Happy Fantastic Friday!
With just one week until the end of the legislative session, we have had a week filled with late nights debating bills on the House floor.
Here is what we have been up to.
Protecting our orcas and the Salish Sea
On Thursday, House Bill 1578, which I sponsored, was passed by the Legislature. This bill protects our killer whales and the Salish Sea by preventing catastrophic oil spills. I would like to thank Gov. Jay Inslee and the Southern Resident Orca Task Force for their leadership on this vital legislation. |
Standing with Murdered and Missing Indigenous women
This week, House Bill 1713, was passed by the Legislature to address the roaring crisis of Native American people, primarily women, who have been murdered or have gone missing from reservations without a trace.
This legislation requires Washington State Patrol (WSP) to develop best practices when one of our tribal members is reported missing, both on and off reservations. Additionally, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs must provide WSP with government-to-government training.
I was happy to work alongside bill sponsor Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, to pass this historic legislation, and thank her for bringing this important issue out of the shadows.
Read more about this bill here.
Three former governors visit Olympia
This week we were visited by three former governors in Olympia. They were here to testify in favor of I-1000. It was such an honor to stand with these Washington state leaders in our state Capitol.
Pictured from left: Rep. My-Linh Thai, Rep. Debra Lekanoff, Rep. Christine Kilduff, Sen. Patty Kuderer, Gov. Gary Locke, Gov. Dan Evans, Gov. Christine Gregoire, Rep. Tina Orwall and Sen. Sam Hunt.
Northwest Indian College Foundation’s Leadership Award
Last weekend, I received the Northwest Indian College Foundation’s Leadership Award.
It was an incredible honor to receive this award. I look forward to continuing to champion policies for Native American people, like the Native American Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law earlier this session.
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. I will be sending out a Fantastic Friday letter each week throughout the legislative session.
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!
All best wishes,
Rep. Debra Lekanoff