Dear neighbors,
As the holiday season approaches, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of the 38th legislative district for entrusting me with the honor of representing you in the state legislature. With the 2024 legislative session just around the corner, I’ve been actively engaging with community partners and stakeholders to gather insights into our communities’ priorities for the upcoming session.
December is a crucial month for sharing your legislative priorities, so I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete this brief survey. As we transition from the legislative interim to the upcoming session, I’m committed to developing policies that address the specific issues facing the 38th legislative district. In addition to policy development, I’ve had the privilege of participating in various tours that have provided valuable insights into the impact of policies on our communities. Here are a few highlights:
Supporting Labor
In July, I had the privilege of attending the 2023 Washington State Labor Council Convention, where I engaged with esteemed labor and political leaders, including United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero and State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Under the theme “Better Jobs, Stronger Communities,” the convention delved into strategies for Washington’s union movement and its members to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
The convention featured insightful policy recaps and a glimpse into potential policy directions. I was particularly enthused to hear industry leaders showcase legislative achievements from this year, including my own bills House Bill 1525, which expands the Working Connections Child Care program to first-year apprentices, and House Bill 1106, which addresses the caregiver gap in Washington’s unemployment insurance program.
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
In August, I had the pleasure of visiting students in Western Washington’s Sheet Metal JATC’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This program offers high school students a chance to acquire skills in the sheet metal trade, including industry math, fabrication, and welding.
It was great to learn more about pre-apprenticeship and the students’ experiences to inform my work in the House of Representatives. I even had the chance to make my own toolbox!
Pre-apprenticeship programs like this one are an excellent way to introduce young people to the trades and help them develop skills they can utilize to succeed in these rewarding careers. I am committed to supporting programs that provide our youth with opportunities to reach their full potential.
Lessons On Renewable Energy
I recently had the opportunity to tour and learn about renewable power and comprehensive approaches to renewable energy at the Nature Energy Korskro Plant. Strategically located in a livestock-intensive region, this plant receives manure from cattle and pigs, organic waste from industry and retail, and a small amount of energy crops (corn silage) to produce biogas, a renewable fuel that can be used to generate electricity or be injected into natural gas pipelines.
The plant also captures carbon dioxide for use in the food and beverage industry, further reducing its environmental impact. Nature Energy Korskro Plant is a prime example of how renewable energy can be produced from organic waste, using a comprehensive approach that embraces sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
I also embarked on several site visits involving the wind turbine industry, and I’m incredibly grateful I seized the opportunity to experience Esbjerg, the world’s leading offshore wind port. This immersive experience left me feeling energized and eager to contribute to Washington’s renewable energy future. Esbjerg’s pioneering role in the offshore wind sector served as a testament to the transformative power of clean energy. Witnessing firsthand the scale and efficiency of their operations fueled my determination to champion renewable energy initiatives in Washington. I left Esbjerg feeling inspired and confident in Washington’s ability to harness its abundant wind resources to power a sustainable future.
Become A Legislative Page!
I am excited to share that applications are now open for the Legislative Page Program! This is a unique opportunity for teens 14 to 16 years old to participate in the legislative process up close, in Olympia, for one week during the legislative session. Legislative Pages take part in the legislative process and observe the legislature and other branches of our government. They also participate in mock committee hearings and receive daily civics education while serving as a Page.
Please note there is a scholarship available to those who need some help to offset the expense of traveling and staying in Olympia for the week. Please kindly share this information to interested individuals or encourage a student to apply. It’s a wonderful and invaluable learning experience for those who are involved.
Share Your Thoughts with Me
Ahead of the 2024 legislative session, I look forward to sharing how you can testify on legislation remotely or in Olympia and stay involved in the legislative process. In the meantime, please continue to participate in the public process by following my Facebook, checking my website for upcoming events, and sending an email to share your thoughts with me. Thank you for all you do!
In Service,
State Representative Mary Fosse