Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re one third of the way through this 105-day session, five weeks down, ten to go!
I have great news to share: my legislation concerning utility connection charge waivers (HB 1302) passed the House yesterday on an almost unanimous vote. You know how one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? It’s very true under my bill, which allows municipal utilities to establish programs that waive connection fees for properties owned or developed by organizations engaged in industrial symbiosis.
Industrial symbiosis refers to collaboration among organizations to improve environmental, economic, and social outcomes by achieving measurable reductions in resource consumption or greenhouse gas emissions. It sounds complicated, but it’s a win-win for all the parties involved. I provided information on this bill in my previous newsletter, which includes a video update explaining how it works.
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VIDEO UPDATE
In this video update I discuss my House Bill 1866, aimed at advancing funds to nonprofits; and the beautiful art on my office walls by an artist from Eastern Washington. Check it out!
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IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES
On January 30, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) held their advocacy day at the Capitol. Hundreds of people from all over the state were here to celebrate the power, resilience and important contributions of immigrant and refugee communities.
Their priorities make sense to me:
- Providing stability in rents and leases
- Protecting domestic workers
- Limiting use of solitary confinement
- Ensuring traffic safety for all
- Supporting immigrants and refugees as they navigate the legal system
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I had the opportunity to speak at this event and appreciated the time and the conversations held with many of the attendees.
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12/12 GO HAWKS!
If you know me, you know my game is soccer. But you also know I love the Hawks. And the thing is, I do consider myself a 12. And do you know why we are known as the “12s”? Because this fanbase brings an unmatched energy, making our presence feel like an extra player on the field. The 12s have been filling the stands since 1976, creating an electrifying atmosphere in support of our team. On December 15, 1984, the Seahawks made history as the first NFL team to retire a jersey number in honor of their fans. Since then, the number 12 belongs to the 12s forever.
The proud, loud 12s have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting event. But beyond the roar in the stadium, the 12s have forged deep connections within the Washington community. When we wear the iconic blue and green, we stand together regardless of where we live, what language we speak, or where we were born. We are proof that collective passion can create a powerful impact.
I am a proud co-sponsor of House Bill 1759, with which the legislature designates December 12 as the Day of the 12s as a tribute to this dedicated fanbase, celebrating the passionate community that comes together during football season to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks. Go Hawks!
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A WEEK WITH A PAGE
I was happy to sponsor Logan Cheney during week three of session. He is a 9th grader at Cavelero Mid High School. Logan was polite and punctual, and carried out his duties with dedication and enthusiasm. Logan became interested in the Page Program because his sibling had a positive experience as a page. It was great to witness his passion for learning about politics and government. Logan enjoys playing the trumpet, tennis, track and field, and hiking. I hope he enjoyed his time at the Capitol, and he shares his experience with friends back home.
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TVW LEGISLATOR PROFILES
A few weeks ago, I was asked to participate in the TVW series to help people learn more about their representatives. It’s a short video that gives you a snapshot of who I am. Click here.
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Thank you for reading this newsletter and thank you also for your calls and emails, it really helps me to know your concerns. If you need more information on any legislative issue, please let me know.
Sincerely,
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