The intro text from Restore Washington for their proposed Initiative 1114 reads similarly to the list of grievances against King George in the Declaration of Independence, and it’s a very fitting comparison indeed.

"For months now, through constant COVID-19 Emergency Proclamations, Governor Inslee has abused the powers We the People gave him in the existing Emergency Powers Act. He has refused to revoke Proclamations once the emergency it was based on has passed. He has changed the goals of his Proclamations, ensuring they can continue indefinitely."

"He has favored his preferred businesses over those he dislikes through his definitions of essential business.
He has refused to call the Legislature into session so that all representatives have a voice in the state’s emergency response.
He has hired thousands of new state inspectors, and sent them to harass businesses, and fine them out of existence.
He has forbidden church worship.
He has forbidden protest against his Proclamations, yet he has allowed and encouraged other protest.
In all this, he has acted arbitrarily, and brooked no advice or dissent."

I-1114, called the Emergency Powers Act, will act to limit the currently unchecked executive powers and restore our system of checks and balances. We are supposed to be a constitutional republic, a government of the people, by the people, for the people. All political power belongs to the people and not to a king.

What it does: I-1114 limits emergency Proclamations issued by the governor to no longer than 14 days unless extended by a vote of the Legislature. The Legislature may not extend a proclamation through mere letters from the leadership, but must vote as a body. The Legislature may pass subsequent resolutions of extension, so that all parts of our government must agree for the ongoing existence of an emergency Proclamation. No individual extension may exceed fourteen days. Violation of emergency orders would be reduced to a misdemeanor from a gross misdemeanor. Full text here (PDF).

However, due to the time required for legislation to pass the required steps and come into effect, the Act won’t immediately limit this governor’s powers with regards to the current COVID-19 response (unless those emergency declarations are continued beyond all reasonable expectations). But it does put in place a needed fix for state law, to restore the balance of power, for the future of Washington.

Unless we no longer believe that the best form of government is a government of, by, and for the people, the time has come to put a real time limit on the governor’s emergency powers, with this Initiative to the Legislature. You must be a registered voter in the state of Washington in order to have a valid petition signature. Find a petition location near you, and sign it today.

The Methow Valley has two petition locations, Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp, and The Winthrop Store in Winthrop. Mid-county has Xpress Lube & Wash in Omak. In the north, Tonasket Feed in Tonasket, and three locations in Oroville: NAPA Auto Supply, Re/Max Realty, and Paul's Service. In the south county, also three locations in Brewster: Rusty Relic, Brewster Car Care Center, and Brewster Veterinary Clinic. See the I-1114 petition locations map for further details.

Restore Washington is a petition organization co-founded by business owner and former state representative Cary Condotta, R-Wenatchee. The idea is to limit overreach and bad governance by Olympia, by direct action of the people of Washington using the initiative process. You can also find their Facebook group under "Restore Washington".