Investigative panel would not include police, r
eports would go back to prosecutors, police for decision making…
Fred Thomas believes if an independent team had investigated his son’s death, the outcome would have been much different.
In May 2013, 30-year-old Leonard Thomas was shot by Lakewood police sniper Brian Markert after a four-hour standoff between Thomas and the Pierce County Metro SWAT team. The team responded to a domestic dispute at Thomas’ home in Fife. Thomas was unarmed and holding his 4-year-old son in his arms when Markert shot him.
When Fred Thomas and his family pursued legal action, he said they faced an uphill battle. A unanimous federal court jury finally decided on a $15 million settlement for what they found was a wrongful death. However, Fred Thomas said civil suits are not the same as accountability.
A guide to Washington s 2021 legislative session
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The capitol building in Olympia, Washington. @ Didier Marti/Getty Images
Amid a background of civil unrest that led Gov. Jay Inslee to activate the National Guard for safety, the Washington state legislature commenced last week for their 2021 session.
Despite the in-person first gathering in Olympia, lawmakers agreed to rules to hold a mostly remote 2021 session due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 98-member House of Representatives will move to mostly virtual meetings, while the Senate will take a hybrid approach will some members appearing at the Capitol.
The state s response to the pandemic will likely dominate the early months of this session as lawmakers chart an economic recovery, but other high-profile issues also at hand.
In Our View: Devising 2-year budget Legislature’s priority The Columbian
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The unusual nature of this year’s legislative session will be on display Monday. Before agreeing to hold remote meetings in the age of COVID-19, lawmakers must meet in person in Olympia.
The opening day might be the only relatively normal day of the entire 2021 session. Beyond that, legislators will address pressing issues mostly through virtual meetings.
The issues are, indeed, pressing. With the coronavirus pandemic causing an economic slowdown, state revenue over the next three years is projected to be $3.3 billion less than previously expected. That will require some combination of tax increases and budget cuts. “We must invest in the relief, recovery and resilience of Washington,” Gov. Jay Inslee said last month. “We cannot cut the things that we need most during a pandemic. In my proposed operating, capital and transportation budgets, I am investing in the people of our
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Amid the ongoing pandemic and threats by far-right protesters to occupy the Capitol, Washington lawmakers will convene Monday for what will ultimately be a mostly remote 2021 session with a focus on the ongoing response to COVID-19, police reform, addressing climate change and writing a two-year state budget.
Democrats have solid majorities in both the House and Senate and will set the agenda for the 105-day session. They’re also writing the rules for how the unusual session will unfold.
On day one, members of the House and Senate will gather in person at the Capitol to approve rules to allow for remote lawmaking. [Yes, they have to meet in person to agree to meet remotely.] After that, the 98 member House will shift almost entirely to remote operations. The state Senate, with 49 members, plans to operate in hybrid fashion with some lawmakers at the Capitol and others participating virtually.
Five things to know about Washingtonâs 2021 legislative session
Amid the ongoing pandemic and threats by far-right protesters to occupy the Capitol, Washington lawmakers will convene Monday for what will ultimately be a mostly remote 2021 session with a focus on the ongoing response to COVID-19, police reform, addressing climate change and writing a two-year state budget.
Democrats have solid majorities in both the House and Senate and will set the agenda for the 105-day session. Theyâre also writing the rules for how the unusual session will unfold.
On day one, members of the House and Senate will gather in person at the Capitol to approve rules to allow for remote lawmaking. [Yes, they have to meet in person to agree to meet remotely.] After that, the 98 member House will shift almost entirely to remote operations. The state Senate, with 49 members, plans to operate in hybrid fashion with some lawmakers at the Capitol and others participating virtually.