Dear neighbors,
With less than two weeks until the end of the legislative session, we will spend the majority of our remaining time debating bills on the floor of the House.
Here is an update of what we have been up to.
Putting people first through ‘housing first’
In the recently proposed House Democrats’ budgets, we are investing in solutions to fix our homelessness crisis and return dignity to those living without shelter.
One common misconception about homelessness is that many people choose homelessness over services and shelter. However, the reality is that at the intersection of homelessness, behavioral health and substance use disorder, many of our unsheltered neighbors do not qualify for the services they need due to co-occurring behavioral health disorders.
However, there is hope for those living unsheltered through the permanent supportive housing model, which offers both freedom and dignity.
Permanent supportive housing provides eligible clients with both housing subsidies and on-site services to ensure success, including case management, medication reminders, employment assistance, behavioral and substance use disorder treatment, meals and even medical and dental visits.
What it’s like to serve as a House committee chair
This is my first year as Chair of the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations. Watch this video where I talk about my experience.
Early learning advocates come down to Olympia
I love meeting with my constituents. This session, I got to meet with this group who came down to our state Capitol to advocate for early learning. The artwork we are holding was made by kiddos back in the district!
I am happy to say that in the proposed House Democratic budget, we are putting major funding into early learning and childcare programs to ensure our littlest learners all get the best start they deserve.
Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord Tenant Act moves one step closer
| In 2017, 203 Washington homeowners living in manufactured and mobile home parks were displaced when the land on which their homes was sold. When this happens, tenants – primarily low-income and seniors – experience rental increases on their lots or face eviction if the owner wants develop the land.
House Bill 1582, which I sponsored, would help families living in these parks. It would require two-year lease agreements between park and mobile home owners, increase the time a mobile home owner has to vacate a park after they receive a notice of closure and require that notices of closure be translated into multiple languages. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means last week, where is now waits consideration for a vote on the Senate floor. |
Counting everyone in for Census 2020
With less than one year to go, communities all over Washington are mobilizing for the 2020 Census. For the first time ever, you can submit your information online, by mail or phone.
It’s crucial EVERYONE in Washington is counted. Data collected during the census shapes the future of our communities, which is why House Democrats have proposed a budget that includes $12 million to count everyone.
The information gathered by the census guides how all levels of government fund vital services, including schools and health care facilities, over the next ten years. The census also determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Visit www.census.gov for more information.
Thanks for reading. Please reach out if I may be of assistance.
All best wishes,
Rep. Mia Gregerson