Greetings, friends and neighbors.

I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.

This week marks a year since our state first shut down due to COVID-19. The past year has been challenging in more ways than one. However, unlike a year ago, we begin to see more normalcy in our lives than when we first went into quarantine. As we move into the Phase 3 stage next week, continue to mask up, social distance, wash and sanitize your hands. Also, as more small businesses begin to open, I encourage you to show your support for them as much as possible.

We got this, everyone!

Washington State COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

The tragic events that happened in Atlanta are heartbreaking. Racism is still alive in this country. This is why we need to address it, not shy away and pretend it does not exist. We must keep the conversation going to stop these actions from happening again.

My colleagues and I are committed to working with community leaders in our legislative districts to fight racism and make Washington a more equitable and inclusive space for everyone.

Thank you, Representative My-Linh Thai, for these words as we stand in solidarity with our Asian American neighbors.

Update on my Bills

Yesterday, the Housing and Local Government Senate unanimously passed HB 1083 (Allowing mobile and manufactured homeowners to receive relocation assistance when their mobile home community closure forces them to move). The legislation is currently in the Rules Committee, making it one step away from the Senate Floor!

Click on the picture below to watch my chat with mobile homeowner Shirley Gates about HB 1083.

Earlier this week, the Early Learning and K-12 Education Senate Committee voted HB 1365 (Addressing digital equity by making remote learning accessible for all students and assisting school districts in procuring digital learning devices) out, sending it to the Ways and Means Committee. This legislation is now one step away from the Senate Floor! Stay tuned for more updates.

My constituents know I’m devoted to adding an equity lens to every decision made by our state government. I was proud to pass legislation enacting a statewide Office of Equity in the executive branch, and our efforts continue this year to strengthen equity considerations in state policy. Here’s an opportunity to join that effort as a member of the Department of Heath’s Equity and Social Justice team.

Click here to learn more and apply. Applicant review begins on Mar. 22

Town Hall is next week!

Join your 33rd District representatives for a live virtual town hall on Wed, Mar. 24 at 7 p.m.

Rep. Tina Orwall, Sen. Karen Keiser, and I will share our thoughts on our legislative priorities and answer your questions on issues you care about.

You can submit questions ahead of time here or submit questions live during the event in the comment section.

Other ways to watch

YouTube

The live video will appear on the House Democrats channel as soon as the event begins at 7 p.m. on Mar. 24.

Twitter

The live video will appear on the House Democrats profile as soon as the event begins at 7 p.m. on Mar. 24.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Are you experiencing a backlog with your unemployment benefits?

Starting Monday, National Guard troops will help our Employment Security Department (ESD) with an overwhelming amount of delayed pandemic-related jobless claims. Also, they will contact tens of thousands of Washingtonians hit with overpayment notices for jobless benefits paid during the pandemic.

If the ESD overpaid you in unemployment, please click here for more information.

Local Community Resources

To stay up-to-date on the issues I am working on, visit my legislative website or follow my official Facebook page.

Please, do not hesitate to email me with your questions or concerns.

Warm Regards,