We’ve completed the first week of the 2022 legislative session. It’s already been an eventful start, with many challenges and achievements. As the Omicron variant continues to spread, the majority party has once again mandated a remote session, with highly restricted attendance by lawmakers and members of the public. While it is wise to take reasonable precautions, I do not believe that shutting the people and their elected representatives out of the people’s house is necessary.
We’ve been under the governor’s state of emergency for nearly 700 days now, with no apparent end in sight. Many of my colleagues and I support the BALANCE Act, which requires all executive emergency orders – not just some, as is now the case – to expire within 30 days unless they are reauthorized by the Legislature. The bill is aimed at restoring the proper constitutional balance of power between the branches of government.
The continued restrictions on public access only make it more challenging to be informed about what is going on in Olympia and make sure your voice is heard. Our office is here to help on both fronts.