|
On January 4th, I was sworn in as your state senator
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we begin a new year, I want to thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your 25th Legislative District state senator. While the 2021 legislative session will be unlike any other, please do not hesitate to contact me by mail, phone or email, at:
110 Irv Newhouse Building
Olympia, WA 98504
(253) 840-4523
Chris.Gildon@leg.wa.gov
My new committee assignments include:
- Human Services, Reentry and Rehabilitation Committee (Ranking Member)
- Housing and Local Government Committee (Assistant Ranking)
- Ways and Means Committee
- Rules Committee
I am also honored that my Senate colleagues chose me to serve as the deputy floor leader.
Legislative priorities
While it seems that our lives have drastically changed over the past year, my priorities continue to be focused on the health and well-being of our community. This year, I’m focused on:
- protecting your pocketbook by passing a fiscally sound budget that does not include any unnecessary new taxes. Our economy has shown incredible resilience and we have sufficient funds to balance the budget without making cuts to services or raising taxes!
- helping connect those in need with available services.
- restoring a balance of power to the branches of government.
.
.
Balance of Power
I’ve heard from so many of you over the past 10 months who asked where the legislative branch is and what am I doing for them in their time of need.
As you may know, there is a gap in current law that allows the executive branch widespread emergency powers. Like you, I believe this gap needs to be corrected so that you can have a voice in any future emergency.
Below are a few bills that seek to bring balance back to our system of state government. I am supportive of all these efforts and hope you will join in that support.
-
Senate Bill 5039 would require legislative approval for any executive emergency proclamation to extend beyond an initial 30-day period. You deserve a voice!
-
Senate Bill 5114 would immediately move us directly to Phase 2 of the current recovery plan. I know you can do it safely. You just need a chance to try.
-
Senate Joint Resolution 8201, which I am sponsoring, seeks to adjust the threshold for the legislature to call itself into a special session when the governor refuses to do so. Specifically, it adjusts from 2/3 required vote (67%) to 3/5 (60%). It is still a high threshold and is the same as that required to pass a school levy.
Kicking off the 2021 legislative session
Lawmakers met in Olympia on opening day and adopted new operating rules that allowed us to meet virtually as well as in-person (15 of our 49 members may be on the floor during debate. All others must participate virtually).
Here are some of the common-sense measures brought forth during that session and the ensuing debate:
- Shelly Short proposed an amendment to safely allow more in-person public participation in the legislative process.
- Mike Padden presented an amendment to allow all Senators to make motions during debate. This has always been standard practice and the majority party now wants to limit our ability to fully represent you by allowing only one Senator from each caucus make a floor motion.
- Phil Fortunato offered an amendment to increase the number of Senators who can participate in-person by expanding “floor space” to both balconies in the Senate Chamber rather than just the Senate floor.
- Doug Ericksen brought forth a Concurrent Resolution to immediately convene a 30-day special session and postpone the full 105-day session until the public health situation allows full public access. Passing important items, such as budget and taxes, should be done with complete transparency and full participation.
On Wednesday, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402 was brought forward. It basically extended all of the governor’s proclamations indefinitely. During that debate, we presented an amendment that would have immediately moved us all into Phase II. It was rejected on a party line vote.
.
Click on the photo to watch Senator Gildon's speech
.
Participating in your state government
Since most of this session will be conducted online, here is some information on how you can stay updated and informed on the legislative decisions being made this year.
Watch a legislative hearing - https://www.tvw.org/
Testify in a committee - https://app.leg.wa.gov/csiremote
Comment on a bill - https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/
I encourage you to reach out to my office with your thoughts, ideas and concerns. Now, more than ever, it is vital that you are connected with the decisions being made by lawmakers.
I look forward to hearing from you and it is an honor serving you!
 Chris Gildon
Senator, 25th LD
|
