Budget Challenges, Parental Rights, and Education Reform: This Weeks Conversation with Senator Drew MacEwen

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

Washington State Senator Drew MacEwen and I covered much ground in our conversation this week. We discussed the benefits of remote testimony and how technology is helping connect lawmakers with constituents across the state. On the state budget, Senator MacEwen pointed out that the deficit isn’t due to a lack of revenue but rather unsustainable spending growth, emphasizing the need for more responsible budgeting. When I asked about the mood in the Senate, he noted that the Governor's pragmatic approach to budgeting is appreciated, but he couldn’t speak on the ongoing negotiations.

Education was another big topic. We discussed the financial challenges school districts face, with Senator MacEwen stressing the problem of unfunded mandates. He believes the state should set education standards but allow districts the flexibility to implement them as they see fit. Despite increased spending, test scores are dropping, and accountability needs to improve. We also talked about parental rights in education, mainly concerns over recent rollbacks of the Parental Rights Bill, allowing 13-year-olds to make healthcare decisions without parental involvement. That, along with the growing issue of disruptive students in classrooms, raises questions about where the focus should be—on individual students or the well-being of the entire class.

We also touched on school discipline, tariffs impacting construction projects, and border security. Senator MacEwen shared a resolution he’s submitted to rename an overpass in Kitsap County to honor a well-known businessperson and conservationist.