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Key PointsIn the last couple of months, the WA state legislator kicked into overdrive to pass, apparently what were their priorities:
- Assault Weapon bans and putting Gun violence liability on the manufactures
- Easing Police pursuit ability
- Overseeing more of the Nursing Industry due to the lack of qualified Nurses.
With a notable divide between Democrats and Republicans on public safety, abortion, and environmental bills, there were many opposing positions on most bills, and support was pretty much divided down party lines. Geographically, the state is much more red than blue, but blue has generally been winning out with the concentration of people in the cities. The conservative representation of the more geographically dominant has been losing to more socially focused ideas vs the economic issues plaguing the larger portions of the state. While the geographically concentrated blue portions of the state have done well due to big business, the red portions of the state have not kept up economically.
Unforetunealty, virtually all the bills focus on more spending without accountability on social programs. The state and local counties have seen more tax revenue than ever in history and yet continue to outspend their budgets are then vocalize how a disaster is around the corner if new revenues arenʼt generated. You can see what happens when you put people in charge of other people's money that havenłt ever had to live under their own budgets. When you hear the only solution to a problem is more money, you know you're in trouble. Money is never the solution, it's actually usual the cause. Take the money away, and a lot of these problems go away.
Here is a review of the major issues that have been voted onŁ
Safety for the public
When lawmakers considered new gun sales regulations, they took strong opposing stances along party lines. A bill to restrict the use and sale of semiautomatic rifles and other high-capacity firearms advanced in the House, along with a bill requiring safety training and a 10-day waiting period for all gun sales.
Meanwhile, the Senate approved a bill establishing liability for gun sellers and manufacturers if their weapons are used illegally.
Democratic leadership's slow progress on legislation aimed at loosening limits on when police can or cannot chase vehicles, police pursuits have become a sticking point all session long. The Senate approved a bill slightly easing the parameters around police pursuits on the final day before the cutoff, which keeps the debate alive. Republicans claim that the bill doesn't go far enough, and they hope to see it revised even more as it moves through the House.
In response to the Supreme Court ruling on the state's drug possession law in 2021, Senate Bill 5536 is being taken forward. This bill seeks to strengthen penalties for minor drug possession and introduce more chances for drug treatment and escape from legal proceedings. A way has been outlined to do this through the new amendment of 2022 laws was seen as inadequate by some.
Democrats also proposed several bills to control or limit rent increases, but none passed before the deadline, despite continued interest. Representatives like Joe Fitzgibbon (D-West Seattle) believe this year's debate could lay the groundwork for action in the future.
It's a great starting point for a future year's rent regulation effort," Fitzgibbon said.
Another dividing line between lawmakers is environmental protection, with Republicans concerned a climate change planning bill passed by the House will slow housing construction and undo some of the efforts to streamline building regulations.
The bill, which has caused a divide among legislators, would expand the no-boat buffer zone around Southern Resident Orca pods to 1,000 yards. Opponents argue this is too far for whale watching, considering it's almost half a nautical mile. Supporters of the measure insist that it is necessary for the preservation, as human activity can be disruptive to their feeding and hunting patterns.
The WRAP Act, also known as the WRAP Act, which would have overhauled the state's recycling system, never came to the floor for a vote despite its progress in committee.
The division continues to infiltrate healthcare, with Democrats advocating for bills that guarantee abortion and gender-affirming care. Senate Bill 5599 seeks to abolish the requirement of shelters to inform a runaway's parents if they are seeking gender-confirmation treatment or reproductive health services and are strongly opposed by Republicans. Although Democrats initially wanted to pass a law amending the state constitution to maintain abortion rights, this did not have enough support to come into effect. Consequently, Democrats have undertaken steps to protect Washington dwellers from potential court battles involving abortions or gender-inclusive healthcare access, along with legislation that lowers the cost of abortion services for patients.
With hospitals struggling with nurse shortages, legislators continue to focus on building up the state's nurse workforce. A hospital nurse staffing bill, one of them, was negotiated at length to resolve disagreements between nurse unions and hospital administrators. The Senate passed a compromise version to strengthen the state's oversight and enforcement of hospital nursing plans.
Additionally, lawmakers will tackle legislation targeted to reshape how the state handles domestic violence, curb the statute of limitations for civil cases involving child sex abuse, and provide free meals to more students at school. In February, the House discussed a similar bill. Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig has reported a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the proposed wealth tax measure.
As our state heads into a recession, our local politicians focus on Social issues and increasing taxes on all residents and businesses. Has this state ever focused on Economic growth or solely on social issues? Does anyone know what this states economic policy is? Have you ever heard Jay Insleeʼs discuss our state's economic policy and what he is doing to promote growth? I havenʼt. Why? I believe Mr. Inslee isnʼt promoting or focused on economic growth because of the followingŁ
- He doesnʼt know anything about promoting economic growth and assumes that because we always had companies that did exceptionally well, those companies will continue to do well.
- Inslee doesnʼt understand that the backbone of our state's growth is small businesses supporting each community. Large businesses like Microsoft and Amazon support the higher-income portion of the state population, but small business supports the rest. After three years of disastrous covid policy, small businesses need help getting up and going again.
- Mr. Inslee, not having worked in the private sector to any major extent, has a level of liberal distaste for business and the typical taxpayer. All of his high-minded policy changes have shown a level of complete business and taxpayers. His unwillingness to listen to the business community is has been consistent.
Congralutations John!
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