Republicans took control of the state senate after two Democrats crossed over to their side last month.
While Republicans say the takeover allows for bipartisanship in Washington's government, Senator Ranker says the new majority is not likely to allow a vote on any social issues like the environment, education and women's rights.
In an op-ed to Crosscut, Ranker says Senate Republicans have "hijacked" the legislative process under the cloak of bipartisanship in order to block important bills on social issues.
He says Republicans also have put forward a budget plan for the state that would not fully comply with the Supreme Court's order to fund education.
