Greetings: An Update from Representative Marcus Riccelli

April 16, 2014

Back in the Community

 
NOTE: This will be my last e-newsletter for a little while. State law does not allow members up for re-election to send electronic newsletters more than one month after the legislative session. I will continue sending regular updates as soon as it becomes allowable according to election law.

Representative Riccelli joins firefighters, families, and ministers to raise awareness about the dangers of toxic flame retardants.

I was honored by the opportunity to stand with firefighters, nurses, concerned parents, and faith-based  leaders in our community to raise awareness about the Toxic Free Kids & Families Act, legislation that I co-sponsored to promote children’s health and firefighter safety by reigning in the use of toxic flame retardants in everyday household goods. The bill died in the Senate, but it is encouraging to know that the community is behind it. I look forward to continuing the effort next session.

It was also a privilege to join public health professionals, educators, and members from the legal community on a panel at the film screening for “The House I Live In,” a documentary calling attention to the racial justice implications of the war on drugs. I applaud the Spokane Regional Health District for hosting the event to shine a light on the racial imbalance in our criminal justice system and advocate for a response to chemical dependency based on treatment rather than criminalization.

Our Community Cares

 

I joined public health advocates on this panel because I believe treatment and economic security are the best ways to address chemical dependency in our community.

Whenever I am back in Spokane, I get energized by the passionate work taking place here to support healthy families and thriving communities.

In the short time that I have been back, I have had the opportunity to meet with community leaders and concerned citizens on a variety of issues including child nutrition, workplace fairness, and educational opportunities for the deaf. I have visited counseling facilities, child advocacy centers, and temporary housing sites. I also had a chance to join a delivery run with Meals on Wheels to bring warm food to some of our most vulnerable seniors.

The Unmet Need

 

Meals on Wheels of Greater Spokane County provides over 20,000 meals per month to combat the growing problem of senior hunger.

It is sobering to see that, despite the hard work and dedication of so many of our friends and neighbors, the unmet need for food, shelter, and mental health services continues to be overwhelming.

Part of the solution lies in greater funding for core services. But the other crucial piece is that we need to create family-wage jobs that provide the lasting economic security our community needs to thrive. I remain committed to this vision to strengthen economic opportunity for ALL of us in Washington state.

In the months ahead, I will continue to work closely with the community to better understand our needs and the best ways to address them. If there is an issue you think I should look into, please contact me. It is an honor to serve you.

Best Regards,

Representative Marcus Riccelli
3rd Legislative District – Spokane

/—/

Contact Me

 
In Olympia:
327 John L. O’Brien
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504
(360)786-7888

In Spokane:
25 West Main, Suite 239
Spokane, WA 99201
(509)456-2760

Email: Marcus.Riccelli@leg.wa.gov

Legislative Assistant:
Michaela Williams
Michaela.Williams@leg.wa.gov