And we continue on with the 2020 Presidential Candidate Files. Next up is Jay Inslee who dropped out of the race on 21st August 2019 and will now be running instead for re-election as Washington’s Governor.
Jay Inslee
DoB: February 9th 1951, Seattle, Washington, US.
Education: Graduated University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in economics (1973) Graduated Willamete University School of Law with a Juris Doctor (1976)
Positions
Served as Regional Director for the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration.
Served as Chair of the Democratic Governors Association during the 2018 election cycle.
Other Notable Achievements
Awarded the “Friend of the National Parks” award in 2001 by National Parks Conservation Association due to his support of legislation that protected the integrity and quality of the National Park System.
Overview
The current Washington state Governor announced he was running for president in 2020 on 1st March 2019, being the 12th Democratic Candidate to do so. His campaign is going to focus on bringing attention to climate change and what his administration would do about it, he also has a goal of education and drug policy reform. Heavy critic of Trump. Dropped out of the race on 21st August 2019 and will now run for re-election as Washington Governor.
Political Career
Local State Representative of Washington’s 14th Legislative district – 1989 – 1993
- Pursued a bill to try and get initial funding for five branch campuses for the Washington State University system. The bill didn’t end up making it through.
- Voted for a state energy policy which required the state to make a cost-effective energy strategy as well as state agencies and school districts to use efficient energy operations of their facilities.
- Served on the Higher Education and Housing Committees during this time.
Representative of Washington’s 4th Congressional District in the US House – 1993 – 1995
- Voted for the Yakima River Enhancement Act, a bill to efficiently manage water for irrigated land to help protect the river and its wildlife.
- Voted for an Assault Weapons ban, which he later blamed for why he lost his re-election bid in 1994.
- Served on the Agriculture Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee during this time.
Representative of Washington’s 1st Congressional District in the US House – 1999 – 2012
- Inslee introduced legislation to have Alberto Gonzalez, the then US Attorney General in the Bush admin in 2007, impeached for numerous cases of corruption. Gonzalez later resigned from his position.
- Voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
- Voted for authorization of usage of US armed forces in Libya in 2011 and also against limiting funds to NATO’s intervention to Libya.
- Was part of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Energy and Power during this time.
- Was a member of the New Democrat Coalition, Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, Congressional Internet Caucus, House Medicare and Medical Fairness Caucus, House Oceans Caucus, US Congressional International Conservation Caucus, Congressional Arts Caucus and the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition during this time.
Governor of Washington State – 2013 – Present
- During his first term Inslee was forced to call two Special Sessions to help the divided state legislature come to a decision on the state’s budget, which was eventually reached and signed off by Inslee.
- Signed an additional estate tax into law in 2013 that had a bipartisan backing.
- In 2014 Inslee announced he would issue a moratorium on executions in Washington state.
- Inslee’s main goals for his 2nd term included full funding of state education, addressing mental health needs and raising worker pay.
- Launched a lawsuit against President Trumps Travel Ban. The lawsuit led to the travel ban being temporarily suspended and an appeal against restarting the travel ban also failed.
- Avoided a partial government shutdown during his 2nd term when the budget stalled again, calling special sessions.
- In December 2017 Inslee awarded $6.4 million in grant funding for apprenticeships and career connections for 29,000 youth in 11 communities, called the Career Connect Washington Initiative.
- In December 2018 Inslee announced legislation that would reduce the states carbon emissions and aim to totally phase out fossil fuels in the long-term.
- Inslee said he would provide an expedited process for about 3,500 people who had been convicted of small-time cannabis possession to apply for and receive pardons.
Other Political Activity/notes
- Helped fund and oversee the nation’s biggest nuclear waste site at Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
- Strongly believes the Environmental Protection Agency should remain authorized to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
- Strong critic of the War in Iraq.
Main Points in Debates
Economy, Jobs and Big Business
- Stands up for unions and has a plan to reinvigorate collective bargaining to lead to raising of wages.
- Disagrees with CEO’s earning so much money.
Healthcare
- Is against insurance companies not paying out for woman to have abortions.
Environmental
- Says there is a climate crisis and emergency.
- Wants to focus on creating jobs for the present and future, such as new clean energy jobs.
- Will focus on clean electricity bills, similar to what has passed in his state (Washington).
- Proclaims he is the only candidate who will make climate change the absolute top priority.
Civil Rights and Immigrants
- Would work on releasing and processing migrant children trapped in detention facilities.
- Would work on accepting immigrants and better integrating them into society.
Congress
- Says he wants to take away the filibuster from Mitch McConnel to help pass legislation.
National Security
- Believes biggest threat to US National Security is President Donald Trump.
Thank you for reading. Next up will be John Hickenlooper most likely next Wednesday.
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