Paul Harris

Only 23 days remain of the 105-day regular legislative session, and we have yet to see an operating budget proposal from the majority party. The latest news is we may finally see a budget next week. However, it is my understanding that the proposed biennial budget put together by the...

I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy a little March Madness with the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In Olympia, things seem to be just as maddening. Economic revenue forecast On March 17, the state’s chief economist, Dr. Arun Raha, released the quarterly revenue forecast for Washington. State revenue is...

Special to The Columbian The Columbia River Crossing has the potential to be our region’s greatest infrastructure accomplishment of the 21st century. With billions of tax dollars involved and the opportunity to better connect people and commerce for generations to come, it’s critical that we get it right. This requires...

The last ten days has been hectic as we have debated, amended and passed bills. We have worked long hours, late nights, and weekends as the deadline of 5 p.m. today approaches. After 5 p.m. any bills that have not been passed from their house of origin are considered “dead”...

Senator Don Benton and Reps. Tim Probst and Paul Harris will host a town hall meeting on Saturday, March 12. Residents in the district are encouraged to attend and bring their questions and concerns. The morning meeting will be a discussion about legislative and community issues. The time and location...

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your state representative in the 17th Legislative District. I am honored you have put your trust in me during this difficult time. This is the first e-mail update I am sending out since I was sworn into office. I will strive to...

  The House of Representatives today approved a bill that would make reductions of $340 million for the current fiscal year budget. The approved legislation would still leave a $260 million shortfall for the 2009-11 fiscal cycle, which ends June 30 of this year. Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, voted against...

State Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, officially took the oath of office to serve his first term as a legislator from the 17th Legislative District today. Harris was sworn in by Chief Justice Barbara Madsen in the chambers of the House of Representatives during the opening ceremony of the 2011 legislative...

House Republicans added ten new House Republicans Jan. 10, the first day of the 2011 Legislature. The new members sworn in, with statements about starting their terms: John Ahern, 6th District (Pos. 2), Spokane Ahern returns to the Legislature Katrina Asay, 30th District (Pos. 2), Milton Sworn into office Dec. 3...