Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to send you an e-newsletter update. During elections years, legislators adhere to a communications freeze in order to assure Washington’s taxpayers that we are not using state resources for campaign purposes. I understand it means I haven’t been able to send you the latest available resources and updates about the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we believe as a core value that good governance requires a clear distinction between official duties and campaign activities. Likewise, this also means you’ll begin seeing updates from my Facebook page again!
We have many immediate challenges ahead of us as legislators. During the upcoming legislative session, we’ll need to focus our efforts to do the most good for the people facing the greatest needs in our communities during the upcoming legislative session. This includes COVID-19 pandemic relief for workers and small businesses, preventing an eviction tsunami, addressing the global climate crisis, and supporting K-12 teachers, students and families.
Next time I’ll share more about my priorities for the upcoming legislative session and how to make your voice heard while the legislature is meeting remotely.
Our plan for building community trust through police accountability
After the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, historic protests against racism and police brutality took hold across the country, with the 43rd District being the local epicenter for demonstrations. I heard from hundreds of you who urged me to use my position as a state representative to rethink policing in our community. As policymakers, it is our responsibility to listen to the anguish and the rightful anger of thousands of peaceful protestors and to work with Black, Brown, and Indigenous community members to create laws that truly hold police accountable and create equal justice in our state.
Recognizing that representation matters, House Democrats convened a leadership team to examine current policy and come up with a plan to rebuild our communities’ trust in our police. The leadership team is made up of members from the Black Members Caucus and the Members of Color Caucus.
Starting in June, the leadership team met with families of victims of police violence, community representatives, members of law enforcement, academics, young people, and other stakeholders. I was honored to join these conversations and work with my colleagues to center Black voices and experiences in this important work—that’s the only way our work can be successful.
I am committed to working with the leadership team and community stakeholders in developing a comprehensive package of legislation to:
- Strengthen police accountability measures
- Limit questionable police tactics and the use of deadly force
- Increase transparency of police activity and
- Ensure truly independent investigations and prosecutions of egregious police misconduct
Police officers are the first and often only interaction the public has with our government. When someone is shot or killed by police and the law doesn’t offer a pathway to justice, it damages the community, the reputation of law enforcement, and the entire concept of justice. That’s why rebuilding our communities’ trust in law enforcement and in tangible systemic action is of paramount importance. This will be one of the Legislature’s top priorities this year. Black lives matter, and that needs to be reflected in every policy we consider and pass.
In need of health insurance? Enroll by December 15
The annual open enrollment period for individual health insurance ends December 15! Sign up by then to receive insurance beginning in January 2021.
Visit WAHealthPlanFinder.org to browse and compare plans—including new Cascade Care plans—and sign up today. WA Health Plan Finder is your one-stop-shop for updating your information, submitting documents and finding financial assistance.
Latest COVID-19 News and Resources
COVID-19 information and resources change quickly. Please refer to the following links for the most current guidance and to find available assistance.
On Tuesday, December 8, Governor Inslee announced additional funding to aid small businesses as he extended the current COVID-19 restrictions through January 4. Read more about the Governor’s reasoning for extending the current restrictions here and find info about new small business aid here.
King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program
Information for workers, including unemployment and worker rights
Washington state Coronavirus response homepage