Dear friends & neighbors,
We just passed the midway point of session! We just finished floor debate for the policy bills to be pass onto the Senate for consideration. While the days were long, free exchange of ideas was prevalent, and I was proud to participate in the debate. I encourage you all to watch the videos from last week on TVW, there are links on their website to watch the house in action.
I’m proud to say that my colleagues and I passed lots of great bills. Legislation that will improve lives, protect vulnerable individuals, and above all else solve problems. What we face now is considering Senate bills and starting the difficult budget process. It’s no secret that we’re staring down a budget crisis but we’re working through these constraints to deliver for you.
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Rep. Parshley’s bills that have passed the house
In my first legislative session, I have had the privilege of introducing and passing legislation I am very proud of. As we approach House of Origin cutoff, I wanted to provide you updates on the status of the bills I introduced.
HB 1688
My bill, HB 1688 concerning electric security alarm systems unanimously passed the House on the 6th of March with a vote of 97 to 0. This bill establishes statewide standards for installing and operating electric security alarm systems. This bill is a collaborative effort between industry and local governments to prevent theft by assisting cities with outdoor storage facilities install effective prevention products. You can follow the progress of HB 1688 in the Senate here.
HB 1511
Our ferry systems are an essential service for many Washingtonians, so it is important to support all of the hardworking individuals who keep our ferries operational. House Bill 1511 redefines the duties of Washington State Ferries captains’ and allows the captains’ bargaining unit to vote on consolidating with the mates’ bargaining unit into one combined bargaining unit. This will streamline collective bargaining, reduce inefficiencies, and reduce administrative costs. This bill passed the House on the 4th of March with a vote of 93 to 3. You can follow the progress of HB 1511 in the Senate here.
HB 1186
Across the state, many Washingtonians are unable to access the healthcare and medication they need. SHB 1186 expands the situations in which medications can be dispensed or delivered from hospitals and health care entities to ensure every Washingtonian can receive care. This bill allows patients to access their medication in a timely manner, which will be especially beneficial for rural areas and towns without a 7-days-a-week pharmacy as well as cutting down on medical waste. This bill unanimously passed the House on the 4th of March by a vote of 97 to 0. You can follow the progress of SHB 1186 in the Senate here.
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Washington state budget: what to know, what you can do
As we approach our next policy cutoff, more attention has been focused on resolving the budget deficit. As we look for solutions to this crisis, the legislature has evaluated the tax structure in Washington. Washington’s tax structure is the second most regressive in the nation. This means that low- and middle-income residents are spending more, widening the wealth gap between billionaires and regular working families.
Before leaving office, Governor Inslee proposed a “Book 1” or “No Revenue” budget to balance the budget. This proposed budget would be comprised entirely of cuts, leading to disastrous results for millions of Washingtonians. These cuts would withhold billions of dollars from services that are essential to Washingtonians, like healthcare and childcare. My caucus and I are determined to find an equitable solution that balances our budget and serves all of Washington. New information concerning the state budget is released frequently, to follow the progress of balancing the budget, click here.
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Standing up for Washingtonians
With uncertainty coming from the other Washington, it is more important than ever that we focus on investing in our communities and uplifting one another. The Trump administration has targeted immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as attacking programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Trump has even jeopardized Washington’s role in global trade as an international leader by proposing tariffs that would hurt farmers, businesses and consumers across our state.
Along with the rest of my caucus, I am committed to fighting for you and the best interests of all Washingtonians. My fellow House Democrats and statewide elected officials are opposing these executive orders and federal overreach. We have already seen success pushing back against these oppressive policies, and we will continue to fight for every Washingtonian.
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As always, it’s a pleasure to serve you in the legislature. My office door is always open and please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Lisa Parshley
State Representative
22nd Legislative District