Jay Inslee in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Abortion:
Protect fundamental right to reproductive freedom
The Dobbs decision upended decades of precedent that assured people had at least some measure of constitutional protection for abortion care and contraception. In Washington state, we are fighting to make sure that right remains protected.
We must protect patients and providers from persecution by vigilantes and activist politicians in anti-choice states. And we must pass a constitutional amendment that expressly establishes a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Washington state.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Environment:
Continue to fight against climate change & salmon extinction
The Climate Commitment Act we passed in 2021 is now live. The act is helping us invest in the strongest suite of salmon recovery actions in state history. Salmon are iconic to our state and to tribes' cultures and way of life. Unfortunately,
climate change will continue increasing the temperatures of our waters and killing salmon. Providing shade that helps cool rivers and streams is critical for the years to come. Let's boldly continue our fight against climate change and salmon extinction.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Gun Control:
Require safety training; ban assault weapons
One of the most meaningful measures we can take is requiring that people have safety training before they purchase a gun. We expect that people have completed safety training in multiple parts of our lives.
We should expect that before someone buys a gun they have some basic safety training. It has worked in other states. It's time to put it to work in Washington.
The time has come for this Legislature to ban the sale of military-style assault weapons. These weapons are designed for the sole purpose of destroying lives--the lives of school children, law enforcement officers, concert-goers, nightclub patrons,
and people gathered in houses of worship. We owe our children the assurance we're doing all we can to keep them safe. Let's prove to them that the gun lobby doesn't make the rules in Washington state--we do.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Health Care:
Community-based behavioral health care is what works
The other issue confronting families and communities across Washington is behavioral health. We've been building a new, community-based system that helps people get the specific type of care they need closer to their homes and loved ones.
Community-based care is what works. We're still building, and my budgets contain funding to keep every part of our plan on track, including the new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Principles & Values:
We can't be number one in everything but we sure come close
We invest in our people and our communities. It's a reason we've been rated best state in America, best economy, second best state for business, third best state for workers--we can't be number one in everything, but we sure come close.
This is not an accident. That's because of the work we do in these chambers. Because of that work, I can proudly report that the state of our state is strong.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
On Welfare & Poverty:
$4B to speed up construction of new housing and shelters
Until we fix our housing crisis thousands of people will remain homeless. This is why I'm proposing a $4 billion referendum that will significantly speed up the construction of thousands of new units that will include shelters, supportive housing
and affordable housing. This will be combined with additional behavioral health support, substance use treatment, employment services and more. We know substance use treatment and mental health support can work when you combine it with stable housing.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023