Inslee on Wyman joining Federal Election Security Office

Inslee on Wyman joining Federal Election Security Office

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement last Tuesday on Secretary of State Kim Wyman's decision to lead the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to protect future elections from foreign and domestic interference.

"I spoke to Kim earlier today and congratulated her on her appointment. She has remained independent in the face of partisan challenges and has always done what was best for the strength of our democracy.

"I remember watching Kim certify the 2020 election results last December on the floor of the state Senate. When confronted with the choice of adopting election lies being promulgated by powerful forces in her party, Kim chose to stand by the will of the people. We are a stronger state because of Kim's endeavors.

"She is a great fit to lead these crucial efforts at the national level and I have no doubt that her expertise, energy and focus will lead to more secure elections and help restore faith in the democratic process.

"I will appoint her replacement in the coming weeks, and I believe that regardless of who it is, they will continue the vital work that Kim and her staff have put in place."

Steps to Establish Solutions for Salmon Recovery

Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee announced next steps as they pursue a joint federal-state process to establish a comprehensive solution for salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin.

The process will inform their recommendation on whether the Lower Snake River dams should be breached or retained. Consultant and expert support will be retained by the governor's office to help synthesize existing information regarding what is known about options to replace the benefits of the dams, if removed, and what remains unknown.

"We approach this question with open minds and without a predetermined decision. Both of us believe that, for the region to move forward, the time has come to identify specific details for how the impacts of breach can, or cannot, be mitigated," Inslee and Murray said in a joint statement. "We will not start this process from scratch -- we will build on the important data and previously conducted research on these topics to help guide the process."

This assessment will be reviewed with tribal governments, river users and communities, and other affected groups representing a range of views regarding the four Lower Snake River Dams. At the conclusion of the Joint Federal-State Process in July 2022, the governor and senator will present their recommendations, and engage with relevant parties on next steps.

Formal mechanisms for the public to submit written comments on the topic will be detailed at a future date.