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)

While Democrats have been using the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse to raise taxes and permanently increase the size of government, Republicans have been focused on how to help those impacted by the crisis. The Northwest Republican Community Fund (NWRCF) is continuing to seek donations to help those who suddenly lost their income due to the coronavirus crisis and subsequent closing of the economy.  NWRCF is collecting contributions to assist Hopelink, which is supplying food and supplies to those who have suddenly been thrust into financial hardship.  If you donate through NWRCF,  your contribution will be matched up to $250 by the Fund.  NWRCF is an all-volunteer non-profit, with 100% of your contribution going to help those in need.   Those of us at Shift strongly endorse NWRCF and encourage our subscribers, who are able, to support its efforts. (NWRCF email and website)

In a move that has upset property owners, the Seattle City Council unanimously extended the city’s eviction moratorium for an additional six months.  While landlords continue to pay their mortgages, repair bills, utilities, employee wages, and taxes, the council’s actions have destabilized their revenue stream even further.  This short-sighted move by the council will likely make local property owners and investors less likely to make space available to renters in the future.  Property owners who do remain in the Seattle market will be forced to charge higher rent to provide a financial safety net for themselves, in case Seattle elected officials find an excuse to repeat this action in the future. (KING5 News)

Former Democrat Snohomish County Prosecutor Mark Roe has now cost the county taxpayers $1.5 million dollars due to the county settling multiple harassment and discrimination lawsuits filed against him.  Roe was the county’s prosecutor from 2009 to 2018.  Thus far the county has settled four lawsuits by former employees who claimed Roe discriminated against women, made homophobic slurs, and made disparaging remarks against employees’ appearances.  (Everett Herald)

Alaska Airlines reported a Q1 loss of $232 million and continues to look at ways to reduce overhead.  The Seattle-based airline has parked 80% of its jet fleet and offered voluntary leave incentives, which 5,000 employees have accepted.  Alaska’s CEO said his industry is currently facing, “one of the greatest challenges in the history of commercial aviation.” (Seattle Times)

Yakima business leaders are expressing concerns over Governor Inslee’s process for determining when businesses can re-open.  Small businesses are the most frustrated by the uncertainty, for the governor has allowed the big box stores to stay open while smaller shops have been forced to close.  The Yakima Chamber of Commerce CEO says she is constantly fielding calls from members asking why small businesses cannot employ the same safety measures as the big stores, and stay open. Thus far the governor’s office has yet to provide an answer to that legitimate question. (Yakima Herald)

Smaller counties with no new COVID-19 cases can apply to move to Phase II in Governor Inslee’s confusing restrictions.  The three Northeast counties of Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille are anticipated to apply for this waiver.  Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward is also seeking ways for her city to open faster than the governor’s randomly generated timetable. Woodward said, “We will continue to push our governor for more flexibility in opening up our businesses in Spokane County,” (Spokesman-Review)

Do you like The Daily Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

You can also follow ShiftWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected]