Dear friends and neighbors,

Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2021 legislative session, and it is an honor to return once again as your 11th Legislative District representative!

This session, I will continue to serve on the House Education and Rules Committees, and have been selected as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

The 2021 session brings not only new committees, but also new state representatives, including my new seatmate Rep. David Hackney. The House welcomed 15 new members,  who bring a lot of knowledge and diversity to the Legislature. I look forward to working with Rep. Hackney, Sen. Bob Hasegawa, and all of my colleagues on critical issues facing families and communities in our district and around the state, such as the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, economic recovery, racial equity, and more.

Share your legislative priorities

Our democracy is strongest when everyone has the ability to participate, so I’m seeking your input on some of the issues that will likely be before the Legislature in 2021. If you have feedback on a topic not included in the survey, please feel free to email me.

You can click here or on the button to take the survey, which should take less than five minutes of your time. Thank you and I look forward to your responses!

Unemployment Benefits

At the end of last month, the federal stimulus that extends supports, such as unemployment benefits, through the CARES Act was finally signed. That means that pandemic unemployment assistance is still available for Washingtonians affected by the pandemic who don’t qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits.

Unfortunately, many have experienced issues and delays when applying for unemployment benefits through the Employment Security Division (ESD) over the last year. If you still need help getting what is owed to you, please do not hesitate to reach out and we can elevate your claim. Please email my office at Steve.Bergquist@leg.wa.gov for assistance. I’m glad to report that so far, my office has aided more than 320 constituents in getting more efficient help and faster responses from ESD. The more information that you have available when you email (claim ID number, current claims status, a short summary of your claim, your residential address), the quicker we will be able to help.

Learn more about applying for unemployment benefits.

Ways to participate in your democracy during the 2021 session

Protecting the health and wellbeing of loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic means limiting our exposure to people outside our bubble, social distancing, and wearing masks. In order to protect the public, our staff, and our families, the Legislature will hold the 2021 session remotely.

Although lawmakers will not physically be in Olympia this year, you can still stay in contact and up-to-date with the Legislature. You can still watch committee meetings, contact your lawmakers, and participate in your democracy! In fact, with remote session, it’ll be easier than ever for YOUR voice to be heard by your lawmakers.

Below are some of the ways you can continue to stay involved with the legislative process this year:

• Watch — TVW.org broadcasts all the debates and votes that happen in the House and Senate, along with committee meetings and other events you may be interested in.
• Research — Look up legislation by lawmaker or by topic.
• Learn — Learn about the legislative process, from start to finish.
• Testify — Committee testimony will now be done virtually, so instead of driving to Olympia to weigh in on legislation during the committee process, all you have to do is log on to your computer. Written testimony is also an option, and you can always share your story with me. Learn more about how to testify during the 2021 session.
• Get in touch — You can reach my office by telephone at (360) 786-7862 or email at Steve.Bergquist@leg.wa.gov. To schedule a virtual meeting, please contact my Legislative Assistant, Syd Locke, at Syd.Locke@leg.wa.gov.

During session, you’ll also have two opportunities to connect with me and ask questions about our legislative work during telephone town halls. The first will be held mid-February and another in March. Look for more details coming soon!

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have comments, questions, or ideas.

Sincerely,

Rep. Steve Bergquist