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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. Wash. House Republicans · 04-19-21 – RADIO REPORT: Democrats reject Republican attempt to reform governor’s emergency powers SATTGAST: Since March of 2020,...

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...

As we near the end of session, which is scheduled to adjourn April 25, I have been intently focused on the issue of emergency powers reform. For more than a year now, Gov. Jay Inslee has ruled unilaterally without any input from the Legislature. That needs to change. Washingtonians were...

Washington House Republicans are pushing for a vote on an emergency powers reform bill they believe is critical to pass prior to the end of the legislative session. On Friday afternoon, the caucus will make a motion on the House floor to place House Concurrent Resolution 4402 on the Second...