April 1 - May 22, 2020

5/22/2020

While Governor Jay Inslee has been in front of the cameras for nearly all COVID-19 outbreak announcements by the state, he was nowhere to be found when it was revealed his Employment Security Department (ESD) was the victim of one of the largest scams perpetrated in United States history.  It required federal agents to notify state officials that Inslee’s ESD had processed and deposited “hundreds of millions of dollars” in fraudulent unemployment benefits to a “well organized Nigerian fraud ring.” Instead of taking accountability and standing before the cameras to explain why his administration allowed this historic theft to take place, Inslee quickly canceled his previously planned media event (providing a false excuse for the cancelation) and hid from the public while pushing his department head Suzi LeVine out to inform Washington citizens that their tax money was now in the accounts of foreign criminals.  The lack of anything close to efficient oversite by the Inslee Administration has not only cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars, but it also has slowed down the process for sending much needed relief to the thousands of Washington workers who have lost their wages.  This is a screw up on a massive scale.  Governor Jay Inslee not only needs to explain why this happened under his watch, but also why he has hidden and not been accountable to Washington taxpayers. C’mon mainstream media, Inslee should not be allowed any more airtime or coverage until he answers these basic questions. (Seattle Times and Todd Herman Twitter)

Republican legislators have called for a mid-June special session to put the state’s finances in order.  Governor Inslee and the Democrats are hesitant to the timing of the session because it would allow the public to watch lawmakers consider reducing the scheduled 3% pay raise for state employees going into effect July 1^st.  While Governor Inslee’s “emergency” orders have resulted in historic private-sector job losses, state employees have experienced almost no loss in wages.  (In fact, the state was over two months into the crisis before Inslee finally called for a hiring freeze – didn’t we all know back in March this outbreak was going to have a dramatic negative impact on state revenues?) Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler explained why a special session is needed, “The Legislature has been kept on the sidelines for more than two months while the governor exercised emergency powers long past the time when his original goal of ‘flattening the curve’ was realized and hospital resources were not overwhelmed. Republicans have listened to the people and looked at the data and have seen what the micromanagement by the executive branch is doing to our communities. It is time for the legislative branch to intervene.” (Seattle Times and Governor Inslee’s Press Release)

State officials finally confirm they have included in their previous COVID-19 death counts a number of individuals who tested positive for the virus but died from other causes.  Earlier this week, Governor Inslee denied this fact and called it “malarkey” and he publicly condemned those (the Freedom Foundation) who first reported this information for “fanning these conspiracy claims from the planet Pluto.”  Did the governor’s staff fail to tell him they were providing false information to the public or was he covering up their malicious activities – and will anyone lose their job for intentionally misleading the public? Either way, this is one more indictment against Inslee’s claim that he is making his decisions based on “data” and “science.” (Freedom Foundation)

One month after revealing his COVID-19 dashboard, Governor Inslee’s “dials” have become irrelevant.  Where do we start? Inslee’s infamous dials do not accurately reflect data, are apparently influenced by data Inslee’s team refuses to publicly reveal, and are heavily influenced by outdated statistics.  Most telling is the dial that reflects testing in the state. It has been moved slightly in the positive direction this week, despite fewer tests being performed and the fact many of the earlier tests are now irrelevant (people who tested negative for COVID-19 in March are not necessarily virus-free two months later). Inslee keeps saying his decisions are based on “science” and “data,” yet he never reveals the “science” he is using and the “data” he reveals is outdated and useless. (Washington Policy Center)

5/21/2020

Washington State has the highest unemployment rate in the country and fellow (Democrat-only) Western States Pact members are right behind.  Washington State has 30.8% of its civilian workforce seeking unemployment claims (some of which can be attributed to fraudulent claims the state was not prepared for), while fellow Pact members Nevada (24.5% – the 2^nd worst in the nation), Oregon (23.8% – the 3^rd worst), and California (19.6% – the 7^th worst) are nearly as bad.  It is telling that the only other Pact member, Colorado, has just 8.3% unemployment. Could this be because Colorado Governor Jared Polis has been less partisan than the other Democrat governors in his decisions, and has been far more responsive to the public to safely reopen his state’s economy? It is interesting to note that neighboring Western states with Republican governors have a far lower percentage of unemployment claims  – Arizona (7.0%), Idaho (7.2%), and Utah (5.7%).  Remind us again how being a member of the (Democrats-only) Western States Pact is a benefit for Washington residents??? (Tax Foundation)

The Mayor of Burlington has taken issue with Governor Jay Inslee using the coronavirus outbreak to “peddle” his climate change agenda.  Like many Washington State residents, Mayor Steve Sexton is growing frustrated over the increasingly partisan and self-serving actions of the governor.  Sexton, who was supportive of Inslee’s initial orders, has become “pissed off” that Governor Inslee is more focused on his political agenda then he is on the health and economic recovery of his constituents.  Sexton was referring to Inslee’s appearance on Bernie Sanders’ YouTube program where the governor said he was willing to use the “crisis to peddle a solution to climate change.”  Speaking of Washington mayors, isn’t it telling that Governor Inslee has time to promote himself to Bernie Sanders non-Washington State socialist audience, but doesn’t have the time to return the multiple phone calls of the Gig Harbor mayor who is seeking to protect the workers and business owners in his community?  Apparently for Jay Inslee, self-serving political actions are a priority over the health and well-being of Washington residents. Maybe Jay thinks that Senator Sanders might need a climate czar after Bernie replaces controversy-plagued Joe Biden as the Democrat nominee this summer. (Skagit County Herald, Bernie Sanders’ YouTube program, and News Tribune)

Currently, Washington is one of a few states that will force businesses to pay increased unemployment insurance taxes to replenish the fund that has been decimated by the COVID-19 crisis. Because, the Democrats love higher taxes! This increased tax will slow the state’s economic recovery and reduce the number of jobs available to unemployed workers.  The increased tax could be the determining factor in whether a business stays open. The slow and politically self-serving actions of Governor Inslee are only increasing the future financial burdens on our state’s small businesses. (Washington Policy Center)

Under Governor Inslee’s watch, Washington State is the #1 target of fraudulent unemployment claims in the country. Following poor performances at the Department of Corrections and Department of Social and Human Services which helped to spread the virus,  the leadership put in place by Inslee at Washington’s Employment Security Department has not performed well during the coronavirus outbreak.  The state found out after the money was gone that it was paying out millions in fraudulent unemployment claims, before having to shut down to repair its broken process for verifying requests (while thousands of Washington residents had their checks delayed).  Despite state agencies being one of the very few workplaces with full employment during the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Inslee’s management team has not served the needs of Washington residents well. (Krebson Security, Seattle Times, and News Tribune)

More of Governor Inslee’s contributors from the tribal casino community are disregarding state health restrictions and are planning to reopen next week.  Along with other Western Washington tribal gambling facilities, the Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino will open their doors May 26 to allow hundreds (if not thousands) of gamblers to gather. Meanwhile, nearby non-tribal small business owners are idle as they wait for Inslee to allow them to rehire employees and pay much needed tax revenues by resuming operation.  At least Governor Inslee did not display his lack of compassion for the non-tribal business owners and workers by proclaiming his support of the reopening casinos by stating “I hope they are very very successful,” as he did when the Angel of the Winds opened last week. (Everett Herald and Seattle Times)

5/20/2020

Former Democrat State Legislator condemns the membership of Governor Inslee’s “Safe Work and Economic Recovery Leaders Group”.  In an op-ed, former State Senator Rodney Tom ridicules Inslee’s decision to have the group’s top business executive be the communications director for a winery. This is especially shocking when Washington State has so many Fortune 500 companies.  Tom is critical that much of the group is made up of state employees and they are not the ones who should be making the recovery decisions.  He writes, “They’re still getting a full paycheck, and their defined-benefit pension plan won’t be jeopardized if the economy is cut in half. They won’t lose the business they spent a lifetime building. They don’t have to worry about missing next month’s mortgage payment because their small business is still closed.” (Seattle Times)

The Washington Research Council released a report on initial Washington State unemployment claims by sector during the coronavirus outbreak and government workers continue to do far better than those in the private sector.  Employees in the hospitality, health services, retail, and construction industries continue to lead the list of those who have applied for unemployment benefits.  The government employee sector continues to experience extremely little job loss during the past couple of months.  This fiscally irresponsible combination of out-of-control government spending and lost tax revenues will soon lead to a financial crisis at all levels of state and local government, while liberal politicians will demand both a federal bailout and higher taxes to maintain their spending habits. (Washington Research Council)

A corrections officer at the Monroe Corrections Complex has died from the coronavirus.  Berisford Morse last worked at the state prison on April 24^th.  Failure of the Washington State Department of Corrections to follow health guidelines led to a spread of the COVID-19 among the inmates and staff and led Governor Inslee to release 1200 state prisoners on April 13^th.  It is ironic – and very sad – that more corrections officers have died doing their job during the Inslee administration than convicted murderers have died on death row. (Everett Herald and Governor Inslee’s Press Release)

5/19/2020

In a clear example of poor planning and execution by government officials under Governor Inslee, the state of Washington has ordered more than $227 million worth of protective equipment (mostly masks) from a Chinese company, yet more than 75% of the orders are delayed.  Even worse for Inslee, many of the items that have been delivered have be found to be defective by federal officials. The state was to have received 24 million masks by now from China’s BYD, Inc., yet only 4.4 million have been delivered.  Medical facilities at first were waiting for the state to deliver the masks, but have since decided to buy the PPE’s themselves.  A nursing home spokesperson said, “We were without the basic tools of preventing the spread of the virus. We’re not sitting around waiting for the state to provide us PPE.”  California, a fellow member of the (Democrat) Western States Pact, bought a $1 billion in PPEs from BYD and is currently seeking refunds from the Chinese company.  We guess this was part of “best practices” Inslee claimed the pact members would share  . (News Tribune)

After weeks of waiting, Governor Inslee has finally released criteria for larger counties to reopen businesses and resume activities.  Despite having full employment of state workers and access to the reopening plans of his fellow (Democrat) Western States Pact governors, Inslee’s office has been criticized for its slow action to provide counties (of over 75,000 residents) with the important criteria.  Larger counties will need to have fewer than 10 new cases per 100,000 residents over a 14-day period to move to Phase II.  Spokane County has been pushing Inslee’s office for these criteria and it appears to meet this standard. (Inlander)

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is suing the owners of two gyms which have defied Governor Inslee’s orders and have opened their facilities. The businesses are adhering to social distancing guidelines and checking the temperatures of all who enter.  Both gyms plan to fight the state’s actions in court.  It is interesting to note that one of the gyms is in Arlington, near the Angels of the Wind tribal casino which has also defied the governor’s orders.  Yet (because tribal governments are major contributors to Jay Inslee, Bob Ferguson, and the Washington State Democrat Party), Inslee expressed no outrage over the casino’s opening saying, “I hope that they are very, very successful.” (Everett Herald and Seattle Times)

5/18/2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated the lack of real leadership in Governor Jay Inslee and many Democrat officials.  While true leaders would make decisions which are best for the entire state, Inslee and the Democrats have used the outbreak to play partisan games and promote their political agenda.  Inslee has also failed to be honest with Washington residents, and even state legislators, refusing to share the “science” he alleges is behind his decisions. (Shift)

Governor Inslee said we should use the economic hardship that millions are experiencing to “peddle” his climate change political agenda.  While appearing on Bernie Sanders web broadcast (which has had only 9,000 nationwide views in five days), Inslee said, “we should not be intimidated by people who say you should not use this COVID crisis to peddle a solution to climate change.” While millions of Washington residents are looking to state leaders to provide an economic recovery, Inslee continues to be more focused on promoting his failed political agenda (which reduced his national public support from 1% to 0% during his short-lived and partially taxpayer-funded presidential run). (Bernie Sanders web broadcast)

Tens of thousands of Washington workers are having their unemployment benefits delayed, because the state was the easy victim of fraud schemes.  United States Attorney Brian Moran said that Governor Inslee and the state need to “address and fix the vulnerabilities in their system” that have cost Washington State taxpayers millions of dollars. Instead, Inslee’s bureaucrats complained to the media that Moran told people about the significant fraud problem. (Seattle Times)

Governor Inslee’s large contributors at the tribal casinos continue to ignore his emergency orders and announce they will soon re-open.  Following the large crowds at Arlington’s Angel of the Winds Casino over the weekend, other tribal governments decided to open despite the Governor requesting they remain closed, and long before he has authorized non-tribal state entertainment businesses from opening. (Your News)

5/15/2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated the lack of real leadership in Governor Inslee and many Democrat officials.  While true leaders would make decisions which are best for the entire state, Inslee and the Democrats have used the outbreak to play partisan games and promote their political agenda.  Inslee has also failed to be honest with Washington residents by sharing the “science” behind his decisions. (Shift)

Governor Inslee is doing nothing to stop his contributors at the tribal casinos from defying his orders and re-opening their businesses to large crowds.  In fact, the governor stated, “I hope that they are very, very successful.” Meanwhile a non-tribal Everett barber who opened his business, has had his cosmetology license suspended by the state, has received cease and desist orders from the state, could lose his state business license, and has been told he could be arrested.  When asked if the tribal casinos were threatening the health and safety of Washington residents, Inslee replied that he has, “expressed to the tribes that I would very much be more pleased if their openings were consistent with some of the business openings in our state.” If Inslee is truly more concerned about the health of Washington citizens, he would do two things: 1) inform the tribes that he will push for legislation to remove the monopoly on the lucrative sports betting business he gave tribal casinos during the 2020 legislative session, and 2)  return all contributions which he and the Washington State Democrat Party have received from tribal governments.  Yet we do not believe Inslee will do either and we doubt the media will condemn the governor’s hypocrisy. (Seattle Times and Everett Herald)

As state lawmakers begin to consider how to fix the $7 billion (and growing) hole in the state’s budget, Governor Inslee should lead by example and return the hundreds of thousands of dollars he took from Washington taxpayers to finance his failed presidential campaign’s security team.  Inslee’s re-election campaign has thus far raised more than $3.2 million. Inslee could show true leadership by paying the state back for the money that was essentially stolen from the state’s taxpayers by his presidential campaign.  Other governors who have run for president have reimbursed their states for the costs of security – but not Jay.  Instead, he feels the people of Washington needed to be invested in a presidential campaign that was doomed from the start, and proved to be nothing but a vanity run to try and earn Inslee a spot in the next administration, should Democrats win. (Seattle Times and Inslee campaign’s PDC filings)

5/14/2020

A new report from the Washington Policy Center (WPC) reveals that neither “science” nor “data” are accurately reflected in the colorful graphic dials which Governor Jay Inslee has used to justify his arbitrary and partisan COVID-19 decisions. Leave it to the WPC’s Todd Myers to determine that the governor’s scientific-based claims are bunk.  Myers writes, “The dial settings do not match the underlying data trends. There is no data for some of the dials. The dials are extremely imprecise, and some of the metrics the governor uses are meaningless.” One wonders if any member of the local media will ask our Governor to explain the numerous deficiencies of the graphics he is using to fool the public into thinking he is making science-based decisions? Or ask why he refuses to reveal the actual data behind his decisions, especially since he is demanding unprecedented sacrifices from Washington citizens?  Inslee’s lack of transparency, and seemingly only seeking advice for his COVID-19 decisions from partisan supporters, is leading many Washington residents to wonder what the governor is hiding? (Washington Policy Center and Shift)

The Angels of the Wind Casino in Arlington became the first high-profile “non-essential” business to re-open in Washington State, with tribal leaders thumbing their noses at Jay Inslee and his emergency orders.  Governor Inslee, who has benefitted from substantial tribal political contributions, has failed to express any outrage over the Stillaguamish tribe flagrantly defying his shutdown orders. The casino will allow up to 800 people into its buildings to gamble.  Meanwhile, a 71-year-old barber who wears a “Make America Great Again” hat has had his cosmetology license suspended by the state, has received cease and desist orders from the state, could lose his state business license, and has been told he could be arrested because he has opened his small barber shop. (Seattle Times and Everett Herald)

Due to the amount of money available for those seeking unemployment benefits, Washington State is experiencing an increase in the number of fraudulent claims.  As a result, the Employment Security department is holding up checks for two weeks to investigate claims. (Everett Herald)

5/13/2020

After Washington State businesses and non-profits have faced massive job losses for nearly three months, Governor Jay Inslee has finally placed a hiring freeze (with multiple exceptions) on state government employees and personal service contracts. While more than 800,000 Washington workers, mostly from the private and charitable sectors, have filed unemployment claims, and the state revenue shortfall is expected to reach more than $7 billion due to the COVID-19 outbreak, nearly all state employees have continued drawing paychecks. (All that money government employee unions have spent supporting Inslee’s campaigns seems to have paid off.)   Inslee issued his freeze order today, but it does not go into effect until next Monday. We can expect many department heads will be devoting considerable time in the next five days hiring new employees and signing friends to consultant contracts. (Governor Inslee Directive, Idaho Statesmen, and Everett Herald)

Governor Inslee, whose last job in the private sector was as a trial attorney, refused the request of 40 different Washington State medical organizations for liability waivers for medical professionals who are working under unusual circumstances and under state-imposed rules.  For example, under state rules, surgeons have had to determine whether it is an emergency to remove a cancerous growth. If the surgery is postponed, the doctor could be held liable if problems arise.  This is yet another example of Governor Inslee favoring his political contributors (trial lawyers) over the needs of the public. (Governor Inslee’s letter to medical professionals – page 1 and page 2)

State government employees received a 3% pay raise last July, and they are scheduled to receive another 3% salary increase this July, despite the state now facing a  $7 billion revenue shortfall – should Gov. Inslee suspend that increase?  There is a call for Inslee to re-open the contracts and cancel the pay raise before it takes effect.  State laws allows for contracts to be renegotiated if a “significant revenue shortfall occurs resulting in reduced appropriations,” which allowed then-Gov. Christine Gregoire to impose employee furloughs on state employees during the Great Recession.  (Washington Policy Center)

Many people have already raised concerns about Gov. Inslee’s requirement that restaurants must collect contact data of all customers to re-open their business.   Because Inslee has placed his partisan political needs above the well-being of Washington citizens, many people do not trust the state with this information.  The state has not provided guidelines for how officials will use the data and many people are concerned that their name and contact information will be made public (like Inslee’s “snitch list” was made public).  Many have already said they will use fake names and contact information.  Restaurant owners have expressed concerns that they are being forced to develop a safe method to collect and store this information – and you can bet that Inslee’s trial lawyer buddies will love filing lawsuits against owners whenever they can. (MyNorthwest, KING5 News, and Shift)

Representative Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) writes about the “paradigm shift” that will take place as the result of the financial realities of the coronavirus outbreak.  Previously, the Democrats would count on the increased revenues from the improved national economy, and a few new tax increases every legislative session, to pay for their constant demand for increasing government spending.  Recently, many Democrat politicians and special interest groups have called for large tax increases to offset and tax revenue reductions caused by COVID-19.  Yet the public cannot afford this liberal extravagance as financial insecurity has hit nearly everyone. Walsh believes the “new normal doesn’t mean more financial suffering for working Washingtonians. It will mean a major fiscal reckoning of the state government’s budgets. (House Republican Caucus)

A petition has begun to encourage Governor Inslee to re-open the remaining drive-in movie theaters in Washington.  While many other states, including those in the (Democrat) Western States Pact, have either kept their drive-ins open or have already allowed them to re-open, Governor Inslee has yet to announce when Washington drive-ins will be allowed to resume business. (Maybe they should have contributed to Inslee’s campaigns in order to obtain the Governor’s attention.)  Thus far, more than 58,000 people have signed the change.org petition. (Seattle Times and Change.org)

5/12/2020

Governor Jay Inslee and the other four Governors of the (Democrat) Western States Pact showed their partisan approach by asking congressional leaders to give state and local governments a $1 trillion bailout.  In their first public act since the partisan group was first announced a month ago, the five Democrat governors were joined by 12 Democrat Legislators and one confused California Republican in signing the letter, which essentially endorses Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s negotiating position).  This is yet another divisive partisan act from Governor Inslee.  With both the White House and U.S. Senate controlled by Republicans, a letter with Republican governors and Republican legislators might have been more effective.  Unfortunately, Governor Inslee has chosen to be extremely partisan in his approach to the COVID-19 crisis, and thus less effective in providing economic relief to Washington citizens. (Western States Pact letter to congressional leaders)

The state should cut and defer both B&O and property taxes to allow businesses to create jobs and provide economic relief to families.  These are a couple of the key findings in a policy brief from the Washington Policy Center.  While Democrat politicians, government bureaucrats, and liberal special interest groups are calling for higher taxes (including an unconstitutional state income tax), moderates and conservatives are asking for the government to reduce its burden on Washington citizens in order to restart the economy.  The policy brief also called for state officials to provide clear guidance to citizens on how best to re-open businesses and for elected leaders to not play partisan games by picking favorites. (Washington Policy Center)

In yet another story regarding the arbitrary rules placed on Washington State construction projects, it has been found that no one would enforce Governor Inslee’s ban on commercial construction.  While Inslee allowed government projects to continue, private and residential construction projects were told to shut down.  Yet a few commercial projects defied the governor’s orders and the state did nothing to stop their work.  Did the state refuse to enforce Inslee’s ban because they knew that would likely result in a lawsuit, which would likely determine that Inslee’s favoritism of government projects was unlawful? (Seattle Times)

All restaurants and bars will need to keep a list of all customers’ phone numbers and email addresses once they resume businesses.  The state has included this information requirement as part of Phase II of the state re-opening from the coronavirus outbreak. Thus far restaurants are the only business required to keep a list of customers with their contact information.  The state says this list is required in case the state needs to inform customers to get tested due to another person within the establishment contracting the virus. (MyNorthwest)

5/11/2020

Governor Jay Inslee continues to make arbitrary and partisan decisions regarding the safe re-opening of Washington State, without consulting our own legislators (but instead listening to the Democrat governors of other states and three “advisory” groups that consist primarily of his campaign supporters/donors).  Are Inslee’s rules regarding church services even constitutional? In case Inslee forgot, the First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Seems like Inslee’s plans do impact “exercise thereof”. (Shift)

House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox discusses his frustrations over Governor Jay Inslee’s failure to include legislators on the important decisions that are impacting every Washington resident now, and will impact the state’s resources for the next decade. Even though Wilcox is not one of the plaintiffs in a recent lawsuit filed against Inslee by several legislators, he does support their efforts. Wilcox also discusses how the lockdown is having a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health, from not being able to have elective procedures or receive preventative care, to depression caused by isolation, to not being able to attend 12-step meetings. (Shift’s Newsmaker Interview)

The failure of Governor Inslee’s Department of Corrections and Department of Social and Health Services to follow simple health guidelines likely contributed to the spread of the coronavirus in state-run facilities.  Inslee’s continued mis-management of Western State Hospital is especially troubling considering the amount of time and money that has been spent to correct the serious problems that have occurred during Inslee’s two terms. In 2018, the failure of the department and hospital administrators to comply with federal guidelines cost Washington taxpayers $53 million. Earlier this year, the nurses’ union voted “No confidence” in Governor Inslee and his department administrators because they failed to protect workers from physical attacks. (News Tribune, Seattle Times, and SEIU 1199)

Republican State Senators Brad Hawkins (R-East Wenatchee) and Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro Woolley) provided a five-point plan to Gov. Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal to re-open Washington State schools.  Despite Inslee seemingly refusing to listen to any recommendations from any individual who does not share his extreme points of view, the Senators provided some helpful suggestions for the Democrat state officials to consider.  The Senators’ ideas include working with local utilities to provide internet access to children, re-thinking the school calendar, and freezing expenditures due to the loss of tax revenues. (Washington Republican Senate Caucus)

5/09/2020

Governor Inslee’s announcement of his “Pay to Play” advisory groups demonstrates again that he chooses partisan politics over bringing our state together during a time of crisis.  Nearly every member of Inslee’s Safe Start advisory groups is a campaign contributor, from a liberal special interest group, or a government employee.  By choosing to ignore the concerns and ideas of those who are not supporters of his campaigns, or who work in the private sector, Inslee has missed a great opportunity to bring our state together. Inslee has not done what true leaders do, instead he does what self-serving politicians do.  (Shift)

As Governor Jay Inslee continues to rely on political factors, like major campaign donors, to guide his Covid-19 decisions (while not revealing the mysterious “data” he is using), he has failed to provide rational leadership to Washington residents about the path the state will take to recover economically from our current crisis.  Workers, small business owners, and consumers have had to bear the brunt of Inslee’s illogical decisions thus far and have little sense as to what lays ahead.  It’s almost enough to make you yearn for him talking about the secret sauce that makes us special. (Shift)

Frustration among Washington residents continues to grow as Governor Inslee once again failed to provide to the public the data or “science” he is using to determine when to lift restrictions and allow Washington residents to safely return to work.  Following the release last Wednesday of his meaningless “dashboard” of dials (which provided no data or “scientific” explanation as to why arrows were pointed at certain spots on the dials), Governor Inslee released another chart on Friday explaining what will happen at different “phases.”  Problem again is… the governor failed to allow the public to see what specific data he is using to determine each phase.  Not only do Washington residents want to know the data for what needs to be accomplished in each phase, they would also like to know how Colorado’s data points are so much different as to allow his fellow Western States Pact member, Governor Jared Polis, to safely re-open his state and how Colorado data is different than Washington State’s numbers.

The public is growing increasingly concerned that Inslee is allowing partisan politics, and not “science”, to guide his decisions.  While his political supporters in the state employee unions continue to draw paychecks, the private sector is experiencing nearly 30% unemployment – 1 out of every 5 Washington workers had filed for unemployment by last week.  While it seems like Democrat Governors of other states (in the Western States Pact) are helping determine how and when Washington returns to work, Washington State Republican legislators are left in the dark.  While government construction projects were allowed to continue, commercial and private construction sites were closed.  While marijuana shops were deemed essential, other retailers are forced to lay-off employees due to the Inslee’s orders.  While all gatherings are banned in the state, Inslee’s political contributors at the tribal casinos are saying they plan to re-open next week.

Many conservative and moderate commentators (including us at Shift) allowed the governor free reign during the initial stages of this crisis.  Decisions needed to be made quickly and we respected the governor’s emergency authority.  Yet, we now have time for honest discussion on the best approach to safely re-open our state.  Governor Inslee is dramatically failing to lead our state. He fails to let the public see the information, or “science” or “data”, which he says he is using to determine our next steps and he allows Democrat leaders of other states to have considerably more say on our economic future than Washington State’s own elected leaders.  (Risk Assessment Dashboard and Phased Approach Chart)

5/08/2020

With no explanation, Governor Inslee dismissed the Business Recovery Legislative Task Force after only five meetings.  The group consisted of two members from each of the four legislative caucuses, and was tasked with providing suggestions on how the state can recover from the COVID-19 outbreak.  This is the latest in a series of partisan political moves by Inslee through which he has limited the advice he receives to only people who agree with his liberal philosophy.  (Senate Republican Caucus)

While appreciating the governor’s initial emergency orders, Representative Vick believes it is now time for additional voices and thoughts to be heard on how our state recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.  It is clear that Governor Inslee is listening to a very limited number of voices, seemingly none of them in disagreement with him.  In fact, Vick contends that Inslee has demonstrated that “Our opinions are not needed, as evidenced by the governor’s unexplained cancelation of scheduled (economic recovery) task force meetings.” As a result, it is Inslee’s actions that have forced the lawsuit.  Vick states,  “In order to get the governor to reengage with the legislature (your senators and representatives), we must get the court to acknowledge that the state of emergency as laid out by the governor no longer exists.” (Battle Ground Reflector)

Representative Drew MacEwen (R-Union) stated he signed on as a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Governor Inslee because when he attempted to express constituent concerns to the governor they “fell on deaf ears”, and that Inslee “has refused to engage the legislature.”  MacEwen stated that the governor cannot keep governing under emergency orders because we have already come through the worst of the virus. (MyNorthwest)

We the Governed is compiling a list of lawsuits which have been filed against Governor Inslee because of his orders to shutdown Washington State’s economy.  The site states it will continue to update the list with new lawsuits and provide progress reports on those moving through the judicial system.  (We the Governed)

5/07/2020

Governor Inslee’s announcement of his “Pay to Play” advisory groups demonstrates again that he chooses partisan politics over bringing our state together during a time of crisis.  Nearly every member of Inslee’s Safe Start advisory groups is a campaign contributor, from a liberal special interest group, or a government employee.  By choosing to ignore the concerns and ideas of those who are not supporters of his campaigns, or who work in the private sector, Inslee has missed a great opportunity to bring our state together. Inslee has not done what true leaders do, instead he does what self-serving politicians do.  (Shift)

Instead of providing the actual “data” and “science” for his decisions, Inslee chooses to be divisive and attack those who ask questions about his actions.  Inslee has attempted to sway public opinion by repeating over and over the words “data” and “science” – just like he used to talk about “secret sauce” when he was running for governor – without ever providing to the public the actual statistics and metrics he is using to keep Washington closed.  Thus, many people are questioning the governor’s actions, and asking what has to happen for the state to re-open.  When he is questioned about these criticisms, Inslee has chosen not to respond with actual data, instead he has chosen to be divisive and label opponents as being uncaring and wanting to cause harm. Just a tad thin-skinned it appears.  (MyNorthwest)

Despite full employment of state workers, the State of Washington has yet to issue necessary guidelines to allow businesses to safely re-open.  These delays are causing financially strapped businesses to lose even more revenue while waiting on the state.  One of the businesses impacted by the state’s failures is Brown Bear Car Wash, which has already gone through the expense of training its 300 employees how to perform “contact-free” service to its customers. Perhaps if Inslee had included small business owners on a Safe Start advisory group he would have been aware of this problem and could have taken steps to prevent businesses from losing even more money. But evidently none of them gave Inslee enough campaign money to have their opinion valued now. (KIRO)

Since the next round of contract negotiations with state employee unions are scheduled to be conducted virtually, this would be an excellent opportunity for Governor Inslee to practice transparency.  TVW could easily tap into the negotiating feed to allow citizens to learn how Jay Inslee wants to spend their tax money.  We fully realize this is a pipe dream, for there is no chance that Inslee would want to make public his process of giving away taxpayer money to labor groups that have spent millions helping him get elected. (Washington Policy Center)

Governor Inslee’s office has released its guidelines for religious services.   Only drive-up services in cars are allowed, all people must arrive and stay inside enclosed vehicles (even when it hits 80 degrees this Sunday), and people can only attend with those from the same household in their car. One outcome is that those who have been convinced by Inslee’s push for regional transportation policies that do not require a vehicle will be discriminated against, and not allowed to practice their faith. (Governor Inslee’s Religious and Faith-based Guidance)

5/06/2020

Tribal casinos, a major source Democrat campaign contributions, are defying Governor Jay Inslee’s orders and are planning to re-open.  This is a very public insult to Inslee and the Democrats who just handed the tribes a monopoly on the lucrative sports gambling businesses (while totally ignoring the qualifications of non-tribal businesses).  The real question is… If Governor Inslee and the Democrats believe that an early opening of tribal casinos will endanger the lives of Washington citizens, will they continue to accept their campaign contributions? (Seattle Times)

Governor Inslee announced the formation of three extremely partisan groups, that are mostly comprised of his political donors/supporters, to “advise” him during the coronavirus crisis.  The membership of the groups further confirms the suspicion that partisanship is guiding Inslee’s decision-making during this crisis.  It is also interesting to note the inclusion of tribal leaders on these panels, even though tribal casinos are preparing to defy his stay-at-home orders.  The announcement of these advisory panels comes after Shift and others have criticized Governor Inslee for forming the partisan Western States Pact (nearly a month ago) with other states’ Democrat governors, while not forming any non-partisan groups of Washington residents to help decide our state’s future. (Governor Inslee’s media release and Shift’s Daily Briefing)

A “rough” study by the state’s chief economist predicts the State of Washington will lose more than $750 million in revenue by the end of June and nearly $3.8 billon over the next year. Representative Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama) asked Steve Lerch to prepare the study.  Governor Inslee responded to the report by stating the obvious: “This is obviously a very significant hole.”  The economist will be publishing a complete examination of the state’s current financial condition in mid-June.  It is expected that Inslee will be forced to call a special session of the legislature to fix the state’s finances, after a decade of Democrats’ jamming through budget increases every year.  Expect Inslee and the Democrats to use the financial suffering of others to justify a state income tax and an increase in the size and power of government. (Everett Herald)

5/05/2020

Four Republican legislators have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Governor Jay Inslee’s emergency proclamations.  Representatives Drew MacEwen (R-Union), Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia), Chris Corry (R-Yakima), and Brandon Vick (R-Vancouver) were joined by a handful of Washington residents in the lawsuit.  The plaintiffs contend the governor’s orders infringed on their constitutional rights to free exercise of religion, assemble peacefully, due process of law, and other constitutional guarantees. (MacEwen v. Inslee Court Documents)

House Republican Leader JT Wilcox (R-Yelm) is critical of the pace Governor Inslee is allowing the state to re-open.  While other states are moving at a faster rate and are providing business owners with more details, Washington State is trailing in its efforts.  Wilcox stated, “A lot of these things could have been done weeks ago. I think we are lagging when it comes to thinking about trying to operate a safe economy.” (Seattle Times)

Tribal governments, not impacted by the governor’s emergency orders, are considering re-opening their 29 casinos.  The 22 separate tribes will each determine when and how they will re-open their facilities.  Meanwhile, non-tribal gaming rooms will remain closed under Governor Inslee’s current set of inconsistent restrictions.  Like nearly all businesses, casinos have lost revenue during the COVID-19 outbreak. Yet, none of the other business were handed the multi-million dollar monopoly over the lucrative sports betting business by Governor Inslee and Democrat lawmakers in the last legislative session. (Seattle Times and News Tribune)

State Representative Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) believes that the state’s emergency declaration laws need to be changed.  Specifically, Rep. Walsh believes legislators should become involved in the decisions once the governor has made an emergency proclamation. Walsh contends that “the governor ought to have to get legislative approval to extend these orders” past 30 days.  Walsh also stated that nearly all the restrictions that have thus far been lifted (real estate transactions, residential and commercial construction, medical procedures, and recreational activity) have been made due to pressure from Republican lawmakers. (Representative Walsh’s Telephone Town Hall)

Many businesses are growing frustrated and defying the governor’s closure orders, in part because he has failed to inform the public of the specific data points he is using to determine his actions. A few small businesses, which believe they can operate as safely as the larger businesses and marijuana shops which Inslee has allowed to continue operating, are re-opening their businesses. (MyNorthwest)

5/04/2020

As Governor Jay Inslee continues to rely on political factors, like major campaign donors, to guide his Covid-19 decisions (while not revealing the mysterious “data” he is using), he has failed to provide rational leadership to Washington residents about the path the state will take to recover economically from our current crisis.  Workers, small business owners, and consumers have had to bear the brunt of Inslee’s illogical decisions thus far and have little sense as to what lays ahead.  It’s almost enough to make you yearn for him talking about the secret sauce that makes us special. (Shift)

Governor Jared Polis, a Western States Pact member like Governor Inslee, is safely opening Colorado and is setting contrary standards to those our governor says he is following.  Despite Inslee declaring, “Jared Polis is a really smart individual and I generally would trust his decision making,” Inslee is not following the example set by his Democrat colleague, and is instead hiding behind mysterious “data” to guide him. Of course, that data is not being shared with the public or even Republican lawmakers. (Washington Policy Center)

Gov. Inslee’s prohibition of “elective procedures” is costing hospitals and other medical facilities millions of dollars, at the same time they must incur expenses related to treating patients with the coronavirus.  It is estimated that Washington State hospitals could suffer $900 million in losses for April and May. (Seattle Times)

5/02/2020

Frustration among Washington residents continues to grow as Governor Inslee once again failed to provide to the public the data or “science” he is using to determine when to lift restrictions and allow Washington residents to safely return to work.  Following the release last Wednesday of his meaningless “dashboard” of dials (which provided no data or “scientific” explanation as to why arrows were pointed at certain spots on the dials), Governor Inslee released another chart on Friday explaining what will happen at different “phases.”  Problem again is… the governor failed to allow the public to see what specific data he is using to determine each phase.  Not only do Washington residents want to know the data for what needs to be accomplished in each phase, they would also like to know how Colorado’s data points are so much different as to allow his fellow Western States Pact member, Governor Jared Polis, to safely re-open his state and how Colorado data is different than Washington State’s numbers.

The public is growing increasingly concerned that Inslee is allowing partisan politics, and not “science”, to guide his decisions.  While his political supporters in the state employee unions continue to draw paychecks, the private sector is experiencing nearly 30% unemployment – 1 out of every 5 Washington workers had filed for unemployment by last week.  While it seems like Democrat Governors of other states (in the Western States Pact) are helping determine how and when Washington returns to work, Washington State Republican legislators are left in the dark.  While government construction projects were allowed to continue, commercial and private construction sites were closed.  While marijuana shops were deemed essential, other retailers are forced to lay-off employees due to the Inslee’s orders.  While all gatherings are banned in the state, Inslee’s political contributors at the tribal casinos are saying they plan to re-open next week.

Many conservative and moderate commentators (including us at Shift) allowed the governor free reign during the initial stages of this crisis.  Decisions needed to be made quickly and we respected the governor’s emergency authority.  Yet, we now have time for honest discussion on the best approach to safely re-open our state.  Governor Inslee is dramatically failing to lead our state. He fails to let the public see the information, or “science” or “data”, which he says he is using to determine our next steps and he allows Democrat leaders of other states to have considerably more say on our economic future than Washington State’s own elected leaders.  (Risk Assessment Dashboard and Phased Approach Chart)

During his Friday press conference, Gov. Inslee made a bitter and condemning comment about the media.  In acting as if there is a conspiracy against him, Inslee stated, “the great members of the press keep wishing for failure here but that’s not how we operate in Washington.”  If President Trump had made the same disrespectful comment and attacked the 1^st Amendment rights of the media, Inslee would have spent a week expressing his outrage on Twitter.  His staff – which includes as chief of staff a former political reporter at the Seattle Times and as press secretary a former political writer from the Yakima Herald – attempted to cover up the governor’s blunder, immediately took to Twitter to backtrack his comments by meekly apologizing to the media.  In part they wrote, “I have great respect for the press and all the work they do. I made a mistake to suggest otherwise.” (Twitter)

Statements Regarding Governor Inslee Extending the Lockdown

Congressman Dan Newhouse:
“Our state’s staggering unemployment numbers depict just how devastating the current situation is for Washington families. While I was grateful for the Governor’s strong approach in the early days of our response, it has become clear that the small steps he has recently taken on adapting his order are nowhere near enough for the people of Washington.

Earlier this week, Governor Inslee’s administration falsely claimed the unemployment ‘money won’t run out.’ The money will run out and any claim to the contrary gives the people of Washington false hope. What will inspire hope is a plan for fair treatment of our state’s industries and a regional focus to safely reopen our society. The Governor can no longer slow-walk his responsiveness to this dire situation.”

Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler:
“Governor Inslee says he wants to bet on success, not failure, yet he apparently believes the majority of Washington employers would fail to protect their employees and customers if they were allowed to reopen anytime soon. That’s a disappointment. Republicans believe these businesses would follow the steps we’ve seen grocery stores and big-box stores and others take. It seems he has listened to Republican ideas about low-risk business operations like auto dealers and landscapers and car washes, and taking a county-by-county approach instead of forcing the same restrictions on all counties. But again, if he wants to bet on success, why is he forcing so many employers to remain on a path that could easily end in their failure?”

House Republican Leader JT Wilcox:
“What’s also disappointing is that so many other states have put forward comprehensive plans to safely restart their economies, including Colorado, which is part of Governor Inslee’s Western States Pact. I also know that phase one business sectors have been working with the governor’s office for several weeks to finalize plans and safely restart businesses. And it sounds like it could still take weeks for their plans to be approved. Legislative leaders did not receive a briefing about the content of today’s announcement. I will have more to say early next week after I talk to other state lawmakers, constituents and stakeholders over the next few days.”

4/30/2020

Late Wednesday, Governor Jay Inslee’s team distributed a set of colorful dials pointing at random spots and said this was the “data” he was using to determine various actions he was taking regarding the coronavirus outbreak.  It was nice of Team Inslee to provide some graphics, but the problem is that his handlers provided absolutely no actual data to indicate why the arrows on the dials were pointing to random colors.  They also did not indicate where the various arrows need to be pointing for the state to start getting back to work.  And since Governor Inslee is committed to the “Democrats Only Club” of the Western States Pact, we would like to know where fellow club member Colorado’s dials are pointing, since that state is apparently safely opening retail businesses while Jay Inslee keeps our retailers shut down.  Washington residents are getting anxious and data-free charts from our governor, that are about as meaningful as a leprechaun pointing at a rainbow, are not helping to ease their concerns.  Of course, we all want to be safe in how we re-start our economy, but we need actual numbers and actual goals.  We also need a public discussion about these goals.  Here’s a thought – instead of just talking to other Democrat governors, maybe Inslee could talk with actual Washington residents.  (Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 Risk Assessment “Dashboard”)

Washington State Representatives Jesse Young (R-Gig Harbor) and Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) have proposed their “BOISE” plan to help restart the state’s economy.  The acronym stands for a dual moratorium on B&O taxes and Impact Statements on Everything and features a reduction of the state’s Business and Occupation tax, which will result increase sales tax revenues and encourage banks to invest in struggling businesses. (Aberdeen Daily World)

Governor Brad Little announced that Idaho will begin to safely re-open some businesses and offices, as his state starts to bring some people back to work.  Despite being a border state of both Washington and Oregon, Little has not been included in Governor Inslee’s partisan Western States Pact, evidently because he is a Republican.  Little stressed the importance of residents using safe practices as they return to work. “I want to reiterate that we can only progress through the stages if we demonstrate a downward decline in severe cases and meet other criteria. It is imperative that individuals take personal responsibility by limiting their exposure to others and maintaining good hygiene.” (Idaho News)

KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson expressed his concern that Governor Inslee is purposely using the coronavirus outbreak to cause damage to our state’s economy in order to justify an unpopular state income tax.  Monson contends the governor is doing this to satisfy the Democrat party’s big-donating special interest groups.  The radio talk show host concludes his post by stating, “I’ve tried to make sense of the baffling disparity of how Inslee has messaged his stay-at-home order. The private sector is getting wiped out. Why? Could it be, in his run for his last term as governor, that Jay Inslee is willing to use a pandemic to crush our private sector and reward his overlords with a major push for a state income tax?” (KIRO Radio)

4/28/2020

Questions are rising over the partisan and divisive Western Governor’s Pact that Governor Jay Inslee continues to tout as the best way for Washington re-start the economy that Inslee shut down in March. Inslee and his two fellow Democrat West Coast governors, when announcing the pact on April 13th, claimed that one of the agreement’s three founding principles was that “Health outcomes and science – not politics – will guide these decisions.” Yet it is becoming increasingly apparent as the pact’s membership grows that this is a partisan Democrat political organization.  On Monday, the pact added two more Democrat governors (from Colorado and Nevada) while not including Western states with Republican governors (Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming). Beyond not including our border state of Idaho, it is also curious that Alaska (with a Republican Governor) has not joined the pact considering its position on the West Coast and strong trading partnership with Washington (nearly all products that house, clothe, and feed Alaskans originate from Washington State’s ports).    (Inslee Media release and USA Today)

After multiple protests in Eastern Washington and in Seattle, Governor Inslee has flip-flopped again and will join the other 49 states which allow citizens to participate in recreational fishing.  Inslee finally agreed with health experts from across the country that fishing is an activity that can easily be pursued while employing “social distancing” techniques.  To try and hide just how out-of-step the governor has been on this issue, he included lifting recreational fishing restrictions in a package that also included removing some restrictions on hiking, hunting, and golfing. (Northwest Public Broadcasting)

A News Tribune editorial points out that Oregon was able to manage the coronavirus outbreak by simply placing a few restrictions on outdoor activities and not completely banning them as Gov. Inslee imposed on Washington State.   The editorial encourages Washington residents to comply with social distancing restrictions, as our state allows residents to resume hiking, fishing, hunting, and golfing next week.  People taking part in these activities will be closely monitored and their actions will determine how soon commercial activities can resume. (News Tribune)

4/27/2020

Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) answers the many questions regarding the powers the legislature has in responding to Governor Jay Inslee’s emergency orders during the COVID-19 crisis.  In this op-ed for Shift, Senator Schoesler explains what the legislature can and cannot do. (Shift)

Skepticism continues to grow over Gov. Inslee’s claim that his decisions related to COVID-19 are based on “science.”  The Governor has flip-flopped on his original last-minute restrictions on commercial and residential construction, and provided no new “science” to warrant the change.  The governor’s reversal was likely due Republican lawmakers, construction industry leaders, and the public (including Shift readers) pointing out the Inslee’s hypocrisy of allowing government projects to continue while shutting down private developments.  If Governor Zero is going to keep claiming that “science” is guiding his decisions, then he needs to provide more than “Zero science” to the public and inform everyone what the data benchmarks are that need to be met to lift restrictions. Otherwise we are left to assume that Inslee’s typical hyper-partisan approach is guiding his decisions. (Yakima Herald)

Gov. Inslee has announced that two more Democrat governors will determine when workers will return in Washington State.  While largely ignoring the concerns of Washington legislators (especially those pesky Republican lawmakers he generally ignores), the governor announced that Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and Colorado Governor Jared Polis will be joining “the pact” Inslee has with fellow Democrat governors of California and Oregon to implement their “shared vision for modifying stay at home orders and fighting COVID-19.” While Inslee has repeatedly stated that his decisions are based on “science” (while never revealing to anyone what the “science” is behind his decisions), many of his coronavirus outbreak responses have appeared to be very partisan.  It is interesting that the Republican governors of Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming are not included in this partisan group of Western governors – nor is our fellow West Coast state of Alaska – who will determine when and how our state’s COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.  It is also interesting that Governor Polis has already announced that starting today much of Colorado will have many of its restrictions eased. Guess the “science” is different in Colorado. (James Drew’s Twitter and The Denver Channel)

Gov. Inslee and his Department of Corrections (DOC) promised that only non-violent criminals would be included in the 1,200 inmates that he released from the state’s prisons, yet an investigation has shown that convicted sex offenders and gang members have been released.  KHQ-TV investigated the DOC list of released inmates and found eight gang members, two people involved in homicides, and a couple of sex offenders are among Jay Inslee’s “get-out-of-jail free” prisoners. (KHQ and Department of Correction list of released inmates)

Flop-Flop Alert: Governor Inslee will lifting some of the restrictions on recreational fishing, starting May 5^th. Washington was the only state in the country to prohibit recreational fishing, even while some states encouraged residents to go out in the water.  While saying his decisions are always based on “science,” the governor has failed to inform the public what science he saw that the other 49 governors did not see when he closed sports fishing in March. Maybe Inslee’s handlers just can’t bring themselves to admit that he was wrong, and there was no science ever involved in the decision. (Seattle Times)

4/24/2020

It has taken Governor Jay Inslee five weeks to reverse his inconsistent decision to deny commercial construction workers the ability to work (while he allowed government-funded construction projects to continue). Inslee’s initial emergency orders to shut down private construction operations (the only state west of the Mississippi to do so) has unnecessarily cost Washington workers over $500,000,000 in lost wages. In defending the needlessly long time it took to allow privately employed workers to be treated the same as government paid workers, Inslee stated, “We have been working toward this measure for some time and this work has allowed us to create a very comprehensive safety plan because we are thinking of everyone involved in construction.” Does this mean that for the last five weeks the governor allowed government-funded construction projects to operate without a “comprehensive safety plan?”  And we guess we missed the part about him explaining how the “science” he has been following has changed in the last few days to let him take this action. (News Tribune)

A state nurses’ union condemns the Inslee Administration for failing to protect workers at Western State Hospital.  Despite being a major financial contributor to Jay Inslee’s political endeavors s (both directly to his campaigns and through “dark money” activities), the Service Employees International Union 1199NW stated it had no confidence in the Inslee administration’s ability to run Western State safely.  Stating that the problems “predate and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis,” the nurses called on the Inslee Administration to fire many individuals in its hospital management team. Under the Inslee Administration, the hospital lost its federal certification (costing state taxpayers $54 million), staff has been subject to numerous physical assaults, and has recently experienced a coronavirus outbreak, likely caused by the administration failure to follow health guidelines. Of course, the fact that Jay Inslee has ignored his responsibility to fix the problems at the hospital for the last seven years was left out of the press release. (SEIU Healthcare media release)

4/23/2020

Republican leaders are responding to growing concerns that Governor Jay Inslee has failed to provide fact-based criteria, or even a timeline, for lifting state economic restrictions, and have asked for more legislative involvement in deciding how to re-start Washington’s economy.  House Republican Leader JT Wilcox, who has been mostly supportive of the governor’s previous emergency orders, expressed frustration at the lack of solutions Governor Inslee is currently providing. Wilcox said, “I am deeply concerned about the fact that he depends on the motivation of everyday citizens to comply and you motivate people by giving them goals and letting them be part of the decision. And we all risk a worse result because he’s not willing to communicate with any precision.” (Seattle Times)

The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) is encouraging its members to contact Gov. Inslee and pledge to comply with proper job site safety regulations if he removes his unreasonable ban on residential home construction.  Inslee’s private-sector ban, which Washington is one of only five states (and the only one west of the Mississippi River) to impose, has already cost local Washington construction workers over a half billion dollars in wages. The safety regulations were approved unanimously by a construction working group that Inslee had previously appointed. (BIAW Website and BIAW Facebook post)

Despite Gov. Inslee saying on April 6^th that the state is addressing how to allow “limited school activity for those students in school buildings”, Washington State has yet to develop a plan or procedure to help special needs students. Currently state education guidelines fail to involve the many students with disabilities who cannot learn as well via the computer, or those whose education involves interacting with other individuals. (KUOW)

Governor Inslee talked, a lot, but provided no specifics about when he will lift restrictions on commerce and public activities during a televised address last night.  Prior to the speech, there was much anticipation that the governor would release his plan on when and how Washington residents could return to work. Since the speech there has been extraordinarily little coverage of the governor’s comments. (maybe because he said very little beyond sports clichés)Inslee has said that he will use “science” to make these important decisions, yet many people are skeptical of the “science” the Governor has used that allows workers on government construction sites to collect paychecks, while those who do the same exact same work for private firms are collecting unemployment. (The Olympian)

Republican House Leader JT Wilcox was critical of Governor Inslee’s address, stating Inslee “missed a critical opportunity to explain what metrics and forecasts he’s using and to address the obvious unfair and ineffective parts of his original Stay Home order.” Wilcox was concerned about the possibility that “more people (will) lose confidence in his orders and at the same time suffer an economic crisis.” Wilcox said it is now time for the governor to include legislators in his decision-making process. (Wilcox Facebook post)

State corrections inmates are starting to be released back into the communities where they committed their crimes.  Governor Inslee will be freeing over 1,000 inmates, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the state’s prisons, but apparently without following the law about informing victims of such releases. (Everett Herald)

The governor’s stubborn (and “non-scientific”) refusal to allow residential construction is helping to create a shortage of paper towels and toilet paper. Due to the home building ban, less lumber is being used. Household paper products are made with the residue from sawing logs into lumber. Less lumber being produced means there is less material to make the paper products we use every day. Thanks, Jay! (Sponsored article in the Peninsula Daily News)

4/21/2020

ShiftWA.org Commentary:

It doesn’t seem like it has been over a month since we stated our editorial position on March 16: “Shift does not believe it is currently appropriate to be partisan regarding the response of elected officials to the coronavirus. We understand and respect the tough nature of the decisions they are making. There will be plenty of time for analysis, criticism, and praise once this unique shared experience passes.”

However, that was then – a week before Governor Jay Inslee had declared his first “stay-at-home” emergency order – and now we are well beyond the governor’s initial target date of April 6 for releasing people from their homes. He’s been releasing prisoners from their government-funded homes, but he’s extended the non-felon stay-at-home order into May – with no measurable plan for when it will be lifted.

Even more distressing, the governor has been slipping in recent days back to the hyper-partisan tendencies that have marked his time in public office. He is ignoring an overture from legislative Republicans on developing a bi-partisan plan for re-opening the economy, criticized people (including some unfortunates who will latch onto any protest to advance their own wacky ideas) across the state who have protested his emergency overreach, and resumed his favorite hobby of attacking President Donald Trump whenever possible.

These actions – and inactions – by the governor have caused Shift to re-assess our coverage of our current health and economic crisis over the last week.  So, you will be seeing more COVID-19 mentions by us going forward, with a focus on those decisions which are consistent with our state’s (small d) democratic principles, and a critical eye on those which are more partisan-inspired.

As we wrote over a month ago: “We appreciate your support during these times, and we look forward to normalcy returning to our state in the not-too-distant future.  Until then, keep washing your hands and be safe.”(Governor’s Office)

Washington State Senator Steve O’Ban (R-Pierce County) has called on Governor Inslee to suspend the collection of car tabs above $30 in accordance with I-976 (the car tab initiative passed by state voters last November).  In a letter to the governor, O’Ban provided four reasons why the state needs to stop collecting the fees.  Among O’Ban’s justifications are that a King County judge has ruled the initiative constitutional and out-of-work citizens cannot afford car tab invoices they have received which are far in excess of what is constitutional under I-976. (Washington State Republican Senate Caucus and O’Ban’s letter to Governor Inslee)

Representative Andrew Barkis (R-Lacey) has called on Governor Inslee to lift the ban on fishing, hiking in parks, camping, and golfing.  In a Facebook post, Barkis stated that, “people are getting more and more frustrated,” with the bans and “There has been no logical reason for the extended prohibition on these activities.” Barkis then provided simple procedures to provide safe methods for conducting and monitoring these and other outdoor activities. (Barkis Facebook post and MyNorthwest)

Other state’s governors are leading the way to re-open businesses in their states, while Governor Inslee waits for the Democrat governors of California and Oregon to tell him what we can re-open in Washington.  Just consider that Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a very liberal Democrat, has outlined how businesses in his state can start to safely re-open starting next week. Included in his order is the re-opening of offices by only allowing 50% of the employees to return and encouraging older workers to continue to telecommute. Maybe Inslee could call his former congressional colleague, and ask Polis whether he should allow businesses to re-open here. (Denver Post)

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit against a Tacoma apartment complex which is threatening to evict residents if they do not pay their rent. The AG’s lawsuit, against the Boulders at Puget Sound, was the first to defend one of Governor Inslee’s emergency orders, which prohibits evicting tenants for lack of rent payment during the coronavirus crisis. (News Tribune)

4/20/2020

The Washington State Department of Employment Security’s computer crashed over the weekend, despite the state having weeks to prepare for the new applications.  The system was swamped by new visitors when it went live on Saturday evening.  State workers had not prepared the system to handle the number of applicants. Who could have predicted that? (Seattle Times)

In a sign that Washington Governor Jay Inslee has failed to adequately explain his “stay-at-home” policies and has appeared to play political favoritism with some of his decisions, more than 2,500 protesters demanded that they be allowed to go back to work.  Many of the protestors were commercial and residential construction workers who are upset that they are not allowed to work while government-funded construction projects continue.  Others are upset that they have lost their paychecks while very few government workers have lost their taxpayer-funded wages. (KOMO News)

Legislators from both sides of the aisle, and from both legislative chambers, are asking that Governor Inslee remove the needless ban on commercial and residential construction projects.  The governor continues to discriminate against private construction workers while allowing government-financed projects to continue.  Governor Inslee has failed to provide any scientific or medical reason why one set of workers can work while other workers (who perform the exact same task) must sit at home collecting unemployment benefits (if they can get through the state’s broken phone system). Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) also noted that Governor Inslee agreed to a pact with California and Oregon to work together to return employees back to work.  Schoesler pointed out that the other states allow commercial construction and Washington should follow suit.  (NW News Network and My Columbian Basin)

Law enforcement agencies have taken an unofficial stance of not ticketing those with recently expired tabs, while Governor Inslee procrastinates helping those with past due payments.  The governor had previously stated, “We will consider that,” when asked if the state could delay payments on Washington’s excessive car tab charges, but has yet to do anything to relieve the financial burden on Washington vehicle owners.  Meanwhile many local police agencies have not been ticketing drivers with car tabs which have expired in the past couple of months.  As a spokesperson for the Tacoma Police Department stated, ““We all realize the difficulties our communities are facing.” (KING5 News)

An online petition has collected more than 5,000 signatures to allow golfers to return to golf courses and bring employees back to work.  Golfing was one of the last activities to be banned by Governor Inslee’s stay-at-home orders and is seeking to become one of the first activities to be allowed to resume, with players adhering to strict set of health guidelines. (Change.org petition)

A rally to allow recreational fishing is planned for next Saturday morning, alongside the I-90 bridge on Lake Washington.  The organizers are asking participants to use social distancing and healthy practices as they gather in their boats to call on Governor Inslee to lift his ban on sport fishing.  The organizers provide extensive guidelines on how to protest while staying healthy. (Let Us Fish Facebook page)

4/17/2020

Governor Jay Inslee provided a non-specific and flimsy excuse as to why Washington is the only Western state to not allow workers to return to private sector construction projects.  Inslee provided the vague statement that he has, “Talked to any number of construction workers who don’t want to go on the job, get infected, and go home and infect their families.” (Workers on government-funded construction projects could say the exact same thing, but Inslee is allowing them to collect full paychecks by keeping them on the job.)  Despite Inslee this week forming a “pact” with the governors of California and Oregon to coordinate returning people to work at the same pace, Washington is not joining the other states in allowing commercial and residential construction projects to resume.  Meanwhile tens of thousands of construction workers are draining our state’s financial resources by collecting unemployment benefits, and the cost of building homes continues to increase. (The Olympian)

The final list of inmates Governor Inslee is releasing early from prison, this time due to the coronavirus crisis, has grown by over 200 names.  The Washington Department of Corrections had previously stated that 950 prisoners would be released from the state’s 12 correctional facilities, yet the current list contains 1,167 names.  Thus, just over 6% of the state’s inmates will be released starting this weekend, courtesy of Gov. Inslee. One wonders if the state will track crimes committed by these early-release inmates, to determine the impact of Inslee’s decision. (Everett Herald)

State Senator Randi Becker (R-Yelm) has asked Governor Inslee for more clarification over his ban of elective surgery and procedures.  Sen. Becker says the governor’s ban on non-emergency medical/dental procedures was unclear, and both medical practitioners and patients are confused about what can be treated.  Becker is especially concerned about whether conducting cancer tests is allowed, since early detection is key to most patient’s survival. (MyNorthwest)

4/16/2020

Business and union leaders are going through extra effort to resume commercial and residential construction.  While government-funded construction projects have been allowed to continue during Governor Inslee’s stay-at-home orders, private construction projects are being forced to adhere to stricter review procedures and safety protocols in order for the governor to consider allowing workers back on the job sites.  Even after Inslee announced his pact with the governors of Oregon and California to work together to resume activities, Inslee has failed to do the one equalizing act allowed in those state which would benefit Washingtonians — permit work to resume on private construction sites. (The Stand and Seattle Times)

Due to failure of the Washington State Department of Corrections to follow medical procedures, Governor Inslee was forced to comply with a court order to release 950 inmates due to the coronavirus outbreak.  Failure to follow basic safety and medical practices at the Monroe Correctional Complex led to prisoners and staff contracting the virus. Prisoner advocates were then successful in having the Washington State Supreme Court order Inslee to release inmates from the 12 state correctional facilities to allow for more “social distancing.” This latest DOC failure follows earlier reports that as many as eight inmates died due to breakdowns in medical practices at state prisons.  (Everett Herald and Seattle Times)

Due to the failure of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to follow medical procedures, 28 staff members and six patients at the state’s largest mental facility have contracted the coronavirus.  State epidemiologist Scott Lindquist said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 at Western State Hospital is serious.”  State health officials have initiated even more safety measures at Western State to try and stop the spread of the virus.  No word yet on whether Governor Inslee plans to release patients to provide more social distancing space at the hospital.  (News Tribune)

4/15/2020

Many questions remain over Governor Inslee’s plan to release 950 inmates to reduce the spread of the coronavirus within Washington’s 12 corrections facilities.  Despite publicly stating the number of prisoners that Inslee will set free before they have completed their sentences, the governor’s office has yet release who exactly will get to leave early, and the Department of Corrections has yet to inform the public how they will monitor the released prisoners.  Many people are upset because this is yet another example of the problems within Inslee’s Department of Corrections and could have been avoided.  Meanwhile liberal criminal rights’ advocates are using the coronavirus outbreak to demand even more individuals be released early – to give them time to register to vote for their favorite Democrat.  (Seattle Times)

Liberal special interest groups continue to use the coronavirus outbreak as a selfish excuse to obtain funding for their projects.  Many environmental groups are banding together to grab taxpayer money for their pet projects, while fellow big government liberals are disguising their projects as environmentally related in order to get on the gravy train.  Their rational is that the federal government has just spent over $2 trillion due to coronavirus and thus government should spend that amount (if not more) on their schemes.  It is interesting to see the author describe the “Jay Inslee-sized hole” in the climate debate after the Washington governor’s embarrassing presidential campaign failure. We in Washington are familiar with the “Jay Inslee-sized hole” for we have seen it in our governor’s mansion for the past 7-plus years. (Gizmodo)

4/14/2020

Responding to an inmate “disturbance,” Governor Jay Inslee announced he was releasing nearly 1,000 inmates in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus within the prison system.  The ACLU approved of the move – of course – while many Republican lawmakers expressed concern.  Senator Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley) said of the governor’s decision, “This was the most extreme option available to him in order to address the Washington Supreme Court’s order to protect inmates during the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, it increases society’s risk by not only potentially increasing crime, but also increasing the spread of COVID-19.” House Republican Leader JT Wilcox (R-Yelm) expressed concern that the Governor’s staff had informed him it would only be 350 inmates released. (KOMO News and JT Wilcox Facebook)

Governor Inslee continues to turn a deaf ear to the numerous calls (and the thousands of needlessly unemployed workers) to reverse his ban on commercial and residential construction (while allowing government construction projects to continue).  Even though the governor announced a “pact” with California and Oregon governors to return commercial and social activities at the same pace, Inslee failed to use the occasion to allow private construction to resume (neither California nor Oregon ever banned commercial construction). Maybe contractors need to create a “disturbance” that rallies ACLU support to get the governor’s attention? (NW News Network and Associated Press)

Governor Jay Inslee appoints Superior Court Judge Helen Whitener from Tacoma to replace retiring Justice Charles Wiggins on the Washington State Supreme Court.  Many Eastern Washington residents were hoping the governor would select someone from East of the Cascades for the vacancy, since only Chief Justice Debra Stephens is from outside the Puget Sound region on the nine-person court. But the governor was looking for other background attributes to check off with the appointment, none of them seemingly focused on high-quality judicial experience. (News Tribune)

4/13/2020

Due to Governor Inslee’s stubborn refusal to reverse his ban on commercial and residential construction (while allowing government-financed construction to continue), contractors are experiencing a sharp increase in vandalism, theft, and squatters on their shut down construction sites.  Despite increasing security cost during the Washington State-imposed closure (one of only five states to shut down residential construction), thieves are stealing appliances and other items from construction sites.  The lost materials, added security, and vandalism will only increase the eventual costs of the new homes, and thus make housing even more expensive for Washington residents. (Lens)

Governor Inslee joined with the governors of California and Oregon to announce a pact between the three states to reopen their economies while working to stop the spread of COVID-19.  There are no specifics in how this pact will translate to people returning to their jobs, but the first act should be to allow Washington construction employees to join their fellow workers in Oregon and California and return to building much-needed housing units. (Everett Herald)

4/10/2020

Governor Jay Inslee continues to discriminate against private-sector workers as he allows government-funded construction projects to continue while shutting down commercial and residential construction.  In what is more clearly becoming an obvious political choice, and not a public health one, Inslee has yet to provide a safety reason why government-funded construction may continue while the same work performed on privately financed projects has been shut down. (MyNorthwest)

The Washington Research Council has found that the three leading sectors to file new unemployment claims during the coronavirus outbreak are 1) Accommodation and Food Services; 2) Arts, Entertainment and Recreation; and 3) Construction. It is understandable that the first two sectors are the most impacted, because their businesses are based on people gathering together.  Yet there is no legitimate health or safety reason for the private construction sector to be so heavily impacted, especially when the exact same work continues on government-funded projects.  It is also interesting to note that less than 1% of the new unemployment claims are coming from government employees, despite such workers comprising nearly 18% of the state’s workforce. It can make people believe that all the campaign money public unions give Democrat candidates has paid off, as so many other, non-political donating workers have lost wages.  (Washington Research Council and USA Today)

Responding to a prisoners’ “disturbance” at the Monroe Correction Complex over coronavirus concerns, Governor Inslee and the Washington State Department of Corrections are considering a plan to release “nonviolent offenders who are nearing their appropriate release date.”  Prisoner rights advocates have filed a lawsuit demanding that the state release all prisoners who are over 50 years old, have serious health problems, or are within 18 months of their release date.  The controversy reminds observers that the Inslee Administration has significant experience in releasing prisoners early.  (Seattle Times)

Far-left lawmakers like State Representative Joe Nguyen see the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to push their higher taxes/bigger government agenda, while wrapping themselves in the cloak of responding to a health crisis.  In an op-ed in the Stranger, the lawmaker who once proudly proclaimed “My favorite part about this job is yelling NO really loudly at Republicans,” says that the state response to COVID-19 should be “to tax the rich to save our economy. Our lives depend on it.” Perhaps not surprisingly, Democrats who label themselves as moderates are not condemning the push by their radical colleagues to rebuild our economy by increasing taxes. (The Stranger)

Governor Jay Inslee’s discrimination against private-sector construction workers is unnecessarily forcing thousands to go on unemployment benefits and some are faced with being homeless.  While the governor’s “stay-at-home” orders allow government-financed construction projects to continue, it has needlessly shut down commercial and residential construction.  Some construction workers, who are falling behind on their bills, are now looking to move to neighboring states where privately financed construction is not discriminated against by the governor. (Q13)

4/08/2020

After we first reported his email in the Daily Briefing, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is now being criticized by others for his outrageous claim that President Trump will cancel the November elections and the only thing stopping him is a possible lawsuit from Ferguson.  Ferguson made this irresponsible and outrageous claim in a fundraising email last week.  Asked to defend his fictitious allegation, Ferguson could only provide a subjective self-serving opinion that because the President has spent “three years breaking all sorts of norms,” it is legitimate to state he will cancel this fall’s election.  This is an embarrassing logic statement, especially from someone who is supposed to be our state’s top legal authority. (Q13’s The Divide and Bob Ferguson’s fundraising email)

Governor Jay Inslee continues to ignore the pleas of those worried about the regions’ housing shortage and the thousands of laid off construction workers, by saying this is not the time to reverse his ban on private home construction during his “stay-at-home” declaration.  His less-than-logical position is especially troublesome to many, because the governor is allowing publicly funded construction to continue (apparently the governor believes the coronavirus only attacks privately financed construction projects) and 45 other states have allowed private construction to continue.  The governor’s actions will only increase the cost of housing in the state, and will unnecessarily force thousands of construction workers onto unemployment compensation. (Builder Online)

Governor Inslee is also rejecting calls to put sport fishing back on the list of allowed outdoor activities.  23 Republican legislators signed a letter to the governor asking him to lift the nonsensical fishing ban because they “firmly believe there is a way to balance public health while also allowing folks to fish on Washington’s many rivers and lakes.”  Inslee did state, in rejecting the request, he hopes to lift the ban “sooner, rather than later.” Maybe if he was asked by some of his campaign donors, instead of Republicans? (NW Sportsman Magazine)

Governor Inslee announced a $5 million grant program to help small businesses impacted by coronavirus.  The grants are aimed at businesses with less than 10 employees and can be for as much as $10,000. The governor also said the Department of Commerce will assist small businesses obtain federal financial assistance. (News Tribune)

4/07/2020

Governor Inslee stubbornly continues to ignore requests to redefine commercial home construction as an “essential business” (as it is in all but 5 other states) during the “stay at home” declaration.  This is especially curious since the governor is allowing construction to continue on projects funded by government money (like low-income housing, transportation projects, and government buildings).  Governor Inslee has not yet revealed how it has been determined that the coronavirus is more likely to impact one construction site over another based solely on where the money is coming from to pay the workers. (Bisnow)

As expected, Democrat lawmakers are using COVID-19 as another feeble excuse to raise taxes to pay for their uncontrollable appetite for even bigger state government.  Instead of saving money during the last decade with a strong economy, Democrats chose to increase the state spending by 75% since 2013.  Democrats are again talking about imposing a state income tax on capital gains (ahem, an excise tax, say the liberals), yet they refuse to admit 1) that their “excise” tax is considered an “income tax” by all other states and the IRS, and is thus unconstitutional in Washington State; and 2) that it is an unstable source of revenue (as California has found out). (Washington Policy Center)

Many students and parents are curious about the timing of the announcement, by Governor Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.  This is especially difficult for high school seniors who may be denied their senior proms and graduation ceremonies.  With nearly four weeks remaining on the current stay-at-home declaration, and two months remaining in the school year, some have wondered why more time wasn’t taken before making this fateful decision. (Everett Herald)

Washington Education Association (WEA) President Larry Delaney put out a (self-serving) statement regarding Governor Inslee and Superintendent Reykdal’s announcement that schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year.  As usual, Delaney promoted the teachers’ union’s false declaration that “WEA members are up to the task because we always put our students at the center of what we do.”  Really?  It is hard to accept it is for the students’ benefit when teachers go on illegal strikes every year and when teachers’ double-digit pay raises force school districts to cut education programs.  But it is especially hard to accept during COVID-19 crisis, when the WEA has historically fought the implementation of online education programs which are now the primary vehicle for educating students.  Washington schools (especially in Seattle) lag far behind many states when it comes to online education programs. (The Stand)

4/06/2020

Democrats past irresponsible behavior will now force cuts in state programs they created when they thought they would never run out of money.  Governor Jay Inslee and Democrat legislators, with complete control of the state’s budget, acted like drunken sailors by going on a spending spree in which they spent 20% more in this current two-year budget than in the previous one.  Instead of saving money during good times, the Democrats foolishly spent it all (and Inslee even wanted to dip into the “rainy day fund” for ongoing expenses at the start of the year). Democrats must now restrain their greed. Significant cuts will be required due to the loss of tax revenue and to allow the private sector to rebuild the economy. (Shift)

Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler has asked Governor Inslee to lift restrictions on the residential construction industry to allow workers to build much-needed housing units.  In an op-ed, Senator Schoesler argues that, like on the government construction projects Inslee is allowing to continue, residential construction workers can also work safely.  Schoesler points out that Governor Inslee says he makes his decisions based on data, yet there is no data available to justify Washington being one of only five states to shut down this vitally important industry. (Seattle Times)

Secretary of State Kim Wyman is asking Governor Inslee and legislative leaders to approve $1.7 million in state funding so the state can collect $8.3 million in federal funding to administer the 2020 elections.  The federal money was authorized by the recent federal CARES legislation, but states must first provide 20% in state funding.  Wyman says the money is needed by county elections offices to provide extra space, additional workers, and cleaning supplies due to COVID-19 (Wyman letter)

Last Friday afternoon, Governor Inslee made $445 million in cuts to new programs in line item vetoes of the state’s supplemental budget.  The quick cuts demonstrated there was considerable “want-to-haves” in the state’s budget, as opposed to “need-to-haves”, which had been increased more than 20% from the previous biannual budget.  (KING5 News)

The Washington House Republican Caucus added a web page to answer the most-asked questions regarding the Governor’s authority during an emergency. Washington provides its governors with broad powers to “preserve life and health and to suspend laws that hinder emergency response.” (House Republican Caucus)

4/02/2020

State lawmakers say they will need to adapt to a changed reality after the current coronavirus outbreak has passed.  Legislative leaders, in a webinar hosted by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, stated that funding priorities and revenue collections will be considerably different than they were just a few weeks ago when the legislature passed its last budget before adjourning.  House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox said, “There is going to be an assessed need to rethink almost everything we do as a state. There have been some people who have been really profound in their understanding that things are not going to go back to being just the same as they were. Not even after we are able to get back on our feet economically.” Bellevue Reporter


At this point, the state is only two weeks into a "Stay-Home, Stay-Healthy" Governor Inslee's emergency order.