Inslee: Washington state must work toward “new normal”

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee says Washington state must work toward a “new normal.”

In a videotaped speech to a mostly remote meeting of the Washington Legislature, Inslee told lawmakers that following the challenges of 2020, they must address a multitude of issues, including climate change, COVID-19 response and health system equity.

Auburn Representative Drew Stokesbury delivered the Republican response, saying it’s time the legislature and not governor Inslee alone should decide how to respond to the pandemic.

Lawmakers convened their 105-day legislative session Monday under tight security and with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.