Thanks for coming to our town hall!
Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you so much to everyone who came to our mini town hall this weekend—it was wonderful seeing so many of you face-to-face and enjoying a cup of coffee together. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me. In particular, people had feedback about public education, advocated for gun safety legislation, and were interested in House Bill 1424, preventing animal abuse and predatory lending in the sale of cats and dogs, among other topics.
Thanks again for coming! Hope to see you again soon.
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Share your climate priorities:
Thank you so much to those of you who responded to our workforce survey in the last E-Newsletter—I really appreciate you taking the time to share what kind of support is most meaningful to you and your family. Respondents indicated that they feel workforce shortages are straining behavioral healthcare, hospitality and service, law enforcement and nursing. People responded that they think more career pathways embedded in education would most effectively solve the problem of workforce shortages. Respondents indicated that low wages, extensive training/license requirements, and age or physical ability were some of the barriers they had faced in entering the workforce or staying in the workforce. Thanks again to those who responded! You can view the full results here.
This week, I’d like to hear some feedback about climate policy. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey.
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Tax credit for WA families available now!
Far too many working families in Washington are just one missed paycheck or unexpected bill away from incredible economic hardship. The Working Families Tax Credit is a new program that will provide payments of up to $1,200 to low-to-moderate income individuals and families. The amounts are based on income level and the number of qualifying children (if any). This program, which went live in February, is stimulating local economies, promoting racial equity, and providing the financial stability Washington families need right now. Black and Indigenous Washingtonians, as well as other communities of color, are disproportionately experiencing economic challenges. Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit will put money back in the pockets of Washingtonians who need it the most, hopefully granting some financial security.
This year, I’m proud to support House Bill 1477, which will modify the Working Families Tax Credit, expanding assistance to more individuals in need. This bill passed in the House and is now being considered in the Senate.
The Working Families Tax credit is live and projected to reach more than 400,000 Washington households, benefitting one in three kids in our state. It’s easy to apply, and information is available in several languages. See if you qualify here: WorkingFamililesCredit.wa.gov.
Remembering those who came before us in the 11th LD
Sen. Margarita Prentice served the 11th legislative district for a quarter century, from 1988 to 2013. She was the first Latina elected to the Legislature and was called “a force” by former Gov. Christine Gregoire. She worked to secure full unemployment benefits for farmworkers and she advocated for housing and other supports for them. She also advocated for rights for same-sex couples, and she supported health care accessibility for women and low-income people.
In 1995, I was very excited to serve as a page in her office. Sen. Prentice was admired by many—and was deeply inspirational to me in my youth. She served as Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and also served as a Renton School Board Director when I was in elementary school. She pushed and expanded political work and was an inspiration to many in our district, community, and state.
I would also like to honor the late Sen. Eugene “Gene” Lux, who served the 35th legislative district for six years, and then, upon redistricting, represented the 11th legislative district for five years. He was appointed to two brief stints in the Senate, for the 35th district in 1973, and then the 11th district in in 1988. Lux was a fire commissioner and a self-employed building contractor, a political activist, and a trade unionist. He was a longstanding figurehead of the community.
Thank you so much for reading! As always, feel free to reach out if you have comments, questions, or ideas.
Sincerely,
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Rep. Steve Bergquist