House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox discusses his frustrations over Governor Jay Inslee’s failure to include legislators on the important decisions that are impacting every Washington resident now, and will impact the state’s resources for the next decade.  Even though Wilcox is not one of the plaintiffs in a recent lawsuit filed against Inslee by several legislators, he does support their efforts. Wilcox also discusses how the lockdown is having a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health, from not being able to have elective procedures or receive preventative care, to depression caused by isolation, to not being able to attend 12-step meetings. (Shift’s Newsmaker Interview)

With no explanation, Governor Inslee dismissed the Business Recovery Legislative Task Force after only five meetings.  The group consisted of two members from each of the four legislative caucuses, and was tasked with providing suggestions on how the state can recover from the COVID-19 outbreak.  This is the latest in a series of partisan political moves by Inslee through which he has limited the advice he receives to only people who agree with his liberal philosophy.  (Senate Republican Caucus)

While appreciating the governor’s initial emergency orders, Representative Vick believes it is now time for additional voices and thoughts to be heard on how our state recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.  It is clear that Governor Inslee is listening to a very limited number of voices, seemingly none of them in disagreement with him.  In fact, Vick contends that Inslee has demonstrated that “Our opinions are not needed, as evidenced by the governor’s unexplained cancelation of scheduled (economic recovery) task force meetings.” As a result, it is Inslee’s actions that have forced the lawsuit.  Vick states,  “In order to get the governor to reengage with the legislature (your senators and representatives), we must get the court to acknowledge that the state of emergency as laid out by the governor no longer exists.” (Battle Ground Reflector)

Representative Drew MacEwen (R-Union) stated he signed on as a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Governor Inslee because when he attempted to express constituent concerns to the governor they “fell on deaf ears”, and that Inslee “has refused to engage the legislature.”  MacEwen stated that the governor cannot keep governing under emergency orders because we have already come through the worst of the virus. (MyNorthwest)

We the Governed is compiling a list of lawsuits which have been filed against Governor Inslee because of his orders to shutdown Washington State’s economy.  The site states it will continue to update the list with new lawsuits and provide progress reports on those moving through the judicial system.  (We the Governed)

Our friends at the Northwest Republican Community Fund sent us a note to say thank you to Shift readers for your generous contributions to help those who have been suddenly thrown into financial insecurity due to the coronavirus outbreak.  Your donations are making a difference.  NWRCF is collecting donations for Hopelink, which is providing food and resources to those in need.  When you contribute through NWRCF, the Fund will double your donation (up to $250).  If you are able, please consider donating today. (NWRCF – Hopelink Donation Page)

The Tacoma and Spokane city councils were successful in encouraging the state to allow restaurants and bars to sell mixed alcohol drinks in to-go containers.  This is temporary and will be allowed while dine-in service is prohibited.  Many restrictions will apply. Sippy cups are not allowed. (News Tribune)

The Freedom Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) for failing to enforce state election laws regarding the classification of an union organization, which has distributed over $100,000 in political contributions, as a “political committee.”  The failure of the PDC to classify the Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council of Washington (ATULC) as a political committee means the group does not have to publicly disclose its contributions or follow the rules like other political committees. (Freedom Foundation)

The Seattle City Council will stop deliberating on Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s job-killing tax, not because the far-left members of the council have come to their economic senses, but because of restrictions placed on local government officials due to the coronavirus outbreak.  State restrictions on local governments prohibit both in-person and remote discussions “unless those matters are necessary and routine matters or are matters necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and the current public health emergency.” (Seattle Times)

A Lynden business owner is organizing a protest of Governor Inslee’s emergency orders on Saturday, during which participants will stay in their cars and practice social distancing.  The owner of a local coffee shop says she wants to catch the attention of Inslee and encourage him to lift restrictions that are keeping businesses from safely re-opening.  However, local officials said the protest has not received necessary permits and they are concerned protesters might not follow health guidelines. (Bellingham Herald)

The Pierce County Republican Party will be hosting a Zoom meeting with State Senator Hans Zeiger, who is also a candidate this year for Pierce County Council.  The meeting will take place at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 18^th. Click on links for more information. (Pierce County GOP Facebook Page)

A new coronavirus case at an Ellensburg frozen vegetable plant threatens Kittitas County’s plan to be among the counties allowed to re-open businesses under Phase II.  Counties smaller than 75,000 can apply to the state to move to the next phase of re-opening if the county has not had any new coronavirus cases in the three weeks.  It had been mid-April since the last case was reported in Kittitas.  However, county health officials hope that their quick reaction to the latest case shows they can effectively contain any further cases. (Yakima Herald)

A Washington State university professor says “Murder Hornet” is a misnomer for the Asian Giant hornet.  Dr. Tim Lawrence stated the hornets’ real danger is that they could wipe out colonies of European Honey Bees. (Washington AG Network)

In a revealing email, Governor Inslee praises teachers at the expense of parents.  While there is no question teachers play a very important role in our children’s development, why couldn’t our governor praise their work without slighting the more important role of parents.  In his latest campaign email, the governor states, “As parents and families have transitioned to being full-time caretakers…”  Haven’t parents always been “full-time caretakers?”  Even when the kids are in school or playing sports, or at their friends’ homes, parents are responsible for their children’s safety and well-being.  Wouldn’t it be a more appropriate way to celebrate “Teacher Appreciation Week” by adding admiration for parents who have taken over the education of their children even though our state government was woefully unprepared for this to occur? (Inslee Campaign email)

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