Olympia Update

By Sen. Mark Schoesler, Rep. Joe Schmick and Rep. Mary Dye

OLYMPIA–After 60 days of public hearings, lengthy floor debate, citizen rallies and meeting with citizens from all corners of Washington state, the 2020 legislative session is now in the history books, wrapping up the public's business on Thursday, March 12–and without a special session.

It is our highest honor to represent the citizens of our beloved 9th District at the state Capitol. However, the end of this session was a welcome sight. We believe anything longer would have allowed the majority party to inflict more damage against the good citizens of Washington.

With a new progressive House Speaker at the helm, a strong Seattle-centric theme emerged this session, in which Westside majority Democrats and Gov. Inslee pushed their agenda, while ignoring the concerns and wishes of most citizens outside the greater Puget Sound region.

Three striking examples:

•Parents ignored–Despite thousands upon thousands of emails, phone calls, and letters from parents, students, teachers and other concerned citizens, Democrats passed mandatory K–12 comprehensive sexual health education in our public schools with not one Republican vote. The bill takes away local control and requires school districts to either choose from a state-approved curriculum or develop a curriculum that meets the standards of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The curriculum offered by OSPI for the lower grades is so graphic, TVW placed a viewer discretion advisory for those who watched the six-hour House debate.

•Tax/fee relief ignored–In November, nearly 53 percent of voters approved $30 car tabs, which, to our disappointment, were immediately challenged in the courts by local government officials. With the state enjoying a $2.4 billion budget surplus, while taxpayers are still paying the higher car tab fees and experiencing sticker shock over their new property tax statements, we felt you should get some of that money back. Republicans proposed legislation and amendments to lower car tab fees to $30 and provide millions in property tax relief. In addition, Sen. Schoesler introduced Senate Bill 6174 to eliminate the $30 yearly Discover Pass and other fees associated with visiting Washington's 124 state parks. Democrats rejected each of these efforts and provided no tax relief.

•Homelessness solutions ignored - Rather than addressing the core elements leading to homelessness, such as drug abuse, mental health, and the lack of affordable housing, the majority party doubled down on legislation against rental property owners, allowing tenants to pay deposits, fees and previous month's rent in installments. We are concerned this will lead to more owners getting out of the rental business and reduce housing.

We, on the other hand, listened to your voices and those of your 9th District neighbors, and remembered your concerns with every vote we took. We fought against bills that would have boosted gasoline and diesel prices through new fuel mixture mandates. We blocked legislation that would have limited the types of guns and amount of ammunition you own. We prevented elimination of the death penalty and removal of life in prison without parole, which could have allowed the release of murderers within only 15 years of time served.

We also celebrate other successes, including passage of a bipartisan supplemental transportation budget that continues advancement of projects Gov. Inslee put on hold after passage of the car-tab initiative. In the 9th District, this budget funds new lanes on highways 26 and 195 out of Colfax and safety improvements on both highways. A supplemental capital budget, which was passed by the Legislature unanimously, provides funding for improvements to the historic Pataha Flour Mill Elevator and planning for a booster pump station, both in Pomeroy.

We were also encouraged by a recent federal report that recommends against breaching Snake River dams, although you can count on us to be ever vigilant against removal.

Several bills we authored are also on their way to the governor:

Sen. Mark Schoesler

•Senate Bill 5402 cleans up outdated and inaccurate language in state tax laws.

•Senate Bill 5591 waives the $15 fee on a stolen vehicle check.

•Senate Bill 6218 provides fair pension benefits for state troopers.

•Senate Bill 6499 ensures privacy of medical information in public employee retirement files.

Rep. Joe Schmick

•House Bill 2448 defines eligibility and admission requirements for enhanced services facilities.

•House Bill 2755 creates transparency in the charges and billing of air ambulance services.

Rep. Mary Dye

•House Bill 2579 creates a feasibility study of a wild horse training program for inmates at Coyote Ridge Correctional Center (modeled after a successful program in Arizona).

The final bill that passed just before we adjourned provides $175 million for coronavirus response. The funds will be used to slow the outbreak, test for the virus and help with treatment for more severe cases of respiratory illness. Federal resources are also expected.

Although session is over, we work for you throughout the year. Please continue to contact our offices in Olympia with any questions, comments or concerns about legislation and state government. Thank you for the honor of allowing us to serve and represent you!