"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land."

Jihun Han, chief of staff for the federal Department of Labor. Han sent a memo to all department staff warning that they may face criminal charges if they speak to journalists, former employees or others about department business. The memo warns that employees who “engage in unauthorized communications with the media may face serious legal consequences,” including criminal charges. (ProPublica)

Jason Mercier, vice president and director of research at the Mountain States Policy Center, a think tank. After midnight on Tuesday, the Washington House passed three measures that would raise taxes on properties, electric vehicles and businesses. The state faces a $16 billion budget shortfall but legislators and Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson have yet to agree on the size and scope of any tax increases. (The Center Square)

Iowa Republican state Rep. John Wills. He was floor manager for a bill that passed the House on Monday that would legalize psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, for medical purposes. Although he has no personal interest in the drug, Wills said he’s learned that it can be effective for treating individuals prone to post-traumatic stress disorder, including veterans. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

California state Sen. Scott Wiener. Wiener, a Democrat, said that one of the lessons of last year’s elections is that Democrats have to demonstrate effectiveness rather than constantly worrying about process. As a case in point, he’s looking to amend a law that has blocked a good deal of housing construction in the state. (Bay Area News Group)