Dear Neighbor,

The 2018 session began last week, and I am excited to be back in Olympia doing the people’s work. I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that will make a difference in our district and around the state.

Now that the Senate has a Democratic majority, lawmakers will be able to continue conversations on legislation that has previously stalled. Washingtonians deserve a government that works effectively and efficiently, and I look forward to moving forward on important legislation that has faced D.C.-style obstruction.

Education will continue to be a focus, as all Washington students deserve to have access to high-quality early learning, public schools, and higher education opportunities. We will also take steps to address housing affordability and homelessness, continue the fight to improve access to affordable health care, including behavioral health, and work to improve services for people with disabilities.

I look forward to addressing these important issues and many others in the upcoming session.

I am ready to get to work.

Breakfast After the Bell

When hungry kids are distracted by thinking about from where their next meal is going to come, they aren’t focused on learning.

That’s why making sure kids are well-nourished to start the school day is critically important to boosting academic achievement.

One of the first bills approved by the House of Representatives this session was HB 1508, which will expand programs that provide students from low-income families with meals in the morning.

Programs like Breakfast After the Bell have proven to be highly successful in improving academic achievement. I was proud to vote for this innovative program because I know it will help us achieve brighter futures for our children.

Access to Democracy

I believe strongly that improving community representation, boosting voter registration, and ensuring fair representation for all people in Washington is critical to our democracy working effectively, and I’m thrilled this is a priority this session. Learn more about the ‘Access to Democracy’ package of legislation in the press conference held by House and Senate Democrats with Governor Inslee.

Why does the Legislature…?

I’m often asked how our state Legislature works. It can be confusing at times, but it’s important to understand the legislative process so you can stay informed and involved. Therefore, each week when I send out updates on what’s happening here in Olympia, I’ll also answer a question about the method behind the madness of a legislative session.

Q: What is a ‘short session’?

Our state uses a two-year legislative cycle called a biennium. A biennium starts in odd-numbered years when a “long session” (105 days) convenes – timed to coincide with elections that bring many new members to Olympia. More time means legislators discuss and debate more issues. Most importantly, we write and approve two-year operating, transportation, and capital budgets.

Even-year “short sessions” (60 days) help solve emergent issues between long sessions. For example, legislators review the existing operating budget to see where changes are needed such as unanticipated natural disaster expenses, increased health care caseloads, revenue receipt changes and the like (which is why you’ll hear reference to the “supplemental budget”). Proposed bills from the previous session are still in play, but new ideas are also introduced.

If key issues aren’t resolved by the end of each regular session, the governor can call the Legislature back into “special session,” which can last up to 30 days at a time. There’s no limit to the number of special sessions (except the start of the next regular session).

How to Stay Involved

Now that we are back in Olympia, feel free to schedule a visit! Tours are available and I will do my best to step out or schedule time to connect with you while you are on campus. Even if you can’t make it down during the session, give me a call at 360-786-7814 or send me an email at noel.frame@leg.wa.gov.

Want to track what’s happening in Olympia? I can’t recommend enough TVW’s “Legislative Review” – a 15-minute overview (30-minute on Fridays) of what happened each day here in Olympia. It’s a quick and easy way to learn how the legislature works and you can stream or download it on your mobile device!

Our democracy is strongest when everyone has the ability to participate, so please feel free share your comments, questions, and ideas. I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Rep. Noel Frame

P.S. Mark your Calendar! Your 36th District legislators will be hosting an in-district town hall the weekend of February 17. More details coming soon!