We deserve better
We are halfway through the legislative session. At this point in the process, the action moves from the hearing rooms to the Senate floor as we hit high gear sending bills to the House, and vice versa. Unfortunately, our work on Friday was interrupted in a disturbing way.
I often talk about the large degree of bipartisanship in the Legislature and that is still largely the rule, not the exception. However, on Friday, the Senate Republican majority exercised their power in such a politically-motivated and unproductive way that I need to mention it here.
With no notice, the Senate Republicans used a nomination vote to fire the Secretary of Transportation, an appointee of the Governor. It was obvious that this was simply a move to undermine and embarrass the Governor. The implications are serious. If the Senate is going to arbitrarily fire a cabinet secretary, how are we going to get competent people to take these important jobs? Plus, this surprise move, which took up considerable time on the Senate floor, is a complete distraction from our other work, particularly our paramount duty to fund basic education in our state.
We are under a Supreme Court order to fully fund education but the Senate Republicans refuse to move forward on the bipartisan plan to meet this Constitutional obligation. Instead, they are trying to deflect attention by attacking the Governor. The citizens of Washington State deserve better.
Spokane town hall
With the legislative session flying by, my 3rd Legislative seatmates and I will host a Spokane town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. The meeting is a perfect opportunity for constituents to provide feedback and have their questions answered on education funding, job creation, health and wellness, transportation improvements, and much more. Please join me for what should be a rewarding discussion.
Town Hall Meeting Details:
- When: Saturday, Feb. 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Where: Northeast Community Center — 4001 N Cook, Spokane
Feel free to contact my office for directions or if you have any questions about the event at 360-786-7604 or andy.billig@leg.wa.gov.
Tele town hall tonight
If you are unable to attend the in-district town hall, I encourage you to participate in a telephone town hall hosted by my seatmates and me.
Under this format, thousands of constituents will receive telephone calls just before 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, Feb. 8, asking if they would like to stay on the line and participate. Participants may ask questions of their lawmakers and hear answers to other questions as well.
If you would like to participate, you may call in at 877-229-8493 and enter the ID code 18646.
Keeping in Touch
If you have a comment, idea or question, please let me know. I would love to hear from you!
You can email me at andy.billig@leg.wa.gov or call me at 360-786-7604.
Due to election-year restrictions, we had to restart our e-newsletter distribution list. If you or someone you know would like to get their own copy of my weekly e-newsletter, please forward them this email and tell them to click here to sign up.
Onward!
Andy
