We’re happy to be back in Olympia for the start of another session, though we’re going to miss our afternoons of meeting at C&P Coffee and the Burien Press. This is a short session so we’ll be back in the 34th District before we know it!
In 2013 we worked hard to pass a budget that fully funded our education system, expanded access to healthcare to 280,000 people and promoted opportunity and growth throughout our state. This session we will be focused on making adjustments to the budget to accommodate new revenue and caseload expectations.
Joe is eager to take on a new role in the House, as Chair of the House Environment Committee. Making sure that we keep our environmental protections in place has long been one of Joe’s priorities in Olympia and his new position will give him ample opportunity to advocate for the natural beauty and resources of our state. In addition, Joe will continue to serve on the Local Government, Finance and Transportation Committees.
Eileen will continue as the Chair of the Health Care & Wellness Committee working on ensuring all Washingtonians have access to adequate and affordable health care. She will also continue to serve on the Appropriations Committee and look specifically at the parts of our budget dealing with health care as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
We look forward to keeping in touch with you throughout the 60-day session with these email updates. On January 30th at 6:00pm we will be holding a telephone town hall to give you a chance to ask us questions and hear about what we are up to in Olympia. To participate on January 30th, please dial 1-877-229-8493 and use the pin 18646 at 6:00pm. The audio for the telephone town hall we held last year is available here.
We encourage you to stay in touch as well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email or phone. And be sure to let us know if you will be traveling to Olympia.
Joe and Eileen
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Health Insurance Update
2013 brought on exciting changes to health care both nationally and across Washington State.
If you or your family have been living without health insurance, it’s not too late to sign up for a plan through Washington’s Healthplanfinder!
You may even be eligible for Washington Apple Health or a federal subsidy to help pay for your new plan.
You have until March 31st to sign up for 2014 coverage. If you’d rather sign up by phone or in person, click here to review your options.