Representative Mike Steele Shares Legislative Highlights and Initiatives

Information about issues facing our state and some of the proposed legislative solutions

information released

Dear Friends and Neighbors: As we navigate the early weeks of the 2024 legislative session, I want to share information on the issues facing our state and some of the proposed legislative solutions.

This update will offer you a brief glimpse into the ongoing deliberations on public policy at the state Capitol in Olympia.

From the frontlines: My take on state challenges

Stepping into my position this year as the House Republican Deputy Leader adds an extra layer of intensity to the fast-paced nature of this brief 60-day session. The past several days have been filled with legislative activities, reminding me of the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead.

The initial week unfolded with significant events, including the Governor’s State of the State address. Sen. Nikki Torres, representing the 15th District, delivered the Republican response, echoing the complexities and concerns we face as a community.

Following that, I participated in the AP forum with fellow Republican leaders from both the House and Senate. During the forum, we delved into several important topics. Despite the seriousness of the challenges our state is currently grappling with, I’m encouraged by the steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of our communities.

Some of those pressing issues include:

• #51 in police officers per capita behind all states and D.C. (WASPC Report)
• Homicide is up 96% since 2019, culminating in a new state record (WASPC)
• #1 state most impacted by retail theft (Forbes)
• #2 for property crime (Statista)
• The amount of fentanyl seized by the federal DEA has increased by 1670% since 2019 (DEA)
• #1 largest increase in drug overdose deaths over the past year (CDC Data)
• #4 highest combined sales tax rate in the country (Tax Foundation)
• #3 highest gas prices in the nation (Forbes)
• #4 most expensive state to buy a home (Forbes)
• 60% of students are failing math and 50% are failing reading (OSPI)
• #25 for overall public school system (WalletHub)
• 63% of children under age five do not have access to a nearby childcare provider, which reduces the state workforce by 133,000 (Commerce Report)
• 70% of critical salmon species are not meeting recovery goals or are “in crisis”(Salmon Recovery Office Report)
• Nearly 50% of Washington’s freshwater and 20% of its marine water is polluted (Ecology)
• 2.7 million acres of unhealthy forest (DNR)

Fixing Washington: Bold solutions in key legislative proposals

Instead of dwelling on discussions about these problems and attributing blame, I believe the best choice is to redirect our focus toward solutions. Confronting these challenges demands bold, common-sense strategies that bring together diverse perspectives to bring about necessary changes. That’s why I’m offering you a look at several of the various bills in the legislative process that offer effective solutions.

You can delve into the specifics of these bills by clicking on any of the following links.

• Fix the public safety crisis.
• Fix the affordability crisis.
• Fix the drug crisis.
• Fix the child care crisis.
• Fix the education crisis.
• Fix the housing and homelessness crisis.

If any of the bills in the above categories interest you, here’s a video with instructions on how to track a bill through the legislative process.

Initiatives introduced to the Legislature

The initiative process in Washington state empowers voters to directly create or modify laws. Currently, four initiatives have been officially certified and presented to the Legislature this session.

I-2113 would restore vehicular pursuit tools to law enforcement.

• Why it matters: Our state is indeed grappling with a significant public safety crisis, and a major contributing factor is the limitation of vehicular pursuits. We must address and rectify this issue. Washington has earned the undesirable distinctions of being ranked #1 in the nation for retail theft, #2 for property crime, and #3 for auto thefts. Taking action to address vehicular pursuits is crucial in tackling this pressing problem.

I-2117 would repeal the state’s regressive carbon tax.

• Why it matters: Our state is currently in the midst of an affordability crisis, and this initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on residents by reducing the costs of gas, energy, and groceries. The existing policy has, regrettably, led to increased expenses for families, small businesses, and farmers. Notably, Washington’s gas prices are nearly a dollar above the national average. Repealing the carbon tax would change that.

I-2081 would establish a parents’ bill of rights.

• Why it matters: Our state is currently contending with a crisis in K-12 education, exacerbated by the significant learning loss resulting from the pandemic. The closure of in-class instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic provided parents with a firsthand glimpse into their children’s school experiences. Since 2020, public school enrollment has seen a decline of 3.2%, with no signs of recovery. In contrast, private school enrollment has witnessed a 9.3% increase, and homeschooling has surged by 37%. These figures strongly indicate that families are dissatisfied with public education. The proposed initiative aims to rebuild trust and address the challenges faced by our education system.

I-2109 would repeal the capital gains excise tax imposed on sales and exchanges of long-term capital assets by individuals with capital gains over $250,000.

• Why it matters: This is a straightforward repeal of what is, essentially, an income tax. Washington has a longstanding tradition of opposing a state income tax. Previous attempts to introduce such a tax have faced strong resistance from the public. When proposed on the ballot, initiatives advocating for a state income tax have been consistently rejected by Washington voters. This reflects a widespread sentiment against imposing such a tax.

I-2111 would codify Washington state’s longstanding tradition of prohibiting state and local personal income taxes.

• Why it matters: Washington residents are advocating for significant tax reform, with Initiative 2111 serving as a crucial part of this endeavor. This initiative not only reflects the desires of the people but also stands as sound public policy, bolstering the state’s economy for generations to come. Historically, Washington has staunchly resisted state or local income taxes, a sentiment deeply ingrained in its culture and traditions. I-2111 reinforces this stance by expressly prohibiting such taxes in state law, and aligning state tax policy with federal guidelines.

Battle for fair play: Initiatives struggle to secure timely public hearings

Article II, Section 1(a) of our state constitution defines the priority given to initiatives in the legislative process. It explicitly states that initiative measures, whether certified or provisionally certified, take precedence over all other measures in the legislature, excluding appropriation bills.

Fundamentally, this constitutional provision emphasizes that initiatives, driven by the people’s support, deserve priority in legislative proceedings. This is why my colleagues and I have formally requested, through motions on the House floor, that these initiatives promptly receive a public hearing. Unfortunately, the majority party has unanimously opposed this motion thus far.

Regardless of one’s stance on the proposals, they deserve fair consideration in Olympia. These initiatives are backed by the people. They demand a just and timely evaluation under the constitutional mandate. Along with my colleagues, we will continue to push for that to happen.

Prioritizing the voice of the people

You can view my recent address on the House floor, where I strongly advocate for the immediate consideration of these initiatives by the House of Representatives. During this speech, I stressed the importance of prioritizing these initiatives over other legislative matters and emphasized the significance of ensuring that the voices of Washingtonians are heard.

You are invited! 12th District Virtual Town Hall

Join me, along with Rep. Keith Goehner, as we co-host the 12th District Virtual Town Hall on Monday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. This virtual event will be hosted on Zoom. I encourage you to register today as space is limited. And finally, don’t miss the opportunity to pre-submit your questions on bills and debates happening in Olympia when you register.

Influencing legislation for our district’s values

The strength of our district’s values is most impactful in Olympia when we stand together. Whether you’re contributing insights on bills, presenting testimony remotely or in person, or expressing your thoughts, each action matters. Explore the diverse resources and links provided below to actively engage in the legislative process. Let’s unite to ensure our voices are heard!

• A Citizen’s Guide to Effective Legislative Participation
• Sign up for The Week Ahead, a look at the coming week’s bills.
• Participating in a committee hearing
• Get text alerts from Washington House Republicans.
• Capitol Buzz — daily news clips.
• TVW — Watch committee action and floor debate live online.

Thank you!

Keep an eye out for forthcoming updates in the weeks ahead. Your continuous support is deeply appreciated. Together, we are creating a brighter future for the 12th District and Washington state!

Sincerely,

Mike Steele