January 18, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week began with the legislature honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Both the House and Senate chambers offered floor resolutions remembers Dr. King’s legacy. I spoke in strong support of the resolution and that we are stronger when we work together. Click here to watch my speech.

As we continue working remotely this year, please remember that your participation in the legislative process is more important than ever to ensure that the legislature keeps “of the people” front and center in its decision-making. If there is anything I can do to help you participate, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by phone at (360) 786-7612 and by email at Shelly.Short@leg.wa.gov.

Action Item follow up: Thank you!

Last week, I shared information with you on Senate Bill 5114 which was recently introduced to begin safely reopening Washington and how it would allow for all business affected by the governor’s current shutdowns to reopen safely and immediately under the standards of Phase 2. On Wednesday, the Senate State Government and Elections Committee heard this bipartisan bill and thanks to YOU, over 1,500 people signed in to support this legislation.

Additionally this week, the Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee held a work session where lawmakers were able to ask detailed questions to the state Department of Health on the metrics they’re using for the current restrictions – and point out how we are not consistent with what other states are doing. Click here to watch a replay.

.

.

Good and bad bills on the move

In addition to Senate Bill 5114 mentioned above, here are a few bills you need to know about that are making their way through the legislature.

Good:

• Senate Bill 5037 - would establish transparent metrics for reopening schools and allow for in-person learning in certain circumstances. Republicans and Democratic education leaders worked together and asked the governor to include all teachers and school administrative staff in the current vaccine schedule. While I applaud the governor for moving our school staff to the front of the line, we need to do more to get our kids back in the classroom. This is a major step in doing just that.

Bad:

• During the first week of session, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402 was passed on a party-line vote on the Senate floor; I opposed this resolution. This resolution extended all of the governor’s proclamations that were reviewable by the legislature (his shutdown mandates were not reviewable by the legislature) indefinitely – without the consent of the legislature – until the COVID-19 state of emergency is declared over by the governor. While I do not oppose many of the proclamations, I was extremely frustrated that the first action we took on the Senate floor was to capitulate our legislative responsibilities by giving complete deference to the governor. A move that sends the wrong message.

• Senate Bill 5182 – would take away advisory votes on your ballot. Currently, you can advise lawmakers on whether you agree or not with tax increases passed during the previous legislative session. While this vote does not change what the legislature has done, it sends a message to Olympia on how voters feel about these tax increases; more often than not, voters do not agree with the taxes enacted. I oppose this bill; your voice matters to me.

.

.

Participating in YOUR state government

Since most of this session will be conducted online, here is some information on how you can get involved:

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 look forward to communicating with you during session.  It is an incredible privilege to serve as your state senator and be your voice. If you need anything at all, my office is here for you.

Cordially,