Friends and neighbors,
With August upon us, I wanted to continue to give you updates on legislative successes this year, give you a preview of legislation I am working on for next year, and highlight some community events I have attended.
Climate Change
(Photo Credit: LSS Photography)
OOur state needs to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. By doing so, we can ensure a more resilient future for ourselves and the next generations. Electrifying the state (SB 5165), reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonizing state energy systems (HB 1390), and keeping our environment and communities safe from toxic cosmetics and providing safe battery recycling programs (HB 1170, HB 1047, and SB 5144) have been the leading priorities of environmental legislation this year. I strongly supported these pieces of legislation. I also introduced legislation to advance environmental justice with health assessments for Tribes and communities that have disproportionately borne the brunt of air and water pollution (HB 1347).
Looking Ahead to 2024
Making College More Affordable and Accessible
(Photo Credit: LSS Photography)
Community college can be an effective path to a vocational career or a steppingstone to a four-year degree. Unfortunately, many students do not think they can afford to get workforce training or a degree that will change their lives. Many others don’t finish due to childcare and many other obstacles.
That is why I am working on legislation that will help make community college free to Washington residents. This will make a college education more affordable and accessible for everyone.
Protecting Consumers from Cookware Contaminated with Lead
I was glad to see that Amazon has recently removed some cookware from sale. In the past, the retailer had continued to sell cookware contaminated with lead. This heavy metal can contribute to reduced IQs in children and lifelong behavioral and other health hurdles. Even small amounts of exposure can lead to neurological and developmental problems for kids. In recent years, I successfully passed legislation to get lead out of school drinking water. I will continue to look for avenues to protect our kids from the horrible effects of lead. Read more about this issue in this King5 story.
I Want to Hear from You
Though the legislature isn’t currently in session, I work for you all year long. That is why I want to hear from you about your thoughts and concerns. I have included a link to a survey about your legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Your answers will help me plan for the 2024 session.
Maple Leaf Picnic
I had a great time at the Maple Leaf Summer Social last month! The 46th district delegation spoke with constituents about housing, homeless encampments, developmental disability transition services, education funding, public safety and much more! It was great to see so many excited to meet their state legislators! If you’d like to request a meeting with me or want to share your concerns, you can always email me at: Gerry.Pollet@leg.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Rep. Gerry Pollet