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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.
Putting people first: Consumer protection
Dear friends and neighbors,
This is my last e-newsletter for a bit (see below for why), and I’ve chosen to devote it to highlighting some of the consumer protection-measures that passed the Legislature this year.
The theme for the 2018 session was “Putting People First.” In a recent op-ed in the Tacoma News Tribune, I discussed the many ways this year’s Democratic majorities in the House and Senate put people first, from cutting property taxes, to expanding financial aid for college, to protecting access to preventive care. For a short, 60-day session, we were able to pass several important bills that will help protect Washington consumers.
One final note: Because this is an election year, there are certain restrictions on my communications to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes. These restrictions include a freeze on e-newsletters, as well as a freeze on my legislative website. Beginning May 14, 2018, my website will not be updated until after the general election in November. However, if you have questions or comments about legislative issues, please feel free to continue to contact me by phone or email.
It’s an honor to serve as your representative.
Sincerely,
2018 Consumer protection bills
Washington first state in nation to pass net neutrality law
Our state led the nation when the Governor signed House Bill 2282back in March, which I co-sponsored. It protects access to a free and open internet, using the state’s consumer protection authority. Under the legislation, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are prohibited from:
- Blocking customers’ access to lawful content;
- “Throttling,” or slowing down lawful content; and
- Favoring certain content over others due to “paid prioritization.”
These protections were guaranteed at the federal level for years, but the Federal Communications Commission announced in December it would rescind them. Legislators worked together on a bipartisan basis to keep net neutrality here in our state, regardless of what happens at the federal level.
Protecting student borrowers
As I mentioned in my previous e-newsletter, many people are struggling to pay student loans. And some bad actors in the loan industry are making the situation worse. That’s why I supported the Student Loan Bill of Rights, which will protect borrowers from harmful and predatory business practices, and create an advocacy office that looks out for student borrowers.
Reigning in for-profit college excesses
A groundbreaking, first-in-the-nation bill will protect students at for-profit colleges and career schools in Washington from deceptive and fraudulent recruitment claims and from selling high-interest rate student loans. It bars for-profit colleges from selling their own student loan products or from having a financial interest in getting students deeper into debt. It also mandates that all marketing materials citing job placement rates, average pay or loan default rates reflect the same rates calculated for the state and federal governments, and bans the use of military logos in those materials. It even includes a tuition recovery fund for degree-granting institutions and career schools such as cosmetology schools, in the event of the closure of the school.
Ending the so-called debtor’s prison
I was pleased to support a major bipartisan reform making a long-overdue change to our criminal justice system. House Bill 1783 will help people get back on their feet and become contributing members of society once they get out of prison, rather than keeping them stuck in a financial prison they cannot escape. It places the priority on victim restitution – where it belongs – and does away with punitive interest rates that have only served as a disincentive to repayment. When people can meet their financial obligations, they are less likely to re-offend. That’s better for them, better for their families, and better for the safety of our communities.
Ending discriminatory housing practices
Washington’s housing crisis is hurting families, and finding affordable housing is a struggle for many. We’ve seen this recently in our own community. That’s why landlords shouldn’t be able to reject prospective tenants simply because they receive housing subsidies. This hurts even those who have good credit, no criminal history, and full-time employment, as they struggle to find a place to live. So this year, we passed a bill banning discrimination against potential renters solely because they need a little help to pay for housing.
Civil legal aid for those who need it most
No one should be denied access to civil justice because of lack of financial resources. The state has a limited amount of funding to help, but this year we expanded the areas of authorized representation for this aid. Strong bipartisan support for this reform I sponsored will help ensure that scarce civil legal funding is used to address the most prevalent civil legal problems experienced by people with low incomes in our state.
Protecting consumers’ right to information about charity care
While many Washington hospitals comply with charity care laws and encourage people to apply, some unfortunately do not give out accurate information and timely notice, or set up barriers to obtaining charity care. I sponsored a bill to put into law certain requirements about charity care notification. While it passed the House with overwhelming support, the version that ultimately was signed into law originated in the Senate. I am pleased this important consumer protection measure was successful.
Work continues in 2019…
While I am pleased with the consumer protection measures that were signed into law this year, other proposals that didn’t make it to the finish line will likely be revisited next year. These include:
Protecting consumers from overwhelming medical debt
Like student loan debt, medical debt is a problem that hurts people and families in our state. When people cannot pay off medical bills, they often end up going into foreclosure or filing bankruptcy. In fact, medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcies in the U.S. I tried to address this problem this year with a bill that would have helped people not incur medical debt they are unaware of (by prohibiting prejudgment interest), and placing certain limits on the collection of such debt, including prohibiting interest or late fees on portions covered by charity care. Getting sick or injured shouldn’t push you into a spiral of debt from which it’s impossible to emerge, and I expect this will be a topic for the 2019 Legislature to consider.
Protecting consumers when health care mergers happen
There is concern about mergers happening in the health care industry and whether they may drive up costs and drive down choice for consumers. I attempted to address this with a bill that would have allowed the state Attorney General to take an earlier look at the effect of these transactions. This will likely come up again in 2019.
A higher education update from Rep. Laurie Jinkins
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s that time of year when high school seniors are figuring out what they’re going to do next. For many, higher education is the next step, either at a community college or technical school, or at a four-year college or university. Others may enter into apprenticeship programs to train for highly skilled jobs throughout our state.
Higher education should be accessible and affordable to every qualified student who wants to pursue it. That’s why I’m excited the Legislature passed several measures this year to expand higher ed opportunities to more Washingtonians. Read below for details about expansion of state financial aid, a new student loan bill of rights, and an exciting new opportunity for pre-law studies right here in Tacoma.
I also want to remind you about two upcoming events. Next Tuesday, May 1st, I’m hosting a community conversation event together with Rep. Jake Fey and Sen. Jeannie Darneille. It’s from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Bay Terrace Community Room, 2550 South G Street, Tacoma. Parking is available along the street or in the Goodwill parking lot. For more information, contact my district office at 253-593-2033.
Rep. Fey, Sen. Darneille and I are also hosting a telephone town hall on May 8th from 6-7 p.m. We’ll be calling households across the district and answering your questions live during the call. Federal regulations prevent us from calling wireless numbers, though, so if you want to sign up to participate with a mobile phone please click here and then click on “Sign Up.”
It’s an honor serving as your representative.
Sincerely,
GREAT NEWS! State increases access to financial aid for higher education
I’m so pleased the Legislature approved expansion of access to financial aid. This will help more students afford college, technical school or apprenticeship training, so they can prepare for the jobs our economy is creating:
State Need Grant wait list to be phased out
State lawmakers have committed to eliminate the funding backlog for the State Need Grant (SNG), Washington’s principal financial aid program. A $116 million investment during the current four-year budgeting period will eliminate three-quarters of the backlog, with the Legislature stating its intention to eliminate the remaining quarter by fiscal year 2021. An additional 4,600 students statewide who would otherwise need to incur debt or forgo college due to lack of funds will be able to access the State Need Grant over the next year alone.
Opportunity Scholarship expands to include professional-technical certificates and degrees
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program (WSOS) helps low- and middle-income Washington state residents earn their bachelor’s degrees in the high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and health care. But not everyone entering these fields seeks a four-year degree. This year, legislators expanded the program to students pursuing professional-technical certificates and degrees.
Scholarships for foster, homeless youth expanded to include apprenticeship costs
The state’s successful Passport to College Promise program provides scholarships for foster youth that covers tuition and living expenses for college. The program is now expanded to include apprenticeship costs and renamed the Passport to Careers program. It will be available to youth in federal or tribal foster care in addition to state foster care, as well as to youth who have experienced homelessness. These students – who don’t have the support system so many of their peers have – deserve the same opportunities to pursue their higher education dreams.
Governor signs Student Loan Bill of Rights
If you’re making student loan payments, you are not alone. Nearly 800,000 Washingtonians are currently paying off their college education. I made my final student loan payment last fall, over 25 years after graduating from law school. This year, we passed a student loan bill of rights establishing a range of provisions designed to protect borrowers from deceptive or predatory practices. Student loan servicers are now required to obtain licenses to operate in the state. A Student Education Loan Advocate is also established to aid borrowers, compile data, provide information on student loans, and receive, review, and take action on complaints from borrowers. It’s a big consumer protection victory.
Coming soon: Pre-law and social justice programs at UW Tacoma
The 2018 supplemental budget included funding for a pre-law pipeline and social justice program at UW Tacoma. There are many students in the South Sound who want to pursue a legal career but are place bound because of work and family commitments. Beyond this, there is increasing demand for legal skills that will help give our South Sound community members access to justice. Enter the UW pre-law and social justice program. This program will prepare students for law school and for other legal careers with an eye toward developing a law school on the UW-Tacoma campus.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 28!
This Saturday, April 28th, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of old prescriptions to prevent accidental poisoning, drug abuse, and contamination of our environment. Click here to find the nearest secure dropbox and other information about the take-back event.
Apply to the Legislative Scholar Program for Teachers
Calling all teachers…every year the Washington State Legislature sponsors a program on state government for elementary, middle school, and high school social studies teachers. This four and a half day experience takes place in Olympia July 16-20, 2018. Teachers can receive up to 35 clock hours through ESD 113. Click here for more information and to apply.
Access to Democracy bills and upcoming events
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s been just over a month since the 2018 session concluded, and all bills passed during the session have now been signed into law. Most go into effect on June 7th. For a complete list of bills signed into law this year or in previous years, click here.
In this newsletter, I’m focusing on a package of “Access to Democracy” bills signed by the governor on March 19th. These historic election reforms are one of the victories of the 2018 session. They will help increase participation and improve representation, both of which are necessary for a healthy democracy. I’m proud our state is leading the way on this. Last month, I spoke at the student-led March For Our Lives Tacoma event, and I can say with certainty that youth are paying attention and want their voices heard. This year, we’re making it easier for them and for all Washingtonians who are legally eligible to vote to register.
See below for more details on each of the bills.
I also hope to see you at the community conversation hour I’m hosting together with Rep. Jake Fey and Sen. Jeannie Darneille on May 1st from 6-7:30 p.m. It will be in the Bay Terrace Community Room at 2550 South G Street in Tacoma. Street parking is available, or park in the Goodwill parking lot across the street. For more information, please call my district office at 253-593-2033.
My seatmates and I are also hosting a telephone town hall for the 27th District on May 8th from 6-7 p.m. We’ll be calling households across the district and inviting you to ask us questions to answer live during the call. Federal regulations prevent us from calling wireless numbers, though, so if you want to sign up to participate with a mobile phone please click here and then click on “Sign Up.”
It’s an honor serving as your representative.
Sincerely,
Access to Democracy bills signed
State lawmakers passed several election reform measures this year, many with bipartisan support. These measures aim to improve ballot access, increase campaign finance transparency, boost turnout, give local communities the opportunity to elect more reflective and responsive leadership, and ensure the security and integrity of our elections:
The Washington Voting Rights Act (SB 6002) – Allows communities that are systemically disenfranchised in local elections to work collaboratively – rather than through litigation – with their local governing bodies on remedies, such as districted systems.
Same-Day Registration (SB 6021) – Permits same-day voter registration, allows in-person registration by 8 p.m. on Election Day, or online or mail registration within eight days of the election.
Automatic Registration (HB 2595) – Provides for the automatic voting registration of individuals who have received an Enhanced Drivers license from the Department of Licensing.
Youth Voter Pre-Registration (HB 1513) – Authorizes youth to pre-register to vote at age 16. Once they turn 18, they will automatically receive their voter ballot.
DISCLOSE Act (SB 5991) – Requires disclosure of large donations to non-profit organizations who participate in political activities.
Take the 2018 Pierce County Community Survey!
Our local Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has collaborated with private partners on a community survey about the strengths, needs, and overall health of our community. I serve on the Health Care & Wellness committee in the Legislature, and when I’m not in Olympia I’m here in Tacoma working at my day job in the public health sector. Your feedback is important to helping improve how our community best serves its citizens. Because greater diversity of voices will make a more complete picture, this survey is also available in Spanish or in Korean.
Next week: Give your input on Tacoma Dome regional light rail extension
Voters approved the ST3 Tacoma Dome regional light rail extension, although many taxpayers were hit with higher-than-expected car tab fees as a result. A bill I supported would have fixed the valuation formula Sound Transit uses, to closely track Kelley Blue Book market value averages. It passed the House but ultimately didn’t make it all the way through the Legislature this year. I expect this will be an issue lawmakers will revisit next year.
In the meantime, Sound Transit has kicked off its public involvement process for the Tacoma Dome regional light rail extension, with an early scoping period that runs through May 3rd. As part of early scoping, members of the public are invited to provide input on the proposed route and stations outlined in the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) Plan approved by voters as well as potential alternatives, benefits and impacts. Three open houses are being held in our area, with the first one on April 17th in Tacoma from 6-8 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Tacoma Dome Hotel, 2611 E. E Street.
For more information and additional dates/locations, click here.
State budget fully funds education, cuts property taxes
Dear friends and neighbors,
Exactly one week ago, the 2018 legislative session adjourned – on time! – in Olympia. It was a thrill to be with colleagues and staff on the House floor as the gavel came down on a busy but productive session.
During even-numbered years, state lawmakers pass a supplemental budget, making tweaks and corrections to the two-year budgets passed in odd-numbered years. For the 2018 supplemental budget, we had some good news in the form of a positive revenue forecast in February. Economists predict the state will take in an additional $647 million during the current two year budget cycle (2017-2019). Thanks to this extraordinary revenue growth, my colleagues and I voted for a budget that includes a one-time property tax cut to the tune of $391 million. We were able to do this and also leave healthy reserves in our rainy day fund for future emergencies, such as wildfires and unexpected economic downturns. Read below for more details on the investments made in this budget.
While I’m glad we cut property taxes – which especially helps working families and people on fixed incomes – I’m disappointed we didn’t provide long-term property tax relief with a capital gains excise tax. The proposal I favored, put forth by Democrats, would have impacted just 5,000 of Washington’s highest-income taxpayers – less than one-half of one percent of taxpayers in our state – versus the millions of taxpayers hit with increased property taxes this year. It even included a referendum clause, so the voters could have the final say on whether a capital gains excise tax on the very wealthiest Washingtonians is worth billions in long-term property tax reductions for everyone. It’s an idea I’ve pushed since my first year in the Legislature, and I will continue to champion it going forward. It would be a huge step toward making our tax structure more fair.
Sincerely,
K-12 education fully funded, at last
The 2018 session finally, at long last, closes the “McCleary” chapter in our state. As of this year, the Legislature will be meeting its constitutional and moral obligation to fully fund our K-12 schools. While the state Supreme Court agreed with the funding plan lawmakers came up with in 2017, they wanted teacher salaries fully phased in this year. It was the last piece of the puzzle needed to satisfy the Court, and I am so pleased it was included in this supplemental budget. Additionally, the budget invests more funding for special education, and addresses an issue with teacher pay discrepancy among some neighboring districts. Basically, certain districts have a tougher time attracting and keeping teachers because those same teachers can earn more doing the same job in the next district over. We tried to fix that issue last year, and this year we’ve perfected it even more. Likewise, last year’s solutions had a particularly negative impact on the Tacoma School District. These challenges were not clear when lawmakers passed the funding mechanisms last year, but became evident as we examined impacts last interim. I’m pleased we addressed these issues so our schools here in Tacoma and across the state will have the funding they need.
One of the reasons I went into public service is because I wanted to make sure our public schools have the funds they need to provide an outstanding education to every child. When I first came to the Legislature, my son was in elementary school. He’s now in high school, and I’m so glad I can tell him legislators lived up to their responsibility to him and the other 1.1 million school kids.
Mental health, safety net, college financial aid get boosts in budget
In addition to the nearly $1 billion in K-12 education investments and the property tax cut, the 2018 supplemental budget gives a boost to areas that will help families across our state:
- Over the next four years, the state is investing $306 million more to improve mental health treatment in both state hospitals and community treatment centers. This will have an enormous impact on patients, families, and communities.
- The state is restoring the amount of temporary cash assistance for families in extreme need, which was cut during the Great Recession. The new funding brings the grant amounts to above pre-recession levels, strengthening the safety net.
- The state is expanding access to higher education by phasing out the wait list for the State Need Grant, which provides financial aid to students from families with low incomes. Over the next year, an additional 4600 students statewide who would otherwise need to incur debt or forgo college due to lack of funds will be able to access this aid.
One of the things I’ve learned in my eight years serving in the Legislature is that no budget is ever perfect, but this one is pretty close. Now that session is over, you’ll see me all over Tacoma in the next few months. Please don’t hesitate to come up and chat with me, and let me know what’s on your mind. Or, better yet, call my district office to schedule a meeting with me.
Ordinary Washingtonians can change laws, make a difference
One of my favorite videos I try to record each year is interviews with regular, everyday Washingtonians who come to the state capitol to attend bill signings – when the governor signs a bill into a law. Many of these people have worked hard to push for changes in our laws to help make Washington a better, safer place for everyone. Click the videoabove to watch this year’s interviews, taped on March 9.
High school seniors: Apply to attend first-ever STEM Signing Day!
In recent years, the Legislature has made significant investments in STEM education, to help increase the number of STEM graduates from Washington’s colleges and technical schools. That’s why I want to make students in our district aware of the first-ever Washington State STEM Signing Day 2018. All Washington high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEM degree or career are eligible to apply.
Just like signing days for athletes, the inaugural Washington State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Signing Day will celebrate high school seniors from across the state as they make their commitments to continuing education programs focusing on STEM.
Date: Monday, April 23, 2018
Location: Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Time: 11:00AM- 1:30PM
Applications must be submitted by March 23, 2018. For more information and to apply, click here.
An update from Rep. Laurie Jinkins: Day 60
Dear friends and neighbors,
Today is Day 60, the final day of the 2018 legislative session. The House has passed the final supplemental budget, and the Senate will do so some time today too, sending it to the governor’s desk for signature. While we still have a few hours to go, I can tell you that the final budget puts families first, investing in things like teacher pay, mental health care, and strengthening our safety net. It also provides a property tax cut to homeowners across the state. I’ll provide more detailed budget information in my next e-newsletter.
In the meantime, here are a few noteworthy bills that have made it through the process and have either been signed by the governor or will be signed in the coming days and weeks.
It’s an honor to serve you, and I look forward to being back in our district after today. I plan to once again hold a few community conversation hours around Tacoma, so stay tuned for more information about specific dates, times, and locations.
Sincerely,
Governor signs bump stock ban into law
Last December, I wrote a piece for Tacoma Weekly about legislation to address gun violence and help keep our communities safer. I had hoped lawmakers could come together in a bipartisan fashion in 2018 and close the so-called “machine gun loophole” in our state by banning bump stocks. Bump stocks turn a semi-automatic weapon into one that is essentially a fully automatic one. They are what the shooter in Las Vegas used last October to kill 58 people and injure hundreds of others.
On Tuesday, Governor Inslee signed a bump stock ban into law. It makes the manufacture or sale of bump stocks illegal in Washington state as of July 1, 2018, and the possession of bump stocks illegal as of July 1, 2019. The bill received bipartisan support in both chambers. You can view my speech from the House floor on final passage of the bill by clicking here.
Conversion therapy ban passes
Last week, Senate Bill 5722 passed. It bans conversion therapy in Washington state, a harmful and discredited practice which attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, often through verbal or physical torture.
Medical professionals and mental health experts reject this outdated practice that is based on the false premise that identifying as LGBTQ is a mental illness. They emphasize that conversion therapy does not work; rather, research shows that these practices can pose dangerous health risks to patients. The American Psychological Association has called for an end to this practice.
LGBTQ youth are already at increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide. It is time to start supporting and valuing our LGBTQ youth for who they are. This bill will ensure they feel safe and cut down on the pressures they currently face in the process of self-identification. Our children deserve to grow up loved for who they are, not punished.
Civil legal aid bill heads to governor’s desk
Last week the Senate voted 48-0 to pass House Bill 2308, my bill expanding the areas of authorized representation for state funded legal aid. This follows a vote of 86-12 in the House. Passage and signature into law will ensure that scarce civil legal funding will be used to address the most prevalent civil legal problems experienced by people with low incomes in our state.
This represents another step forward in furthering our state’s commitment to civil justice for all. I had the opportunity to discuss the bill on TVW’s Inside Olympia last week.
A more inclusive, age-friendly Pierce County
I’ve been invited to speak at a March 17 town hall on LGBTQ aging in Pierce County. I’m excited to talk about the legislative perspective and policy trends affecting older adults. The event is free but you can RSVP here. I hope to see you there as we discuss a more inclusive and age-friendly Pierce County.
SB 6617: I heard you loud and clear
SB 6617 has been vetoed. I support the veto.
I want to thank all of you who reached out to me and let me know your disappointment in my vote for SB 6617. The bill opened up legislative calendars, all correspondence between lawmakers and lobbyists, and final decisions of investigations and disciplinary proceedings. While I still think the policy has merit, I really missed the mark by voting for a bill this significant without insisting it go through the typical legislative processes. Your emails and voicemails convinced me the process was so flawed that we need to start over.
You were right. Your feedback taught me that diverse constituent input is absolutely necessary to make sure our democracy works.That’s why I joined dozens of House Democrats who asked the Governor to veto the bill yesterday. We need a do-over. And fortunately, we will have one.
There is an ongoing legal challenge on this issue. The case is still in appeal and I will push for the Supreme Court to rule on the issue because I believe the analysis applied by the Superior Court is not legally defensible. That said, I am pleased that the House will begin a public process engaging legislators, open government advocates, representatives of the news media, the Governor’s office, Office of the Attorney General and state archivist over the next nine months to make recommendations on legislative records to the 2019 Legislature.
In the meantime, I am going to work with my office to voluntarily provide the records the bill would have required.
Thank you again for holding me accountable and for making the Legislature more open to the people it serves.
Sincerely,
It’s cutoff time in the state legislature
Dear friends and neighbors,
We’ve reached the point in the legislative session known as “cutoff.” Last week was the first legislative cutoff of this short 60-day session – policy committee cutoff. Bills not passed out of policy committees by last Friday are dead (not moving forward) this year, unless they’re directly related to the budget. February 6th was the next deadline – fiscal cutoff – for bills to pass out of the fiscal committees.
Our office is working hard to advance important bills before the various deadlines. These cutoffs are essential for the effective operation of the legislature, but make for a fast-paced, often tense period for legislators, lobbyists, and the citizens we represent who closely watch if their bills pass or die.
Below are details of some major pieces of legislation recently voted off the House floor or advanced out of a committee. At this point, these bills are still “alive” in the process.
I look forward to answering your questions about these and other topics at the 27th Legislative District Town Hall on Saturday, February 17th. See below for time, location, and other important information about the event. I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Save the date: Town hall meeting
Join Rep. Jake Fey, Sen. Jeannie Darneille and me for a 27th Legislative District Town Hall Meeting
Date: Saturday, Feb. 17th
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
(check-in starts at 9:30 a.m.)
Location: Evergreen State College – Tacoma campus
1210 6th Ave, Tacoma 98405
A solution for our state’s looming long-term care crisis
Every day, an average of 10,000 people across our nation turn 65, a pace that will continue for the next two decades. Yet here in Washington state, long-term care continues to be inaccessible and unaffordable for too many people.
That’s why I sponsored House Bill 2533, a bipartisan solution called the Long-Term Care Trust Act. It creates a long-term care insurance benefit to help seniors and their families pay for long-term care services and supports. Funds from a one-half of one percent payroll deduction on all workers would be distributed through a program overseen by a public-private commission. Coverage could be used with any certified provider including in-home care aides, adult family homes, assisted living, or skilled-nursing facilities.
I recently wrote a piece for Tacoma Weekly about the bill and how it would work.
Keeping up with increased needs in child welfare
From 2010 to 2016, calls made to child protective services (CPS) increased 42%. Most of the increase is due to the opioid epidemic rippling through every corner of our state. We are working on addressing this epidemic in other legislation, but we also need to address the increased workload in other areas.
Under the current state budgeting process, even when calls to CPS increase, funding remains the same. The funding for the extra workload ends up coming out of other areas, making it hard to provide consistent services to our most vulnerable children. This is not how it works for other, similar programs like adult protective services.
That’s why I co-sponsored House Bill 2008, which the House passed this week.It will ensure the services we provide to children are driven by the actual need, not by current funding levels.Car tab relief bill passes House
Car tab relief bill passes House
After ST3 passed to expand light rail to Tacoma, many of you reached out to me, shocked about the increased cost of car tabs. For many working families, that increase is a major burden.
Our region needs to move forward with light rail and it’s important we uphold the projects that voters approved when ST3 passed. But we shouldn’t be taxing people unfairly. ST3 uses what is called the “1996 MVET” to assess car value and it is widely seen as unfair because it overvalues vehicles. We have a better valuation schedule, called the “2006 MVET” that is more fair and accurate, and closely tracks with Kelley Blue Book values.
I voted yes on a bill (HB 2201) that moves to the 2006 MVET. It was the only bill to have bipartisan support and also keep light rail projects on track, while still returning $780 million to taxpayers. It is now under consideration in the Senate.
E-newsletter: Getting the job done
Dear friends and neighbors,
We are already in Week 3 of the 2018 legislative session, and things are moving quickly. Democrats are delivering for Washington families by passing bills that put people first. Below are details of some of the major pieces of legislation that have been voted off the House floor over the last couple of weeks.
I’m also speaking up both in and out of the legislature about addressing sexual harassment. On the House floor I reminded my colleagues that TIME’S UP; we need to make sexual harassment on the capitol campus a thing of the past. It’s hard for lawmakers to exercise leadership anywhere in the state of Washington unless we also exercise it within the halls and offices of this campus. That’s why I’m pleased the House voted to create a bipartisan, bicameral panel to improve sexual harassment prevention and policies, and I look forward to reporting back to you on its progress.
Finally, I was thrilled to speak again at the Olympia Women+ Rally on Saturday, January 20th. My remarks were primarily about intersectionality – that the rights and issues of all marginalized communities are interwoven, and standing with one means we should stand with all. It was great to see so many people standing together.
Sincerely,
Capital budget passes; funds Tacoma projects
Last week’s passage of the state’s $4 billion capital construction budget is great news for Tacoma, where previously-stalled projects can now move forward.This budget funds critical fixes to our state’s mental health system, including more beds at community-based treatment centers, and supportive housing for people with chronic mental illness. Additionally, many community organizations and services – from the Eastside Community Center to Tacoma Community House to our historic theater district – receive grants from the capital budget to expand or renovate, so they can meet the needs of Tacoma’s growing population. I couldn’t be happier that the funding is finally on its way to these projects.
The budget also puts a record $1 billion into building public schools and more than $800 million to build facilities at public colleges and universities, including UW Tacoma and Bates Technical College.
Click here for a list of projects funded in every district across the state (click on “Projects in Legislative District 27” for Tacoma projects).
Guaranteed breaks for nurses, safety for patients
In a win for both workers and patients, the House passed legislation guaranteeing uninterrupted meal and rest breaks for certain health care workers like nurses. There’s a reason nursing is considered one of the most trusted professions, and this bill is meant to keep it that way. Unfortunately, right now too many nurses are working too many hours without breaks, putting patient safety at risk. This bill will address burnout and fatigue in the profession, while giving patients more peace of mind.
Breakfast after the bell
A student has one job when she enters the classroom each morning: to learn. Yet day after day, students across our state – including right here in Tacoma – are showing up to school hungry. Hungry kids can’t focus on learning, and that’s why making sure no child starts the school day on an empty stomach is critical to boosting academic achievement.
One of the first bills passed by the House this session was HB 1508, which expands programs that provide students from low-income families with meals in the morning. These programs have proven to be highly successful in improving academic outcomes for kids.
Equal Pay bill heads to Senate
For the fourth year in a row (and hopefully for the final time), the House sent an Equal Pay bill to the Senate. This historic measure updates the Washington State Equal Pay Act for the first time since 1943.
You’ve probably heard that, on average, a woman makes around 80 cents to a man’s dollar for the same work. This wage gap is real and it’s not just hurting women. It affects entire communities because women are either the sole or primary breadwinners in over 40 percent of families with kids.
The Equal Pay Opportunity Act will empower women and reaffirm Washington’s longstanding pursuit of equality in the workplace. Details of the bill include banning pay secrecy policies, allowing discussion of wages, and prohibiting retaliation against workers for discussing their pay, or for asking for equal pay and opportunities.
I was proud to give my shortest speech ever on the House floor in support of this bill.
Save the date: Town Hall meeting
27th Legislative District Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, Feb. 17th
10 a.m. to noon
(check-in starts at 9:30 a.m.)
Evergreen State College – Tacoma campus
1210 6th Ave, Tacoma 98405
E-newsletter: The 2018 legislative session is underway
Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2018 legislative session began this week in Olympia. I’ve returned to our state capitol energized after meeting with so many of you during the interim – at our constituent conversation hours, at my drop-in office hours at locations around town, at neighborhood council meetings, and at festivals and events around Tacoma. Hearing from you at these events helped prepare me for what looks to be a whirlwind session – or, given last week’s winter storms on the east coast, a bomb cyclone!
This year’s session is scheduled to last 60 days. The ideas you shared with me over the past several months helped me come up with my legislative priorities for this year. I will be sponsoring numerous bills on a variety of issues. These include: price gouging by pharmaceutical companies, funding long-term care services and supports, ensuring patients are protected in hospital mergers, requiring background checks for assault weapons be at least as strong as those for pistols, and preventing child abuse and neglect, among others. My objective in sponsoring these bills is protecting the most vulnerable and supporting safe and thriving communities.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Welcome, Ann and Mitch!
Some of you may have already met my legislative assistant, Ann Dasch. Ann did a stellar job holding down the district office this interim, and she’ll continue to keep me on track this session in Olympia. Please contact her for any scheduling or appointment requests at ann.dasch@leg.wa.gov. or 360-786-7930.
My intern this session is Mitch Aman. Mitch attends the University of Washington in Seattle and will be graduating in March with a double major in Political Science and Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ).
Education funding work continues
Over the last few years, Democrats have led the way on increasing the state’s education budget by more than $13 billion. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially since we had to work with a Republican-controlled Senate that was reluctant to raising new revenue.
This new funding has decreased class sizes, paid for textbooks and supplies, ensured that schools have the funds they need to keep the lights on, and increased salaries for beginning teachers. As the funding plan rolls out over the next few years, we’ll continue ro ensure every child has the opportunities to learn that they deserve.
Last fall, in a 9-0 decision, the state Supreme Court ruled that, with the 2017 education funding plan, the state will finally be adequately funding education.
However, they did have one objection to the plan: the timeline, which phases in school employee salary changes over three years. The Court wants those changes phased in over two years. While their intent is a good one, there are too many technical and implementation challenges preventing a quicker timeline. But I am committed to working with my colleagues on a solution that satisfies the Court.
I also want to acknowledge the challenges particular to Tacoma public schools with the new funding plan. During the interim, I heard from concerned school officials and education advocates, and I want to assure you that I’ll be paying close attention to how the plan affects local school budgets.
January 20: Women+ March on Olympia
Last year, I wore my rainbow cat ears hat to the Women’s March in Olympia, where I was a featured speaker. I’ll be speaking again at this year’s event on January 20th. For me, this event is about standing up for all disenfranchised groups, including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, immigrant and refugee communities, and victims of sexual harassment and assault.
Of all the work I’ve done in the Legislature, one of the things I’ve been most proud of is pushing back against discrimination and protecting people’s civil rights. This includes the historic win for marriage equality in our state, and continues today with legislation to close the gender wage gap and protect the religious freedom of every Washingtonian. I hope to march alongside many of you on January 20th in support of these ideals.
Submit your comments on Naval Reserve Center Tacoma before Feb. 5th
The state Department of Ecology invites the public to comment on the removal of the Naval Reserve Center Tacoma from the state’s Hazardous Sites list. The public comment period runs through February 5, 2018. More info can be found here.