Friends, The 2023 legislative session has mercifully come to an end – and it was a train wreck. Democrats effectively legalized hard
drugs when they failed to pass a statewide drug possession law. Democrats refused to make serious reforms to their failed police pursuit law.
Democrats also passed a record-breaking $70 billion budget without providing tax relief of any kind. It’s a sad story, but, as always, we here
at Shift WA have you covered with have insights into what is going on in your own political backyard! Read on…
This week’s
Newsmaker Interview… Representative J.T. Wilcox joined us this week to
discuss his recent announcement to step down as the Leader of the House Republican Caucus, a position he has held since 2018. Wilcox also shared
his insights on the major issues that were debated during the 2023 legislative session, including the Democrats’ failure to pass a much-needed
drug possession law and not supporting meaningful police pursuit reform. Read more. This week’s top
story… Following legislative Democrats’ failure to pass a fix to
the State Supreme Court’s so-called “Blake decision” and implement a much-needed drug possession law, hard drugs – including
deadly substances like fentanyl – are effectively legal in our state. Their failure has left city governments scrambling to pass restrictions of
their own. Despite public backlash, pro-drug legalization Democrats like Representative Roger Goodman are still pushing for their version of a bill
(which is opposed by the mayors) to legalize hard drug possession and public use (and prohibit cities from passing laws that punish drug
users). Read this story and more. In case you
missed it… Cities are already moving to put laws on the books that
would allow for the arrest of people for simple drug possession. Snohomish County cities have moved quickly. Marysville, Arlington, and Lake Stevens
have already passed laws. Sultan, Everett, and Lynnwood are poised to join them. If the state legislature does not meet for a special session to
resolve the problem before July, all cities will have to act, or drugs will be legal. Read this story and more. P.S. Have you signed up for our
Daily Briefing? If not, please take a moment to sign up now by clicking here.
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