July 23, 2020



Proving that there are a few voices of reason in state government a few Senator John Braun (R-Centralia) sent a letter to his colleagues this week regarding the need for a legislative special session.  Senator Braun is the top Republican member on the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, and is widely considered to be the party’s leading budget expert. He is concerned that the legislature is shirking its constitutional responsibilities by allowing Governor Inslee to wield exclusive authority over the state’s finances.  Braun writes, “It is we (legislators) who have the power to make laws and spend funds. It is a power that we should carefully and jealously guard. The executive is charged with a different role: enforcing the laws. (And the judicial branch with interpreting those laws.) Checks and balances. Distinct spheres. This was a critical insight of both our federal and state founders in writing the constitutions. It is this framework that we swore to uphold. It is a framework we are presently shirking.” Sen. Braun states he is concerned that the governor is making laws “with no public feedback or input” and is making financial decision (like solely determining how the state should spend $2 billion from the federal government) which should be decided by the legislature.  We encourage Shift’s followers to take the time to read Senator Braun’s two-page letter. (Senator John Braun’s letter to his colleagues)
Even in ultra-liberal Seattle, Governor Jay Inslee is receiving poor marks for his handling of the protests and the subsequent police funding issue.  In the recently released Elway Poll, 49% of Seattle residents (who should be the core of Inslee’s political support) have a negative opinion of how the governor is handling the public safety situation, while only 44% have a favorable impression. Maybe his liberal base would be more supportive if the governor actually said where he stands and whether he agrees with the radical policed department cuts that are supported by his fellow Democrats on the Seattle City Council. (Elway Poll)

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