‘I think a gross misdemeanor, with treatment-oriented diversion, is a good compromise,’ Cheney said
During an hours-long special session on Tuesday (May 16), the Washington State House of Representatives voted 83-13 in support of compromise legislation for the so-called “Blake fix.” The measure, Senate Bill 5536, failed to pass on the final day of the 105-day regular session, but negotiators were able to come to an agreement after much give-and-take by both sides.
Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, issued the following statement in support of the bipartisan compromise measure:
“I’ve said from the beginning that any solution to our state’s drug use and abuse problem needs to have a measure of accountability and consequences for actions. The compromise bill we voted on today takes these two key factors and combines them with a much-needed increase in services and investments in care for those struggling with substance abuse.
“There are some in our communities who would want this bill to go further – to reinstate the felony aspect of drug possession and drug use. There are some that think all drugs should be decriminalized. I think a gross misdemeanor, with treatment-oriented diversion, is a good compromise. We need to give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to keep our communities, schools, and children safe. And we need to give our local jurisdictions the access to expert services and treatment to help those struggling within the grips of their addiction.
“I’m pleased to support Senate Bill 5536. However, I do not think this is the end of the issue. We will continue to perfect our strategies to help clean up our streets and make sure our citizens are safe.”
You can view Rep. Cheney’s floor speech from Tuesday here.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans,
houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- GoFundMe Spotlight: Vancouver man raising money to buy warm clothing for the homeless
Vancouver resident Cameron Murray is raising money through GoFundMe to purchase jackets and socks for the homeless, inspired by the life and struggles of his late brother Shelby. - Residents encouraged to reduce holiday waste by recycling natural Christmas trees
Clark County residents have multiple options to recycle natural Christmas trees after the holidays, helping reduce landfill waste and create reusable mulch. - County Elections Office closed Dec. 24-25
The Clark County Elections Office will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 and will reopen Dec. 26 with regular business hours. - Opinion: The unpreferred and unaffordable Interstate Bridge replacement proposal
Rep. John Ley argues that the Interstate Bridge Replacement proposal is unpreferred, unaffordable, and failing to address congestion, cost transparency, and community concerns. - POLL: If project costs continue to rise, what should lawmakers do with the I-5 Bridge replacement plan?
This poll asks readers what lawmakers should do with the I-5 Bridge replacement plan as costs rise and key decisions remain unresolved. - Clark County mourns loss of hometown hero and humanitarian Greg Biffle
Clark County is mourning Greg Biffle, the Camas High School graduate and NASCAR champion remembered not only for his racing career but for his humanitarian work and disaster relief efforts. - Opinion: IBR still holding and lying about coming billions in cost overruns
Joe Cortright argues that Interstate Bridge Replacement officials are deliberately delaying the release of an updated cost estimate that he says could push the project toward $10 billion.
