Just after the start of our short session (90 days compared t o our long session of 120 days) with a tough fight coming for Helmet Repeal and the Red Light Bill mother nature decided to pay us a visit with snow storms, ice storm and statewide power outages lasting 5 days and more. Only a few were able to make it to a main highway and make the trip to the Capital on our Black Thursday. That group is in the first photo (page 20). The second photo is our Legislative Affairs Officer, Donnie "mr breeze" Landsman on Ms Senator Eide's left and with some ABATE members. Our session ended without getting a committee hearing for our Bills. The Legislature will be going into special session, but will only be taking care of Budget issues. We are preparing now for next year and the long session.

The January Board of Directors appointed Ron Fryer as Washington State MRF Rep who is a sustaining MRF member as well as Chapter Coordinator of Clark County Chapter of ABATE of Washington. Just waiting on some final details from Todd Riba for the appointment. I had to step down as MRF Rep with my new job and additional duties as State West Deputy Coordinator in charge of and ex-officio member of all Standing committees.