Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are almost at the end. The Legislature adjourns “Sine Die” (Latin “without a day”) this Sunday. Last week, we passed the “Opposite House” cutoff. Bills that had not passed both chambers by last Wednesday are now dead for this session but may be reconsidered next session. This week we are focusing on reconciling differences in the House and Senate versions of bills through concurrences and conferences. We will also pass our state’s two-year operating, capital, and transportation budgets.
Curtis High School State Champions
Last week, Rep. Mari Leavitt and I had the pleasure of hosting the 28th District’s two state championship sports teams, the Curtis High School boy’s basketball team and girl’s bowling team. The teams came to the House chamber galleries to be recognized for their achievement and were honored with House resolutions commemorating their achievements. Afterwards we took the teams to meet Governor Inlsee.
It was a pleasure to host these two outstanding teams. The Curtis boy’s basketball team won its first 4A state title since 2013 in dramatic fashion securing an overtime victory over undefeated, defending champs Mount Si in the final minute of the game. The girl’s bowling team had an equally dramatic title tournament, winning their title with a huge score of 221 on their final game. This is their first bowling state title! Congratulations to these excellent student athletes. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.
Three Speakers: Presiding in the House
In my role as Deputy Speaker Pro Tem, my job is to preside over the House when we are voting on bills. I share these responsibilities with the Speaker Pro Tem, Rep Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, and the Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma. Last week, we sat down for an interview about what it is like to preside over the House. Watch it below to learn more about the Speaker and Speaker Pro Tem roles.
Pierce County Transit Co-Responder Pilot Program
This year’s operating budget includes funding for a behavioral health co-responder pilot program for Pierce Transit. We are seeing people in crisis or with behavioral health issues on our buses. This program will be an additional resource for Pierce Transit staff. An embedded behavioral health professional will be able to respond to situations on our buses and help people get the treatment and services that they need. This will help people who are suffering from mental illness, substance use disorder, or even dementia. Our bus drivers see it all and this program will help make sure that no one is slipping through the cracks. I am excited about the potential of this program and hope that a successful pilot can lead to a larger roll out.
If you have comments, questions, or ideas, please contact my office. I hope to hear from you soon!
