OLYMPIA — Sen. Karen Keiser-D, Kent, released this statement today regarding the Senate Republicans’ proposal to take control of the Senate and divide control of committee chairmanships:
“My constituents do not want their legislators playing political games. Sadly, the recent power plays by Senate Republicans with the connivance of two conservative Democrats will mean the upcoming session will be devoid of real progress on critical issues. Stalemate and impasse may be goals of this ‘new majority’ but it certainly isn’t what our citizens want us to achieve.
“My constituents want and need real progress. They want opportunity, equity and fairness for their families and their children. They need excellent public education, health care and transportation. We have work to do, but political gamesmanship will shove real progress aside.
“If Republicans were to control the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee, I am particularly concerned about the fate of the Reproductive Fairness Act, Medicaid expansion and key elements of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
“If past statements and actions from the Republican caucus are any indication, Washington citizens in need of health care have much to fear from this new so-called ‘philosophical majority.’
“Niccolò Machiavelli, who counseled the use of brute force and deceit with the excuse ‘the ends justify the means,’ appears to be the philosopher followed by this ‘new majority.’ ”
