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Sen. Schlicher: ‘Policy bills continue to delay budget’ 6/14/2013
OLYMPIA - Sen. Nathan Schlicher, D-Gig Harbor, today released the following statement on the Senate's agreement to fix an error in the estate tax after considering two policy bills:
"While I am happy that we were able to close the Bracken loophole and save $160 million to help our children learn and meet our McCleary responsibilities, the manner in which this was done remains very troubling to me.
Sen. Schlicher statement on passage of the Senate budget 6/8/2013
OLYMPIA - Sen. Nathan Schlicher, D-Gig Harbor, today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of Senate Bill 5034, the 2013-15 biennial budget:
"I am very disappointed that the Senate failed to support a budget amendment that would have brought the House and Senate spending plans into line and instead supported a budget that punishes the poor and targets the most vulnerable men, women and children in our state.
Governor signs Schlicher mental health treatment bill into law 5/21/2013
OLYMPIA - When dealing with a patient suffering the effects of a mental illness, differing opinions and a lack of communication can hinder treatment and harm both the patient and the public. A bill signed on Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee would knock down those barriers.
Senate Bill 5456, sponsored by Sen. Nathan Schlicher, D-Gig Harbor, requires that county mental health agents consult with treating physicians and document any concerns they have regarding patients and the need for detention under the Involuntary Treatment Act. Schlicher, an emergency medical physician, says that the first person to order treatment for a person suffering from the effects of a mental illness is often an ER physician. Often times that treatment causes the patient to stabilize before a county mental health agent can examine them and determine if the patient should be involuntarily committed. Under Schlicher's bill, the agent will be required to speak with the attending physician, ensuring that information and concerns are shared and documented, leading to the best possible treatment for the patient.
Schlicher speaks against Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll increase 5/20/2013
OLYMPIA - On Monday, Sen. Nathan Schlicher, D-Gig Harbor, made the following statement before the Washington State Transportation Commission, opposing a proposed 50-cent toll increase for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge:
"When I arrived in Olympia in January, addressing the costs of crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was one of my top priorities. Everywhere I went, I heard from constituents asking me to help rein in the cost of crossing the Narrows.
VIDEO: A Sine Die Update from Sen. Nathan Schlicher 4/30/2013
Legislature approves Schlicher bill to improve communications in mental health treatment 4/28/2013
OLYMPIA - Cooperation between physicians and county mental health is essential in the treatment of men and women suffering from a mental illness. A bill approved on Saturday by the Washington State Legislature will help ensure that cooperation and improve the care and coordination for mental health patients.
VIDEO: A Capital Budget update from Sen. Nathan Schlicher 4/22/2013
Sen. Schlicher statement on Senate DUI bills 4/18/2013
OLYMPIA - Sen. Nathan Schlicher, D-Gig Harbor, today issued the following statement on his testimony on Senate Bill 5902 and 5912 before the Senate Law & Justice Committee. The bills deal with DUI offenses and suggest new measures to reduce the number of offenses:
VIDEO: Sen. Schlicher testifies on impaired driving bills 4/18/2013
Sen. Nathan Schlicher testifies on Senate Bill 5902 and 5912, dealing with impaired driving