Author Archives: brianzylstra

Holy: New state capital budget funds key projects in Airway Heights, Cheney

A compromise two-year state capital budget agreement that could receive votes by the Senate and House of Representatives as soon as tomorrow includes money for two key infrastructure projects in Airway Heights and Cheney that will help both projects be fully funded, said 6th District Sen. Jeff Holy.

The capital budget includes $14.955 million to help the city of Airway Heights dig a much-needed new water well, and $11.05 million in funding for the Cheney “purple pipe” project that will help that community reduce the amount of water it needs to pull out of the ground.

“I’m glad I was able to help secure funding in the new capital budget for these two water projects that will greatly benefit Cheney and Airway Heights,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “After Congress provided COVID-19 stimulus funding to our state earlier this year, I worked hard to make sure part of that stimulus funding was used to help fund both the Airway Heights water project and the Cheney ‘purple pipe’ project. I’m glad Senate and House capital budget negotiators fulfilled my funding requests for these two important projects for these two communities.”

The compromise capital budget also funds several projects at Eastern Washington University in Cheney:

Science Building renovation ($45 million)
Infrastructure renewal ($10 million)
Minor works preservation ($3 million)
Preservation and maintenance backlog reduction ($2.217 million)
Minor works program ($1 million)

Other 6th District projects funded in the capital budget include:

Spokane Falls Community College Fine and Applied Arts Building replacement ($19.342 million)
Department of Natural Resources’ Airway Heights facility replacement ($4.2 million)
Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Spokane hatchery renovation ($2.8 million)
Department of Corrections preservation projects ($2.27 million)
Eastern State Hospital emergency electrical system upgrade ($1.055 million)
Ashley House in Spokane ($552,000)
Cheney Depot rehabilitation project ($306,000)

Senate and House negotiators reached a final agreement on the state capital budget earlier this week. The Senate and House are expected to vote on it tomorrow or this weekend. The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to end on Sunday.

Senate passes resolution honoring Gonzaga men’s basketball team

The Gonzaga men’s basketball team, which was ranked No. 1 nationally in The Associated Press poll for 17 straight weeks and opened its 2020-21 season by winning its first 31 games before losing to Baylor University in the NCAA championship game on April 5, was honored with a resolution approved by the state Senate today.

The resolution was sponsored by three Spokane-area senators, 6th District Sen. Jeff Holy, 3rd District Sen. Andy Billig and 4th District Sen. Mike Padden. Click here to see the full measure, Senate Resolution 8624.

“At a time when so many of us have had to adjust to life during the COVID pandemic, Gonzaga really gave us something to cheer about by having an incredible season in which the Bulldogs were undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the nation throughout the season and reached the national title game,” said Holy, R-Cheney, who graduated from Gonzaga Law School. “The Zags gave us an exciting ride, and I commend Coach Few, his coaches and of course their players on a wonderful season. Go Zags!”

“Both the men’s and women’s Gonzaga basketball teams are an ongoing source of pride for the Spokane community,” said Billig, D-Spokane. “But this year their success was especially sweet because of how far they went and the positivity the teams provided after a year of community sacrifice during the pandemic. Even though they didn’t win the national championship, none of us will ever forget where we were when Jalen Suggs banked in that 40-footer. Thank you Zags (and thank you Jalen) for providing yet another indelible moment when we all needed it most.”

“The Gonzaga men’s basketball program has developed a proud culture of high achievement and personal responsibility – both on and off the court,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley, who received both undergraduate and law degrees from Gonzaga. “The team is a source of pride for our entire region and I congratulate Coach Few, Assistant Coach Lloyd and the rest of the staff and team on another historic, hard-fought season, especially in what was one of the most difficult seasons in NCAA history.”

The resolution honoring the Gonzaga men’s basketball team reads:

WHEREAS, Gonzaga University in Spokane established its men’s basketball program in 1943, with that first team achieving a 22-4 record; and

WHEREAS, Gonzaga’s main claim to fame in men’s basketball for many years was that NBA Hall of Fame guard John Stockton played for the Bulldogs in the early 1980s; and

WHEREAS, The Bulldogs first qualified for the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball championship tournament in the 1994-95 season, losing in the opening round; and

WHEREAS, The Bulldogs, under coach Dan Monson, became the darlings of the 1999 NCAA tourney by reaching the West Regional final, where they fell to eventual national champion Connecticut; and

WHEREAS, That 1998-99 team sparked a love affair with Gonzaga men’s basketball for so many fans stretching from Spokane throughout the state of Washington and beyond; and

WHEREAS, In 1999 Bulldogs assistant coach Mark Few was promoted to head coach; and

WHEREAS, Under head coach Mark Few, the “Zags,” as the team is also known, have qualified for the NCAA men’s basketball championship tournament 21 straight seasons; captured 20 West Coast Conference titles and won the WCC tournament 17 times; and

WHEREAS, The 2016-17 Bulldogs was seeded number one in the West Region and not only reached the Final Four, but played for the national championship, losing to North Carolina, also a number-one seed, by only six points; and

WHEREAS, The 2019-20 Zags had a 31-2 record and ranked second in The Associated Press national poll when the NCAA tournament was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prematurely ending what could have been a national-championship season for the Zags; and

WHEREAS, The 2020-21 Gonzaga Bulldogs picked up where they left off last season, finishing their regular season undefeated and capturing the West Coast Conference regular-season and conference-tourney titles; and

WHEREAS, The Zags continued their dominance in the 2021 NCAA tournament, routing Norfolk State 98-55 in the first round; topping Oklahoma 87-71 in the second round; defeating Creighton 83-65 in the Sweet 16 round and then beating Southern California 85-66 in the West Regional final to reach their second Final Four in five years; and

WHEREAS, At this year’s Final Four in Indianapolis, the Zags defeated UCLA in the national semifinals 93-90 in overtime on a buzzer-beater by guard Jalen Suggs that will be talked about for years to come before losing 86-70 in the national title game to an outstanding Baylor team to finish the season with a 31-1 record; and

WHEREAS, The Zags were led by their “Big Three” of forward Corey Kispert, center Drew Timme and guard Jalen Suggs, who all were named to various All-America teams this season;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and congratulate the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team, including its players and coaches, on finishing second in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, going undefeated until the national championship game while playing a fun and exciting style of basketball, and for making its many fans throughout Washington and beyond very proud. Go Zags!

House passes Holy bill helping health-care workers during pandemic

A bill from 6th District Sen. Jeff Holy that aims to help health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was approved last night by the House of Representatives. If the Senate agrees with changes made by the House, the measure will advance to the governor’s desk.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5190 would extend unemployment-insurance eligibility to health-care workers who must leave work to quarantine during a public-health emergency. The bipartisan proposal, passed 84-14 by the House, also would provide presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for health-care workers who contract the disease that is the subject of a public-health emergency.

“I’m glad the House showed strong bipartisan support in amending and passing this common-sense bill that tries to solve a problem for health-care workers during this and any future pandemic,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “Health-care workers face a serious, immediate threat when they have to treat patients with infectious diseases. When we have a health-care crisis of this magnitude here in Washington and throughout the nation, we need to take care of the people who are being asked to help take care of the public.”

The bill returns to the Senate, which must decide whether to concur, or agree, with the House’s changes to the proposal. The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to end April 25.

Holy says Senate action opens door to state income tax

The Senate’s narrow passage of a Democrat-sponsored bill aiming to create a state income tax on capital gains opens the door to a full-fledged state income tax in Washington, says 6th District state Sen. Jeff Holy.

The Senate yesterday voted 25-24 to pass Senate Bill 5096, sending the controversial measure to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Holy voted against the proposal.

“Our state’s revenue situation has improved since last year’s dip caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “Our long-term state budget outlook is good, so we don’t need to create a state income tax. In addition, we are receiving federal COVID-19 funding. Passing a state income tax measure on a Saturday during a marginally transparent legislative session just sends the wrong message that the majority is trying to hide this from public view.”

Holy said Washington voters have rejected a state income-tax proposal 10 times over the past 85 years. The most recent rejection happened in 2010 when 64 percent of voters shot down Initiative 1098.

“Most of the people in Washington don’t want a state income tax,” said Holy. “The Legislature should listen to the people and not try to impose one.”

Holy said this bill could hurt people throughout Washington, not just wealthy residents in King County.

“Not everyone in our state can enjoy the economic success that the Seattle area has enjoyed,” said Holy. “Most of the voters in my district voted against the last state income tax ballot measure. I expect most of them would oppose this proposal that the Senate passed.”

If SB 5096 is signed into law, it is expected to draw a lawsuit and wind up in court.

“The Internal Revenue Service considers taxes on investment income to be an income tax, so this proposal would be on a collision course with the state Supreme Court over whether it’s legal under our state constitution,” said Holy.

Before the bill was approved, the Senate passed an amendment removing a so-called “emergency clause” from the proposal. Had the emergency clause remained in the bill, it would have prevented citizens from filing a referendum that brought SB 5096 before state voters to approve or reject.

“I’m very pleased the Senate agreed to include this amendment that could allow voters to exercise their right to force a referendum if they wish,” said Holy. “Throughout our history, voters have rejected state income-tax proposals several times. It would be extremely unfair if voters were prevented from having a say on this proposal if the governor signs it into law.”

Holy noted that if SB 5096 ends up become state law, he fears an exodus of wealthier Washingtonians.

“One reason why our state has attracted top talent is because they know Washington does not have a state income tax. But if the majority imposes a state income tax, there is a real concern that we’ll see many wealthier residents move away from Washington to avoid paying a state income tax. It’s never a good thing to drive people out of state with bad tax policies.”

Senate passes Holy bill helping health-care workers during pandemic

A bill introduced by 6th District Sen. Jeff Holy that aims to help health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been approved by the Senate.

The Senate voted 34-15 tonight to pass Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5190, which would provide health-care workers with presumptive benefits during a public-health emergency. The bipartisan proposal specifically would make health-care workers eligible for unemployment-insurance benefits for workers who are terminated or left work to quarantine during a public-health emergency. ESSB 5190 also would provide presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for health-care workers who contract the disease that is the subject of a public-health emergency.

“I’m pleased the Senate passed this common-sense bill that tries to solve a problem for health-care workers throughout our state during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “Health-care workers face a serious, immediate threat when they have to treat patients with infectious diseases. When we have a health-care crisis of this magnitude here in Washington and throughout the nation, we need to take care of the people who are being asked to help take care of the public.”

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senate panel approves Holy bills addressing issues related to COVID-19

Two bills sponsored by 6th District Sen. Jeff Holy that address issues arising since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have been approved by the Senate Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee.

The panel on Thursday passed Substitute Senate Bill 5190, which would provide health-care workers with presumptive benefits during a public-health emergency. The bipartisan bill specifically would make health-care workers eligible for unemployment-insurance benefits for workers who are terminated or left work to quarantine during a public-health emergency. SSB 5190 also would provide presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for health-care workers who contract the disease that is the subject of a public-health emergency.

“This is a common-sense bill that tries to solve a real problem faced by health-care workers during this COVID crisis,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “Health-care workers face a very direct and immediate threat when they have to treat patients with infectious diseases. I was approached by constituent health-care workers who had been told to take unpaid leave while quarantining due to exposure or infection – we must do better by them. When we are facing this type of emergency in our state and country, we need to take care of the people who are being asked to step up and take care of the public.”

The committee yesterday also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5333, which would prohibit clauses in a public-works contract from waiving, releasing, or extinguishing the rights of a contractor to damages or an equitable adjustment arising out of a delay in performance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic emergency proclamations.

Holy introduced the bill after listening to concerns mentioned by the Associated General Contractors about challenges caused by the pandemic that have faced contractors.

“The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the conditions under which many contracts had reached agreement, including a lack of availability of materials,” said Holy. “Mandates requiring social distancing, additional cleaning, handwashing, and personal-protection equipment have slowed projects and increased costs. Contractors are responsible for many of these increased costs. This bill provides flexibility so a contractor can adjust to a situation none of us has ever experienced before.”

SSB 5333 has been sent to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for more consideration.

Holy statement on Senate passage of measure extending Inslee emergency orders

Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s passage today of Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402, which extends many of Gov. Jay Inslee’s emergency orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“SCR 8402 extends 26 of the governor’s current proclamations indefinitely. Over the last 10 months, we have had to explain to constituents, damaged business owners and those negatively affected by the governor’s shutdowns that, even though there was no special session, once we got into regular session lawmakers would represent their best interest and attempt to resolve their issues through the regular legislative process. I’m so disappointed that with a single vote today, the Senate abdicated its authority and responsibility as an equal branch of government. The majority’s decision lets those constituents down and denies them the representative government they have waited so long to see.”

SCR 8402 passed along party lines, 28-19.

Holy to resume serving on Senate higher education, law and justice committees

Sen. Jeff Holy will continue in his role as Republican leader on the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee when the Washington Legislature’s 2021 session begins Jan. 11.

Holy, a retired Spokane police officer, also will keep serving on the Senate Law and Justice Committee. The 6th District senator has added an assignment, to the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.

“I’m very pleased with my committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session,” said Holy, R-Cheney. “Higher education and workforce development are important issues for many Washingtonians, especially those coming out of high school and looking to enter college or the workforce. My years as a police officer in Spokane give me a unique perspective on how bills in the Law and Justice Committee might affect not only law enforcement but citizens.”

Holy said he is excited to join the Health and Long-Term Care Committee, even though it meant ending his service on the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.

“COVID-19 and its impact on Washington’s hospitals and health care system will be an important issue for this committee, so I look forward to being involved with this issue and working on solutions that will help our state overcome this pandemic,” said Holy.

The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to end April 25.

Mass release of convicted felons violates state constitution, Senate Republicans warn

Republicans ask Inslee to rethink plan – improper release of more than 1,100 inmates makes state liable for new crimes

To see a copy of this letter, click here.

Senate Republicans today formally asked Gov. Jay Inslee to rethink his plan to deal with the coronavirus crisis by releasing 1,167 prison inmates onto the streets. For one thing, they point out that it’s illegal.

Inslee is responding to a state Supreme Court order that the state take “all necessary steps” to protect prison inmates from the spread of COVID-19. The court didn’t tell Inslee how to do it, however, and the mass release of prisoners is the governor’s idea.

With a formal letter to the governor Friday, Senate Republicans are alerting the governor’s office that the plan violates the state constitution. They warn that the state could be on the hook for any new crimes committed by inmates who are improperly released. They also note that the state has other options that do not threaten public safety. The letter was signed by all 21 members of the Senate Republican Caucus.

“The governor’s office is trying to tell us this public health emergency requires us to throw open the doors of our state prisons,” said Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Spokane, a retired law enforcement officer and attorney. “Of course it doesn’t. In fact, the constitution forbids it.

“The governor’s office no doubt overlooked this constitutional problem when it decided a mass release of convicted felons was a good idea. That’s why we thought it would be helpful to remind the governor of this issue. The governor’s office needs to be aware that the plan violates state law, and that Washington taxpayers could face millions of dollars in liability for new crimes committed by felons who should have been behind bars.”

The letter notes that Inslee is planning to release prisoners without notifying crime victims or their families, meaning that they will have no opportunity to protest. This violates a provision of the Washington constitution passed by an overwhelming 78 percent vote of the people in 1989. Article I, Section 35 of the constitution, known as the “Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights,” requires that crime victims be notified of every proceeding relevant to their case, and that they be given the opportunity to speak when inmate releases are considered.

The letter asks Inslee to explain the legal authority under which he proposes to ignore the requirements of the Washington Constitution.

It also observes that the state has other options that do not require the release of prison inmates. These include the expansion of work-release programs, the use of portable facilities, and the transfer of prisoners to the Maple Lane facility in Thurston County. Maple Lane is particularly well-suited for isolation and quarantine, because it has the capacity, and because Corrections’ central pharmacy is located at the site.

Under ordinary circumstances, a third of inmates are arrested for new felonies within three years of their release from prison. The state already has learned the hard way that it is liable for new crimes committed by felons who are improperly released. In 2015, the inadvertent release of some 3,000 prisoners due to a programming error led to two deaths, numerous other violent crimes, and millions of dollars of lawsuits from crime victims and their families. The letter notes that the earlier releases were accidental. “In this case, the releases will be deliberate, and the state’s responsibility for any new crimes is all the more clear.”

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, ranking member on the Senate Law and Justice Committee, said Republicans recognize Inslee’s office is under pressure to do something to address concerns about coronavirus in the state’s prison system. “We have many ways to deal with this problem that do not require us to turn inmates loose,” Padden said. “Unfortunately, many in Olympia are pursuing an agenda to relax our laws, shorten sentences and release inmates before their time is up. So these better options are being ignored.

“We appreciate the challenges the governor’s office has faced in dealing with the coronavirus crisis. But we shouldn’t use it as an excuse to turn more than a thousand criminals onto the streets, ignore the state constitution, and create an even more difficult situation for the more than 7 million Washington residents who respect our laws.”