State Republicans Ready To Move Beyond Contract Fresh From Last Session’s Economic Victories, Lawmakers Are Ready To Attack Social Issues

Some House Republicans are ready to move beyond their “Contract with Washington” to tackle social issues.

Republicans mostly stuck to an economic agenda laid out in the contract in the last legislative session, notching victories with tax cuts, a virtual repeal of health care reform, and a leaner state budget.

This year, some want success on social issues, too.

Rep. Suzette Cooke, R-Kent, plans a welfare reform bill that would restrict aid for unwed teenage moms; end benefits after two years on the dole with exemptions for those who can’t take care of themselves; and provide no benefit increase to cover kids conceived while on welfare.

Abortion is also on the agenda.

The House passed a bill last year that required parents to be notified in advance if their child plans to get an abortion. It didn’t go anywhere in the Senate, but House members will likely try again, said Rep. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane.

Lawmakers may also try for the third time to restrict books, music and other material deemed pronographic or harmful to minors.

Each time the Legislature has passed a bill restricting minors’ access to pornography, Gov. Mike Lowry has vetoed it on the grounds that it is too broad and would amount to censorship of even ordinary books.

Martin Munguia, a spokesman for Lowry, said the governor will sign an anti-porn bill as long as it is narrowly drawn to boost penalties against adults who use pornography to lure youth, or communicate with kids for immoral purposes.

Some conservative activists say it’s high time for action on issues dear to their hearts.

“This is going to be a pro-family session,” said Cathy Mickels, president of the Washington chapter of the Eagle Forum, a conservative group.

“We are not going to sit back this session like we did last session and watch our issues be ignored.

“To those who say Republicans should stay on safe ground, and stick to economic issues, I say we should take the high ground. People are hungry for leadership.”

Critics say Republicans elected on a platform of making government smaller and less intrusive are dead-set on turning the state government into a values cop.

“I’m afraid some of them really think they know what’s best for the state,” said Lonnie Johns Brown, lobbyist for the National Organization for Women. “They feel buoyed by having more of a critical mass in the House.”

Crouse said lawmakers need to stand up for what’s right. “We need to protect our kids.”

He coordinates an informal study group of conservative House members interested in legislation on family issues. The group formed last session to plan social legislation that would take GOP victories beyond the Contract with Washington.

Some Democrats say they would take glee in a move by the GOP to pursue social issues, which they suspect have always been quietly on the agenda. “It’s good if this is part of the GOP agenda for it to come forth more prominently so people know,” said Rep. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.

“But this isn’t what I hear people being interested in from their government. They don’t want this kind of meddlesome, ‘the government’s going to monitor everyone’s morals’ legislation.”

Even some conservatives have their doubts about whether this is the session to take on moral issues.

With Lowry in the governor’s mansion and Democrats controlling the Senate, social conservatives will just spin their wheels, warned Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Spanaway.

“The question is whether you want to make a political statement in an election year or you want to get something done. We know we can’t get pro-family issues through the Senate right now.

“I’d rather do what we can do and concentrate on taking the Senate and then push a good strong profamily agenda in 1997. I don’t want to make political statements. I want to win.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo