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Dear Neighbor,
Just recently, my father came for a visit from New Mexico and I took him on a tour of the Capitol Building in Olympia. I found the tour guide’s explanation of how the building was designed especially profound. The main floor houses state-wide elected officials such as the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and treasurer. Their offices are on the main floor so they are immediately available to the people. The next floor holds both the House of Representatives and Senate chambers where legislation is debated and bills are passed. The top floor contains the public viewing gallery. This is where the public can come and directly view the legislative process.
I believe it is important to remember the people are purposefully placed above all elected persons. We work for the people of our districts and the state. We are here to serve you.
With this in mind, it is proper to recognize we are now passing 557 days of emergency rule by the governor with minimal input and oversight from the people’s representatives. Most recently, my inbox has been flooded with more than 2,500 emails from citizens all throughout the 25th Legislative District concerning the topic of his most recent mandates. So, I’ll spend most of this update speaking about the mandates and the controversy around them.
THE MANDATE
Proclamation 21-14 was issued August 9 and amended by Proclamation 21.14.1 on August 21. At thirteen pages, the latest version is quite long. I’ve included only the highlights below. You can read the full Proclamation here.
In a nutshell, the mandate prohibits any worker from engaging in work in:
- a State agency
- an educational setting
- a healthcare setting
After October 18, 2021 if that worker has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
It allows persons with disabilities and deeply held religious beliefs to apply for an exemption and/or seek proper accommodations.
It defines fully vaccinated as a person who has received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna shots or a single shot of Johnson & Johnson- plus two weeks. This means one must have received all their shots by October 4 to meet that deadline.
THE CONTROVERSY
I fully realize much of the controversy on this topic becomes very emotional very quickly. After all, this mandate has real consequences ranging from health effects to losing the ability to provide for one’s family.
Regardless of how we each may feel about the mandate, we must acknowledge it will have real-world impacts. There will undoubtedly be a certain number of healthcare providers, first responders, and teachers who will simply not comply with the mandate. Again, one can agree with that decision or not, but it will have repercussions:
- we will have fewer police officers on the ground at a time when crime is near an all-time high and we already have fewer per-capita law enforcement officers than any other state
- we will have fewer medical providers and hospital staff as cases surge
- we will have fewer teachers in the classroom (and bus drivers to get them there) at a time when our students are so hungry to learn
So, where do we go from here?
First, I’d encourage the governor to amend the mandate to allow periodic testing in lieu of the shot. Every other state with a mandate allows for this. We are the only state without a testing option.
Next, I continue to encourage my legislative colleagues to convene a special session so that we may once again advocate for the wishes of those we represent. After 557 days of emergency rule, it simply feels our system of government, as represented in the symbolism of the Capitol Building's design, has been turned upside down. It is time for rule by emergency to end and the rule of law to once again prevail.
Want To Get Involved?
One of the most common questions I get comes from people asking what I’m doing for them. I normally respond with all the incredible things I’m doing (trust me - they are pretty incredible...). Today, however, I’d like to provide some opportunities for you to get involved. The links below will take you to all the various State, County, and City level Boards and Commissions that have vacancies. These are really amazing opportunities to influence policy in areas important to you.
Stay connected
Please remember that I am still here to serve you. If there are topics of concern, please reach my office by phone at (253) 840-4523 or by email at Chris.Gildon@leg.wa.gov.
It’s an honor serving you!
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 Chris Gildon
Senator, 25 LD
Deputy Floor Leader
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