Washington state’s 65th Legislature is in session. Both the House and Senate convened at noon Monday, marking the start of a 105-day budget writing session.
While education funding is a top priority, in an opening day speech, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp expressed his concerns that Washington residents will lose their health care if the Affordable Care Act is repealed.
“Whatever happens in Washington D.C., in this Washington, we must not let our neighbors in rural and urban areas be without basic health,” Chopp said.
Chopp’s remarks were swiftly followed by a call for unity from Republican House Minority Leader Dan Kristiansen.
“We are gonna be faced with some challenges this year,” he said. “But like those that have gone before us, they have come up with a way to get the job done.”
On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee will give his second inaugural address to the legislature.