It’s hard to believe we are nearly halfway through session. This week was fiscal cuttoff, and we will be spending long hours voting on bills on the House floor next week. Thank you for your calls, emails and letters letting me know which bills and issues are important to you! 
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Update on my bills
In 2005 the Legislature required each county to establish a Veterans’ Assistance Program to provide relief for indigent veterans and their families. HB 1213 simplifies the definition of “veteran” to be more consistent with federal definitions and helps to streamline veterans into the services they need.
HB 2098 establishes a statewide training program on human trafficking laws for criminal justice personnel. Washington is a national leader in human trafficking laws, but police need to be trained in the new laws.
Both bills are progressing in the House.
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Ask Tina
In this episode of Ask Tina I respond to constituent emails on House Bill 1295, Breakfast After the Bell, and I also address concerns about investments in higher education.
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Is that an oil train in your backyard?
The recent oil train derailment in West Virginia has left many of us wondering whether trains carrying oil are passing through our backyards. The Center for Biological Diversity has an interactive map of oil train routes in the United States. As you can see from the map, oil trains are running right through our district. Each of these routes could potentially be the site of a tragic oil train derailment.
Click on the map below to see if you live next to an oil train route.
The number of oil trains passing through Washington has dramatically increased in the last few years and the regulations of the oil and train companies are lagging behind. My colleague, Representative Farrell, introduced House Bill 1449 to protect first responders and our communities by providing resources to both prevent and in a worst case scenario, mitigate the damage from an oil train disaster.
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In the News:
- Close loophole and college can be affordable
- Beyond McCleary: Education opportunity — equal but unequal?
- State legislation vital to ensuring oil train safety
- School boards are looking to add diversity to reflect students
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As you can see from these lovely daffodils, spring has sprung early at the Capitol. Pretty sure the iconic cherry blossoms will be in full bloom any day now. If you’re planning to come to Olympia for a visit, make sure you carve out a little time to check out the flowers and trees in this beautiful campus.
Please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
