OLYMPIA (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his annual State of the State address Tuesday, highlighting issues of climate change, mental health reform and funding, basic education, and working to restore orca habitat.
Inslee, who is mulling a possible 2020 presidential bid, spoke to lawmakers in Olympia, who this week started their 105-day legislative session.
Meanwhile, our state’s lieutenant governor Cyrus Habib declined to preside over the Governor’s speech because of concerns that people might bring concealed weapons into the building.
While no threats had been made, the state House of Representatives, where the speech took place, does not have a policy banning concealed weapons.
Habib, who is blind, said he is concerned the House policy leaves elected officials vulnerable.
Democratic Rep. John Lovick, of Mill Creek, presided in Habib’s absence.