Republicans tell media their long-term care solutions are being ignored by Democrats who favor delay
Republican legislators met with reporters and told them Democrats have refused to hear Republican-proposed solutions to the “deeply flawed” long-term care insurance program and payroll tax Democrats passed in 2019. Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, introduced a proposal that would repeal the program and Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, offered legislation that would replace the program, but neither were considered for a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee. Republicans said Democrats were choosing instead to offer their own fixes and delay implementation by 18 months with tightly written bills that prevent legislators from offering amendments.
Republicans offered their thoughts on legislation that would cut gas taxes and payroll taxes and another bill that would create a sales tax holiday. They also answered questions on proposals related to gun control, law enforcement and K-12 education. Speaking with the media were House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox, Stokesbary, Abbarno, Senate Republican Leader John Braun, Sen. Mark Schoesler and Sen. Shelly Short.
