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February 9, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Please join me for a telephone town hall this Thursday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. You'll get an update on the latest news from the state Legislature, and have the opportunity to ask questions. The phone number is (425) 873-1955.

A lot has been happening with transportation in the state Legislature. I'd like to give you a quick update on what's been happening, as these issues will directly affect you.

You may have heard about the Washington State Transportation Commission's tolling proposal for I-405. Tucked into the plan is a provision to increase the required number of passengers in HOV lanes from two to three. That's not only bad policy on its face — it would, for example, disrupt the commutes of people who already have two-person carpools set up — but it's also unacceptable for an unelected group of commissioners to make such a major change.

With those concerns in mind, I've introduced legislation requiring the transportation commission to get approval from the top lawmakers on the House and Senate transportation committees, and to hold televised public hearings in affected areas, before it can make any modifications to HOV lane rules.

Last week I spoke with KIRO Radio about my bill. You can read the article here.

The state transportation commission has information on its proposed I-405 tolling and HOV rule changes here. Click here if you'd like to submit your comments online.

Sincerely,

Mark Harmsworth