WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Gov. Inslee announces moratorium on executions

I applaud Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision that Washington state will carry out no executions during his term as governor.  As a legislator, and as a citizen, two of my primary concerns are public safety and the most efficient and effective use of state revenue, most of which is provided by Washington taxpayers.

After many years of work in the legal system, with and for attorneys, and in local and state government as an elected official, I am a big believer in evidence.  And the evidence is clear that having capital laws on our books does not make our communities and families safer, and that its huge financial costs actually divert money away from the kinds of investments that genuinely do increase public safety.

I want to stress that Gov. Inslee has not “banned” capital punishment.  That’s a decision that would be made by citizens, working through their chosen representatives in the Legislature.  But his announcement is an important first step in what I hope can be a productive and heartfelt conversation in our state.

Here is a link to Gov. Inslee’s prepared remarks.