Republicans made motions to bring two of their bills directly to the House floor for a vote. Democrats had refused to give either bill a public hearing in the Appropriations Committee.
House Bill 1594 by Centralia Representative Peter Abbarno would repeal the costly and controversial long-term care program and payroll tax:
“Repealing the insolvent program is another option that must be considered. Let’s be the Washington of ideas where we discuss options, collaborate across the aisle, communicate openly, and most importantly, find real solutions together.”
Representative Drew Stokesbary’s House Bill 1913 would repeal and replace the program:
“This is one of the most important policies this chamber will discuss this session. It is by far the issue I have heard most on from my constituents. I don’t think it would impair our ability to get work done to occasionally grant exceptions to our rules to more broadly consider important policies like this one.”
Democrats rejected both motions, then went on to pass two bills. One would delay implementation of the program by 18 months and move premium collections out to July 2023. The other would create four new voluntary exemptions from the program.