Dear friends and neighbors,
Today is the 60th day of this 105-day session, it’s the first day we have been hearing bills passed by the Senate. Yesterday was House of Origin cutoff, so the journey has ended for any policy bills that didn’t make it out of the House. But they will get another chance next session, when they are automatically reintroduced.
THREE OF MY BILLS MADE THEIR WAY TO THE SENATE:
HB 1302 – Utility connection charge waivers
This measure allows municipalities to waive utility connection charges for organizations practicing industrial symbiosis. This initiative promotes sustainability, resource efficiency, and economic development. Read my press release here.
HB 1391 – Improving developmentally appropriate alternatives for youth outside the formal court process
This legislation will help create uniform outcome measures for diversion programs statewide. By prioritizing community-based alternatives over incarceration, this legislation ensures more young people have a second chance to rebuild their futures—without the burden of a criminal record. Read my press release and watch my floor remarks here.
HB 1821 – Expanding the definition of “interested party” for the purposes of prevailing wage laws
This measure is about combating wage theft. It allows management committees to access payroll records by adding them to the definition of interested party. It’s a good mechanism for both workers and employers to make sure that everyone is being paid fairly and bad actors are held accountable. Watch my floor remarks on House passage of this bill below:
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TELEPHONE TOWN HALL NEXT WEEK
Now that we’re done with the first part of this session, it’s a great time to connect, give you an update and answer your questions, so I hope you will join us next Thursday evening, March 20, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
The system will call landlines in our district and invite you to stay on the line to participate in the call. If you don’t get the call but would like to join us, please dial the number in the graphic below and enter the PIN when prompted.
You can also send us your questions ahead of time here.
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
It started as Women’s History Week in March 1978 to increase awareness of women’s contributions to society. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week. Carter said, “too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
The week-long event officially became a month-long one in 1987 when Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month.
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I celebrate the women in my family who helped me find a path that gives me purpose and brings me joy. I also celebrate the many women, here in the Legislature, from whom I learn new perspectives every day. There are 59 members in the House Democratic Caucus and 35 of them are women, that’s a significant majority and I am proud and grateful to work with them.
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LATINO LEGISLATIVE DAY
Last week, on Monday, March 10, we celebrated the 20th Latino Legislative Day at the Capitol. There was great music, great dancing and great speeches from fellow legislators, Governor Ferguson, and other elected officials.
It was exciting to see so many young people coming from different parts of the state to have their voices heard. For many, in the midst of so much uncertainty from the other Washington, it was a heartwarming event where stories and gestures of solidarity were shared.
Jaime Mendez News covered the event, you can watch the report here. And you can also read this story in the Olympian.
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WASHINGTON BY THE NUMBERS
Ever wonder how our state compares to other states in this great nation? Or maybe you’d like to know how many wineries, breweries and craft distilleries we have? How about what our largest exporting goods are? Wonder no more! The Department of Commerce has done the legwork for us and, in its Choose Washington website, has a page adequately named Washington by the Numbers.
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KEEP IN TOUCH
I thank you for reading my electronic updates and hope you find them informative. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with your feedback and concerns.
Hope to get a question from you next week over the phone!
Sincerely,
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