Senate Bill 5536, one of the last bills debated in the 105-day legislative session, failed 43-55 in the Democratic-controlled House. Several Democratic lawmakers voted against the bill, and not a single Republican supported the compromise from House and Senate Democrats.
The collapse of legislation after two years of difficult negotiations was a bitter turn for Democrats, who were set to celebrate a host of big wins secured in recent weeks: a package to ease the housing crisis, increased education funding, new dollars for a host of climate projects and new restrictions on firearms.
“I’m flummoxed, I’m flummoxed,” said House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, shortly after the vote. Jinkins blamed the
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