Rep. Larry Haler invites public to join him for coffee and refreshments to discuss 2009 session and other local issues

8th District residents are encouraged to attend and discuss legislative priorities
Ideas? Issues? Questions? Rep. Larry Haler is inviting 8th District constituents to join him for an update of the recently concluded 2009 legislative session.
“This was a very difficult session that we just concluded,” Haler said. “Our students and teachers in both K-12 and higher education took an enormous and, in my mind, unnecessary, hit in funding. It would have been worse had we not stopped them from raiding levy equalization dollars from rural school districts. But, still, the ramifications of the Legislature’s actions are going to be felt by many for years to come.”
While the state’s budget problems dominated much of the session, Haler said he was able to work with majority Democrats to pass several bills, including one to close a loophole in state law allowing teachers to have sex with students over 18.
“There were some wins, some losses and some close calls this session,” Haler said. “I’m looking forward to meeting with 8th District residents to answer any questions and address any concerns.”
In the past, Haler has held “coffees” at various locations around the district. Continuing the tradition, he is encouraging citizens to take the opportunity to visit with him to share ideas on district priorities and solutions to issues impacting Eastern Washington communities.
The “coffees” will be held Thursday, June 4, and Saturday, June 6 at the following times and locations:
THURSDAY, June 4
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Rep. Larry Haler’s District Office
719 Jadwin Bldg. Suite 24
Richland, WA 99352
SATURDAY, June 6
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Apollo Hall
35 Apollo Boulevard
Richland, WA 99354
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Haler’s legislative assistant at 372-7997, or e-mail him at haler.larry@leg.wa.gov.
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Contact: Brendon Wold, Senior Information Officer, (360) 786-7698