Happy Fantastic Friday!

New J-pod orca calf seen in Puget Sound

This week we celebrated the sighting of a new orca calf in Puget Sound!

Recently, along with Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, I joined with the Southern Resident Orca Whale Recovery Task Force, to review the status of task force recommendations one year later. Current recommendations still include reducing traffic and noise and preventing contaminants in water and habitat. This follows a package of bills passed this session, including legislation I sponsored to prevent oil spills in the Salish Sea.

We could not imagine a future without the killer whale and salmon. These precious resources are a reflection of our coastal economies and communities. They are the heart of the Salish Sea.

Governor’s round table on rural internet broadband access

This month, San Juan and Skagit Counties hosted Gov. Inslee’s round table discussion on expanding rural internet broadband statewide. This follows bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Wellman (Rep. Zack Hudgins) signed into law this session.

A strong internet connection could make major differences in addressing our behavioral health crisis through telemedicine services for access to behavioral and physical health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, basic follow-up care and more.

Washington State Early Learning Language Summit, Lummi Nation

I was invited to speak at the Washington State Tribal Early Learning Language Summit, Lummi Nation. We need to ensure our littlest learners have access to high quality early learning to ensure all our kids get the best start.

All the science shows that language learning makes our brains stronger and helps with cognitive development. Exposing children to multiple languages can change the structure of the brain and increases memory and impulse control, which is why I voted to to expand access to early learning programs to ensure our littlest learners get their best start.

Thank you all for taking to the time to read this week’s Fantastic Friday!

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