The Legislature adjourned sine die last Friday. We will need a special session to finish our business. The governor has called a special session, beginning Wednesday, April 29.

I am disappointed we were not able to reach a budget agreement in the allotted 105 days. Unfortunately, House Democrats and Gov. Jay Inslee insist on new revenue – new and increased taxes – despite a state record $3 billion in additional revenue for this budget cycle. We should be able to live within our means on a 9 percent increase in revenue.

Below is a comparison of the two budget proposals.

Motion to bring jobs legislation to the House floor

Over the past few years our governor has repeatedly stated jobs were his top priority. However, if you look outside the I-5 corridor, the unemployment rate for many counties is much higher than those of King and Snohomish counties. And, House Republicans have had a difficult time getting legislation passed that would help create and retain good family-wage jobs in Washington.

So, earlier this week, my Republican colleagues and I tried to bring four bipartisan bills, all were tax incentive bills designed to create or retain jobs, to the House floor for a vote. Unfortunately, all four motions failed on a 50-47 party-line vote.

I requested House Bill 1769, which would reinstate the high technology research and development (R&D) tax preference, be pulled from the House Finance Committee to the floor for a vote. This legislation would benefit a number of businesses around the 17th District. You can read more about the procedural motion and the bills by clicking: Rep. Harris attempts to bring bipartisan, high tech research and development bill to House floor for a vote. It is important to note these were Democrat sponsored and governor request legislation and the Democrats basically blocked their own bills.

Bill signed into law

One of my prime-sponsored bills was signed into law by the governor earlier this week. House Bill 1307 would authorize the Developmental Disability Administration to use enforcement mechanisms for Certified Residential Service and Support Providers. This would bring supported living in line with the enforcement mechanisms available for adult family homes and nursing homes.