WA state government is becoming beholden to a few rather than the many - JT Wilcox
Originally posted to the Seattle Times on January 10, 2025
When I started serving in the Legislature with my freshman class of 2011, there was a real sense we would be a part of governing our great state. But that’s not what happened in the years that followed.
Year by year, the process of government has been narrowed down to include fewer and fewer players. Ideology has become more important as wisdom and experience have been discarded in favor of academic theory. This has turned Washington into a state that serves as an example of what not to do.
The recent report on national homeless trends, including people sleeping outside, is one example of Washington winning a race to the bottom.
An example of how narrow the circle of power in Olympia has become is when our governor clung to emergency powers longer than nearly any other governor in the country. When the Legislature failed to consider emergency powers reform seriously, it sent the message that partisan solidarity was more important than learning from experience.
In 2011, I had confidence Democratic leaders felt a deep commitment to the success of their policies and the best functioning of our state agencies. I know some who do, but I have also seen a shocking willingness to give in to fringe demands amid clear evidence and advice to the contrary.
The most tragic example is the roller-coaster course of public safety legislation. We all know our system is far from perfect. In recognition of that, I appointed one of the most collaborative members of the Legislature — Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale — to be the ranking member on the House committee that deals with public safety policies.
We had hoped the two caucuses, working together, would come up with solid reforms to address injustice and improve public safety. Instead, nearly all the advice from our members and experts in police organizations was rejected, and the extreme policies that passed failed immediately.
Our state experienced three chaotic years before the reversal of many of the “reforms,” at the cost of lives and in the face of public outrage and an initiative.
We should reject politics that are more concerned with the origin of an idea rather than the quality of that idea.
There is hope, though. We have examples of how the Legislature can work well.
The transportation and capital budgets have followed a bipartisan model in recent years. The chairs of these committees deserve credit for inviting Republicans to the table, and the minority party deserves recognition for offering quality engagement. The results were near-unanimous votes.
If our operating budget process had followed a less partisan model, Washington would likely not be facing a $7 billion to $10 billion shortfall — just three years after having a $14 billion surplus.
The chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee had a policy that he would not advance any bill that did not have supporters from both caucuses. Imagine if every committee chair had this policy.
When a Democratic wine merchant from Kirkland, Rep. Larry Springer, can work with a Republican rancher from Wauconda, Rep. Joel Kretz, to craft landmark wildfire prevention and response legislation, it shows what is possible in our legislative arena. Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz also deserves credit for her role in these bipartisan efforts. We need more of these partnerships.
As I conclude my time as a state representative, I have some advice.
To my Republican friends, reserve more space for cooperation with the other side. There is room to do this without sacrificing your principles. Take political chances and understand Washingtonians believe you should be part of governing — not just loud opposition. And keep fighting to stop harmful policies from advancing. I wish more people knew how many bad bills we have stopped over the years. Your efforts matter, even if most Washingtonians don’t know about them.
To my Democratic colleagues, understand you govern for all of us — not just the fringe of your party. Be aware the minority party has a responsibility to be a voice for alternatives. Most importantly, understand that you will be wise — not weak — when you listen to a critique of your ideas and adjust when the critique is sound. I personally treasure the relationship I have with many of you. I have confidence you will find the fortitude to stand up inside your caucus for the commonsense approach you believe in.
To all incoming freshmen, concentrate relentlessly on the people of our state. Be a state lawmaker, not a national Republican or Democrat. Ignore national politics and the caricatures that go with it. You will find in Olympia the people who talk the most matter the least. Seek out quiet allies who value accomplishment more than attention. Learn as much as you can in your first year and create relationships that will make you successful in future years. Show your constituents that you are a doer, not a ranter.
The Legislature also needs a sense of urgency to address our state’s crises. One party alone does not have all the answers. My greatest regrets are all about times I failed to collaborate and the times our collaboration was rejected.
The 14 years I served in the state House of Representatives provided me with a platform to advocate for my constituents. It has been both a great responsibility and honor to represent the people of the small towns and countryside in the 2nd Legislative District.
J.T. Wilcox: represented the 2nd Legislative District (including Yelm and Lacey) from 2011-24 and served as House Republican Leader from 2018-23.