This week we kicked off the 2018 Legislative Session. I am excited to be back in Olympia, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that will make a difference in our district and around the state.
During his opening day speech, Speaker Chopp reminded us that we are One Washington, and that when people from across the state come together for a common purpose, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
I am excited to work with the Senate to put people first and address not only the work left from the 2017 session, but the critical issues facing families and communities across our state. Education will continue to be a focus, as all Washington students deserve to have access to high-quality early learning, public schools, and higher education opportunities. Democrats will take steps to address the growing housing crisis, as well as improve care and treatment for people fighting opioid drug addiction. We will also continue the fight to improve health care and the behavioral health system.
I look forward to addressing these important issues and many others in the upcoming legislative session.
I am ready to get to work!
Legislative Priorities
Throughout the session, I will provide updates on policies I am working on. As a preview, here is some brief information about my top bills.
Drug Take-Back Act
Washington state is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. Prescription opiates are among the most commonly abused drugs, and most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. My top legislative priority this session is the Drug Take-Back Act, which would require manufacturers selling drugs in or into Washington to establish a safe drug disposal program that is secure, convenient and operational on a year-round basis.
Reducing Gun Violence
In the wake of recent high-profile shootings resulting in horrific loss of life, we have been examining what actions we can take at the legislative level to help prevent gun violence. To that end, this session I am introducing a bill to prohibit large capacity magazines, which can be used to inflict mass casualties. There is no simple solution to preventing gun violence, but this legislation is a step toward making our communities safer.
Protecting Washington from Oil Spills
The Department of Ecology’s oil spill prevention program is currently underfunded. With increasing amounts of oil traveling over water, on land, and underground in Washington state, it’s imperative that the budget shortfall be resolved. This bill would boost the state’s oil spill prevention efforts, protecting our environment and our communities.
Visit Us in Olympia
Now that we are back in Olympia, feel free to schedule a visit! Tours are available and I will do my best to step out or schedule time to connect with you while you’re on campus. Even if you can’t make it down during the session, always feel free to give me a call or send me an email to share your comments and ideas.
My Olympia office is in the John L. O’Brien Building, Room 324, the phone number is 360-786-7950, and my email is Strom.Peterson@leg.wa.gov.
I always look forward to hearing from the great people of the 21st District!
Sincerely,
Rep. Strom Peterson