Bellevue - WAGOP Chairman and State Representative (LD 19) Jim Walsh issued the following statement after being gaveled by Democrat Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins on Friday evening, Jan. 24, during the final voice vote on the rules package, which includes harsh new restrictions on House Floor debates. The new restrictions aim to quash free speech and debate by the minority party.

Statement from WAGOP Chairman and State Representative (LD 19) Jim Walsh:

Olympia Democrats are limiting floor debate and impairing free speech. They’re destroying 130 years of tradition in our State House. They’re insulting the People of Washington by restricting their representatives’ ability to discuss and improve public policy, law, and budgets. By a 54-33 vote, Democrats lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority.

A change in legislative session rules might seem like inside baseball. That’s because, it IS inside baseball. Still, this episode is significant for everyone in Washington.

Floor debates also allow people to watch and learn about the legislative process. I’ve had many people approach me with suggestions and opinions they developed after watching floor debates in Olympia. Limiting debate kills transparency, communication, and education. These rules are bad for everyone.