Friends,

 

The 2024 legislative session is over – and we all survived to keep on keeping you up-to-date with an item or two of interest last week from your own backyard. Read on…

 

Rep. J.T. Wilcox (R-Yelm) recently announced his retirement, concluding a 14-year tenure in the State House of Representatives. During his memorable service, he was the Republican Floor Leader for six years, followed by five years as the House Republican Leader. Rep. Wilcox’s principled leadership will be greatly missed.

 

Given Rep. Wilcox’s impact on our state and his pending retirement from the State Legislature, we are pleased to bring you an interview he did with Washington House Republican Radio. Listen to the full interview here.

 

Shift began the 2024 legislative session by utilizing Washington State Standard coverage, and now that the Sine Die has occured, we revisit the same source to see what was done to us. During the session, Washington lawmakers introduced nearly 1,200 bills covering diverse topics such as education, public safety, taxes, housing, and even unconventional subjects like octopus farming. Fortunately, only a minority of these bills, around 340, successfully passed the Legislature and are now on their way to Gov. Jay Inslee for consideration. Read this story and more.

 

Before the close of session, the State Legislature passed the controversial “natural gas ban” bill, a priority for Gov. Jay Inslee. The bill “assists” Puget Sound Energy in transitioning customers from gas to electricity. Democrats' notion of "transition" involves granting PSE the ability to ban natural gas hookups for new customers, while existing customers foot the bill for this initiative. The narrow 50-45 vote in the State House, including dissent from some vulnerable Democrats, underscores the contentious nature of the bill, criticized by realists as a "sweetheart deal" for PSE that burdens ratepayers with higher costs. Read this story and more.

 

Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature, as captured by former U.S. Congressman Rod Chandler.