The 2025 session of the 69th Washington State Legislature began Monday inside the Legislative Building at the State Capitol in Olympia.
As part of the opening ceremonies, four-term Chelan County Commissioner and former 12th District State Representative Keith Goehner took his oath as State Senator before Washington State Supreme Court Justice Debra L. Stephens.
In his first term in the Senate, Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, was selected to three committees, including the ranking Republican on the Housing Committee.
“The state has been facing a housing crisis for a long time and it needs to be addressed,” Goehner said. “I expect to focus on the regulatory environment, the permitting process, and environmental issues. We need to create more housing opportunities for all income levels.”
Goehner will also serve as the assistant ranking Republican Transportation Committee and prioritize transportation efficiency and improving access to the rural parts of his district.
“Highway 2 and 522 are the largest transportation issues facing the 12th District,” Goehner said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be on the transportation committee as the Assistant Ranking Republican so I can be part of negotiations and have input on the final decisions in the transportation budget.”
“Because of my background in local government, I’m excited to be on the committee,” Goehner said. “I’m very conscious and concerned of the challenges that small governments face and will continue to be mindful of the State's expectations for the municipalities in our district and ensuring adequate funding for those services.”
Freshman 12th District State Representative Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, the former three-term Chelan County Sheriff, is a member of the Washington State House Community Safety and Civil Rights and Judiciary Committees.
"This is something I've been preparing for my entire career," said Rep. Burnett. "I'm coming in knowing the people that have the best information and knowledge and being connected with the Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs."
"With 25 years in law enforcement, I know firsthand what needs to be done to ensure safer streets and protect our communities," said Burnett. "I am working on legislation to help address the drug crisis and help with law enforcement recruitment and retention."
Washington ranks 51st out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the number of police officers per thousand residents.
Burnett has been appointed the assistant ranking Republican on the Early Learning and Human Services Committee, where he will serve in a leadership role.
The committee covers issues and services affecting children and families, such as early learning; child care; child and youth development; child welfare services; children's mental health; at-risk and homeless youth; juvenile justice; and economic assistance programs.
"I have been very involved with at-risk youth, including a summer camp and mentor program for abused or neglected foster children ages 6 to 12. I have experienced firsthand the challenges they may face due to unwarranted stressors in their lives. My background will provide valuable insight into some of the issues that come before this committee," said Burnett.
"When I do get up and speak, it's going to be something of importance," Burnett said when speaking from his legislative office inside the John L. O'Brien Building on the capitol campus. "When I have the opportunity to bring in my experience and information that I think is valuable, then you'll see me up there."
Burnett is also serving on the House Appropriations Committee, which covers the operating budget and other fiscal issues, such as pension policy and compensation.
He succeeds Keith Goehner, who was elected to the State Senate. Sen. Goehner replaced Brad Hawkins, who is now a Chelan County Commissioner.
The Legislature's 105-day session is scheduled to run through April 27.
Comments