Olympia Update

OLYMPIA–When the Washington State Legislature strays too far on ideology or misguided policy, the citizens of this state are adept at making their voice heard.

Last session, a bill was introduced by the majority party in Olympia that would harm hairstylists and other contractors. Many of these were single mothers or second income individuals who desperately needed the freedom in scheduling that being a contractor–instead of an employee–allowed. They came out in force, both on social media and in person. The message was received and those who sponsored the bill backed down.

Fast forward to this year. Democrats in the state Legislature are pushing for a comprehensive sex education bill that would fundamentally change how and when students learn about sexual health.

Bar none, this issue has generated the most social media response, the most emails, phone calls, and letters than any issue this session. My office has thousands of emails in opposition. When the proposal was brought to the House Education Committee, over 600 individuals signed up to testify against the bill.

In a variety of ways, using different words, the message was the same: this is too much, too soon.

The legislation in question, Senate Bill 5395, has now passed both the House and Senate, with not one vote of support from Republicans in either chamber. This is purely a Democrat proposal; they need to own it.

The bill takes away local control and places mandates on certain aspects of sexual health education. It requires sex education in all grades, including K-3.

By grade four, some of the stuff in the approved curriculum would make you blush. If I explained what's in store for our high school students under the legislation, I may very well violate the new Legislative Code of Conduct law set forth by the Legislature.

In fact, during the six-hour debate on the House floor, TVW had to post a warning: "Mature subject matter–Viewer discretion advised."

During floor debate, we had over 200 amendments ready to address citizen concerns. In the end, the majority party only allowed us to present 15, ultimately voting each down and passing the bill on a party-line vote.

I agree with the sentiment being expressed by the vast majority who have contacted me regarding this legislation. Again, too much, too soon. Discussions like this are best decided by local communities with ample input from parents, teachers and school district officials. Standards, values, beliefs and expectations vary from community to community across this state. Why should something as serious, personal and intimate as sexual health be decided by a bureaucrat from Olympia?

I encourage interested readers to look at the approved lesson plans for all grades. You can find that information at http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/files/uploads/3Rs_ALL_Lesson_Plans.pdf

With as much grassroots community outpouring against this bill as there is, you'd think the majority party would get the message and put this bill down. Instead, they're telling us the governor is poised to sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk.

While concerned citizens can still contact the governor's office via his website at http://www.governor.wa.gov and urge him to veto the bill, I'm not sure he'll listen. If the $30 car tab initiative last year taught us anything it's that there are those in places of power who believe they know best and they're not inclined to listen to the will of the people.

However, the battle may not be over. In this state, a referendum on legislation can't be filed until the bill is signed into law. It will be interesting to see if a referendum on the Democrat sex education bill is filed the day the governor signs the bill, or the next.

I encourage people to stay tuned and stay engaged on this issue. It's not over yet.

(Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, is the ranking Republican on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee)