As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, we have two features we know you will find interesting.

This week’s Newsmaker Interview is with Representative Andrew Barkis (R-Yelm) who has served in the legislature since 2016.  Barkis operates a property management company and is one of the legislature’s leading experts on housing issues. During the coronavirus outbreak, Barkis has been critical of the many partisan decisions made by Governor Inslee and he has been a vocal advocate for the Washington residents who have been poorly served by the governor’s mismanagement of the Employment Security Department.

Barkis shares his thoughts with Shift readers on the recent Supreme Court decision that stated Governor Inslee overstepped his veto authority, the need for a special session, Inslee’s pay raise for state workers (while others are financially suffering), the governor’s short-sighted eviction ban, and Speaker Laurie Jinkins.(Shift Newsmaker Interview)

One of the greatest honors Slade Gorton had as a United States Senator was being able to participate in the annual Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony held at the Seattle Center, where hundreds of immigrants were sworn in each year to become American citizens. These people worked hard to become citizens of our country and they understood, more than many, the uniqueness of America.

We thought it would be appropriate to take an excerpt from Senator Gorton’s 1992 inspirational speech to the new American citizens, as our country celebrates its 244th birthday. (Shift Special Feature)

Back by popular demand! Get your “Governor Zero” face mask today. Only $25 with proceeds going to support Shift and the Northwest Republican Community Fund’s effort to help our neighbors who have lost their wages through supporting Hopelink. (Shift’s “Governor Zero” face mask and Northwest Republican Community Fund/Hopelink)

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