Senate Republicans insist Legislature call itself in for special session without further delay
OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, released the following statement in response to Gov. Inslee’s announcement of $135 million in relief for job providers and families:
“Today’s announcement shows the governor realizes small businesses and job providers can’t survive much longer under his restrictions. His package is a start, but it is not nearly enough. If the governor truly wants to provide adequate relief for Washingtonians, he must call a special session immediately. And if he won’t do it, the Democrat majority needs to step up and assert the Legislature’s power to appropriate state funds and create laws to help our state recover.
“The offerings of one man can’t compare to what the Legislature can do on behalf of Washingtonians. Many other states understand that and have called special sessions because their governors realize that they, alone, can’t provide the relief their people need.
“Governor Inslee’s recent announcement of his newest restrictions showed he is making decisions without having true knowledge about the effects on real people and our economy. Legislators are in touch with their constituents and bring that perspective with them. The governor needs to release his sole grip around the neck of Washington’s economy and let the people weigh in on where we go from here.”