In an unprecedented move, eleven newspapers in Washington state have published front-page editorials urging Governor Jay Inslee to veto a controversial public records bill passed last week by the vast majority of state lawmakers.
The Governor’s Office has received more than 3,000 phone calls from concerned constituents, in addition to more than 6,000 emails, as of Wednesday.
"This response from constituents is unprecedented in the Inslee Administration," a spokesperson from the office said.
The phone lines became so inundated on Tuesday morning, the governor’s office required backup from the state’s tech support.
The legislation, fast-tracked with little public debate, aims to circumvent a recent court ruling that found state lawmakers were fully subject to the state's public disclosure laws.
While Governor Inslee declined interview requests Tuesday, he told MSNBC on Monday he thought the bill was “a bad idea.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” he told Chris Hayes. “I’ve been a legislator and an executive, and I know that you can have full disclosure and transparency.”
However, when asked if would veto the legislation, he dodged a firm commitment.
“Well, I can't unfortunately, because they have a veto-proof majority, unfortunately,” said Inslee. “I don't have control at this moment, but I have spoken out against it, and I don't think it's necessary because you can be a good representative and still be transparent about your communications.”
The Governor can, in fact, veto the legislation, despite its veto-proof majority; it's something he's done dozens of times over the years.
His veto would then send the bill back to the floor for another vote, forcing lawmakers to go on the record again to exempt themselves from the same public disclosure law that other local governments and state agencies follow.
The King County Council, in a letter condemning the legislature’s actions last week, wrote Governor Inslee to also request a veto.
"Preventing public disclosure of legislative documents will limit the transparency and openness of state government,” read the letter in part. “This is not an acceptable way for our state government to operate."
Even if the governor’s veto is ultimately overridden, it could prompt lawmakers to give the bill a second look, potentially make changes or change their votes.
Governor Inslee has until the end of Thursday to make a final decision; he has not yet indicated when he will act.
How to contact Gov. Inslee's office:
Phone: 360-902-4111
