Rep. Dent announces bid for second term

MOSES LAKE — Representative Tom Dent has announced plans to seek a second term in the Washington State House of Representatives.

Dent, who lives in the Moses Lake, is finishing his first term in the State House. He is a Republican. He serves on:

• Appropriations Committee - responsible for writing the budget.
• Early Learning & Human Services Committee - responsible for early learning, foster care and mental health issues for young people. Dent is the assistant ranking member on this committee.
• Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee - agriculture, water, and natural resource issues come to this committee. Dent is the Assistant Ranking member on this committee.

Dent also serves on the Waters of Washington task force to evaluate critical water issues, look for possible solutions and identify possible funding sources.

Dent organized the Kid Kaucus, a group of legislators and concerned citizens to work on and evaluate foster care and other child issues.

“The purpose is to find pathways to success for our young people who have had a less than opportune start in life,” he said.

As a result of the devastating wild fires the past few years, Dent stared the Wildfire Caucus. He began an effort to encourage the use of Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS) as an initial attack force on fires, with the goal to be on the fire in 2 hours, not 2 days.

“Burning up our natural resources is inherently wrong; we can and must do better,” Dent said.

Dent has had several pieces of legislation since taking office.

“I feel I have accomplished a great deal in my first term, and I am excited to continue the work the voters sent me here to do,” Dent said. “I am honored to serve and wish to continue to serve the people of the 13th District.”