Note: This e-newsletter originally was distributed to Sen. Gildon’s subscribers Feb. 22, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Gildon’s e-newsletters, click here.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve had some surprising news at the statehouse. Our majority Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate have announced they will permit hearings on three of the six initiatives submitted to the Legislature by the people this year. These hearings will take place next week, just days before the 2024 Legislature is due to adjourn.
These initiatives deal with issues that rank among top concerns for the people of the 25th Legislative District – banning income taxes, restoring police pursuits and affirming parental rights.
These hearings will give you an opportunity to tell the Legislature what you think of these major issues. The links below will lead you to Web pages that allow you to register your opinion. On each page, click on “select agenda item” and choose the initiative listed. You can sign in to register your opinion, present written testimony, or testify, either in-person or remotely. Registration closes one hour before each hearing begins.
I-2111 would ban a personal income tax in Washington. The people have voted no on an income tax 11 straight times.
Click here to watch this hearing on TVW, live or repeat.
I-2081 would create greater government transparency and require schools and health-care providers to inform parents or legal guardians of services provided to a minor child.
Click here to watch this hearing on TVW, live or repeat.
I-2113 restores the ability of police to pursue criminals and suspects, based on a standard of “reasonable suspicion.” Most police pursuits were banned in 2021, though some have been restored for specific violent crimes.
Click here to watch this hearing on TVW, live or repeat.
For more information about this year’s initiatives, click here.
What happens next?
Although hearings are being held on these three initiatives, we still don’t know whether our colleagues will permit the House and Senate to vote on them. Under our constitution, there are only three options when initiatives are submitted to the Legislature. It can pass them, it can reject them and allow them to proceed to the ballot, or it can vote to place alternative measures on the ballot.
However, hearings are not being scheduled on three other initiatives submitted to the Legislature this year, meaning those measures are sure bets to advance to the ballot. They are:
- Initiative 2117 – Repealing cap-and-trade, which has boosted gas prices about 50 cents a gallon.
- Initiative 2109 – Repealing the capital gains income tax, Washington’s first stab at an income tax, and a major hit on small business and tech startups.
- Initiative 2124 – Ending the mandatory payroll tax for long-term care, by allowing Washington workers to opt out of the troubled WA Cares insurance program.
The fact that three of the people’s initiatives will be getting hearings at long last is a pleasant surprise, but it is unfortunate that all six will not be heard. The hearings set up a fascinating drama for the final days of the 2024 Legislature – stay tuned!
Thanks for reading — it is an honor serving you!
Sincerely,
Sen. Chris Gildon, 25th Legislative District
Deputy Leader, Senate Republican Caucus
Contact me!
PHONE: (360) 786-7648
E-MAIL: Chris.Gildon@leg.wa.gov
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 40425/ Olympia, WA 98504
LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE: 1-800-562-6000
NOTE: Written communications are subject to disclosure under the Washington Public Records Act.