Peter’s Blog
20th District legislators participate in monthly updates hosted by Centralia-Chehalis Chamber
Beginning just after Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 28, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce will host the first of four Zoom conferences with Washington state 20th Legislative District legislators Sen. John Braun, Rep. Ed Orcutt and Rep. Peter Abbarno. The...
In the midst of crime wave, state leadership has failed
This opinion article appeared in The Chronicle on December 15, 2023: Peter Abbarno commentary: In the midst of crime wave, state leadership has failed The Evergreen State has always been one of the safer places to live, work and raise a family in America, going back...
House Democrats vote to reduce sentences for gun crimes committed near schools
Crime is at an all-time high and Washington State House Democrats want to reduce the penalties for drug, firearm, and gang-related crimes committed near schools, bus stops, hospitals, and other protected areas in our communities. WATCH Floor Speech
House Democrats vote to eliminate a criminal’s financial responsibility to victims and survivors
Crime is at an all-time high. In 2023, Washington State House Democrats vote to eliminate victim impact fees paid by criminals that help victims recover. Instead, House Democrats want you to pay. WATCH Floor Speech
Commission recommends making bad long-term care program worse, says Rep. Peter Abbarno
In September 2023, the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Commission held a meeting to vote on several recommended changes to the state's new long-term care insurance program. Among the most controversial, the commission voted to recommend that the...
Rep. Peter Abbarno’s work highlighted at Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference
On Tuesday, Rep. Peter Abbarno was invited to speak at the 2023 Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference in Portland, Oregon about Washington's efforts to advance renewable hydrogen policy. “Renewable hydrogen can be generated, stored, and...
Tenino stone carvers to use state funding to teach future generations
By Mitchell Roland / mitchell@chronline.com If the quarry walls could talk, they’d have a story to tell, one the Tenino Carvers Guild wants the next generation to hear. The story also caught the ear of Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, who secured funds for a new...
‘Lifeline’ for families of special needs adults celebrates full first year in operation
By Mitchell Roland / mitchell@chronline.com Praise for the Lewis County Accessible Recreation program from participants, organizers, parents and caretakers was effusive and passionate on Wednesday. “This is just something that people with disabilities really need,”...
WSDOT offer tips and links for safer Labor Day Weekend travel.
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest and dangerous weekends for travel. Based on new AAA projections based on bookings for flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises shows Labor Day weekend travel in 2023 is up over last year: domestic bookings are...
WATCH: Abbarno delivers opening remarks and Dolly Parton performs at Imagination Library Celebration
Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, provides opening remarks and Dolly Parton performs two songs at the Imagination Library Statewide Celebration in Tacoma on Aug. 15, 2023. https://youtu.be/ZytfKkoDiKM Watch the full event on TVW...
Peter Abbarno commentary: Celebrating our state’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library origin story
“Working 9 to 5” is a Dolly Parton phrase not often uttered by volunteers, board members and employees of nonprofits in our community. That’s because, when you focus your efforts on a heartfelt mission, the work is never done. Sometimes the impact of the mission...
Commentary: Reflections from former House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox
Prior to stepping down earlier this year, I had the privilege of serving as House Republican leader in the Washington state House of Representatives for five years. In that role, I worked closely with some of the finest public servants our state has to offer —...
