Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, can be heard slurring his words during the House Appropriations Committee meeting Wednesday.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Washington state lawmaker admitted Thursday to being “impaired” during a House Appropriations Committee meeting Feb. 25.
During the session, lawmakers were discussing House Bill 2289, a proposed operating budget for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. Washington faces a $1.8 billion deficit that lawmakers are working to address.
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, who serves as House majority leader, can be heard slurring his words during the meeting Wednesday. He acknowledged and apologized for the conduct Thursday.
“I deeply regret and apologize for the fact I consumed alcohol before the work of the Appropriations Committee was completed on Wednesday, and the result was obvious,” Fitzgibbon said. “This was a serious mistake for many reasons. Being impaired in that situation was harmful to my work and co-workers.”
He added that the incident was “a painful and embarrassing lesson, one I won’t forget, and I will not put myself and others in this situation again in the future.”
In a statement to KING 5, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, said Rep. Fitzgibbon fell short of the professionalism expected of lawmakers.
“We expect professionalism in the workplace, and while Rep. Fitzgibbon did not meet that standard Wednesday night, he has acknowledged that behavior is unacceptable and has apologized,” Jinkins said. “The people of Washington expect and deserve their legislators to be fully focused and clear on the work we are here to do on their behalf, and House Democratic Caucus leadership stands with Rep. Fitzgibbon as he takes whatever steps he needs to ensure his well-being.”
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