— from the Office of Governor Inslee —
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today in response to Republicans’ refusal to extend emergency protection for domestic violence victims.
“Today, Senate Republican Leader Schoesler refused to extend Proclamation 20-45, which protects victims of assault. House Republican Leader Wilcox would agree to extend the order only until Monday. Without agreement from the leaders of the four legislative caucuses, the emergency proclamation will expire tomorrow, May 10.
“This proclamation is not about convenience. It is about saving lives of domestic violence and sexual assault victims who are in need of protection now more than ever. The proclamation ensures victims can apply for protection online and provides options for serving alleged perpetrators with orders that don’t involve in-person service.
“Both the state prosecutors and sheriffs and police chief associations supported the extension of this important order. It is unfathomable why Republicans would turn their back on victims, sheriffs, police chiefs and prosecutors. This is not just deeply disappointing, it is dangerous.”
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