WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

What’s left.

 Legislative Support ServicesDear Friends & Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe the 2015 legislative session is almost halfway over! Last week was policy cutoff, a big hurdle in the legislative process. If bills make it through policy cut-off, they live, if not, they are dead till next year. All the policy committees have been working furiously to pass out as many bills as possible before the cutoff.

As things are moving forward quickly, I want to take this opportunity to give you an update on a few of my top priorities. These are issues I’m working hard on down here. And, I’d like your feedback. So, always, please stay in touch by e-mail, phone or an in-person visit! Thank you for giving me the honor of serving as your representative.

Best Wishes,

Eric

Education

The average age of a prisoner in Washington state is 37 years old. That’s pretty young. And upon their release, many return home to our community in the 37th Legislative District.

As John Legend noted Sunday at the Oscars, “There are more black men under correctional control today than there were under slavery in 1850.”

This shocking statistic speaks to stark racial inequalities in our criminal justice system. But it also speaks to the vast number of individuals we can reach by enacting changes in our criminal justice system; changes that can help young men and women get out of the patterns that put them in prison in the first place – drugs, instability, violence and poverty.

And education is the tool to change those patterns. It’s the springboard to success for everyone – even inmates.

That’s why this year I reintroduced legislation, HB 1704, to allow inmates who qualify to work towards post-secondary degrees. At no additional cost to taxpayers, this bill will allow prisons to provide a pathway to higher education.

We need to stop the revolving door. And research shows that those who receive some higher education in prison, the recidivism rate is halved. This is about doing what works. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this bill this year.

Domestic Violence

Everyone deserves to be safe; especially in their own home. Sadly, much of the harm done in our communities happens behind closed doors. One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence does not discriminate based on net worth or zip code.

Victims of domestic violence deserve the best treatment, care and support we can possibly offer. Yet the laws governing Washington’s domestic violence treatment and shelters was written before the crime of domestic violence even existed!

That’s why, this year, I teamed up with domestic violence advocates across our state to sponsor HB 1729. This bill will help victims get the community-based services and support they need to rebuild their lives. And, it will provide funding for domestic violence prevention, to stop the problem before it starts.

 Aaron Barna

Small Businesses

photo credit: imagerymajestic

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. The 37th Legislative District boasts an especially large number of entrepreneurs. When everyone has a vested interest in the success of their neighborhood, we all benefit.

This year, I am partnering with the Office of Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises on a proposal to help more minority and women owned small businesses build up their operation, succeed and win state contracts, House Bill 2050.

Our economy works best when people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to be successful contributors to their community. I look forward to giving all entrepreneurs the hand- up they need to be successful.