For months, minority Republicans in the Washington Legislature have called for limits on the governor’s emergency powers. But now even some Democrats are expressing concerns about the open-endedness of the COVID-19 state of emergency and the limited role of state...
COVID-19
Republican leaders oppose vaccine mandate for the private sector
House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox and Senate Republican Leader John Braun released the following statement today: "We oppose the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate for the private sector. This policy will be counterproductive. It will also endanger successful...
Republican leaders again call on Gov. Jay Inslee to fully reopen the state
House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox and Senate Republican Leader John Braun released the following statement today: “We are calling on Governor Inslee to fully reopen the state immediately. He had left the door open to a reopening before June 30, and we viewed June 15...
Surprise! Majority looks to abdicate a basic role of the legislative branch
I can’t tell you how many people contacted my Senate office during the past nine-plus months about the unprecedented actions Governor Inslee has taken since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of them, using words that made their frustration or desperation...
More than 2,200 respond to Hawkins’ COVID-19 vaccination survey
To work for the people, you first must listen to them. Tracy Ellis tells us that’s why a state Senator created a COVID-19 vaccination survey.
Braun says state’s response to pandemic is weakened by lack of involvement from Legislature
OLYMPIA… State government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is suffering from Gov. Jay Inslee’s resistance to calling the state Legislature into session to help with key decisions, Sen. John Braun said today. Braun, R-Centralia, Republican leader on the Senate Ways...
Padden calls new COVID-19 restrictions ‘unfair’ blow to small business
Inslee’s refusal to accept citizen input is biggest barrier to public buy-in, says Spokane Valley lawmaker Shortly after Gov. Jay Inslee held a Sunday press conference to announce a new ban on social gatherings and further restrictions on businesses, Sen. Mike Padden...