Author Archives: Erik Smith

Interim update: My thoughts on the governor’s vaccine mandate, the majority’s police reform legislation, and the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan

Many of you have been contacting me regarding the governor’s recent decision to mandate vaccination for most state employees, health and long-term care workers.

It’s unfortunate the issue of vaccination has caused so much polarization in our state and country. It shouldn’t be this way. I chose to get vaccinated for a number of personal reasons, including a conviction I had that the potential reward outweighed the risks. For you and your loved ones, however, that may not be the case. I respect that, and believe it’s important for all of us to respect the personal medical decisions of our fellow Washingtonians.

According to the governor’s press release highlighting his proclamation, “individuals included in the proclamation’s mandate must receive the final dose of their vaccination no later than October 4 so as to be fully vaccinated two weeks later on October 18 to comply with the proclamation.”

There are two paths forward for those of you who wish to be exempted from the mandate. One is a religious exemption and the other is a medical exemption. The governor’s vaccine mandate FAQ states:

State employees may work with their agency’s human resources office if they need a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Private sector employers may choose a different process.

The proclamation itself goes into more detail on the religious exemption:

To the extent permitted by law, before providing a sincerely held religious belief accommodation to the requirements of this Order, individuals or entities for which Health Care Providers work as employees, contractors, or volunteers and State Agencies must document that the request for an accommodation has been made and the document must include a statement regarding the way in which the requirements of this order conflict with the religious observance, practice, or belief of the individual.

I have grave concerns about the state deciding whether or not someone’s religious objections are sufficient enough to exempt them from the governor’s mandate. Our federal and state constitutions clearly prohibit the government from defining religion. However, this is a path you can and should take if appropriate for your circumstances. In the meantime, I will be reaching out to the governor’s office regarding this clear violation of your first amendment rights.

The proclamation also touches on the available medical exemption:

Health Care Providers and Workers for State Agencies are not required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they are entitled under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), or any other applicable law to a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

[…]

To the extent permitted by law, before providing a disability-related reasonable accommodation to the requirements of this order, individuals or entities for which Health Care Providers work as employees, contractors, or volunteers and State Agencies must obtain from the individual requesting the accommodation documentation from an appropriate health care or rehabilitation professional authorized to practice in the State of Washington stating that the individual has a disability that necessitates an accommodation and the probable duration of the need for the accommodation.

I believe the governor could have handled this entire situation in a much more constructive way that probably would have yielded better results without the division we’re seeing. Unfortunately, he didn’t, and the divide is growing larger. Going forward, it’s up to each one of us to come together and unite, and I hope we will.

The majority’s police reform bills are making our communities less safe

One of the biggest issues the Legislature focused on during this year’s 105-day session was police reform. While I believe it’s important to hold our men and women in law enforcement to the highest standard, I did not support the efforts by the majority to make it more difficult for them to do their jobs. It’s simply unacceptable that criminals are now escaping justice because of the new laws created by House Bills 1054 and 1310.

These headlines tell the story:

This is an unmitigated disaster of the Legislature’s making. I agree with the appeals that have been made by my Republican colleagues for a special session to be called so we can fix the many problems in these bills.

I also want to make one other point. Our state is already ranked 51st out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of the number of police officers per thousand people. If we continue to demonize law enforcement and take away the tools they need to bring criminals to justice and keep our communities safe, we will lose more officers and crime will increase even more than it did last year. We can’t afford to wait for the 2022 legislative session to convene to fix these bills. We have to act now.

Agree? Disagree? I’d like to hear from you. Take my police reform survey by clicking on this link.

A word on the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan

Like so many of you, I am deeply concerned for the Afghan people, the thousands of Americans stranded across Afghanistan, and our military personnel and their families who are watching the Taliban take over.

My heart breaks for our veterans who fought in Afghanistan and are now watching terrified Afghans cling to U.S. military planes as they take off from Hamid Karzai International Airport. I know a number of these fine men and women. Some have been shot, some have lost limbs, and still others suffer terribly from post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of us also know those who lost their lives.

For those of you who served in Afghanistan, I want to say thank you. Please know your service was not in vein. For 20 years, you took the fight to the enemy over there instead of letting them coming here. For 20 years, you helped keep America safe. I salute you, I stand with you, and you have my utmost respect.

In closing, I want to echo the calls I’ve heard from others about the need for our state and nation to welcome with open arms the many refugees fleeing Afghanistan. Many of these individuals risked their lives helping us fight the war on terror. The least we can do is help them escape and provide them the gifts of freedom and opportunity we all cherish.

Contacting me

Please continue reaching out to me with your comments, questions and concerns. My email address is Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov, and my phone number is (360) 786-7902.

It is an honor to serve you.

2021 session ended with a new income tax on capital gains, no emergency powers reform

In my last email update, I discussed the House Republican case for emergency powers reform. All session long, we attempted to convince the majority that the Legislature should have more involvement during emergencies and that reform was necessary in this regard. About a week before the end of session, I made a motion on the House floor that would have allowed my emergency powers reform bill to receive a vote. The majority rejected the motion, signaling to the governor that he could continue ruling unilaterally.

That decision encapsulates what much of the 2021 session was like. There were some bipartisan successes, yes, but we also saw the majority steamroll through a progressive agenda that will hurt many Washington families. Not only did the majority pass an income tax on capital gains, which may lead to yet another push for a statewide income tax, but they also passed two environmental bills (HB 1091 and SB 5126) that will significantly increase the price of gasoline while doing very little to reduce the carbon in our atmosphere.

Washington voters have repeatedly rejected income tax proposals and carbon pricing schemes. That didn’t matter to the majority, which is deeply concerning as we are here to represent you, not our own interests.

2021-23 operating, transportation, and capital budgets

There are a lot of good things in the $59 billion 2021-23 operating budget, but I ultimately voted against it because it relies on revenue from the income tax on capital gains I mentioned above. Additionally, it grows spending by $7 billion, an increase of 13.6% over the 2019-21 budget.

Since the governor came into office in 2013, we have seen a 74% increase in state spending, with the operating budget exploding from $33.8 billion to $58.9 billion. I continue to be concerned that the majority’s tax-and-spend approach will eventually lead to devastating cuts or a reliance on even more burdensome new taxes. I simply don’t understand the reluctance to pass a sustainable budget that doesn’t rely on new and higher taxes. Earlier this year, House Republicans proved the Legislature could pass a such a budget. There simply must be a willingness to do so.

The 2021-23 transportation budget passed with broad bipartisan support in both chambers. The $11.8 billion budget will continue funding the basic transportation needs of our state by investing in the maintenance and preservation of current transportation systems, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Ferry system, the Washington State Patrol, and other state transportation agencies.

I worked hard with Rep. Dan Griffey to ensure the following items were included in the budget:

  • Modified WSP-Shelton water agreement – We negotiated with the governor’s office to remove the latecomers fee that existed between the Washington State Patrol Academy and the City of Shelton. The latecomers fee has long hindered economic growth around the Port of Shelton and the WSP Academy. Its removal will make it easier for properties to use the water line infrastructure that currently exists, which will help grow the local economy.
  • Kitsap toll credit – New Kitsap toll credit language in the budget includes provisions that will improve the passenger-only ferry system in Kitsap County.
  • SR 302 corridor study – SR 302 has a history of storm-related damage that has resulted in a number of road closures. The $800,000 corridor study in the budget will attempt to set a course for what improvements need to be made in order to make the highway more resilient.

Additionally, we successfully fought to retain funding for all existing Connecting Washington transportation projects in the 35th District, including the Highway 3 freight corridor, formerly known as the Belfair Bypass project.

Other highlights of the 2021-23 transportation budget include:

  • $849 million for preservation and $520 million for maintenance.
  • $550 million for Washington State Patrol, including an additional trooper class.
  • $541 million for operating costs and $505 million for capital costs for Washington State Ferries.
  • $224 million for Transportation Improvement Board.
  • $101 million for County Road Administration Board. 

I’m proud we were able to keep the promises we made to all of you, especially when it comes to funding for the Highway 3 freight corridor. That project, and the others we were able to secure funding for, will make a meaningful difference in our district for years to come.

The 2021-23 capital budget received unanimous support in both chambers. The $6.3 billion budget will fund various construction projects throughout the state, making significant investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure with the help of one-time federal funds. Working together, Rep. Griffey and I were able to secure more than $25 million in local project funding. Some of the investments include:

  • $8.8 million for improvements at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton and the Mission Creek Corrections Center in Belfair;
  • $2.05 million to rehabilitate and re-equip Well 1 and convert the water transmission main in Shelton;
  • $2.05 million for the design and construction of a 750,000-gallon in-ground storage tank at the satellite wastewater treatment plant in Shelton;
  • $1.49 million for grants for a range of land protection and outdoor recreation projects in Yelm and Rochester;
  • $1.29 million for Shelton Youth Connection for renovations and to add 12 age-appropriate housing options for young adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness;
  • $900,000 for grants to support cleanup efforts at the Shelton C Street Landfill;
  • $835,000 to provide fiber optic infrastructure to increase capacity at each cell tower in the Gold Mountain Communications Zone in Bremerton;
  • $344,000 for restoration efforts at the Sargent Oyster House in Allyn;
  • $82,000 to provide additional space at the Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton; and
  • $62,000 for improvements at Mason County Veterans Memorial Hall in Shelton.

In addition to local projects, other capital budget highlights include:

  • $733 million for the state’s four-year institutions.
  • $730.6 million for 2021-23 School Construction Assistance Program.
  • $512 million for the community and technical college system.
  • $326 million for State Broadband Office for broadband infrastructure projects, including $50 million in bonds to leverage other federal funding.
  • $200.7 million to begin construction of the behavioral health teaching hospital run by the University of Washington.
  • $129 million from the Public Works Assistance Account to issue grants and loans to local governments for infrastructure projects.
  • $95 million in behavioral health capacity grants for community mental health services.

It’s great to see the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to making mental and behavioral health care the priority it should be, especially as we continue recovering from the global pandemic. Many adults have experienced mental health challenges over the past year, but so have our children. We must continue providing the capacity and resources necessary to get Washingtonians the help they need in a timely manner. Speaking of our youth, I was very pleased we were able to secure more than $1 million in funding for Shelton Youth Connection, a vital organization in our community that serves at-risk individuals ages 12 to 24. By funding key renovations and the construction of age-appropriate housing options, we are going to see improved outcomes for those who need our help the most.

Contacting me

Although session is now over, please know I am here to serve you year-round. I encourage you to continue reaching out to me with your comments, questions and concerns. My email address is Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov, and my phone number is (360) 786-7902.

It is an honor to serve you.

Reps. Drew MacEwen and Mike Chapman: The bipartisan case for putting limits on emergency powers

The 2021 legislative session concluded on Sunday. There were several bipartisan successes that will greatly benefit Washingtonians and communities across our state, and there were a few outcomes in which our opinions diverge.

One issue that we agree was a missed opportunity by the Legislature was emergency-powers reform. 

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on our state, tragically ending lives and devastating livelihoods. As state representatives, we have heard unimaginable stories of heartbreak from our constituents.

The pandemic also has expanded the role of state government in our lives in ways we never imagined. On Feb. 29, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency. Nearly 14 months later, we are still under this order with no end in sight. On May 3, more restrictions could be placed on counties across our state.    

For background, our state laws related to emergency powers allow the governor to waive or suspend laws and prohibit certain activities. The waivers or suspensions of laws are limited to 30 days and require approval from the Legislature to extend. Of greater consequence, the prohibitions can last longer if a state of emergency is in effect and do not require legislative approval to remain in place.

Compared to most other states, our Legislature plays a relatively limited role during emergencies. In fact, Washington state has become an outlier. 

Our executive branch needs the ability to respond quickly to pandemics, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and other emergencies. However, there must be limits. Washingtonians were not meant to be governed by emergency orders or the decisions of one person for months on end.

It is imperative for the Legislature to restore proper balance to state government. That’s why we introduced House Bill 1557.

The bipartisan legislation is designed to ensure adequate legislative involvement in long-lasting states of emergency. Specifically, it would cause a state of emergency to expire after 60 days unless extended by the Legislature. The measure would also allow the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency on its own authority.

These reforms would bring us in line with what other states are already doing. More importantly, they would provide all 147 state lawmakers — and the people they represent — a proactive role during uncertain and unprecedented times.

As we think about emergency powers reform, the voices of our constituents are critically important. Our hearts break for the single mom who is having trouble finding child care because her child cannot go to school, the small business owner who has not been the same since his dream was labeled nonessential, the grandmother who has been unable to see her grandchildren and for so many others.

These voices reflect a broader context of public health and what the decisions of state government have meant for mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, crime, the isolation of seniors, and the social, emotional and academic growth of our young people. Their stories belong in the legislative process, where they can be heard, understood and weighed by state lawmakers.

We acknowledge Gov. Inslee and his administration have handled many aspects of the pandemic response well. However, there have been failures — including the delivery of unemployment benefits and the initial vaccine rollout. Many of these decisions were made behind closed doors with little or no input from the Legislature. In fact, we have often learned of new policies when or after the media was informed.  

If given the opportunity, it is possible state lawmakers would have enacted many of the same policies the governor imposed. But those decisions would have been made after ideas were vetted, debated, and refined through a process that included the public. And they would have likely resulted in more support from parts of the state where the governor’s decisions have been unpopular.  

The coronavirus is serious, and the need for an effective, coordinated response remains important. But this should not prevent the Legislature from examining how our state government should respond to emergencies in the future.

House Bill 1557 will carry forward to the 2022 legislative session, as will this important debate. We hope a majority of the Legislature is more receptive to the idea next year. This conversation between Democrats and Republicans is happening in many other legislatures around the county. It should be happening in ours as well.  

As published in The Seattle Times

35th District lawmakers release statements on 2021-23 capital and transportation budgets

On Saturday, the Washington State Legislature passed the 2021-23 capital budget. The $6.3 billion budget will fund various construction projects throughout the state, making significant investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure with the help of one-time federal funds.

Thirty-fifth District Reps. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, and Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, worked to secure more than $25 million in local project funding. Some of the investments include:

  • $8.8 million for improvements at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton and the Mission Creek Corrections Center in Belfair;
  • $2.05 million to rehabilitate and re-equip Well 1 and convert the water transmission main in Shelton;
  • $2.05 million for the design and construction of a 750,000-gallon in-ground storage tank at the satellite wastewater treatment plant in Shelton;
  • $1.49 million for grants for a range of land protection and outdoor recreation projects in Yelm and Rochester;
  • $1.29 million for Shelton Youth Connection for renovations and to add 12 age-appropriate housing options for young adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness;
  • $900,000 for grants to support cleanup efforts at the Shelton C Street Landfill;
  • $835,000 to provide fiber optic infrastructure to increase capacity at each cell tower in the Gold Mountain Communications Zone in Bremerton;
  • $344,000 for restoration efforts at the Sargent Oyster House in Allyn;
  • $82,000 to provide additional space at the Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton; and
  • $62,000 for improvements at Mason County Veterans Memorial Hall in Shelton.

The lawmakers released the following statement regarding passage of the 2021-23 capital budget:

“Despite a divisive session in which the majority raised taxes on Washington families and rejected emergency powers reform, the 2021-23 capital budget represents an area of common ground that will serve our communities well. With this budget, we are making critical investments in schools, mental and behavioral health, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, our environment, and more.

“We are particularly proud of the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to make mental and behavioral health care the priority it should be, especially as we continue recovering from the global pandemic. Many adults have experienced mental health challenges over the past year, but so have our children. We must continue providing the capacity and resources necessary to get Washington citizens the help they need in a timely manner.

“Speaking of our youth, we are very pleased we were able to secure more than one million dollars in funding for Shelton Youth Connection, a vital organization in our community that serves at-risk individuals ages 12 to 24. By funding key renovations and the construction of age-appropriate housing options, we are going to see improved outcomes for those who need our help the most.

“One major challenge we continue to face is our affordable housing crisis. According to US News and World Report, Washington state ranks 47th in the nation in terms of housing affordability. While this capital budget invests tens of millions of dollars to help address this issue, it is clear more will need to be done to increase the supply of affordable housing and prevent more Washingtonians from facing the prospect of homelessness.

“Lastly, we worked hard to secure funding for a number of important projects in our communities. These projects will result in stronger infrastructure, a cleaner environment, and safer communities. We’re excited to see construction get underway across the 35th District.”

The capital budget was approved by a vote of 49-0 in the Senate and 98-0 in the House. It now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The Legislature also passed the 2021-23 transportation budget on Saturday. The $11.8 billion biennial budget will provide funding for the maintenance and preservation of current transportation systems, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Ferry system, the Washington State Patrol, and other state transportation agencies.

Reps. MacEwen and Griffey worked to ensure the following items were included in the budget:

  • Modified WSP-Shelton water agreement – MacEwen and Griffey negotiated with the governor’s office to remove the latecomers fee that existed between the Washington State Patrol Academy and the City of Shelton. The latecomers fee has long hindered economic growth around the Port of Shelton and the WSP Academy. Its removal will make it easier for properties to use the water line infrastructure that currently exists, which will help grow the local economy.
  • Kitsap toll credit – New Kitsap toll credit language in the budget includes provisions that will improve the passenger-only ferry system in Kitsap County.
  • SR 302 corridor study – SR 302 has a history of storm-related damage that has resulted in a number of road closures. The $800,000 corridor study in the budget will attempt to set a course for what improvements need to be made in order to make the highway more resilient.

Additionally, MacEwen and Griffey successfully fought to retain funding for all existing Connecting Washington transportation projects in the 35th District, including the Highway 3 freight corridor, formerly known as the Belfair Bypass project.

The lawmakers released the following statement regarding passage of the 2021-23 transportation budget:

“Given the fact the state’s transportation budget took a massive hit due to the pandemic, the members of the transportation committee in both chambers should be commended for delivering a solid 2021-23 transportation budget. It will fund a number of important items that will meet our growing transportation needs.

“We are proud that we were able to keep the promises we made to our constituents, especially when it comes to funding for the Highway 3 freight corridor. That project, and the others we were able to secure funding for, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our constituents for years to come.”

The transportation budget was approved by a vote of 41-8 in the Senate and 90-6 in the House. It now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.

House passes unpopular, unnecessary and likely, unconstitutional income tax as Republicans vote no.

After two days of debate, Democrats in the state House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a seven percent tax on capital gains income exceeding 250-thousand dollars from the sale of long-term assets, beginning January of 2022. As John Sattgast reports, Republicans argued that a new income tax is unnecessary, unpopular, likely unconstitutional, and may lead to a statewide income tax for all Washingtonians.

 Radio Report Transcript

SATTGAST: Democratic supporters say the tax is needed to fund expansion of childcare in Washington state. However, Republicans, such as Colfax Representative Joe Schmick point out state revenue is up more than four-billion dollars – so a new tax is unnecessary.

SCHMICK: “We have ample money without a tax structure change as dramatic as this one. We can fund all that we need to do with existing money.”

SATTGAST: Representative Drew MacEwen says an income tax is unpopular among Washington voters who have rejected various forms at least 10 times on the ballot.

MacEWEN: “In 2010, 60 percent of them voted no when this was on a statewide ballot because they know what is going to happen. That level is going to get lower and lower and lower. Before you know it, everybody is filing an income tax return and paying income taxes whether on capital gains or whatever else.”

House Republican Floor Leader Jacquelin Maycumber. . .

MAYCUMBER: “Washington state’s own governor’s budget sets it at 9 percent for earners at 25-thousand dollars.”

Camano Island Representative Greg Gilday says the measure will likely be challenged in the courts as unconstitutional.

GILDAY: “It attempts to circumvent constitutional restrictions to implement an income tax in the state of Washington.”

Majority Democrats rejected 19 of the 20 amendments Republicans offered, including one that would remove language preventing the measure from a referendum. Centralia Representative Peter Abbarno says it’s unfair…

ABBARNO: “Such a monumental, historic day where this House is voting for an income tax and we’re going to prevent the people from having an opportunity to have a say.”

The bill passed 52 to 46, with all Republicans and five Democrats voting no. It must now gain Senate approval before the 2021 session ends on Sunday.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.

Governor signs MacEwen bill designed to strengthen commercial fishing industry licensing

Governor Jay Inslee has signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen designed to strengthen the commercial fishing industry’s licensing system.

In 2017, the Legislature created the crewmember license as a part of a comprehensive overhaul of the commercial fishing license fee structure. Under current law, a crewmember license is required for every individual who works on board any vessel while operating in a commercial fishery regulated by the state. Up to two crewmember licenses may be purchased and held by a commercial fishing license holder for use by any individual working on a vessel.

MacEwen’s House Bill 1437 will authorize the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt fishery-specific rules regarding commercial fishing crewmember licenses. Under the bill, all individuals with a crewmember license will be required to carry at least one piece of identification that contains their photograph and signature. Furthermore, a “John Doe” crewmember license held by a commercial fishing license holder will not be able to be used to cover an individual who is prohibited from obtaining a crewmember license.

MacEwen says these changes will improve the existing licensing system.

“House Bill 1437 will benefit the commercial fishing industry and protect our fisheries by creating clear rules that increase accountability,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “I’m grateful for the unanimous support the bill received in both the House and Senate, and thank the governor for signing it into law.”

House Bill 1437 will go into effect July 25.

My case for emergency powers reform

During floor action on Friday, I made a motion to pass a resolution that would have waived previously established cutoff dates and allowed my emergency powers reform bill to be considered on the House floor. Unfortunately, my motion was rejected on a party-line vote, all but ending the opportunity for the Legislature to pass emergency powers reform this session.

When I sent an email out to all of you on Friday morning letting you know this was coming, some of you emailed me back questioning if I was taking the pandemic seriously enough. I want to be very clear on this. I firmly believe our executive branch needs the ability to respond quickly to pandemics, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies. However, I also believe there must be limits on emergency powers in order to ensure one person is not ruling by proclamation or executive order for months on end. It doesn’t matter if that person is a Republican or a Democrat. Washingtonians were never meant to be governed this way.

The bill I introduced would have simply ensured adequate legislative involvement in long-lasting states of emergency, bringing Washington in line with what other states are already doing. As it stands right now, our state ranks near the bottom in terms of governmental balance of power.

I hope you’ll take some time out of your day to watch my full remarks on the House floor and understand why I believe this is such a critical issue for our state.

https://youtu.be/J-JK5IKgdws

I always welcome your feedback, so please continue reaching out to me with your comments, questions and concerns. My email address is Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov, and my phone number is (360) 786-7902.

It is an honor to serve you.

Radio Report: Democrats reject MacEwen’s motion to bring governor’s emergency powers reform bill to a vote

With less than a week remaining of the 2021 legislative session, it is becoming apparent the governor’s emergency powers will likely remain intact and unchanged. John Sattgast reports.

 Radio Report Transcript

SATTGAST: Since March of 2020, Governor Jay Inslee has ruled unilaterally through emergency proclamations without outside input. On Friday, Republican Representative Drew MacEwen made a motion to suspend the cutoff dates and bring an emergency powers reform bill to the floor for a vote.

MacEWEN: “The founding fathers of this state and of this nation never envisioned a system where one person would have unfettered control of the government for a prolonged period of time.”

MacEwen’s bipartisan House Bill 1557 would cause a state of emergency to expire after 60 days unless renewed by the Legislature. Auburn Republican Representative Drew Stokesbary said it would restore the people’s voice in their government.

STOKESBARY: “It’s about asking ourselves whether or not we, for as long as we serve in this body, and every single one who comes after us will have a constitutional role to play in long-lasting emergencies.”

Although the bill had bipartisan sponsors, majority Democrats soundly rejected MacEwen’s motion on a party-line vote.

HOUSE VOTE: “Madame Speaker, there are 41 yays, 56 nays, one excused. The motion is not adopted.”

SATTGAST: Republicans say it may the last chance to provide legislative input before the session ends Sunday, allowing Governor Inslee to continue to singlehandedly ruling by emergency proclamation.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.

Rep. Drew MacEwen attempts to bring emergency powers reform bill to the House floor

During floor action on Friday, April 16, Rep. Drew MacEwen made a motion to place House Concurrent Resolution 4402 on the Second Reading Calendar. The new resolution would have waived previously established cutoff dates from an earlier resolution and allowed his emergency powers reform bill (House Bill 1557) to be considered on the House floor for a full vote. The motion was rejected on a party-line vote.

https://youtu.be/J-JK5IKgdws