Often governors decide to lead their states by working with legislative leaders to focus on the state’s most pressing needs. In Washington State, that would mean helping craft a budget that funds our public schools, and breaking the gridlock holding up a statewide transportation plan.
So, what was Jay Inslee doing the day after the state House and state Senate each held floor debates on the budget? Unfortunately, he was not attempting to reconcile the differences between the Republican and Democrat plans. And, he certainly was not working to ensure the 2015 legislative session wraps-up on time.
Rather, Jay Inslee was focused on the state of Indiana. Particularly, on a law in Indiana that does not apply to Washington State.
Inslee demonstrated that he prioritizes liberal symbolism far more that results, emailing the following to his supporters:
“Change doesn’t always come this quickly. Thanks to an overwhelming response from people across the country, Indiana has amended its discriminatory “religious freedom” act.
“This fix reverses the most troubling aspects of the original law. It no longer allows businesses and individuals to refuse service on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“This is a step in the right direction. And because of this fix, I am reversing my state-funded travel ban to Indiana.”
Perhaps the only reason that the state Legislature will not be able to finish on time this year is that our green governor is completely disengaged now that his own party in the state House killed his cap and tax scheme. Neither Republicans nor Democrats could get behind Inslee’s terrible cap-and-tax scheme. But, is denial a reason for a special session?
Our State just needs to look at Arizona…a balanced budget was passed in the first three days of the session and all of the business was wrapped up in 81 days without any extra days or any special session. How was this possible? Because the Govenor of Arizona is a leader and he set the parameters and made sure that work got done and on time!