Happy New Year! Biggest priorities for next session

Dear friends and neighbors,

Happy New Year! Session kicks off next week Monday, Jan. 9, and we’ll be tackling some of biggest challenges facing our community including housing, mental health, ending gun violence, protecting our environment and standing up for Washington’s working families.

I wanted to take a moment to share some of my biggest priorities for this year and invite you to my upcoming 36th legislative district town hall with my colleagues Sen.-Elect Noel Frame and Rep.-Elect Julia Reed!

Keep our children safe from gun violence

Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in our country. As a mom and as a survivor, this is devastating to me. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to introduce these gun-safety measures:

  • Ban the sale of assault weapons;
  • Require a permit to purchase a firearm to include a comprehensive background check, safety training and 10-day waiting period (HB 1143); and
  • Hold the gun industry accountable for their destruction to families.

Read more in my piece for the Seattle Times with Sen. Jaime Pedersen and watch our press conference by clicking here.

Reduce packaging and plastic waste going to landfills 

Washington has taken huge steps in recent years to reduce waste, but there is more work to be done. That’s why I’m excited to join Sen. Christine Rolfes in introducing the WRAP Act (HB 1131), a comprehensive plan that will curb the amount of recyclable materials going to landfills and expand recycling services to more households.

Watch Sen. Rolfes and I unveil the WRAP Act this week at the Seattle Aquarium by clicking here.

Launch a statewide GBI pilot to reduce poverty

Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) is a proven strategy to reduce poverty by offering participants the freedom and dignity about how best to provide for their families. It’s a smarter, more compassionate, and less expensive way to give people basic help. We know this idea works – we saw it firsthand during the pandemic when millions of people who received stimulus funds were lifted out of poverty. My bill will create the Evergreen Basic Income Pilot Program (HB 1045), making Washington the first statewide program in the country.

Check out today’s Seattle Times article about my bill and the success of Tacoma’s GBI program.

Upcoming 36th Legislative District Community Town Hall 

Sen.-Elect Noel Frame and State Rep.-Elect Julia Reed and I are holding our first in-person community town hall at the National Nordic Museum in Seattle next Saturday — and we’d love for you to join us! We’ll share our priorities for the upcoming session, answer your questions, and listen to your thoughts about what the Legislature should focus on this year. If you have any questions or need accommodations, contact my Legislative Assistant Natalie Whitesel.

When:        Saturday, Jan. 14, from 1-2 p.m.
Where:       National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market Street in Seattle

As always, reach out anytime to my Legislative Assistant Natalie Whitesel or email me. It’s an honor to serve you in Olympia.

Best wishes,

State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District