WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Dr. King reminds us to walk together and other news from Olympia

January 27, 2017

Dr. King reminds us to walk together

Although there is much fear and uncertainty around what the Trump Administration will mean for our friends, neighbors and community, we were reminded last week that there is always hope. On Monday January 16th, we celebrated the deeds and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In her speech to the House, Rep. Kristine Reeves spoke about the path that Dr. King blazed toward equality and justice. She reminded us that we are still on that path and must all march together to reach the future that the children and families of our state deserve.

The threats coming from the other Washington on issues such as healthcare, immigration and discrimination are very real. However, no matter what happens, House Democrats here in your state capital will continue to walk the path and defend the defenseless, protect the health and welfare of people in all our communities, and stand up for civil rights and basic human decency.

I met with many incredible community members advocating on a variety of extremely important issues that day.  One of my favorites was a meeting with a bright high school robotics team that came to the Capitol to advocate for STEM education in high schools, and the FIRST Robotics Program. I had the pleasure of meeting with Rachel’s team, Skunk Works Robotics, who were one of 42 teams to meet with legislators and spread their message, and the message of FIRST. They held a rally on the steps of the Capitol Building, meet Governor Inslee, and showed me their robots. I am excited to support FIRST!

The same work deserves the same pay

Those who do the same work should receive the same pay. Period.

We are a nation founded on the ideal that all of us are created equal. It is time that we hold true to that in the workplace.

Our current law, the Washington State Equal Pay Act, hasn’t been updated since 1943. While we were cutting edge on this issue then, our laws have fallen behind. Let’s not let women fall farther behind in economic security and fair pay. The time for change is now.

This week, the Equal Pay Opportunity Act was heard in committee. This legislation would prohibit pay secrecy policies, allow discussion of wages, and prohibit retaliation for asking for equal pay.

If we want to support Washington’s working families and strengthen our economy, it’s time for us to support all of Washington’s workforce equally.

Hungry kids can’t learn

Each of us probably knows a student who goes to school hungry (even if we do not realize it).  Hungry kids struggle to learn. On January 23, my colleagues and I introduced a package of proposals to address the problems of hunger and poor nutrition in school.

For too many children, meals at school are their only opportunity to eat each day. My colleague Rep. Monica Stonier is sponsoring a bill that gives kids a chance to eat breakfast after the bell and eliminates co-pays for students that get reduced cost lunches. House Democrats are working to make sure students aren’t too hungry to learn. Another bill, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Riccelli, will help schools purchase the equipment needed to make more food from scratch.

Representatives joined Anti-Hunger advocates on Monday to highlight these proposals and others aimed at addressing Washington’s food needs. Other bills included engaging at-risk high school students in farming, extending the Food Policy Forum which I have sponsored this year, and conducting an economic study of the impacts of our in-state food supply.

On Monday, the House of Representatives also adopted a resolution recognizing the importance of combating childhood hunger, the economic and education benefits of connecting local farmers with schools, and commending advocacy groups for their efforts to end hunger in Washington.