Greetings, friends, and neighbors.
I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.
Right now, my primary focus is to ensure my colleagues understand why my sponsored bills are not only critical resources for the 33rd Legislative District but all across Washington. From technology to public education, they address equity issues our communities are currently facing.
Here are updates on my bills:
HB 1365 – Laptops for students
I am happy to announce that the House Appropriations Committee voted this bill out of committee, moving it a step closer to the floor!
This bill addresses digital equity by making remote learning accessible for all students and assisting school districts in procuring digital learning devices.
HB 1460 – Closing the digital divide across Washington
On Wednesday, the House Finance Committee voted this bill out with an 11 to 5 vote, and now is in the Appropriations Committee!
This bill will help establish statewide telecommunications services to address digital inequities in Washington.
- Senior call-check service and notification program: provides seniors a daily call to ensure they will accept alerts and answer the phone.
- Washington lifeline program: provides rate subsidies to eligible low-income consumers to secure voice and internet services.
- Universal teleconnection service program: develops a discounted telecommunications services for qualifying K-12 schools, community colleges, libraries, community and state hospitals, community and public health centers, and community groups.
- Digital equity opportunity program: extends the statewide broadband office’s duties to enhance broadband accessibility and recognition for marginalized communities.
HB 1083 – Concerning relocation assistance for tenants of closed or converted manufactured/mobile home parks
Last Thursday, the Appropriations Committee voted this legislation out, moving it to the Rules Committee and one step closer to the House Floor! The bill helps mobile and manufactured homeowners whose community is closing down gain low-barrier access to cash assistance from a fund they have already paid from the Washington State Department of Commerce Assistance Program. Single-section homeowners would be eligible for up to $10K in assistance and $16K for multi-section homeowners.
Huge thanks to all of my colleagues and community members who have helped us keep these bills moving and continue to voice why we need digital equity and accessible financial assistance across Washington!
Relief is on its way for small businesses, workers, and communities
Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5061, relief legislation boosting unemployment benefits for workers and relieve small businesses from paying unemployment taxes. I am happy to see employees and local restaurants, theatres, and retailers in our communities begin to rebuild what they have lost and seen the overwhelming bipartisan support.
Check out this article for more information.
Yesterday, Gov. Inslee signed SHB 1368, boosting the vaccine rollout for testing sites and rental assistance for tenants and landlords. Also, immigrant communities and childcare businesses impacted by the pandemic will see a major relief from the bill, and more food assistance will help low-income communities across the state.
For more information, click here.
Taking the stress off our high school seniors
I commend my colleagues throughout the legislature for the overwhelming bipartisan support of HB 1121, extending legislation signed from the last session allowing school districts to waive graduation requirements for students during a state of emergency.
Not only did COVID-19 expose inequities in our communities but within our schools as well. High school seniors should not have another layer of stress on their shoulders, wondering how they will pass all of their required courses while surviving this pandemic. This bill will come as a relief for students living in low-income neighborhoods and BIPOC communities, as they have experienced the worst ripple effects of the past year.
Check out this article for more information.
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,
