Fantastic Friday – Summer Update!

Dear friends and neighbors,  

As the days grow longer and warmer and the Pacific Northwest buzzes with outdoor activity, I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important pieces of legislation and investments that are shaping our community during this tourism and summer season.  

I wanted to take a moment to update you on a recent event that I had the privilege of attending: the Lt. Governor’s Economic Development and International Relations Meeting in Bellingham. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration and discussion on important issues affecting our communities. 

The primary focuses of the meeting were housing and homelessness. I have been working closely with my fellow 40th and 10th legislators, as well as various cities, counties, and housing and homeless organizations, to hold oversight hearings on the legislative actions taken this year. Lt. Governor Heck strongly recommended that our committee conduct these hearings to ensure that we understand how these actions will be implemented and to identify any gaps or challenges that need to be addressed. We are committed to finding effective solutions for future housing and homeless legislative actions. 

During the meeting, we also had the opportunity to engage in a productive discussion with representatives from the British Columbia Provincial governments. We shared ideas and experiences regarding common housing and homelessness legislative tools. It was truly inspiring to witness the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change that arises when we work together. 

As we move forward, I want to assure you that your voices and input remain essential. Your perspectives as constituents and community members are invaluable in shaping effective policies. I encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with me and my team. Together, we can continue to make progress and create a better future for all. 

I wanted to provide you with an update on the recent meetings I convened to address the pressing issue of the fentanyl crisis in our community. These meetings were an invaluable opportunity for me to listen and learn from various stakeholders, including Skagit County Sheriff Don McDermott, Drug Skagit County Taskforce Commander Tobin Meyer, City of Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau, and other key individuals committed to combating the drug crisis. 

One of the key outcomes of these meetings is the recognition of the urgent need to strategize a plan for sustainable funding and support for our state’s Drug Taskforces. Currently, Washington State has just over sixteen Drug Taskforces, which are multi-agency task forces involving the County Sheriff’s Office, City Police Departments, Washington State Patrol, Washington Department of Corrections, County Prosecutors, tribal and federal partners. Their primary focus is on targeting mid-to-high level drug trafficking organizations and money laundering operations. By tackling the root causes and supply chains of drug distribution, they play a crucial role in curbing the substance use crisis that affects our state. 

While the Legislative Blake Decision rightly emphasizes investing in healing and recovery for those impacted by the drug crisis, it is equally important to address the supply side of the equation. The Drug Taskforces serve as a preventive measure by focusing on dismantling the cartel drug supply that feeds the drug crisis in our communities. Their work complements the healing efforts and takes a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue. 

I firmly believe that we need to invest in a collaborative approach to combat the large-scale drug supply that extends from our urban centers to rural areas. That is why I am deeply committed to advocating for sustainable funding for these multi-governmental drug taskforces. 

For instance, the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit seized approximately 300,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in 2022, a significant increase from the 18,000 pills seized in 2021. This unit plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, and it is imperative that they receive the necessary funding and support from all levels of government. Together, we must prioritize their efforts to protect our communities from the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis. 

Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to strategize a plan for sustainable funding and support for our state’s Drug Taskforces. I firmly believe that investing in their operations is an investment in the safety, well-being, and healing of our communities. 

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival recently concluded its seventh annual event in Bellingham. This festival has been a remarkable platform for women directors from around the world to showcase their incredible talent and storytelling, and to date, has presented films by over 220 women directors to audiences from Whatcom County, the Puget Sound region, and beyond. This inclusive and diverse showcase of films has captivated audiences, fostered dialogue, and celebrated the creativity and vision of women filmmakers. 

I am particularly pleased to highlight the impact of state arts funding on CASCADIA’s mission. Thanks to a state grant, CASCADIA was able to host special screenings throughout the year, with a specific focus on underrepresented communities in our area, including Indigenous and LGBTQ populations. 

This funding enabled the presentation of thought-provoking films that sparked engaging conversations about important issues. For instance, discussions centered around the former practice of removing Indigenous children from their families and the tireless efforts of civil rights leaders to address voter suppression. These dialogues not only fulfill CASCADIA’s educational and outreach mission but also contribute to a greater awareness and understanding within our community.