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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As you may have heard, two citizen initiatives were submitted to the Legislature this session: IL26-001, which would restore parental rights, and IL26-638, which would ensure fairness in girls’ sports. Each initiative was signed by more than 400,000 Washingtonians.
Last week, House Democrats blocked a Republican motion to hold public hearings on these initiatives. As a result, students and parents will not have the opportunity to testify before the Legislature on two issues they and many fellow Washingtonians care deeply about.
Washington’s Constitution is clear that citizen initiatives “shall take precedence” in the Legislature, second only to the state budget. That language is not symbolic. It reflects a constitutional duty to ensure the people’s direct lawmaking authority is not ignored, sidelined, or delayed by those in power.
Yet that is exactly what’s happening. Ruling Democrats are choosing to ignore the will of the people, sideline dissenting voices, and delay public debate.
Representative government works only when leaders listen to the people they serve. House Republicans will continue pressing for transparency, open debate, and respect for Washington’s constitutional initiative process. We will also use every procedural tool available to bring these initiatives to the House floor for a vote before session adjourns.
I encourage you to learn more about each initiative and make your voice heard by clicking here.
Thank you for staying engaged. It is an honor to serve you.
Warmly,
Drew Stokesbary
