Dear friends and neighbors,
We can’t mask the virus of gun violence plaguing our communities
This crisis of gun violence continues unabated here in King County: in the first six months of this year, almost 50% more people have been killed by guns in King County and the number of people wounded is up 65%. In 2020 homicides were up 47% in our state, setting a record for Washington, and FBI data shows guns were responsible for more than two out of every three deaths nationally last year.
These staggering statistics are why I published my op-ed in The Seattle Times to share my personal story with gun violence and what policies in Olympia we need to push for to keep our communities safe. I am proud of my work on two commonsense gun violence reduction bills for next session: one to restrict access to ghost guns, or untraceable DIY firearms, which place lethal tools in the hands of individuals otherwise banned from owning and purchasing guns. The other will require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to local law enforcement within five days. Finally, I will be advocating to fully fund the newly established Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention so that they can implement evidence-based intervention and prevention programs in communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence.
Happenings in the 36th Legislative District
Last week I was thrilled to tour the Hub for Hope, Ballard Food Bank’s new home in our community. During the pandemic, Ballard Food Bank ramped up operations to serve double the number of families and this new facility will accommodate the increased capacity (6,400+ visits and deliveries each month) while providing customers with a dignified grocery shopping experience and no-cost café to gather.
On Saturday, I had a blast attending the Seattle Kraken’s inaugural game at Climate Pledge Arena, the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable arena in the world, located in the heart of the 36th Legislative District!
Tax Structure Town Hall
It’s no secret that Washington has the most upside-down tax code in the country. Low-income families are estimated to pay at least six times more of their income than the richest in our state. Over the past two years, the Tax Structure Work Group, chaired by my seatmate Rep. Noel Frame, has conducted robust economic analysis to restructure our tax code to make it more equitable. Now the work group wants to hear from you! Register for the Central/North Puget Sound Tax Town Hall on Wednesday, October 27 here: https://taxworkgroup.org/tax-town-halls.
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It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime at liz.berry@leg.wa.gov. For more frequent updates, I invite you to follow my legislative Facebook page.
Best wishes,
