Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re in the final stretch of the session—the next two weeks will make or break so many of the impactful policies and investments we’ve worked on over the last month and a half. Here’s a look at some of the policies we’re working on to address climate change, protect our communities from gun violence, build housing stability for all Washingtonians, and empower our workforce.
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Climate Change Impacts Are Upon Us: How the CCA Can Help
We’re transforming our economy to a fossil-fuel-free economy. Learn more about one of Washington’s most groundbreaking policies, the Climate Commitment Act – and why it’s so important for the future of our state in my video in the wings:
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Enacting Responsible Gun Laws for Safer Communities
We know that firearms are the leading cause of death in children—a number that has grown by 88% over the last 10 years. Championed by passionate advocates, including many young people deeply affected by gun violence, the following bills aim to enact responsible gun laws that prioritize community safety and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
- Responsible Gun Legislation (HB 2021): Ensures safe disposal of firearms seized by Washington State Patrol, preventing their resale and use in criminal activities or suicides.
- Lost or Stolen Reporting (HB 1903): Requires lost or stolen firearms to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours, aiming to prevent trafficked or illegally sold firearms from contributing to violent crimes and aid in investigations.
- Firearm Dealer Code of Conduct (HB 2118): Establishes a code of conduct for licensed gun dealers, requiring them to secure inventory, maintain sales records, and have liability insurance to keep guns out of the wrong hands and aid in investigations.
These bills are a testament to the tireless advocacy of young people and grassroots organizations who have been at the forefront of demanding meaningful action to address gun violence. By passing these bills, we not only take concrete steps towards preventing tragedies, but also affirm our collective commitment to building safer communities for generations to come.
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Turning the Tide on the Housing Crisis
The scope of the housing crisis in Washington is staggering, with a significant portion of renters struggling to afford housing. This disproportionately affects families with low incomes, seniors, and communities of color. Here’s a look at how we’re mitigating some of these challenges and create a more equitable housing landscape for all Washingtonians:
Empowering Our Elderly Neighbors (HB 2015): Ensuring our aging population has access to housing is paramount. That’s why I championed House Bill 2015 to expedite the process of expanding adult family homes from 6 to 8 beds. This important step will guarantee our elderly neighbors receive the timely care and support they need.
Expanding Housing Options for Seniors (HB 2375): For seniors and disabled individuals, accessing suitable housing can be challenging. HB 2375 adds accessory dwelling units to properties qualifying for property tax exemptions. This measure opens new doors for our seniors, ensuring they have diverse housing options tailored to their needs.
Unfortunately, the following two important bills failed to make it past fiscal committee cutoff in the Senate. I worked hard to advance rent stability legislation that I know is important to so many of you. And, we certainly need more housing supply to address the housing crisis and bring down rents, but again the Senate failed to act. Here’s a brief description of the bills that will be back next year!
Unlocking Opportunities in Transit-Oriented Development (HB 2160): Our vision for affordable housing includes leveraging transit hubs to create vibrant, accessible communities. House Bill 2160 mandates cities to allow larger buildings near transit stops, with incentives for affordable housing developers. By embracing transit-oriented development, we’re not only expanding housing options but also promoting sustainable urban growth.
Providing Immediate Relief with Rent Stabilization (HB 2114): The urgency of the housing crisis demands swift action. That’s why we’re prioritizing rent stabilization to provide predictability and stability for renters, particularly those with limited incomes. The passage of HB 2114 in the House is one of the most positively impactful policies we can implement to tackle our state’s housing and homelessness crisis.
Let’s work towards a future where housing stability is not a luxury but a fundamental right for every resident of our state.
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Victories for Our Workforce
In Washington, we recognize the importance of upholding workers’ rights as essential to fostering a fair and equitable society. These rights ensure that employees can maintain autonomy and dignity in the workplace, allowing them to thrive both professionally and personally.
My bill, HB 1893, seeks to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers, offering financial support during labor disputes and potentially influencing bargaining dynamics with employers. The bill is set to be considered on the Senate Floor this week!
You can read more about it in the Huffington Post article linked here, or watch my video from the wings!
Here are some other bills that support the well-being of our workforce:
Protecting Workers’ Rights (SB 5778):
- Prohibits employers from penalizing employees for refusing to attend employer-sponsored meetings or listening to speeches on religious or political matters.
- Ensures that employees can maintain autonomy over their beliefs and opinions without facing adverse actions from employers.
- Upholds freedom of conscience and individual autonomy in the workplace.
Increasing Vacation Accrual Cap (HB 2246):
- Raises the annual vacation hour accrual cap for state employees from 240 to 280 hours.
- Benefits over 73,000 state employees, including essential workers like behavioral health professionals and nurses.
- Addresses staffing shortages and acknowledges the dedication of workers who provide critical services to Washingtonians.
Expanding Paid Sick Leave (SB 5793):
- Broadens the state’s paid sick leave law to cover caregiving for individuals unrelated to the employee and gig economy workers.
- Recognizes the diverse caregiving responsibilities of workers and extends protections to ensure they can take time off to care for loved ones without financial repercussions.
- Supports workers in non-traditional family structures and gig economy sectors.
These bills underscore our commitment to fostering a workplace environment where workers are respected, protected, and empowered. By safeguarding workers’ rights, we not only promote fairness and equity but also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our communities.
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Thank you so much for reading!
Sincerely,
Rep. Beth Doglio