Happy Fantastic Friday!
Here is a quick update about what we have been up at the Legislature this month.
WATCH: Missing and murdered indigenous women
Over the past two legislative sessions, the Legislature has passed bills addressing the silent, but roaring crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women.
We have heard messages from across this great nation stating that we must develop better processes for data collection and management and integrate cultural teachings to better work with and collaborate with survivors, families, tribal nations and all levels of law enforcement. Because even one girl missing is too many, and we must all heal together.
Earlier this year, the WSP released the 2019 report on Missing and Murdered Native American Women confirming the need for improved data and tracking systems. This is a great step forward.
I raise my hands to the leadership of WSP’s Captain Monica Alexander, who has helped bring attention to this crisis. Her collaboration with community has been critical on this issue, and for the greater issue of sexual violence against women and . Captain Alexander is the first black woman to serve as captain of WSP and recently retired after 23 years of service.
Read more about Captain Monica Alexander’s leadership in the Seattle Times.
Notable Meetings in Bellingham
This week, I am spending some time in Bellingham meeting with leaders on a variety of topics important to Washington state.
- I chatted with Whatcom Public Utilities Commissioner Atul Deshmane about water, energy and expansion of rural broadband access.
- I spoke with students from Western Washington University (WWU) and WWU professor and President of United Faculty of Washington State Bill Lyne regarding the impact of the 2019 Workforce Education Investment Act – which ensures access to free college for low-income students across our state.
- I met with the Environmental Caucus of the Water Resource Area 1 Planning Unit for the Nooksack River Watershed.
Washington is leading our nation on the environment
Last week, I participated in the Putting People First Tour: Community Celebration on Environmental Progress to highlight the incredible work our state Legislature is doing to protect our environment and public lands. Washington is a national leader in addressing our climate crisis head on. We passed 13 innovative laws last session to protect the Salish Sea and struggling Southern Resident orcas, invest in new green technologies and move toward 100-percent clean energy system. (Photo credit: Washington Environmental Council) |
Thank you all for taking to the time to read this week’s Fantastic Friday, and for taking an interest in our progress at the House of Representatives.
Please feel free to reach out to me using the information below, with any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have.
I am here for you, and I hope you all have a fantastic Labor Day weekend.
Rep. Debra Lekanoff