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Dear Friend:
The 60-day legislative session began on Monday with opening ceremonies in the House and Senate. In my floor speech that day, I talked about how House Republicans are bringing big ideas to the table and that is was important for the majority party to listen. You can watch it here.
On Tuesday, Gov. Inslee delivered his state of the state address. Following his address, Sen. Chris Gildon provided the Republican perspective. House and Senate Republicans then held our first media availability of 2022 – something we will do weekly throughout the legislative session.
2022 Session Operations Plan
The 2022 legislative session will operate much like 2021: Largely remote. For the second year in a row, House Republicans fought for more transparency and public access to the Capitol campus – while still respecting the challenges presented by COVID-19. But it didn’t happen. You can find the latest version of the 2022 Session Operations Plan for the House at this link.
There are still several ways for you to be involved in the legislative process. This web page is a great resource for you or anyone who wants to be a part of their citizen Legislature. From state budgets, to taxes, public safety, and homelessness, there are several important issues that will be debated and decided this year. We need your voice in the arena.
House Republican priorities
I spent last week participating in legislative forums, talking to reporters and editorial boards, and meeting with stakeholders. It is clear there are serious problems facing our state and a sense of urgency to address them. I can tell you House Republicans are ready to meet these challenges head on with real solutions.
In my time in the Legislature, I have never seen a minority party put forward more comprehensive proposals. It started last year, with our operating budget framework and REAL Recovery for Washington Act – two plans that shaped the debates and policies on subsequent legislation.
This year, House Republicans have introduced comprehensive packages of legislation that address public safety, transportation funding, and the environment, in addition to bills that would provide property tax relief, address homelessness, and enact emergency powers reform.
I discuss some of these issues in my weekly video update, which you can find here. I will continue to share these videos with you throughout the legislative session.
Preview of next week: Long-term care insurance program and payroll tax
House Republicans have also sponsored legislation to repeal and replace the controversial long-term care program and payroll tax. The House is expected to vote on two bills next week dealing with this issue.
House Bill 1732 would delay the implementation of the program by 18 months and push premium collections out to July 1, 2023. And House Bill 1733 would create four new voluntary exemptions from the program. Please stay tuned.
Other ways to stay connected
In addition to the information on this web page, our social media platforms offer you an opportunity to receive information and stay connected to what’s happening in Olympia:
Please also bookmark and share our legislative news aggregator: The Ledger. This dynamic platform is a must-visit for anyone who wants a convenient snapshot of what’s happening in the Legislature each day.
I’ll touch base with you again next Friday.
Sincerely,
Rep. J.T. Wilcox
House Republican Leader
(360) 786-7912
JT.Wilcox@leg.wa.gov
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