Dear neighbors,
Things are moving fast right now in the House of Representatives, and I appreciate everyone who’s reached out to share their thoughts and stories with me.
Those stories matter to me.
And I wanted to let you know there’s another way to stay informed, by clicking here to follow my legislative account on Facebook.
This week, I want to update you on key priorities, including my climate change legislation and reforms to help the housing crisis.
Climate change and resiliency
It’s a myth that we can’t do anything on the state or local level about climate change.
We can do a better job of planning, adapting, and building more sustainably.
My bill (House 1181) is about protecting our state’s homes and small businesses from floods, wildfires, droughts, and the growing dangers caused by climate change.
This bill not only adds climate change and resiliency to our state’s growth planning framework. It also increases housing capacity, limits greenhouse gas emissions, reduces pollution in historically impacted communities, and addresses the adverse impacts of extreme weather.
The housing crisis
All our families and businesses are hurt by the housing crisis. We’re paying higher rents and mortgages, driving longer to get to work, and facing a growing homelessness issue.
The old answer—more suburban sprawl—doesn’t work and actually costs taxpayers more money.
We need more housing close to our jobs, schools, and services. Expanding middle housing options can help get us there, but we need more efficient permitting to start getting shovels in the ground. I wrote House Bill 1167 to help us do that and am happy to report it just passed out of committee!
Tree banks
Washington state is known worldwide for our trees, which I love.
As we face a worsening housing crisis here in Washington, we must find the right balance of expanding options for housing without completely destroying our tree canopy.
After robust public testimony, I rewrote House Bill 1078 to protect our trees by having the state Department of Natural Resources create a model tree bank ordinance. The agency would provide guidance on siting tree banks, which trees to use in certain locations, and how to maintain those trees.
I’m happy to say this bill passed out of committee!
Students serving as legislative pages
If you’ve ever watched TVW or visited our state capitol, you’ll see high school students wearing gray jackets as they deliver notes and documents.
The legislative page program has existed in Washington since before we became a state in 1889. Pages spend one week learning how our democracy works and providing assistance, including helping with documents and notes on the House and Senate floors during debates.
Click here to learn more about the House of Representatives page program.
Keep in touch
My door is open, and I encourage you to reach out with ideas, stories, and comments. You can reach me by email (davina.duerr@leg.wa.gov) or the toll-free Hotline (800-562-6000).
I hope to hear from you soon!
