Rep. Norma Smith letter from Olympia

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this letter finds you well. The Legislature is halfway through the 60-day session here in Olympia. We’re making progress on legislation I believe will help promote jobs and economic growth. I’ve also been deeply involved in proposed energy legislation, and addressing an issue of great concern to many: the protection of individual liberty as it relates to government surveillance.

Protecting privacy

Currently we have two bills before us that recognize the increase of public concern regarding government surveillance and the use of drones and other sensing devices which can collect personal data. In addition, there is a third bill aimed at putting rational sideboards on the private use of drones capable of collecting personal data.

As new drone technology emerges, so do concerns about its reach and how it could affect people’s privacy. As these bills progress through the Legislature I will keep you updated.

Better customer service from state agencies

In my last update I shared with you some details on my legislation to improve the timeliness with which state agencies issue permits. This is especially important to employers, as they often can’t move forward with their business plans until they get the permits they need from the state. If we’re going to expand job opportunities, we need our state government to provide better customer service for all of us, including our job creators.

My bill was approved last week by the House Government Operations & Elections Committee and this week by the Appropriations Committee. Working with the governor’s office and others, we simplified the bill to make it easier for agencies to implement changes and reforms. I’ll keep you updated as this legislation moves through the legislative process.

Improving all sectors of our economy

The reason I’ve focused so much of my attention on government and regulatory reform is because I believe it is closely tied to jobs and economic growth. When government is too restrictive with regulations, the economy suffers and we lose the opportunity for more job creation.

My video update this week discusses these issues and how they affect us:

National Guard members – and families – deserve our thanks

Last week, in the presence of dozens of Washington National Guardsmen and women, I had the honor of speaking on the House floor on the occasion of National Guard Day. It’s so important for us to remember not only the service of those in the military, but also their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their families. You can watch my speech here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-mail update. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or ideas about how we can make our state government better.

Sincerely,