Senate Bill 5114 Garners Bipartisan, Local Support to Push Businesses into Phase 2

The Washington State Senate heard testimony at a hearing for Senate Bill 5114, legislation to move businesses into Phase 2 of the 'Healthy Washington' recovery plan, Wednesday morning.

"I think the impetus behind this bill is to create pressure on the governor from the ground up and to demonstrate the broad support across Washington state to safely reopen portion of our economy," said Senator Brad Hawkins

Over 1,000 folks signed up to testify. Senator Hawkins is a member of the committee and was able to assist two Wenatchee based people have an opportunity to testify at the hearing.

"They were packing the virtual committee room. Blair McHaney from Worx and representing the Washington Fitness Alliance and Sasha Sleiman from the Wenatchee Valley Chamber," said Senator Hawkins. "They did an excellent job and helped make the case."

According to Hawkins, despite support, he doesn't know whether the bill can make it out of the committee and further in the process.

"The legislative process is kind of a cumbersome process. There's a lot of checks involved," said Hawkins.

Republican leader, Senator John Braun, sponsored the bill and Democrat, Mark Mullet of Issaquah cosponsored the bill demonstrating bipartisan support to move all businesses to Phase 2.