Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you to all of you who came out to our first 36th district community town hall on Saturday! It was wonderful to see so many friends and neighbors in person after so much time apart. If you couldn’t make it, or you still have questions, never hesitate to reach out to me at (360) 786-7860 or by email.
It’s only Week 2 of legislative session and my priority bills have already been heard in committee! Below are some of the latest highlights.
Lifting families out of poverty
Too many Washington families are living in or on the brink of poverty. It doesn’t have to be this way. Guaranteed Basic Income is a smarter, more compassionate and less expensive way of lifting people out of poverty. My House Bill 1045 establishes the Evergreen Basic Income pilot program to help people facing hardship by providing eligible residents direct cash payments. Watch my testimony by clicking here.
Revolutionizing WA’s recycling system
Over $100M in valuable consumer paper and packaging ends up in Washington landfills each year. The Washington Recycling and Packaging (WRAP) Act will modernize our state’s recycling systems by requiring manufacturers and brands to come together to reduce unnecessary waste, fund statewide recycling services and ensure that materials are actually recycled. I’m also thrilled that the bill includes a bottle deposit program! Check out my testimony in the House Environment & Energy Committee by clicking here.
Ending the epidemic of gun violence
My life changed forever 12 years ago when a gunman opened fire at a constituent event of my boss and mentor Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Six people lost their lives that day, including my friend and colleague Gabe Zimmerman. Today my pain inspires my activism to save lives.
This week, the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee held hearings on four critical gun safety bills:
- My House Bills 1143 & 1144 will require a permit to purchase a firearm, comprehensive background check, mandatory safety training, and a 10-day waiting period.
- House Bill 1178 will end state preemption and allow local communities to create commonsense gun safety measures.
- House Bill 1240 will ban the sale of assault weapons.
It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime if I can be of assistance.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District