Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s been another busy week in the legislature now that we have transitioned from hearing public testimony and considering House bills in committee meetings, to passing bills off the virtual House floor. I recorded a short video to explain the system of deadlines that help guide our work through the course of our annual legislative sessions. I also talked about a couple bills I was proud to help pass off the House floor. You can check it out here.
Keep reading for more updates on legislation we passed this week that will really help people be successful in our communities.
Thanks for taking the time to read this update,
Creating pathways from prison to education
We know that when people who are incarcerated participate in educational programs, they are 43% less likely to return to prison. HB 1044, which passed the House with nearly unanimous support, would create pathways from prison to postsecondary education. This bill is an opportunity to reduce recidivism rates, invest in a workforce that wants to contribute to their communities, improve public safety, and save taxpayer dollars. Now that it is in the state Senate for consideration, I hope senators will take swift action to pass the bill.
Restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated citizens when they return home
Earlier this week, Washington House Democrats passed HB 1078 to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people.
We believe in honoring second chances and treating our neighbors with dignity so they can become whole again. When people return to our communities to live and work, they deserve to fully participate in democracy without further punishment.
They deserve to look to a brighter future and share their experience in our criminal legal system to improve our laws. Withholding this right to vote is an injustice that has continued for too long, and we must not stand in the way of redemption.
This bill was introduced by Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-East Bremerton), an attorney and registered nurse who was incarcerated at one time.
Update from the virtual floor
I shared some quick thoughts about a bill we passed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our environment from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and even ice rinks. HFCs are powerful greenhouse gasses even in small quantities, so the bill encourages use of alternatives that do not pollute in the same way. Watch the video here.
Day of Remembrance
February 19th, 2021 is the 79th anniversary of Executive Order 9066. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, thousands of Japanese Americans along the west coast were incarcerated in concentration camps. They were forced to pack whatever they could carry and live for years in remote, desolate barracks.
Even while their families were imprisoned, thousands of brave Japanese American men volunteered to fight and prove their loyalty to their country. Often, they were sent to the most dangerous battles, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team remains the most decorated unit of its size in U.S. history.
Many of the people incarcerated were U.S. citizens who had their liberties snatched away. They endured tremendous racism and xenophobia bought on by wartime hysteria.
We remember this tragic injustice so that it never happens again.
ICYMI: virtual town hall
Thanks so much to all who could join Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, Sen. Marko Liias and me—plus our special guest, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Check out the recording above or click here to watch if you were not able to join us.