Kevin Waters
Kevin Waters
Legislative District 17

News Feed
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Lawmakers from 17th District to host virtual town hall on Wednesday, February 18
The state lawmakers serving Skamania County, Goldendale, White Salmon, Bingen, and other parts of Klickitat County, Camas, Washougal, part of Vancouver, and parts of rural Clark County will hold a virtual town hall meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Using the Zoom platform, Sen. Paul Harris and Reps. Kevin... Read more » -
Majority party pushing a state income tax and budget cuts that play favorites | Legislative update from Rep. Kevin Waters
The work of self-government is never easy, but it is always worth doing when it is done honestly, courageously, and for the benefit of all – not just the well-connected or the politically convenient. As we move past the midpoint of the legislative session, the choices before us are becoming sharper. Budgets reveal values. Bills... Read more » -
Rep. Kevin Waters explains his opposition to a bill that would change jail search parameters in Washington
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, shares his personal experience as a correctional officer and performing strip searches, as he speaks against a bill that would significantly narrow who may conduct searches and under what circumstances. Waters explains how the bill would prioritize detainee preferences over staff safety and place certain staff in uncomfortable or risky situations. -
Rep. Kevin Waters joins Mark Bailey to discuss the new state income tax proposal and his bill to improve timber management
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, joins Mark Bailey on KIHR Radio and discusses his views on the majority party’s new income tax proposal, including his belief that the governor will eventually sign it into law. He also gives his take on the overall feel of the session, and explains how the majority party has been working... Read more » -
Strengthening wildfire prevention and supporting our counties| Legislative update from Rep. Kevin Waters
One of the things I value most about serving you is the opportunity to work with people from all perspectives who care deeply about our communities and our shared future. Whether we agree on every issue or not, I believe progress happens when we listen respectfully, focus on common ground, and put practical solutions ahead... Read more » -
Rep. Kevin Waters sponsors bill that would strengthen wildfire prevention and provide counties with a new revenue option
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kevin Waters would give Washington counties new tools to reduce wildfire risk along major roadways while ensuring local governments are fairly compensated for their work managing federal forestlands. House Bill 2653 would authorize counties to enter into shared stewardship agreements with federal land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, to... Read more » -
Rep. Kevin Waters joins KIHR to discuss the 2026 legislative session including several possible new taxes
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, joins Mark Bailey on KIHR Radio and discusses the 2026 legislative session, including the state budget deficit and new tax proposals from the majority party, including the governor. Waters gives his insights on the possibility of a state income tax and millionaires’ tax. Click below to listen. Wash. House Republicans · 01-21-26-RADIO:Rep.... Read more » -
Welcome to the 2026 legislative session | Update from Rep. Kevin Waters
As the 2026 Washington state legislative session begins, I’m honored to return to Olympia on your behalf. This year, our focus is listening, collaborating, and delivering practical solutions that strengthen families, increase public safety, and address the state’s supplemental budgets. I remain committed to working on both sides of the aisle to create the best... Read more » -
Reps. Kevin Waters and Peter Abbarno: Forest lockup is harmful; Washington commissioner’s unilateral move isn’t ‘bold’; it is mismanagement
When Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove announced that he was locking away 77,000 acres of Washington’s 106,000 acres of structurally complex forests — including roughly 10,000 acres of older state-managed stands — he called it a “bold” step. From our view, it was reckless — and it doesn’t even accomplish what he claims. Locking... Read more » -
Radio: Rep. Kevin Waters discusses timber lockdown concerns with KXL’s Lars Larson (Portland)
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, outlined his concerns with KXL’s Lars Larson (Portland) about Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove permanently locking up thousands of acres of timber on state trust lands from harvest. Waters says the decision will deprive local schools across the state of millions of dollars in timber revenues. Wash. House Republicans · 09-04-25... Read more »