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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are heading into the final stretch of the legislative session, which means long days and even longer nights in Olympia. The pace always picks up this time of year as bills move quickly toward final votes and lawmakers work to wrap up the session.
While the schedule can be hectic, my focus remains the same: standing up for the people and communities I represent here in eastern Washington.
Several issues that came up this week highlight why that work matters.
Government overreach
As you may have read in last week’s update, I discussed Senate Bill 5974, which allows an unelected state commission to effectively remove an elected county sheriff by revoking certification.
Sheriffs are unique among law enforcement leaders because they are directly elected by the people they serve. If voters believe a sheriff has violated the public trust, our state constitution already provides a recall process.
That issue remains a concern as the bill continues moving through the Legislature.
Another measure passed this week that raises similar questions about government authority. ESSB 5925 expands the power of the Attorney General’s office to issue civil investigative demands before filing a lawsuit.
In plain terms, that means the state could compel individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and even local governments to turn over documents, records, or sworn testimony before a judge ever reviews the case.
Investigating wrongdoing is important. But our system is supposed to have safeguards in place so that government power is balanced by due process and judicial oversight.
When those guardrails start to move, it’s worth asking whether we are giving government more authority than it should have.
Letting voters weigh in on girls’ sports
Another issue receiving significant attention involves fairness in girls’ sports and the role of parents in decisions affecting their children.
Earlier this week the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision reaffirming the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children. At the same time, House Republican leaders sent a letter to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction asking how Washington’s policies compare to those criticized in that case.
Meanwhile, more than 400,000 Washington voters signed Initiative to the Legislature 26-638 addressing fairness in girls’ sports.
When an issue generates that level of public interest and participation, it’s a strong sign that people want their voices heard. Questions that affect families, schools, and young athletes deserve thoughtful discussion and, ultimately, the input of voters.
Income tax proposal resurfaces
Next week lawmakers will take up another version of the proposed “millionaire” or high-earners income tax.
The governor recently indicated he would sign a revised proposal that sends some of the revenue back to families through programs like the Working Families Tax Credit and other spending initiatives.
Even with those changes, I still have serious concerns about creating a state income tax in Washington.
Folks around here understand something pretty well: once government creates a new tax, it rarely stays limited to the group it was originally aimed at. Over time the definition of who pays tends to expand, and the tax tends to grow.
Washington voters have rejected income taxes multiple times over the years. I believe there’s good reason for that. The real way to make life more affordable for families is by controlling spending and keeping taxes low, not creating a new tax that will likely grow over time.
Two of my bills moving forward
I’m happy to share that two bills I sponsored recently passed the Senate and are continuing through the legislative process.
The first, House Bill 1526, makes a simple update to Washington’s snack bar liquor license. Under current law, businesses with this license can sell beer but not wine. This bill allows those establishments to also offer wine by the glass for on-site consumption, giving small businesses a little more flexibility in how they serve their customers.
The second bill, ESHB 2110, deals with a challenge that many rural hospitals and ambulance services face when transferring patients between facilities. In smaller communities, it isn’t always possible to find a nurse who also holds an EMT certification to ride along during certain specialty care transports.
This bill allows a registered nurse without EMT certification to assist with those transports, as long as an EMT is still on board and other safety requirements are met.
In rural areas, flexibility like this can make a real difference in getting patients the care they need as quickly as possible.
Both bills came from conversations with people working in our communities who were looking for practical solutions to everyday challenges.
The final push
These final days of session are always busy. Floor debates stretch late into the night, and sometimes into the early morning hours, as lawmakers work through the remaining legislation.
Even during the long days, I try to keep one simple thing in mind. The decisions we make here affect real people back home: farmers, small business owners, families, and communities across the district.
I appreciate everyone who takes the time to stay informed, share their thoughts, and stay engaged in the process. Your input helps guide the work we do here in Olympia.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Joe Schmick
