Pandemic may help spread access to Legislature

CHENEY – In what might be somewhat of an irony, keeping legislators out of Olympia during the recently started biennial legislative session could actually increase participation by the public.

With COVID-19 health protocol restrictions limiting lawmakers and others access to the normal governing process, several organizations have actually worked to create better access to sessions, hearings and the ability to provide remote testimony. And early indications show it might be working easier than anticipated.

In a recent email, Washington State Democratic Caucus Communications Director Aaron Wass...