Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we approach the half-way mark of the legislative session, I’d like to share an update on the meaningful work in Olympia to address the issues that matter most to our community, and a brief update on the legislation I’m working on.
The Members of Color Caucus
The tapestry of cultures within our community helps fuel our strength and innovation. Yet, language barriers, inequities, and cultural divides present challenges. As a part of The Members of Color Caucus, or MOCC, our multiracial coalition of representatives from diverse communities is a space to pool ideas, resources, and advocate to advance policies to improve opportunity, access, and equity in Washington. Together, we make up about 40 percent of the House Democratic Caucus. This year’s priorities reflect our shared values in the areas of community safety, housing, and economic opportunity.
Video Update
In this video update, I discuss my legislation aimed at integrating environmental justice considerations into certain project decisions and a bill that would include protected classes in the Washington Equal Pay Opportunities Act.
An Update on My Bills
Yesterday represented a major legislative deadline known as policy committee cutoff. It is the last day to pass bills out of non-fiscal committees in the chamber they were introduced. Here are some of my bills that remain eligible past this deadline, and I am working to ensure make it to the Governor’s desk:
- House Bill 1905 helps close the wage gap by revising the Equal Pay Opportunity Act to effectively protect women with overlapping identities against discrimination.
- House Bill 2000 seeks to modernize Washington’s International Relations law, which hasn’t been updated since 1991, by promoting collaboration and engagement through strategic planning, bipartisan dialogue, and international support.
- House Bill 2070 will help Tacoma, Parkland, and Spanaway residents burdened by pollution and shortened lifespans. This bill demands SEPA consider historical injustices and cumulative impacts when evaluating projects.
- House Bill 2414/Senate Bill 6009 outlaws a deadly restraint technique known as hog-tying by law enforcement, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Washingtonians, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by excessive and deadly use of force.
Two weeks from now, I look forward to sharing an update with you about funding I will be requesting for our community, as well as other budget priorities for our state.
Reproductive Freedom: Standing Strong Against Restrictions
Time and again, Washington Legislative Republicans have tried to downplay the threat to reproductive rights in our state. Behind their assurances, however, lies a different story – Washington Republicans have introduced more than 40 bills since 2016 aimed at restricting abortion and reproductive care rights.
We won’t back down. Democrats are standing strong, blocking these restrictive bills, and passing laws to protect those seeking reproductive care, our healthcare providers, and your private healthcare data.
Let’s be clear: we are steadfast in our commitment to defending your reproductive freedom in Washington state. Take a look:
Stay In Touch
Thank you for reading my newsletter. Hearing from you is the most important part of my job. Please do not hesitate to keep reaching out with your thoughts and ideas.
Sincerely,
Sharlett Mena
State Representative
29th District