For many years I have been a proponent of harnessing technology to allow people to testify before legislative committees from remote locations – meaning somewhere besides the Capitol itself. It can be a tremendous tool for the public, especially people in eastern Washington. Our years of work to expand the availability of remote testimony is of even greater importance now given the pandemic and lack of public access to the state Capitol campus.
At the end of the day, however, remote testimony is a tool, and to be effective it must be used properly. That is why I am disturbed by what occurred this past week in the State Government Committee.