State Representative Term: 2 years Salary: $72,494Washington's House of Representatives has 98 members; two from each legislative district in the state. Representatives are elected to two-year terms, so the total membership of the House is up for election each even-numbered year.During legislative sessions, the Legislature is called upon to: enact or reject legislation affecting public policy in the state; provide for the levy and collection of taxes and other revenue to support state government and assist local government; and appropriate funds for these purposes. The House also has the exclusive power to bring impeachment proceedings. Although laws are enacted only when the Legislature is convened in formal session, policy issues and the general operation of state and local government are under continuous review by legislators serving on permanent and interim study committees.
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Biography (max 750 char)
Deken Letinich is a third generation Clark County resident where he has raised two children. He has spent the last 12 years as a union organizer and legislative assistant for the WA and N. Idaho District Council of Laborers. He understands that investing in workers and working families benefits everyone. For years, Deken has fought on behalf of Southwest Washington workers, finding his calling as a dedicated union advocate. His commitment was recognized in 2018 when he was named Southwest Washington's Labor Council Union Member of the Year. In 2024, he successfully fought for increased workplace safety and better access to healthcare products on worksites for working families. In 2025, Deken joined the Columbia River Mental Health Board.
My main budget priorities are to ensure that investments in infrastructure, education, and childcare are made locally. These investments will directly improve the quality of life for the workers of our community. I believe that we should be looking at making the budget sustainable by being realistic with spending while not cutting the essential services that so many rely on.
I believe that we must ensure that the election process is transparent. Clark County moved exclusively to mail in voting over 20 years ago and the process has remained secure and a catalyst for greater voter participation. I do believe that greater efforts should be made to engage young voters and creating voting habits early.
We must adequately support our first responders and give them the tools to do their jobs. I also believe that our State needs to make investments in the infrastructure that we use everyday. Much of our critical infrastructure is rapidly aging and it is the duty of the State to ensure that our roads, drinking water, and public facilities are safe.
It is very important to find ways to ensure that the citizens of Washington have access to fair and impartial reporting about the happenings in their community. I am committed to openly communicating and engaging with local journalists so that they always have a window into the Legislature.
I support a measured and fair redistricting effort in 2031. The population of our State, and SW Washington specifically, has grown significantly over the last 10 years and I anticipate that these trends will continue with the 2030 census.
The cost of living for working families has exploded while the job market has stagnated. I want to attract family-wage jobs, expand childcare access, and strengthen post secondary educational opportunities so that our young people are able to build a life in the community that we love. The State has the duty to facilitate the success of SW Washington.
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