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Dear friends and neighbors,
On the Friday before the start of session, I attended a brief virtual swearing-in ceremony along with several of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. I was honored to take the oath of office to uphold the constitution and serve the people of Washington to the best of my ability.
Legislative session began the second Monday of January, just like every year, and we all convened in Olympia, following all safety recommendations, wearing masks and keeping our distance. Unlike every year, however, we were at the Capitol that first day with one sole purpose: to adopt temporary rules allowing for remote proceedings for the remaining 104 days.
Later that day we all went home and have been working from our computers, attending public hearings, caucus meetings and Floor debate virtually. It actually has gone much smoother than I anticipated, there have been very few bumps and we are moving along getting our work done for the people of Washington.
This year’s virtual session presents new opportunities for people in our district to be involved—your voice is just as important and impactful as ever. To legislate remotely, we had to make sure the public could also participate remotely, so we expanded the ways you can connect with us. Check out the graphic below or click here for a page that includes a Q&A slideshow, a short video by Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senator Andy Billig, and a bulleted list with more information on how to submit testimony, follow the progress of a bill and more.
Transportation Package
Through an equity lens, my colleagues and I developed and rolled out our Transportation Package to serve all Washingtonians.
Click on the image below to watch the press conference on TVW.
This past summer, we hosted around 90 statewide remote sessions, listening to our constituents’ priorities, including those historically left without a voice at the stakeholder table.
These conversations helped us develop goals for the next few years: necessary fixes for underserved communities and communities of color, high wage jobs, contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses, and the preservation and maintenance of aging roads and infrastructure. Our strong partnership with the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises is key to certifying project partners and making these priorities a reality.
We are committed to making sure we serve the transportation needs of all Washingtonians.
Holding Police Accountable to the Communities it Serves
The Legislature has consistently worked on improving laws to regulate police use of deadly force, particularly in recent times. After Washingtonians passed Initiative 940, lawmakers came back to the table in 2019 to strengthen and clarify the language of I-940.
Last year, House Democrats followed up with the creation of the Policing Policy Leadership Team to examine current laws and develop a plan to rebuild Washingtonians’ trust in law enforcement.
Rep. John Lovick, Sen. Manka Dhingra and I teamed up to introduce three pieces of legislation that resulted from that effort. These measures will hold law enforcement officers to a high standard of honesty, create a duty to intervene and report when fellow officers break department regulations, and ensure that investigations carried out after I-940 met the standards laid out in the law. Read this press release to learn more about how these bills will increase the accountability of law enforcement officers.
I am happy to report that my bill was voted out of committee on January 19 and was referred to the Appropriations Committee.
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A Quick Video Update
Watch this quick video update where I share my impressions on how remote session is going so far, including participation from the public (for information on how to testify remotely,go here). I also talk about my committee assignments and the importance of the Transportation Package that was rolled out recently.
COVID-19 Vaccines Update
There have been bumps in the road as vaccines have become available, but with federal support and learning from mistakes, we can work toward better outcomes in 2021. I hope and expect that vaccine production and distribution will be vastly improved over the next few months.
What is the plan for distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines in Washington?
- Vaccines are being administered in phases. As of 1/18/21, we are currently in Phase 1B-Tier 1.
- This visual timeline shows phase 1a and phase 1b and the estimated dates for each.
When and where can I get vaccinated?
- Visit the Phase Finder website and fill out a questionnaire to determine what Phase you qualify for. You can choose to be notified when your Phase is activated. The notification will also include information about where you can receive the vaccine locally.
- Contact your healthcare provider to find out when and where you can receive the vaccine.
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Diversity in the House!
The Washington House Democrats Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) was founded in 2003 by a small group of lawmakers seeking to increase the cultural competence of House Democrats, and elevate issues impacting marginalized communities. Today, with 19 state representatives, we are the largest cohort of legislators of color in the history of our state, and we make up one-third of the House Democratic Caucus.
I am proud to be in this group of diverse and spirited individuals who, each year, prioritize policy proposals that break down structural barriers and reimagine opportunity, access, and representation for people of color.
This session, the MOCC also has a new Facebook page.
Keep in touch
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter, I hope you found it informative.
As we are working in a virtual environment, I encourage you to participate in your democracy by learning the ways in which you can get involved. To follow the issues I am working on, please visit my website and my official Facebook page.
I am interested in hearing what you think, so please call or email my office to give me your input and feedback. Your comments and ideas help guide my decisions.
Stay safe,
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