About the Author
Washington’s constitution provides for three separate but co-equal branches of government: The executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch. While the executive and judicial branches of government have been allowed to function during the COVID-19 pandemic, the people’s representative legislative body has been frozen out of governing for the past six months. Other governors across the country, including in California, Oregon and Idaho, however, have called special sessions to allow lawmakers to address COVID related policies and budget deficits.
With no end in sight to the COVID pandemic and a significant budget deficit projected (up to $9 billion over three years), it is important to remember the constitutional role lawmakers should be allowed to fulfill. To help address this concern, the Washington Policy Center held a virtual policy event with several lawmakers on August 19 focused on these issues:
- The need for a special session and legislative response to balance the budget with Sen. Braun, Rep. Chapman and Rep. Wilcox (starts at 3:19 mark)
- The importance of occupational licensing reform to help recover economic growth and provide job opportunities with Rep. Vick (starts at 17:16 mark)
- The need to prioritize safe, reliable roads and the questionable policy and fiscal priorities of WSDOT with Rep. Barkis (starts at 25:41 mark)
The virtual event concluded with audience Q&A of the lawmakers (starts at 37:57 mark). You can view the full event here.
Additional Information
How many lawmakers support a legislative special session?
Washington waives license requirements for the privileged, not for the poor
Governor’s Office considering mileage tax to replace gas tax and increase revenue