7th District lawmakers, from left: Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville, Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, and Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium. OLYMPIA — In a 2026 legislative session overshadowed by passage of an income tax, area lawmakers scored key victories for North-Central and Northeastern Washington, including restoration of wildfire funding and legislation addressing...

Note: The following e-newsletter was distributed to Sen. Shelly Short’s subscribers March 23, 2026. To subscribe to Sen. Short’s e-newsletters, click here. This year’s 60-day legislative session started Jan. 12 and adjourned with the rap of gavels in the Senate and House on March 12. Above, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck...

Note: The following op-ed appeared in the Cheney Free Press and associated weeklies Feb. 26, 2026, and it has been updated to reflect the release of budget proposals in the state House and Senate. By Sen. Shelly Short [800 words] The state Department of Natural Resources may not own a...

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Shelly Short’s subscribers Feb. 24, 2026. To subscribe to Sen. Short’s e-newsletters, click here. Your 7th District delegation: With Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium (left) and Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville (center).   Dear Friends and Neighbors, I hope you will be able to...

Live from Olympia, Rep. Hunter Abell, Rep. Andrew Engell and Sen. Shelly Short. Telephone town hall is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 26.   As the 2026 legislative session enters its final weeks, lawmakers representing Washington’s 7th Legislative District will hold a telephone town hall meeting Feb. 26. The town...

OLYMPIA – The Washington Senate voted last week to exempt the Selkirk School District and others like it from state energy code rules that could significantly increase the cost of school construction. Senate Bill 5941, sponsored by Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, relaxes a renewable energy requirement for small school districts...

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Shelly Short’s subscribers on Feb. 5, 2026. To subscribe to Sen. Short’s e-newsletters, click here.  Flash! Proposal for a state income tax gets a hearing Friday Act now to register your opinion with the Legislature Tell Democrats in Olympia what you think...

From left, Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville, Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, and Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium. OLYMPIA – Wolves, wildfires, and the survival of small community hospitals are occupying the attention of 7th District lawmakers as the 2026 legislative session hits its stride in Olympia. This year’s legislative session opened Jan....

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Shelly Short’s subscribers Jan. 16, 2026. To subscribe to Sen. Short’s newsletters, click here. Opening day ceremonies in the Washington Legislature took place Monday, Jan. 12. The 2026 legislative session runs 60 days and is scheduled to adjourn March 12. Dear Friends...