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Day 59
legislative round-up: The work of the people stalled to ensure felons
have the right to vote
'Priorities
of Legislature confuse the public,' says Kretz
Working late again March
10,
Rep. Joel Kretz was astounded that instead of tackling
the $8 billion budget deficit or addressing the needs of our most vulnerable
populations, House Democrats instead passed
House Bill 1517.
The measure
would give felons the ability to vote once they're
released from state custody, including the completion of parole or
probation. Under current law, convicted felons in Washington are not
allowed to vote until they have served their sentence and paid all
restitution and legal fees.
"I feel like I'm in some alternate universe," said Kretz. "Where are
their priorities? Today I had a constituent call upset that bills she
supported to
help disabled individuals could not even get a public hearing in the
Legislature, but a bill to let felons vote had passed. She was
rightfully disgusted and extremely angry."
Kretz said he is disappointed that House Republican ideas and solutions
to the state's pressing issues have been couched to make time to pass
bills like felon voter rights.
"What do I tell that person? Saying 'sorry' just doesn't cut it
when peoples' lives hang in the balance with our decisions," Kretz
explained. "I am fighting for the things my constituents have told me are priorities in state government -
schools, public safety, vulnerable populations - all while Democrats pass
bills that coddle dangerous felons and fail to solve critical issues
like protecting families."
Important work remains on the table, Kretz said, while Democrats insist
we debate and vote on
bills that do not help workers keep their jobs, employers keep their
employees or families make ends meet.
"We can
and should do better for the people of Washington state," Kretz said.
Since
the Legislature convened Jan. 12, Washington has lost 25,728 jobs. That
amounts to 443 job losses every day of the 2009 legislative session.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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