State Sen. Phil Fortunato defies COVID-19 rules, gets kicked out

Auburn lawmaker escorted out of the legislative building on Jan. 10

State Sen. Phil Fortunato. File photo.

State Sen. Phil Fortunato. File photo.

State Sen. Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) was kicked out of the legislative building in Olympia for intentionally disregarding COVID-19 safety protocol on the first day of the legislative session.

The Senate majority approved requirements for in-person participation in the Senate chamber, including frequent COVID-19 testing.

Fortunato, who represents the 31st District, refused to get tested prior to entering the legislative building on Monday, Jan. 10, and was subsequently escorted out of the building.

Fortunato’s stunt in the legislative building comes during an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases. On Jan. 10, the seven-day average for new daily cases was 14,022 — three times higher than the previous peak in September 2021.

Statewide, hospitalizations are also surging with 1,773 people hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state and 152 people on ventilators, according to the Department of Health. Things have become so dire in hospitals that last week, the Washington State Medical Association sent a letter to Gov. Jay Inslee requesting that he declare a statewide crisis.

Despite this surge in cases that is overwhelming the state’s healthcare system, Fortunato decided to protest the new rules he claims are unconstitutional.

“The Senate majority rammed through these rules that don’t pass constitutional muster,” Fortunato said. “We have now been in an ‘emergency’ for nearly 700 days and it’s becoming clearer that this virus is something we are going to have to live with.”

Fortunato reasoned that it wasn’t fair for legislators to get tested when frontline workers have been going without testing this entire time.

Fortunato said he would attempt to participate in the legislative proceedings again on Wednesday, Jan. 12, when the Senate is scheduled to vote. He did not indicate whether he would get tested in accordance with the new policy.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property