Steve Conway — Senator Steve Conway asked about federal funding losses and the impact of changes in Washington, D.C., then followed up with concern about a nearly $1 billion budget reduction, asking whether the decrease was $861,000. The discussion centered on the funding impact and clarification of the budget cut amount.
Steve Conway — Steve Conway discusses the DCCA and its funding structure, explaining that he originally sponsored the bill and that its intent was to use state dollars to leverage federal dollars rather than rely on a last-money-in approach. He then asks whether recent federal changes are causing cutbacks in funding available for the program, and notes that he developed the bill with South Sound military stakeholders, indicating interest in possible changes to the program.
Joel McEntire — Introduced himself, described his district, and said he was invited to join the committee by Representative Leavitt.
Joel McEntire — Joel McEntire briefly raised two quick items: Navy Day and a possible gap in driver’s license endorsements for reserve and guard members. He was then called on to speak, leading into a short follow-up exchange.
Kristine Reeves — Introduced herself, described her district, and noted her prior work with veterans and military families.
Kristine Reeves — Representative Reeves is recognized to ask a question.
Kristine Reeves — Asked a question and framed it around military recruitment and the role of military facilities in public outreach.
John Lovick — Introduced himself and identified his district.
John Lovick — Referenced as a fellow member of the National Conference of State Legislatures Military and Veterans Task Force.
Drew MacEwen — Introduced himself and noted prior service on and chairing the committee, plus his Navy submarine background.
T'wina Nobles — T'wina Nobles is introduced as the next speaker and then introduces herself, noting that she serves with Representative Leavitt and represents the 28th Legislative District.
Hunter Abell — Introduced himself and noted his Navy service.
Adison Richards — Introduced himself, described his district, and noted his family Navy service and ties to Naval Base Kitsap and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Adison Richards — Representative Adison Richards thanked the director and referenced the Building 9 tour and HVAC improvements, then followed up by asking what criteria were used to make budget reduction decisions.
Chris Gildon — Senator Chris Gildon is introduced by the witness and then introduces himself, identifying himself as the senator for the 25th Legislative District and noting his 23 years of Army service and retirement in 2016 from JBLM with the 7th ID.
Brandy Donaghy — Representative Brandy Donaghy is introduced and then introduces herself, stating that she represents the 44th Legislative District in Snohomish County and that she is a Navy veteran. She also notes a minor camera/display issue but expresses that she is happy to be there.
Michael Keaton — Michael Keaton introduced himself as a retired F-16 pilot from the 25th, noting that he also works part-time for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. He indicated he would need to leave for a classified call, and he was later addressed again as the discussion continued, including in connection with the museum issue.
Colonel Park — Colonel Park was thanked for his service and wished well as he prepared to leave. The discussion then turned to whether the Army has shifted away from museums and other public-access outreach in its civil-military relationship. Colonel Park responded that the Army’s overall position has not changed, but priorities have shifted toward readiness and war fighting. He added that quality of life remains important because it supports recruiting and war fighting, while museums and similar outreach efforts are lower priority due to limited resources. The exchange ended with additional appreciation for his service and partnership with JBLM.
Jim Baumgart — Jim Baumgart is introduced as the Washington Military Department representative, then identifies himself as the department’s Intergovernmental Affairs and Policy Director. After a brief slide-display troubleshooting aside with committee staff, he begins his presentation on federal deployments, noting that about 400 Washington Army and Air National Guard members are currently deployed on federal missions.
Mr. Brambert — Thanked the committee for the opportunity to present; likely a mis-transcription of the prior speaker's name.
Chief Sherman Pruitt — Identified as the chief of police involved in the tribal police chiefs convening request.
Chief Pruitt — Requested the convening that was hosted at Building 81.
Carrie Little — Identified as the farm manager who helped distribute produce and manage the farm program.
HB1390 — Referenced as requiring decarbonization work at the Port Orchard home.
HB1102 — Referenced as supporting the County Veterans Service Officer program and additional provisions taking effect in July 2028.
Dave Paul — Representative Dave Paul asks follow-up questions about whether there are any other low-hanging fruit, partnership opportunities, or similar programs beyond Port Orchard and Spokane that could help stretch available dollars and house more veterans. The discussion centers on identifying additional ways to maximize resources and expand veteran housing.
Tina Orwall — Senator Tina Orwall is addressed procedurally at the start, then the discussion moves into substantive concerns about the effects of staffing reductions on counseling, suicide prevention, the governor’s challenge, and 988 response. The conversation continues by echoing and reinforcing her strong concerns about suicide prevention funding cuts.
Tina Orwall — Referenced as a fellow member of the National Conference of State Legislatures Military and Veterans Task Force.
Mike Chapman — The chair thanks the WDVA director and then transitions to the next presenter; no direct substantive role in this section.
Mike Cahill — Introduces himself as the DCCA program manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce and begins his presentation.
SB5748 — Cited as the bill that enacted the DCCA in 2019.
Mr. Cahill — Mr. Cahill was asked whether REPI staffing reductions are affecting Washington projects. He said he could not speak definitively or concretely attribute specific project impacts to the staffing reductions, though he indicated he might be able to provide anecdotal information later.
Mari Leavitt — Mari Leavitt opens the Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs meeting, identifies herself as representing the 28th Legislative District and notes her district’s connection to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. After a brief audio interruption, she welcomes members and presenters, warns of possible computer issues, and introduces Colonel Park. Other speakers briefly reference her as the co-chair, note that she invited them to join the committee, or pass the meeting back to her, all within the same opening and transition sequence.
Mari Leavitt — Referenced as someone the speaker had spoken with earlier in the summer about Navy Day.
Keith Wagoner — Senator Keith Wagoner is introduced as co-chair, briefly introduces himself and his background, then later helps manage the meeting by completing the member roll call and being prepared to take over if Rep. Leavitt loses connection.
Keith Wagoner — Mentioned as having possibly dropped off the call.
Keith Wagoner — Referenced as having been bounced out earlier; the speaker continues addressing the committee.
Keith Wagoner — Greeted as a committee member.
Keith Wagoner — Senator Keith Wagoner was referenced while managing the questioning process and addressing the director, including calling on the first questioner.
Keith Wagoner — During a brief exchange, Senator Keith Wagoner was called on to invite others to speak, and the interaction included a joking reference to his name/title change in the course of the discussion.
Steve Conway — Senator Steve Conway was called on to speak and then introduced himself, noting that he represents the South Dakota Parkland area near the bases and that his district includes many veterans and military families.
Steve Conway — Senator Conway asks about fire risk, Forest Service reductions, and local coordination for another possible fire at JBLM.