House Republican Deputy Leader Mike Steele of the 12th Legislative District joins us for this week’s Newsmaker Interview. Rep. Steele delves into the notable achievements and disappointments of the ongoing 2024 legislative session. He highlights the bipartisan success in crafting the supplemental capital budget, emphasizing its crucial role in driving economic development across our state. He discusses the successful opposition to concerning bills, including those related to voting rights for incarcerated felons. Rep. Steele also provides insights into his legislation (House Bill 2307) to offer additional tax credits to Main Street businesses.
What do you view as the top three achievements of the 2024 legislative session so far?
We’ve had some significant achievements this session. First, I always take pride in the bipartisan work we accomplish in crafting the capital budget. This week, we released the supplemental capital budget, which allocated funds for projects across Washington. As I’ve consistently emphasized, this budget serves as a cornerstone for economic development in our state. Once again, we’ve demonstrated its importance by supporting even the smallest communities and facilitating access to important infrastructure projects that will benefit communities for years to come.
Additionally, we’ve successfully halted several concerning bills, such as House Bill 2030, which aimed to grant voting, running for office, and jury service rights to incarcerated felons, along with House Bill 2177 which sought changes to the membership of the Sex Offender Policy Board to include a convicted sex offender. Preventing the passage of such bills stands as a significant achievement for 2024.
Moreover, I’ve dedicated serious time and effort towards fostering a collaborative and bipartisan environment within the Washington State Legislature. This commitment to working together across party lines is an achievement in itself and sets a positive tone for our legislative proceedings. I am optimistic about the remainder of the year and hope for an on-time conclusion to the session.
What do you view as the top three disappointments of the 2024 legislative session so far?
That’s easy. My top disappointments concern the majority party’s refusal to hold public hearings for three of the citizen-driven initiatives, despite all six being certified and worthy of consideration. These initiatives represent the concerns of the thousands of Washingtonians who signed them, highlighting the need for fair hearings irrespective of agreement or disagreement. The Legislature is constitutionally and morally obligated to honor these initiatives, as stipulated in Article II, Section 1(a) of our state constitution.
Even though six citizen initiatives to the legislature have been certified by the Secretary of State, the Democrat majority have only agreed to hear three out of the six. What are your thoughts on this situation, and what do you see as the future of these initiatives?
Although the constitution clearly outlines our responsibility in handling certified initiatives, the Legislature has not fully adhered to these principles. While progress has been made with three of the six initiatives scheduled for hearings, it’s essential to recognize that the majority party’s selective treatment contradicts the paramount duty mandated by our state constitution and our responsibilities as lawmakers to the people we represent.
Accountability to the people of the state is what our jobs as lawmakers are all about. If the shoe were on the other foot, and the initiatives were proposed by people with whom I disagree, I would remain committed to upholding the integrity of the legislative process. If there are disagreements with the process, they should be addressed through legitimate means rather than undermining the initiative process, which serves as a vital avenue for citizen engagement.
Additionally, there are other disappointments regarding the initiatives. The refusal to address issues like the state capital gains or income tax, despite its repeated rejection statewide, is disheartening. Similarly, the rejection of hearings for the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is concerning, especially given its impact on gas prices, which disproportionately affects families, particularly single parents struggling to balance work, groceries, and family expenses. These people deserve a chance to voice their concerns directly to the Legislature.
Another pressing concern revolves around the growing apprehension regarding public safety across our state, with crime rates, including violent crime, witnessing an upward trend. The absence of substantial measures to tackle these public safety concerns is disconcerting. While I still hold on to my optimism for progress, the current stance implies a reluctance on the part of the majority party to address these crucial public policy issues or even listen to the desires of the populace regarding practical solutions.
You have been outspoken about your opposition to the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). Can you explain how this legislation is harming working families across our state?
Absolutely, first, let’s accurately name the problem: it’s the cap-and-trade program that is the frustrating policy. Essentially, it operates as a “pay-to-pollute” model where corporations with financial resources can purchase carbon credits and, in simple terms, continue polluting without restraint as long as they stay within their allotted count. This approach does little to address our climate issues here in Washington state; instead, it merely enables those with financial means to pay for the privilege of polluting.
I find this to be poor policy, particularly when considering its impact on gas prices. The cost of these cap-and-trade pollution credits are being passed on to consumers. These elevated prices place an additional burden on working families already grappling with high inflation and exorbitant grocery prices — seeing a dozen eggs priced at more than $12.00 is simply unconscionable.
Moreover, certain negotiated provisions, such as an agricultural exemption, have not been implemented. I recently met with farmers across Washington state who are facing considerable challenges. Farmers, who operate as both price takers and price fixers, find themselves burdened by additional fuel costs, to the tune of thousands of dollars, without the promised exemptions. This situation is particularly dire given the substantial fuel expenditures required for agricultural operations. It’s imperative to recognize the need for assistance in such circumstances and respond.
Despite our best efforts, the majority party has shown little responsiveness to the challenges facing the agricultural industry. Consequently, farmers are owed substantial amounts that remain outstanding. This policy not only burdens farmers but also impacts every person purchasing fuel for their vehicle, amplifying the strain of rising costs as we all attempt to cope.
Your legislation, House Bill 2307, to offer additional tax credits to Main Street businesses recently passed the State House. Can you discuss your objective with this bill and how it would help your constituents?
The Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program, overseen by the Department of Revenue (DOR), presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals to support local programs or the state Main Street Trust Fund Account while benefiting from tax incentives. Contributors have the option to claim either a B&O tax credit or a public utility tax credit if their contributions are made within the same calendar year of approval. The credit covers 75% of the approved contribution to the Program or 50% to the Main Street Trust Fund Account.
My proposed bill, House Bill 2307, enables a Main Street program to utilize their remaining Main Street Tax Credits, up to a cap of $250,000 per program starting October 1 of each calendar year. Operating on a first-come, first-serve basis ensures fairness, empowering local initiatives to thrive while maximizing their potential impact. If approved, this legislation will provide communities across the state with even greater support for their growth and revitalization efforts.
This initiative is closely tied to the Main Street program, administered by the Office of Historical Preservation in Washington state, and is part of the larger national Main Street programs. These accredited programs follow a four-pillar model encompassing economic development, beautification, volunteerism, and design. Washington is fortunate to have several of these accredited programs, supported by a $5,000,000 allocation from the state for businesses willing to donate a portion of their business occupation tax back to Main Street programs.
However, the cap on this credit has remained unchanged for some time. My bill proposes that if the full amount of $5,000,000 is not utilized by the fourth quarter, the Main Street programs can reapply for additional tax resources from the remaining allocation. This measure aims to fully tap into the $5,000,000 allocation, as this funding remains local and supports community-driven initiatives focused on beautification, economic development, and the preservation of vibrant main streets across Washington.
Which political figure has most inspired your approach to public service?
I wouldn’t attribute it to a specific political figure, but rather to my family, particularly my parents. We’ve been fortunate to live in my community for six generations, and observing how my parents have served, not necessarily in politics, but always as volunteers or civically engaged individuals, has deeply influenced me.
From a young age, we were taught that if you wanted to make a difference in your community, you got involved. That’s precisely what I’m doing. I believe that serving in the House of Representatives provides me with a platform to help people solve problems and improve the lives of those in my district. I take this responsibility very seriously; I view my role as that of a servant leader. We are here to serve the public and our constituents, as they are the reason for our presence in office. We act as their voice on matters that significantly impact their lives.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed constituents coming to Olympia often out of desperation, with nowhere else to turn. They look to us for help in addressing real crises in their lives. The true reward of servant leadership lies in being able to genuinely assist someone, whether it’s improving their lives, helping them overcome substance use issues, or connecting them with agencies they’ve struggled to navigate alone for months. That’s the essence of why I’m here — to help and to serve.
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