News
Nearly half of Republican caucus signs on to “License to Hate” bill 4/26/2013
-Sen. Kevin Ranker
Yesterday, nearly half of the caucus that promised not to pursue so-called social issues introduced legislation that would sanction discrimination by businesses against gay and lesbian customers.
One-word amendment to help fund education fails in Senate 4/23/2013
Today Sen. Christine Rolfes, D- Kitsap County, proposed an amendment to fund basic education in our state by closing a tax exemption created in the 1940s for the lumber industry but which now benefits five large oil refineries in our state.
The amendment was to be added to Senate Bill 5895, a bill that addresses how education will be funded in our state and relies on one-time fund transfers and sweeps. After intense debate on the Senate floor, the amendment fell short by a 22–25 vote.
Eye on the Majority: Republican majority continues war on middle class employees 3/18/2013
-Sen. Steve Conway
Throughout the 2013 legislative session, the Republican majority has passed one bill after another that would erode wages and benefits for working men and women in communities across our state. I'm sad to report that this relentless assault on middle-class families continued in the days leading up to the deadline for Senate bills to be voted on, when they passed four more such bills.
Eye on the Majority: We’re all for bipartisanship, except when it’s not our idea 3/12/2013
- Sen. Jeannie Darneille
Today, members of the Republican-dominated majority caucus voted to block a bill sponsored by Sen. Nathan Schlicher from coming to the floor for debate and a vote.
Eye on the Majority: Scorn for the middle class 3/11/2013
- Sen. Bob Hasegawa
It’s so easy to get caught up in the political maneuvering in Olympia that lawmakers sometimes lose sight of how what we do impacts the lives of the men, women and families across our state. Seattle’s paid sick leave law is a great example. The law promotes good public health and provides an important protection for employees, ensuring that employees will not have to choose between risking their health and providing for their families. Yet the Republican majority pushed through a bill today to override the will of Seattle voters and roll back the sick leave law.
Strike Two: Where are the jobs? 3/8/2013
- By Sen. Karen Keiser
At the start of the legislative session, the leaders of the Republican majority vowed to focus on education, jobs and the budget. As we learned earlier this week, they’ve struck out famously on education. And I’m here to tell you today that they’re doing no better on jobs.
Strike One: An F in school funding 3/7/2013
-Sen. Christine Rolfes
At the start of the legislative session, the leaders of the Republican majority promised to focus on education, jobs and the budget.
Who needs a fully functioning Supreme Court anyway? 3/6/2013
-Sen. Nick Harper
Just days after the State Supreme Court ruled that Tim Eyman’s I-1053 is unconstitutional, three Republican Senators decided that the best way to fund education in our state is to fire four Justices.
Eye on the Majority: Bipartisan success or partisan politics? You be the judge 2/22/2013
Protect kids and the environment? Republicans call it a day instead 2/21/2013
With the Republicans in control, the environment and our quality of life are under attack in Olympia.
While Republican members of the Senate have personally voiced support for the bill that would take toxic chemicals out of couches and strollers, on Thursday the chair of the Energy, Environment & Telecommunication Committee made sure the bill to protect our children and families died in committee.