WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Orwall’s e-Newsletter for March 16, 2015

Dear Neighbors,

Now that we’ve reached the House of Origin Cutoff, the House will be holding hearings on Senate bills and the Senate will hear House bills. I’m working hard to get hearings for my bills in the Senate. See more information on that in the “Update on my bills” section below.

 

House passes Equal Pay Opportunity Act!

 

 A bill to address the pay gap between men and women has passed the House. House Bill 1646, also known as the Equal Pay Opportunity Act, passed 55 to 43, and will now make its way to the Senate.

 It was an honor to vote for such an important piece of legislation.  We stood to honor all those before us, such as courageous women like Ms. Lilly Ledbetter. We stood for all women who have faced discrimination and injustices in the workplace, but most of all we stood for our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and neighbors so they will be recognized and valued for the talents, dedication and hard work they contribute in their workplace.

You can read more about this bill here.

—————————————————-

Update on my bills

I’m very excited that three of my bills have public hearings in the Senate this week!

HB 1068, concerning testing of rape kits, will be heard today at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Law & Justice Committee, and HB 1069, concerning retention of DNA evidence, will be heard in the same committee on Thursday at 8 a.m. You can watch these and all the other hearings on TVW.

Click on the picture below to watch the Floor debate on final passage of HB 1068:

My bill to provide extended support for foster children with serious medical issues, HB 1735, was heard in the Senate Human Services, Mental Health & Housing Committee this morning.  The hearing will be up on TVW within a few hours. You can check the recent media page later today to watch it.

—————————————————-

Telephone Town Hall

Sen. Karen Keiser, Rep. Mia Gregerson and I will host a telephone town hall for 33rd Legislative District residents from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25th.

At that time, constituents in the areas of Kent, SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines, Burien and Renton will receive a phone call inviting them to stay on the line to participate in the town hall.

In addition, residents who do not automatically receive a call may dial a toll-free participant number to listen in on the event and ask questions of their elected state officials. That number is (877)-229-8493, ID code 18646#.

I hope you’ll join us.

Sincerely,