Dear neighbors,
This week, I’d like to give you an update on two issues.
First, the link between the housing crisis and our workforce shortage, which affects families and local businesses across our community.
Second, the opportunity for students to serve as legislative pages in the House of Representatives. This program has existed since the late 1800s—and it’s a wonderful chance for students back home to learn about their democracy.
The link between housing and jobs
Some problems can’t be solved in isolation—and that’s especially true of the housing crisis and workforce shortage in critical industries like healthcare.
Even if a local business or hospital recruits a great candidate for a job, they can’t take that position without a place to live.
Here are some solutions we’re working on:
Middle housing—Decades ago, we had far more variety in the types of housing in our towns and cities, which today are dominated by single-family detached homes or apartment buildings. The Legislature is working with local governments to encourage more cottage courts, townhouses and other options to allow for more housing close to jobs and transit.
Mother-in-law apartments / Accessory Dwelling Units—This reform gives homeowners a second source of income while providing more housing where we need it most.
Cutting red tape—We’re working with local leaders, community groups, and builders to consider policies to make it simpler and quicker to build new housing.
Solutions like these will also make it possible for the students of today to have hope that when they graduate and get a job, they’ll be able to save up and buy their first home.
Every family needs a home—a safe, warm place to call their own.
Local students can serve as legislative pages
Every legislative session, high school students serve as legislative pages in the House and Senate.
You’ll see them wearing gray jackets as they deliver documents to legislators while we work on the Floor.
This is a wonderful program that allows young people to spend a week learning how our democracy works and support the legislative process.
I’m always happy to sponsor local students to serve as pages. Click here to learn more about the House of Representatives page program.
We also have a great college intern program in the House and Senate, and I’ll tell you about that program in a future e-newsletter.
Sharing your thoughts
I appreciate everyone who’s taken the time to share their comments, questions, and stories. There’s nothing more important to me than hearing from you and having a respectful dialogue about our common challenges and our dreams for making this a better place to live and work.
It’s an honor to serve as your representative. I hope to hear from you soon.
In Service,
