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Dear friends and neighbors,
I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are starting the year with your first foot forward! With the 2024 session kicking off on Monday, I want to share with you some of the issues I will be working on in this short video:
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CLEARING THE BACKLOG
As mentioned in the video above, we have made significant strides in establishing a system that ensures justice for survivors whose sexual assault kits were previously neglected on shelves in evidence rooms throughout the state.
In 2015, I introduced my initial bill to tackle this issue after learning that thousands of sexual assault kits had yet to be examined.
Through numerous bills and years of dedication and collaboration with advocates and law enforcement agencies, we have been consistently clearing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits, which has resulted in the apprehension and prosecution of numerous perpetrators.
Finally, with a streamlined system in operation, we are starting the new year with a clean slate and the commitment to test every sexual assault kit within 45 days. With this new structure, we are effectively providing crucial support and empowerment to victims and survivors.
Learn more:
- From the Attorney General’s office: All backlogged sexual assault kits cleared shelves and sent testing
- From the Washington State Standard: Washington clears backlog of over 10,000 sexual assault testing kits
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LEGISLATIVE PAGE PROGRAM – Applications are Open!
Do you know any 14-16 year-old students who are interested in state government and politics? Encourage them to check out the House page program!
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Our state has one of the best Legislative Page programs in the country.
Paging presents students with a unique educational opportunity to participate in the legislative process as they:
- Contribute to the efficient operation of the Legislature by providing assistance to the chamber during floor debates.
- Receive daily civics instruction while attending the Legislative Page School.
- Draft their own bills.
- Participate in mock committee hearings, and more.
This program gives students an up-close look at government in action, while they are having fun, making friends with kids from different parts of the state, earning a stipend, and receiving community service hours.
Spots fill up quickly. Click here to apply online.
The expense of traveling to and staying in Olympia for a week can restrict young people’s ability to participate in the page program, that’s why we created a scholarship to help offset costs for those who qualify.
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WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2024
One of the good things that came out of the pandemic was setting up a system for people to testify in hearings and work sessions from their computers at home. It’s important that you make your voice heard and participate in your democracy. Here are some pointers on the different ways you can engage during session:
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- Watch — TVW.org broadcasts all debates and votes that happen in the House or Senate, as well as all committee meetings in both chambers.
- Testify — Go here for an overview of the process, here for instructions on how to testify remotely, and here to sign in for hearings in the House or Senate.
- Research —Look up any bill by number, lawmaker, or topic here. To learn about the entire legislative process, click here.
- Stay Informed — Visit my website and my official Facebook page.
- Get in Touch — You can always reach my office by email: Tina.Orwall@leg.wa.gov
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FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you, or someone you know is going through a rough patch, here are some of the resources available for anyone facing food insecurity:
We know that nearly 700,000 people in Washington don’t have consistent access to enough food for everyone in their household. Last session we passed legislation to help meet the need left by reduced federal funding, we expanded free school meals to 90,000 additional students, and removed barriers for college students to access basic needs like food, water, housing and childcare. We invested $95 million in food assistance programs, $81 million for refugee supports, and $44 million to fund an increase for TANF and other cash assistance programs. We also invested $19 million in TANF for diaper subsidies and a time limit extension. While this is good work, hunger is an incessant issue, which is why I and many of my colleagues are committed to continue fighting food insecurity in Washington with ongoing efforts every session. |
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THERE IS HOPE
Mental health and behavioral health also play a part in the lives of individuals and families for whom the winter months carry a heavy emotional load.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mental or behavioral health struggles or is in crisis, there is hope through Washington’s 988 system. Don’t hesitate to call, text, or message 988 and get connected with people who can help. 988 Lifeline services are also available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 240 languages and dialects. If you have a hearing impairment or use TTY, you can use your preferred relay service. You can also dial 711 and then 988.
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Please remember that you are not alone and there are resources available to you.
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YOUR 2024 PRIORITIES
The 2024 Legislative Session begins this coming Monday. It’s a short session, so we have to make the best of our time. That’s why I am are reaching out to request that you share your priorities with me. Your input is essential for me to represent your interests in Olympia as it helps guide the decisions I make. Please take this very short survey to help me identify key issues for the 2024 session.
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KEEP IN TOUCH!
Thank you for taking the time to read my updates and for your interest in my work on your behalf. Please never hesitate to contact me with your feedback, comments, ideas and concerns, I’m here to serve you and your input is invaluable to me.
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May the new year bring peace, health, happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones!
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