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Signed into law: Celebrating the session’s policy wins
Dear friends and neighbors,
My previous e-newsletter highlighted the budget victories of the 2019 session, including the significant investments made in behavioral health, affordable housing, and education.
For this newsletter, I want to focus on some of the policy wins.
As Chair of one of the highest-volume policy committees – the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee – I hear a lot of public testimony on a lot of bills each session. Many of these bills don’t make it all the way through the process, and are often revisited in future sessions. Sometimes, it can take years for a good idea to eventually be signed into law.
What impressed me about this session was the large number of good policy bills – many of which had fallen short in in previous years – that finally got to the governor’s desk. This includes several measures I have long championed. In many ways, this was a breakthrough session.
Read on about new policies that have Washington leading the nation in affordable health care, long-term care insurance, clean energy and climate actioin, consumer protection, and tuition-free higher education.
Sincerely,
Signed into law: First-in-the-nation Long-Term Care Trust Act (HB 1087)
No senior should have to spend themselves into poverty before being able to get long-term care. The Long-Term Care Trust Act, which I sponsored for multiple years, makes sure Washingtonians will be able to access care when they need it. Workers will begin paying into the trust in 2022, and benefits can be accessed beginning in 2025. Each Washington worker who is eligible for the benefit will have $36,500 that can help pay for assisted living, in-home care, and even meal delivery or wheelchair ramp installation. The Tacoma News Tribune editorialized in favor of the bill, saying,”It could provide relief for older Washingtonians seeking a modest sum for long-term care in their twilight years; for sandwich-generation family members trying to make sound decisions for elderly parents; and for taxpayers to the tune of an estimated $470 million in state Medicaid savings by 2052.”
Signed into law: First-in-the-nation public health care option (SB 5526/HB 1065/HB 1224/HB 1879)
Washingtonians deserve affordable, accessible health care, and Cascade Care – which will be available on Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange – is the first public health insurance option in the nation. It will be available to all Washingtonians, regardless of income, who are not covered by employer health plans.
This was a terrific session for health care affordability and accessibility. Patients in Washington will now also be protected from surprise billing, and will have more transparency on prescription drug costs. Additionally, patients with chronic diseases or unique health challenges will be able to get the drug they need sooner through a clear and accessible exemption process, rather than being forced to follow a “fail first” strategy by their health plan.
Signed into law: Strongest 100 percent clean energy law in the nation (SB 5116)
Here in Washington, we’re not going to wait for federal action on climate and clean energy. The time to act is now. So we’re transitioning to a clean energy future by requiring utilities to transition away from fossil fuel-generated electricity. With a preliminary “coal elimination” deadline of 2025, and a final “clean grid” deadline of 2045, we are now firmly on a path to 100-percent clean energy from renewable and zero-emission sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.
We are also phasing out super polluting greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons, which are thousands of times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide.
Signed into law: Protecting consumers from spiraling debt (HB 1531/HB 1602/HB 1730/HB 1066)
Another bill I have sponsored in previous years concerns medical debt, and I was thrilled to see it pass both chambers nearly unanimously this year. Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States. My bill lowers the interest rate that often accrues before a patient ever sees a bill, prohibits health care providers from selling medical debt to collections agencies for at least 120 days after the first billing, and requires that patients are informed about opportunities to apply for charity care. Our own community recently witnessed the consequences of charity care being withheld from patients who qualified for it. In addition, bills protecting consumers from becoming destitute due to consumer debt and from unscrupulous debt collection practices also are becoming law this year.
Signed into law: Tuition-free college and apprenticeships (HB 2158)
I mentioned this in my last e-newsletter, but it bears repeating: if you are a student whose family makes 55% of the state’s Median Family Income or less (around $55,000 for a family of four), you can attend one of Washington’s two-year, four-year, or technical colleges tuition-free. This is thanks to the Workforce Education and Investment Act. There are partial tuition grants available for students whose families earn up to 100% of the Median Family Income (around $88,000 for a family of four). As the parent of a graduating senior, I can tell you this a big deal. Every qualified student in our state deserves the opportunity to access affordable higher education.
Signed into law: Eliminating high-stakes testing as a high school graduation requirement (HB 1599)
There are now multiple pathways for high school students to prove proficiency in English language arts and mathematics in order to graduate. Those pathways include earning college credit in dual credit courses, earning high school credit in high school transition courses, or successful completion of AP, IB or Cambridge international studies courses. This is an important change that will ensure a standardized test does not stand in the way of receiving a diploma.
Legislative Youth Advisory Council now accepting applications – deadline is June 3rd
The Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is now accepting applications for the 2019-2021 term!
Serving on LYAC is a fantastic opportunity for student leaders to engage with state government and learn about the legislative process. Established by the Legislature in 2005, the Council consists of 22 students ranging in age from 14 to 18, who serve as the official voice of Washington youth to the State Legislature. LYAC students develop a deep understanding of public policy issues by meeting with legislators, testifying on priority legislation, and organizing civic engagement days at the Capitol for their peers. Tacoma’s own Nadine Gibson, pictured above with me, is a current LYAC member.
A “putting people first” budget
Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2019 legislative session adjourned just before midnight on April 28. While the final days were a marathon of late, late nights and way too little sleep, I’m happy to report that this is the first time in a decade that a 105-day (odd year) session has adjourned on time with no special session necessary. Special sessions cost money and pose challenges for our part-time citizen legislature, with many lawmakers taking leave from other jobs in order to serve. I also hear the frustrations expressed by people who feel that many important votes (like the budget) happen in the final hours of the session, and they would like more time for debate and consideration.
The timelines for legislative sessions were set decades ago, in order to accommodate the agricultural calendar. Many lawmakers at that time were farmers. Our state, our population, and the makeup of our legislature has changed significantly since then. Maybe we should be asking, “Does the legislative calendar best serve the people of our state today?” And if not, what changes would make it better serve the people we represent?
I don’t have a quick answer for that, but it’s a topic I’d like to hear your thoughts on. You can send me an email, or maybe we can discuss it at one of the community conversations I’ll be hosting this interim (stay tuned for details on dates, times, and locations). Also, now that session is over my district office with Rep. Fey is once again open. To get in touch with me there, please call 253-593-2033.
This newsletter is a quick update on highlights from the state operating budget. I call it a budget that puts people first, because I believe the investments made will have a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of people in Tacoma and across the state.
Lastly, a word about the photo at the top of this email. On the last day of the session, the House passed a resolution honoring Speaker Frank Chopp, who stepped down after serving two decades as Speaker. Many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle shared kind words and humorous anecdotes about him, and many of us wore stick-on mustaches in his honor as the resolution was read on the House floor. It was a genuine and heartwarming moment of levity and bipartisan camaraderie during the grueling final hours of the session.
Sincerely,
Critical investments: Behavioral health, affordable housing, education, and more
Here are some of the highlights of the new two-year operating budget for our state:
Behavioral Health
We’re making significant investments in continued efforts to reform and improve the state’s behavioral health system so that people can access the treatment they need, where they need it. We are transitioning from an outdated 20th century system to a 21st century system that better serves patients and their families, mental health care workers, and the public.
- $47 million to expand community behavioral health beds and services. This is a critical investment because we know the best outcomes happen when people with mental illness get the treatment they need right in their own communities, where their family and friends are, rather than in large state hospitals that take them away from these support networks. But this infrastructure is not yet built out in our state to meet the demand. With this investment, we are making headway in this regard.
- $92 million in this biennium to ensure the stability of state hospitals and the safety of patients and staff. This will specifically help address the ongoing challenges at Western State Hospital.
Affordable Housing
Our state faces an affordable housing and homelessness crisis. We saw this in our own community last year when the sale of the Tiki Apartments caused residents, many of whom were people with low incomes or with disabilities, to scramble frantically to find housing.
- $15 million focused on permanent supportive housing and youth homelessness. Permanent supportive housing is one of the best ways to address chronic homelessness. It is low-barrier housing that includes supportive services such as case management, mental health services, and employment services.
- $14.5 million for the Housing and Essential Needs Program, which helps people with disabilities who are struggling to find or maintain housing.
- $1.25 million for operating expenses for Tacoma Housing Authority’s Arlington Drive Youth Campus.
Education
When the state Supreme Court said last year that the legislature had satisfied its duty to fully fund basic education under the McCleary lawsuit, it closed a long-running chapter. But it didn’t mean there weren’t other needs in our K-12 system that needed to be addressed. We invested in those needs this year.
- $155 million for additional special education funding ($294 million over four years).
- $61 million for additional levy assistance for areas with low property values.
- $12 million for paraeducator training.
- $2.5 million additional funding for student mental health and safety.
Higher education
This is kind of a big deal, folks. We have made a bold investment in our state’s future by making higher education more affordable, and even tuition-free for many families.
- Workforce Education Investment: Creates a new Washington College Grant to make public college (two- and four-year public colleges and technical schools) tuition-free in Washington state for families earning less than $50,000 per year, with partial scholarships for families up to state’s median income, and significantly invests in community colleges.
Other investments:
- $35 million to expand Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) slots and rate increases for ECEAP childcare providers.
- $31 million to improve habitat and protect Orcas.
- $9 million to eliminate the backlog in testing sexual assault kits.
- $24 million in state general funds to increase our wildfire response and address natural disasters.
- $4.5 million to expand rural broadband.
The budget also included funding to continue two pilot projects in Pierce County that I championed:
- $750,000 for reducing potentially preventable hospitalizations. The 27th Legislative District has nearly twice the average statewide rate of preventable hospitalizations, and that’s concerning. If we’re the epicenter of the problem, I want us to be the epicenter of the solution. This funding goes towards increasing immunization rates and implementing more health screenings, interventions and referrals by providers.
- $1.25 million for child abuse prevention. The Help Me Grow pilot project is helping ensure parents have the supports and resources they need to avoid child abuse and neglect. The goal is to keep families together and prevent crisis situations that result in children being removed from their family home and placed in foster care.
Safer communities: Firearms bills update
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s the final days of the 2019 legislative session, and bills that have passed both the House and Senate are heading to the governor’s desk for signature. For this newsletter, I want to focus on the firearms bills that have successfully made it through the process this session. Most of my focus this year was to make the laws we have work better for people so that we keep people and communities safe.
I hear from a lot of constituents who are concerned about gun violence, and want lawmakers to take action to help minimize the risk of it happening to them or to a loved one. One of the best ways to prevent gun violence is to prevent guns from getting in the hands of those who are determined to use them to kill themselves or others. Progress in the Legislature on this front has generally been more incremental than at the ballot box, but I’m very pleased with the steps we have taken this session. Simply put, I believe these bills will help save lives in our state.
Your comments and feedback and are always welcome. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Firearms bills that will be signed into law this year
Protecting domestic violence victims, families, and law enforcement officers (HB 1225) – I sponsored this bill
If we’re serious about preventing gun violence, we have to address the deadly combination of domestic violence and firearms, and that’s exactly what this bill is about. It requires law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms they have probable cause to believe were threatened or used at the time of a domestic violence call. Officers must also temporarily remove firearms in plain sight and request consent to remove any firearms the alleged abuser has access to until a court hearing is held. In the U.S., an estimated 4.5 MILLION women have been threatened with a gun by an intimate partner. Domestic violence calls also lead to more police fatalities than any other type of law enforcement response. I’m so glad we were able to pass this bill.
Ensuring proper background checks for CPL transfers (HB 1465) – I co-sponsored this bill
This bill is necessary due to changes at the federal level. The FBI is discontinuing courtesy National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks for concealed pistol license (CPL) holders in Washington state. These checks have allowed CPL holders to walk out of the shop with a pistol the day it is purchased. Without them, there is a public safety risk because a person could present a CPL that is duplicated or forged or that should be revoked because of a disqualifying conviction. These background checks are important to protecting Washingtonians. Washington State Patrol reports that nearly 1000 people have been denied the ability to walk out of a gun store with a gun this year because f our background checks. With this bill, CPL holders will go through a local law enforcement background check.
Banning “ghost guns” (HB 1739) – I co-sponsored this bill
Untraceable and undetectable firearms are also referred to as “ghost guns” since they do not have serial numbers and may not contain enough metal components to be picked up by common metal detectors. The bill makes it illegal to manufacture, buy, sell, or possess an undetectable firearm in most circumstances.With 3D print technology becoming more widely used, this is an attempt to get out ahead of a potential major public safety concern regarding consumer production of 3D-printed guns.
Improving procedures for protection orders (HB 1786) – I sponsored this bill
For too long, our standards for firearm removals for a protective order, no contact order and restraining order, or extreme risk protection order have been inconsistent. This has made it confusing and difficult for victims, courts, and law enforcement. This bill essentially aligns the ways in which law enforcement serves and implements these orders with our approach to extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). This makes sense since 70% of the voters in Washington voted for ERPOs.
Single point of contact background check system (HB 1949)
The discontinuation of the courtesy NICS check by the FBI (see HB 1465, above) creates an urgent need for establishment of a single point of contact firearm background check system in Washington state. This bill conducts a feasibility study to examine and make recommendations about how such a system would be established. Passed both chambers unanimously.
Extreme risk protection orders (SB 5027) – I sponsored a House version of this bill; the Senate version is being signed into law
This bill came from a recommendation of the Mass Shooting Workgroup, which met during the 2018 interim. It is meant to help keep firearms out of the hands of minors who are at a high risk of hurting themselves or others during a behavioral health crisis or through potential violent behavior. The bill allows petitions for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) to be applied to people under the age of 18. If the petition is approved, an order would prohibit the minor from accessing, controlling, purchasing, possessing or receiving a firearm. The minor’s parent or guardian would be notified of their legal obligation to safely secure any firearms.
Closing a loophole for safer communities (SB 5205)
This legislation gives law enforcement a critical tool to keep our communities safe. It closes a loophole in the law created by accident a few years ago. A person who is incompetent to stand trial and has a history of violence is not competent to have a firearm. Under this bill, they are prohibited from possessing a firearm unless the court restores their firearm rights.
Reducing the risk of suicide and murder-suicide (SB 5181)
There is evidence of increased risk of suicide or murder-suicide when a person is released from a 72-hour involuntary treatment hold. When someone is in crisis, giving them time to cool down and get the help they need saves lives. This bill imposes a six-month suspension on a person’s right to possess a firearm when the person is detained under the Involuntary Treatment Act.
Protecting consumers: Debt collection bills close to finish line
Dear friends and neighbors,
In these final weeks of the 2019 legislative session, bills are reaching the final steps in the process of how a bill becomes a law. Today’s newsletter focuses on a package of consumer protection bills that passed the House earlier this session and have been making their way through the Senate. All of them relate to debt collection practices.
I wanted to focus on these particular bills because they really put people first. They will make a big difference for people and families in our state. It’s about ensuring the scales aren’t tipped entirely toward debt collection agencies, and against consumers who are trying to meet their financial obligations. It’s also about addressing some unscrupulous debt collection practices.
These bills caught the attention of consumer advocate Jesse Jones, who did a story for KIRO 7 in which he interviewed me and some of the other sponsors. At this point, I’m feeling pretty good about the chances of all these bills getting signed into law this year.
Sincerely,
Protecting consumers from a downward financial spiral
The following bills are all awaiting a floor vote in the Senate. They have already passed the House.
Medical debt (HB 1531)
You wouldn’t hand over your credit card to be swiped by a retailer without first knowing what you actually owe. But that’s often what we’re required to do to get medical treatment. Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States, and that’s why I sponsored this bill to help prevent medical debt from spiraling out of control. With protections like lowering the rate on interest that sometimes accrues before the patient even sees a bill, prohibiting health care providers from selling medical debt to collections agencies for at least 120 days after the first billing, and ensuring patients are informed about the opportunity to apply for charity care, this bill will help reduce medical bankruptcies in our state.
Consumer debt (HB 1602)
This bill is meant to help working families break the cycle of poverty by ensuring they are not left destitute by wage garnishment. It brings down the interest rate on the amount you actually owe, and lets people retain more of their money. This ensures that those living paycheck to paycheck can keep enough of their wages to pay for their most basic necessities, like rent, so they don’t end up homeless.
Zombie debt (HB 1730)
What is zombie debt? It’s when the 10-year statute of limitations on a debt is suddenly and unexpectedly revived through unscrupulous debt collection practices. People who think they’ve long since settled a debt continue to be haunted by it, finding it impossible to escape. This bill kills zombie debt once and for all by making clear that when the statute of limitations expires, no more collection activity can take place.
Pocket service (HB 1066)
This is about fairness and transparency. Consumers are being harmed by a confusing process called “pocket service.” If someone receives a summons, but it contains no filing number from the court, they can’t verify if the summons is real or a scam – even if they do their due diligence. The consequences of ignoring a valid summons can be extremely damaging, including liens, wage garnishment, negative credit reports – even bench warrants. This bill prohibits debt collectors from engaging in this practice.
In case you missed it…
There’s a short window each spring when the cherry blossoms on the capitol campus are in full bloom. It’s a beautiful time of year and if you are able to come to Olympia and see the campus for yourself, it’s well worth it. If you missed them this year, here’s a photo of the Yoshino Cherry Tree Grove, which was dedicated in 1984 by Governor John Spellman.
Staying engaged: Town hall highlights
Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who came to our town hall meeting last Saturday at the Eastside Community Center in Tacoma. These meetings are one of several ways I stay engaged with constituents in person throughout the year. We had a strong turnout as usual, but if you couldn’t be there you’ll have other opportunities to meet with me and ask questions about legislative issues. After the legislative session, I always hold several “community conversations” around the district, which are smaller, less structured gatherings where you can show up and share your thoughts. Look for dates and times of these events in an upcoming e-newsletter.
You’ll find some highlights of the town hall below. If you haven’t already, you may want to like or follow my official Representative Laurie Jinkins Facebook page, where I post regularly about my legislative work and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day happenings in our state capitol. Announcements of upcoming meetings and events are also posted there.
Finally, the House unveiled its budget proposal for our state this week and I’m pretty excited about it. Not only does it make smart investments in areas of critical need, like education, housing and behavioral health, but it pays for these investments with a revenue package that brings more balance to our state’s regressive tax code. This is something I’ve been pushing for since I first came to the Legislature. The wealthiest Washingtonians should have to chip in to fund the needs of our state just like working and middle class families already do.
Sincerely,
The state budget: Opportunities for investments
At the town hall meeting, I spoke about where things currently stand with our state budget. While we got some good news last week in the form of a positive revenue forecast, this alone is not enough to pay for critical investments in areas like more beds for behavioral health treatment and housing programs to help address the homelessness crisis.
Here’s why. The state budgets on two-year cycles, and we’re nearing the end of the current cycle. If we simply carry forward the current budget, with zero new investments or increases to anything, we would have been looking at a shortfall of over a billion dollars.
How can that be? Because our population has increased over the past two years, and the cost of providing services goes up like everything else. The same dollars today don’t buy as much as they did two years ago. Additionally, when the legislature finally satisfied the constitutional obligation to fully fund our K-12 schools (the “McCleary decision”), it committed to billions of dollars more for education. Thanks to that positive revenue forecast, though, we don’t have a billion-dollar shortfall.
That doesn’t mean our state doesn’t have some very critical needs. During the Great Recession, deep cuts were made to our state budget, impacting people and families. We have still not restored many of those cuts to pre-recession levels, even as our economy recovered. Additionally, we need to do more in special education, and in addressing levy equalization for school districts.
Who pays for state investments?
Our state’s regressive tax system (the most regressive in the nation, according to the non-profit, non-partisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy) means that average taxpayers carry the bulk of the tax burden. I don’t think it’s right to ask hard-working families or our seniors – many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck or are on fixed incomes – to pay more in sales or property taxes when the wealthiest Washingtonians pay far less of their incomes in taxes. The chart above shows the stark difference in what people in our state at different income levels pay in terms of taxes as a percentage of income.
That’s why I strongly support the House’s revenue proposal that was released on Monday. It simply asks the wealthiest people in our state to contribute to these critical investments like behavioral health, housing, and education. Through an extraordinary profits tax and a progressive real estate excise tax, our tax system will be more balanced and not tilted so heavily against working families.
Extraordinary Profits Tax
I call this the “You’ll-Never-Have-To-Pay-This Tax,” because it would affect less than 0.5% of households statewide. If you are one of those households, congratulations. You are doing extremely well.
The proposed tax would be a 9.9% excise tax on the sale of high-value assets like stocks and bonds, if the profit from the sale is $100K or more for single filers ($200K or more for married filers). Here’s what is NOT subject to the Extraordinary Profits Tax: retirement accounts (IRAs, 401Ks); sales of single-family homes, duplexes or triplexes; sale of agricultural land or timber land; sale of cattle, horses or breeding livestock; sale of certain qualifying small businesses.
Progressive Real Estate Excise Tax
Washington currently has a flat real estate excise tax of 1.28%. Everyone pays that same rate – whether you sell your home for $200,000 or for $2 million. A graduated rate structure provides an opportunity to actually lower the rate for 80% of home sales in our state (those for $500K or less). Another 18% will see no change at all (sales above $500K but less than $1.5 million). Only those whose homes sell for $1.5 million and above would see an increase in the rate (to 2.0%) – and only on the portion above $1.5 million. There is an additional rate bump to 3.0% if a home sells for more than $7 million – on the portion above $7 million only.
Questions about these proposals? Contact me.
Behind the scenes in Olympia
Have you ever heard of the House Rules Room in the state capitol? What exactly is a Rules Room, and what happens there? I recently recorded a short video to give constituents a peek behind the scenes at this little-known and rarely-seen room in the Legislative Building. Click above to watch!
Affordable, accessible health care
Dear friends and neighbors,
By the time this newsletter lands in your inbox, we’ll have reached a critical deadline in the state legislature. It’s called “House of Origin Cutoff.” This is the deadline by which bills must be voted out of the chamber in which they were originally introduced. House bills making this cutoff are now being considered by the Senate, and Senate bills are now making their way through the House.
In the days leading up to this deadline, several important health care bills were voted on and advanced by the House. I’m excited to share these bills with you in this newsletter.
Also, a reminder that on Saturday, March 23rd, I’ll be hosting a town hall meeting together with Rep. Jake Fey and Sen. Jeannie Darneille at the Eastside Community Center. We’re hoping for a strong turnout and look forward to answering your questions about the issues state lawmakers are working on. I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Cascade Care: Moving closer to affordable health coverage for all
Our state has made significant increases in the number of people with health care coverage. But too many working families and individuals still struggle to afford health care for themselves and their families. Currently, 70,000 people in Washington state have health plans with a deductible of $9,000 or more. That’s neither affordable nor acceptable.
Last week, we moved closer to improved access to affordable health care by passing HB 1523, known as Cascade Care. It creates a series of up to three standardized health plans per tier provided on the state health benefit exchange. Cascade Care plans will be designed and procured by the state in an effort to bring stability to the marketplace along with usability, lower cost, and better value for consumers.
The people of Washington state have been saying they want access to affordable health care for all, and this bill is what’s going to bring it to our state. I was a strong “yes” vote when it passed the House last Friday.
Network adequacy bill passes!
In a previous e-newsletter, I mentioned my bill, HB 1099, which would give consumers more transparency about the health care plan they’re considering for themselves and their families. I sponsored this bill because a lack of network adequacy failed an amazing young man named Brennan.
Brennan had what his mom Rachel Smith assured him was top-notch health care that covered treatment for the behavioral health crisis he was experiencing. Sadly, he was not able to access that treatment soon enough. He had a 29-day wait for the first available appointment; four days before that scheduled appointment, Brennan took his own life.
Under HB 1099, health carriers would be required to post information on their websites like when a provider in their network is no longer accepting patients, the number of days in which a patient is entitled to an appointment with a mental health or substance use provider, how a patient can complain if they’re not receiving timely access, and information on complaints filed against the insurer relating to these access issues.
Additionally, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner is required to publish an annual report regarding complaints received about access to behavioral health services.
Rachel was in the House chambers when the bill passed last week, and we shared an emotional moment afterwards in the House wings. I strongly believe the information this bill provides will help people in the decision-making process when choosing the health care plan that’s right for their family.
Here’s a short video I recorded right after the bill passed.
Prescription drug access & affordability
Prescription drug cost transparency
No one should have to decide whether to put food on the table or pay for their prescription drugs. Yet the rising cost of needed medications are forcing too many Washingtonians to make that awful choice. That’s why I’m a co-sponsor of HB 1224, which cleared the House last week.
It requires reporting by drug manufacturers on drugs that increase in price, and the justification for the increase. There is overwhelming public support for requiring drug companies to be more transparent about how they decide on prices. This bill is an important step toward improved transparency and price control, and I am hopeful the Senate will agree.
Improving the prior authorization process for certain prescriptions
It didn’t make the headlines, but I’m especially happy that HB 1879 passed the House last week. This bill I sponsored makes improvements to the way some patients with chronic diseases or unique health challenges can access the drug that’s most effective for their condition.
Often, the prior authorization process means following a “fail first” strategy, in which the patient has to show that a substitute drug preferred by their health plan is not effective before they can get approval for the drug their provider has actually prescribed. This strategy can delay treatment and have adverse effects on the patient.
My bill provides an exemption process that is clear and accessible, and ensures decisions about prescription utilization management by health plans are based on clinical evidence, not on cost. These changes will improve patient safety and help people get the treatments they need sooner.
Paging slot still available for 2019 session!
Each year, my office sponsors a certain number of student pages. Serving as a legislative page is a great opportunity for youth ages 14-16 to learn firsthand how our state government works. Students serve for one week in the House and applications can be completed online. I still have a paging slot open for the 2019 legislative session, which runs through April. Click here to learn more about the page program, and click here to fill out an application.
A scholarship is available to help offset the costs of living in Olympia for the week. Click here for more information.
Reforming our broken eviction system
Dear friends and neighbors,
The recent snowstorm threw many of us for a loop, even causing the cancellation of all House and Senate committee hearings at the state capitol this past Monday. As someone who grew up in Wisconsin, I was not as fazed by the amount of snowfall, but as a resident of Tacoma for the past 30-plus years I know out here we are not as used to driving in it, nor do we have the snow removal equipment that’s ubiquitous in the Midwest. I hope you were able to stay warm and safe during “Snowpocalypse 2019.” For families and individuals dealing with housing insecurity or homelessness, however, this winter storm was especially challenging – even dangerous.
That’s why I’m glad my colleagues in the House raised the issue of our state’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis last week with a media availability. The House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee, which I chair, also heard bills aimed at reforming our broken eviction system. Read below to find out more. I encourage you to watch this video link featuring Rep. Melanie Morgan – another Pierce County legislator – testifying before the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on her bill (HB 1694), which would allow tenants to pay certain deposits and fees in installments. The Tacoma City Council unanimously passed a Rental Housing Code last year that includes this provision for tenants. I hope to see it enacted on a statewide basis, and that’s why I am a proud co-sponsor of the bill.
Sincerely,
Reforming our broken eviction system
Our state’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis doesn’t impact everyone equally. Renters and people of color are more likely to be overburdened by housing costs, and are at greater risk for displacement.
Last week, the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard three bills specifically aimed at reforming our broken eviction system, because there is no other situation where a person or family could lose something so critical, so quickly, and evidence shows that evictions are a leading cause of homelessness:
- HB 1453 extends the 3-day notice to pay or vacate to 21 days, and provides judges with discretion to act in the interest of justice. 90% of evictions are for nonpayment of rent, so this bill is needed to end the cycle of evictions leading to homelessness.
- HB 1446 requires that when a landlord sends an eviction notice, they would also have to provide notice of the opportunity to mediate. In most eviction situations, tenants walk away from the property. An opportunity for mediation would at least give tenants the chance to make things right and avoid an eviction on their record. An eviction record can make it hard for tenants to secure housing.
- HB 1656 requires that landlords cite a legitimate business reason for terminating a tenancy (nonpayment of rent, waste or nuisance and rule violation). Under current law, a landlord may decide that they no longer want to continue renting to a tenant and simply issue a 20-day notice to terminate the tenancy without citing any reason whatsoever. Once the notice has been delivered, the tenant has no legal recourse to remain in their home. This is a glaring loophole for discrimination and retaliation against renters who assert their rights, and it is being used that way.
- HB 1694 permits tenants to pay deposits, nonrefundable fees, and last month’s rent in installments, with certain exceptions.
Reforming the eviction system is just one tool to address this crisis. In a media availability last week, House Democrats laid out a blueprint for improving housing affordability and reducing homelessness, and it focuses on the following:
Build More—We need affordable housing in ALL parts of the state. A LOT more. One of the ways we can build more is by making additional investments in programs we know work well, like the Housing Trust Fund, sales tax credits, and public works loans.
Build Up—We need more density around transit centers. Affordable housing and public transit go hand-in-hand.
Build Better—There’s too much red tape that gets in the way of addressing community needs quickly and efficiently. Lawmakers can do more to streamline environmental permitting, make better use of available public land, and expedite lending procedures.
Build Stability—Our communities are unstable because our broken eviction system imposes life-shattering consequences in a very short amount of time. We are proposing bold reforms aimed at truly and justly balancing the relationship between tenants and landlords. We also seek to better support students and children experiencing homelessness, and provide targeted property tax reductions for seniors and veterans.
Are you following my new, official legislative page on Facebook?
I have a new, official Facebook page! Like and follow Representative Laurie Jinkins to stay updated on legislative news from Olympia.
What’s happening in your state legislature: Code of conduct, network adequacy
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s Week 3 of the 2019 Legislative Session. In this newsletter, I am pleased to tell you about the first vote off the House floor, which will help ensure a safe and respectful workplace for all in the legislature. I also want to share information about one of my bills this year, which I was moved to sponsor by one mother’s heartbreaking story about her son. I hope you’ll take the time to watch Rachel Smith’s testimony to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, linked in the “network adequacy” piece below.
House votes unanimously to “stand with us”
A week ago, on January 24th, the Washington House of Representatives took its first vote of the year – one that I was extremely proud to cast. The vote was to establish a Code of Conduct aimed at protecting the legislative community from sexual harassment and bullying. For too long, harassment has been an under-reported issue in the Legislature, with victims reluctant or even fearful of coming forward and feeling intimidated by the power dynamics. This culture too often enabled perpetrators to get away with behavior that shouldn’t be tolerated in any workplace.
That’s why last year I helped organize a letter signed by more than 250 women in the legislative community, a letter asking the leadership of the House and Senate to “Stand With Us” and end this culture of harassment. Thanks to this letter and the wider “Me Too” movement, the Legislature began to take significant steps to addressing these long-festering problems, including creating the House Workgroup on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment. The Code of Conduct was a direct result of the Workgroup’s efforts.
From now on, all members of the legislative community — legislators, staff, and people who conduct business with the legislature — are expected to:
- Conduct themselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
- Treat all others with respect, dignity and civility, regardless of status or position;
- Refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.
The vote in favor of the Code of Conduct was unanimous. There is still more to do, but this marks the beginning of a new chapter in the state legislature.
Why “network adequacy” matters for health care consumers
During the 2018 interim (the period between legislative sessions), a school teacher, Rachel Smith, reached out to me with a tragic story about what had happened to her son, Brennen. Brennen was known to many of us in Olympia because he had testified before many of us as a high school student. He had health care coverage, and was trying hard to access treatment for his behavioral health crisis – coverage that was available to him, but not readily accessible. Sadly, he died by suicide before he could get treatment. Rachel’s heartbreaking story is what inspired me to sponsor HB 1099.
This bill is about transparency, and the ability as consumers to make informed choices. When people choose a health insurance plan and they know their family is in need of some type of care – like mental and behavioral health care – they should have as much information available to them as possible about the plan they are selecting so they can make a wise choice. My bill would provide notice about network adequacy to consumers, meaning health carriers would be required to post information on their websites like geographic network maps and estimates of the percentage of time enrollees are able to access covered services within time limits set by the state Insurance Commissioner. HB 1099 was heard last week in the Health Care and Wellness Committee. Here’s a link to Rachel’s moving testimony before the committee.
This is an issue I care deeply about, and I hope this bill will be moved out of committee and to a vote on the House floor.
Stay informed and involved in your democracy
Here’s a quick guide on staying engaged with me and with what’s happening in your state legislature:
- Call or email me
- Read the How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Learn how to read a bill
- Research issues important to you and understand the whole issue
- Testify at a committee public hearing (view calendar here)
- Tune into broadcasts of hearing and floor action online on TVW
As a constituent, your views and interests, combined with your participation, are crucial to decision-making here in Olympia. Our democracy is strongest when everyone has the ability to learn about the issues and share their comments, questions and ideas. I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
The Legislature is now is session
Dear friends and neighbors
Hello from the state capitol in Olympia! On Monday, I was sworn in as your representative in the State House. It is an honor and a privilege to once again serve the people of the 27th Legislative District.
Monday’s swearing in ceremonies included some historic firsts for our state. My colleagues in the House now include the first Native American woman to serve in that chamber, as well as the first refugee legislator. In fact, this is one of the most diverse cohorts of legislators in our state’s history. The House Democratic Caucus is also now a woman majority caucus. I’m thrilled that the halls and chambers of our state capitol better reflect our state’s diverse communities, like Tacoma.
This year, as in every odd-numbered year, lawmakers will be drafting a new two-year budget for our state. I’m pleased to serve on the House Appropriations committee, the committee that considers the budget, as well as all bills that have a fiscal impact on the budget. As the session progresses, I’ll have more information to share with you on what is being proposed for the budget, and what the impact of those proposals would be for our district and our state. But in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions, feedback, or concerns. I’m ready for the 2019 session, and I look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Constituent survey: Thank you for your feedback
Thank you to all who took my pre-session constituent survey that was linked in my last e-newsletter. I heard from some of you that you would have liked a way to submit comments directly in the survey itself, rather than having to email me. Others reached out to say there were some topics – like education funding and substance abuse treatment – that they wished would have been covered. I want you to know I received all your comments and greatly appreciate the feedback. Although the survey didn’t cover every issue the Legislature will take up this year, I focused on the issues I am most directly involved with in terms of my committee assignments. However, it’s good to know what topics outside of those areas are most important to the people I represent. I will also make sure to include a comment field in any future surveys to make it easier for you to submit feedback.
From the survey results, it’s clear that a majority of respondents do not feel they have enough savings or a plan in place to pay for their long-term care needs. This is not surprising, as last year the New York Times interviewed me about my efforts to address what is a looming problem not only here in our state, but nationwide. On January 7, I was on KING 5’s New Day Northwest show to talk about my proposal, the Long-Term Care Trust Act. This bill, which has bipartisan support, would create a long-term care insurance program for Washington workers. I’m very excited about about this because it would help both those who need care, and the 850,000 unpaid family caregivers who are currently struggling to provide care for an aging loved one. The bill had a hearing yesterday in the Health Care and Wellness committee. I will keep you updated on its progress.
Let’s ensure our state boards & commissions reflect the diversity of our communities!
Did you know there are over 230 boards and commissions to which the Governor appoints people from across our state? It’s a way to ensure people have a voice in government, and that the diverse array of talents, skills and experiences from all communities are represented. The make-up of our Legislature is now the most diverse in our state’s history. Our boards and commissions should also reflect that diversity. The Governor’s Office is always looking for qualified candidates to fill current and upcoming vacancies. If you are interested, you can read about the many opportunities available by clicking here and here. If you’re ready to apply, click here to fill out an application.
The 2019 session begins January 14
Dear friends and neighbors,
This week, committees in the state House of Representatives met to prepare for the 2019 legislative session, which begins January 14. Did you know you can watch legislative committee meetings and hearings from your mobile device or PC by accessing the TVW website? Use the search feature to find videos from the current or previous years.
I’m honored to represent the people of the 27th Legislative District. Have a question or concern for me? My contact information is below and on the right, and I welcome your input. Please note my district office closes January 8, 2019 as my legislative assistant, Ann Dasch, and I will be working in Olympia full time for the session. We look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Legislative page program now accepting applications
Serving as a legislative page is a great opportunity for youth to learn firsthand how our state government works. Students ages 14 to 16 are eligible for the page program, which begins the week of January 14 and runs through the end of the 2019 Legislative Session in April. Students serve for one week and applications can be completed online. Click here to apply – applications are being accepted now.
A scholarship is available to help offset the costs of living in Olympia for the week. Click here for more information.
Here’s a video about the page program.
Attention: Open enrollment for health plans ends Dec. 15
Nearly 40,000 individuals under age 65 in Pierce County are uninsured. Washington Healthplanfinder’s customer support network can help you enroll in coverage that meets you and your family’s needs and budget.
Need assistance signing up for health or dental coverage before the upcoming December 15 deadline? In-person assistance is provided at locations across the state, including Tacoma. Click here for addresses and contact numbers for all enrollment centers, as well as a toll-free customer support center number.
There is also a mobile app from Washington Healthplanfinder to connect you with in-person help.
Stay in touch!
The best way to reach me is by email. If you are a constituent traveling to Olympia during the legislative session and would like to meet with me, please email or call as far in advance as possible so Ann, my legislative assistant, can try to find a time for us to meet.
