News

Election year restrictions and contacting my office. | May 2, 2024

Friends and neighbors,  This will be my last email update until this fall. During election years, state ethics law requires certain restrictions on a legislator’s communications. This prevents the use… READ MORE

District Update: A Closer Look at How State Dollars are Spent in Whatcom County   | March 28, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,  I’ve been back home for a couple of weeks now, and it’s been so nice seeing so many of you out and about. Throughout the legislative… READ MORE

Legislative Update: The 2024 Legislative Session Concludes + Protecting Reproductive Rights | March 12, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,   The 2024 legislative session is a wrap! It concluded at 5:49 p.m. on March 7 and I’m now back home in Blaine working on issues important… READ MORE

Rule sends bill to the governor’s desk | March 5, 2024

OLYMPIA—Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine, remembers the enormous toll Whatcom County communities faced in the aftermath of the fall 2021 floods in the Nooksack River Valley. While people in the affected… READ MORE

Legislative Update: Protecting our Kids: A Look Student Mental Health, Homelessness, and Learning Loss & Disabilities | February 27, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,   Did you know I get ideas for the legislation I introduce from so many of you? When I meet with you 1:1 or at community events… READ MORE

Legislative Update: Washington Leads the Way in Nature-Based Learning + Join Us at a Town Hall on Saturday | February 14, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,  We’re now in week six of this year’s legislative session. For the past week, my fellow legislators and I have been debating various bills on the… READ MORE

Rule bill about mutual aid concerning emergency services passes House unanimously  | February 10, 2024

OLYMPIA—Devastating floods ravaged Whatcom County in the fall of 2021. The damage to roads, as well as the uprooting of families and businesses and the loss of life took an… READ MORE

Rule bill to keep our kids safe passes the House with strong bipartisan support | February 10, 2024

OLYMPIA— Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) has been protecting our most vulnerable since she’s been in the legislature—and that’s why Rule introduced House Bill 2224, which is about keeping our kids… READ MORE

MEDIA ADVISORY: Shewmake, Rule, & Timmons to Hold Town Hall on February 17 | February 8, 2024

Please join your lawmakers from the 42nd Legislative District for a town hall meeting from 1-2:30 PM on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Horizon Middle School in Ferndale. This is their… READ MORE

Legislative Update: A Public Safety Caucus + Protecting Our Kids, Pocketbooks & Bodily Autonomy | January 30, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,  It’s been a couple of weeks since my last newsletter to you. We’re now in week four of this year’s legislative session. In a week’s time,… READ MORE

Legislative Update: Protecting Reproductive Rights, Protecting Public Education & Protecting Our Communities | January 16, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,  This is week two of the 2024 Legislative Session and things are moving swiftly. Today, however, I want to focus on three core areas of my… READ MORE

Legislative Update: The 2024 Legislative Session Starts Next Week! | January 3, 2024

Dear friends and neighbors,  I’m heading back to Olympia already, as Monday, Jan. 8, marks the start of the 2024 Legislative Session. This is a short session year lasting just… READ MORE

Legislative Update: 2023 Legislative Session Wrap-Up | April 24, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, After a historic 105 days, we did it! As of 10:03 p.m. yesterday, the 2023 Legislative Session is a wrap! After legislating in a virtual environment… READ MORE

Rule’s bill extends a tax break to farmers and food processors / Proyecto de Rule extiende incentivo fiscal para agricultores y procesadores de alimentos | April 19, 2023

Ver más abajo para la versión en español OLYMPIA— Helping farmers and food producers is the theme of a bill sponsored by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) that is now headed… READ MORE

Rule bill to help kids in crisis now on the way to Inslee’s desk | April 13, 2023

OLYMPIA— Helping kids in crisis is the theme of a bill sponsored by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) that is now headed to the Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature…. READ MORE

Legislative Update: Investing in Whatcom County, Bringing People Together Through Sports & More | April 5, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, With only two weeks to go until Legislative Session ends, I remain committed to fighting every single day to improve public safety and protecting our most… READ MORE

Legislative Update: A Recap on Town Hall & My Bills + Working with BC Premier David Eby & More | March 23, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, It was such a delight to see so many of you at this past weekend’s town hall at Ferndale High School. As I mentioned to you… READ MORE

Bill extends a tax break to Washington’s dairy, fruit , vegetable and seafood processors | March 17, 2023

OLYMPIA—Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) is the granddaughter of a dairy farmer who lived in Sumas. Her father also delivered hay to farmers in Whatcom County. She knows the way of… READ MORE

Legislative Update: News on My Bills + Community Projects + Town Hall on 3/18 | March 13, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, Here at the Washington State Legislature, we’ve just finished our 10-day marathon of running bills on the House floor last night; and I’m happy to report… READ MORE

Rule Passes Two Bills on to the Senate | March 8, 2023

OLYMPIA—Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) was elected to the Legislature in 2020 with a clear mission to represent the most vulnerable among us: our children, youth, and struggling young adults. In… READ MORE

Statement on HB 1363 | March 7, 2023

Earlier this Legislative Session, I alerted you of my intent to introduce a bill to change our state’s vehicular pursuits policy to address rising crime. I heard your concerns, and… READ MORE

MEDIA ADVISORY: Shewmake, Rule, & Timmons to Hold Town Hall on March 18 | March 6, 2023

Please join your lawmakers from the 42nd Legislative District for a town hall meeting at Ferndale High School on Saturday, March 18 from 1-2 p.m. This is their chance to… READ MORE

Legislative Update: News on My Bills to Support Our Youth, the Economy & More | February 21, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, In Olympia, we are getting closer and closer to floor action in the House. Debates on bills on the House floor start on Monday, Feb. 27,… READ MORE

Rule is NCEL’s Washington State Lead | February 17, 2023

OLYMPIA—The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) has selected Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) as the 2023-2024 Washington State Lead. This position exemplifies a strong dedication to environmental policy in Washington… READ MORE

Rule Supports Bill for Youth Development Grants | February 13, 2023

OLYMPIA—Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) introduced HB 1386, a youth development bill, earlier this session. It passed out of committee last week and has been referred to the Appropriations Committee. The… READ MORE

Legislative Update: Saving Lives and Keeping Communities Safe & More | February 6, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, We are now nearly slightly more than one-quarter done with this year’s Legislative Session and I’d like to give you an update on what’s been happening… READ MORE

Rehabilitation Should Always Be a Goal, But So is Saving Lives and Keeping Communities Safe | February 3, 2023

OLYMPIA – Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) has released the following statement on her sponsorship of HB 1613, an alternate proposal to address the Blake decision: “I have been a social… READ MORE

Legislative Update: Why a Change in Vehicle Pursuits is Necessary + Supporting WA’s Agriculture, Keeping Families Intact & Nature for Our Health | January 25, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, Nearly two weeks ago, I introduced House Bill 1363 with Rep. Eric Robertson (R-Sumner).  This bill will restore the laws around vehicle pursuits to what they… READ MORE

Rule Introduces Bill to Amend Vehicle Pursuit Policy | January 17, 2023

OLYMPIA—In 2021, the Washington Legislature passed a bill regulating police tactics and equipment. One of the provisions of the bill limited vehicle pursuits to instances where there is probable cause… READ MORE

Legislative Update: My Top Priorities This Session + Meet My Seatmate | January 12, 2023

Dear friends and neighbors, The 2023 Legislative Session is underway! In this year’s 105-day session, we will be focusing on tackling behavioral health, public safety, economic concerns, housing, reproductive freedom… READ MORE

2022 End of Session Report | May 10, 2022

Our community has been through so much in the last two years: a pandemic, historic floods, supply chain issues. This all hit us in our homes and hearts as we… READ MORE

Coffee chats next week! | May 2, 2022

Hello! I hope you all have been enjoying the beginnings of spring! Personally, it’s been a joy to see our communities beginning to bloom again with the flowers. Now, I’m… READ MORE

Rule bills to support students signed by Governor | March 23, 2022

OLYMPIA – Today, Gov. Jay Inslee signed two bills by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) to help students succeed by getting more kids learning outside and supporting their physical and emotional… READ MORE

Thank you | March 14, 2022

Dear friends and neighbors, It’s the Monday after sine die – which means the Legislature has just wrapped up a 60-day blitz of lawmaking. And let me tell you it… READ MORE

Capital budget invests in Whatcom County with funding for flood response, smelter and local projects | March 8, 2022

OLYMPIA – Today, the final capital budget proposal was voted off the House floor. This state construction budget makes major investments statewide and includes millions of dollars in investments for… READ MORE

Investments in our community // Town hall TONIGHT | February 23, 2022

Dear friends and neighbors,  Today we announce some big proposed investments in Whatcom County. The funding for these projects still has to go through the negotiation process between the House… READ MORE

Video Update: Rule on her bills that survived House of Origin Cutoff | February 22, 2022

Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine, talks about a few of her bills that survived house of origin cutoff such as the outdoor learning grant program (HB 2078); increased physical, social, and… READ MORE

Legislative updates – starting with aluminum smelter workers | February 17, 2022

Dear friends and neighbors, Sometimes it is our good work together, that makes the difference. When Intalco closed, I was devastated to see the number of families that lost good… READ MORE

Rule bill to expand outdoor education clears House | February 12, 2022

OLYMPIA – Today, legislation by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) to expand outdoor school programs passed the Washington state House of Representatives 92-6. HB 2078 directs the Office of the Superintendent… READ MORE

Rule bill to support youth mental and physical health clears House  | February 10, 2022

Olympia – Today, the Washington state House of Representatives passed HB 1664 from Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine), to bring more counselors, nurses and social workers to schools. This bill was… READ MORE

Rule bill to support farmers after natural disasters passes House  | February 9, 2022

OLYMPIA – The Washington House of Representatives advanced legislation by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) today to assist farmers and ranchers recovering from natural disasters. HB 2051 requires the Washington state… READ MORE

We still have FIVE bills alive! | February 7, 2022

Dear friends and neighbors,   It’s hard to believe it’s already February! We’re almost halfway through session and I can report that we’ve already considered dozens of bills and significant investments… READ MORE

Ask ALICIA 2: Outdoor School for All & Sales Tax Holiday | February 6, 2022

Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Baine, responds to constituent emails on HB 2078, Outdoor School for All, and HB 2018, the Sales Tax Holiday.

Rep. Rule on Disaster Relief Bills & Long Term Recovery | February 3, 2022

Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine, talks about her bills on disaster relief for small businesses (HB 1957) and agricultural producers (HB 2051); and long term recovery from natural disasters.  

House passes Rule bill to help small businesses recover from natural disasters | February 2, 2022

Olympia – Today, the Washington House of Representatives passed HB 1957 by Rep. Alicia Rule (D—Blaine), which will create a program to quickly assist small businesses after a natural disaster…. READ MORE

Rep. Rule on Disaster Recovery & Tax Holiday bill | January 21, 2022

Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine, talks about disaster recovery financial assistance programs for small businesses (HB 1957) and agricultural producers (HB 2051); and creating a three-day shop local tax holiday (HB… READ MORE

Session is here and there’s a lot to do! | January 20, 2022

Friends and neighbors, There’s no denying that things are tough right now. Tough for families, for kids, for healthcare workers, for small business owners, for everyone just trying to get… READ MORE

Paul and Rule introduce one-time sales tax holiday to ‘shop local and save’  | January 14, 2022

OLYMPIA—Whether your kids need back-to-school clothes or you need a new dishwasher, a proposed law would exempt such purchases from sales taxes for three days in September.  “This is about helping our friends, neighbors, and… READ MORE

Ask ALICIA 1: Children’s Mental Health | January 13, 2022

Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine, introduces her new series and talks about the importance of access to mental health for children and youth, especially during this pandemic.

Letter urging collaborative and bold action on flood risk | January 12, 2022

House Democrats Introduce Bills to Provide Clarity to Police Accountability Laws | January 10, 2022

OLYMPIA – House Democrats introduced a pair of bills last week to clarify portions of the historic police accountability package passed by the Legislature last year. Legislators passed a package… READ MORE

Flooding resources overview // Visión general de recursos de inundación | November 30, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we write, there is another round of heavy rain headed our way this week while we are still cleaning up from the last flood. Resources… READ MORE

Stay safe out there | November 16, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors, Floodwaters are cresting but conditions will remain challenging for a few days. Please do not drive through standing water or ignore road closed signs. Yesterday there… READ MORE

Why is nobody talking about this? | October 25, 2021

Neighbors and friends,  I’ve been a mental health professional for many years and I’ve never seen children’s mental health this bad. Friends have called me, sometimes in the middle of night, to ask if they’re… READ MORE

Help for small businesses and foster care alumni | September 10, 2021

Friends and neighbors, As we near the end of summer, I wanted to share a few key resources. Our community is still experiencing the shockwaves of the pandemic, and my… READ MORE

Sharing resources and listening to you | August 11, 2021

Friends and neighbors, With the pandemic continuing to affect our communities, this month’s newsletter is all about sharing resources for families, renters, small business owners and others. But first, I… READ MORE

Town hall Friday in Point Roberts | July 7, 2021

Friends and neighbors, I hope you had a safe (and fun) Fourth of July weekend. Though we still have a long way to go before our communities recover from the… READ MORE

Reflecting on our work this session | June 4, 2021

Friends and neighbors, In my first newsletter earlier this year, I talked about how important it is to take care of each other and invest in our communities. That’s why… READ MORE

2021 End of Session Report | April 30, 2021

2021 was a big year for Washington state. We’re proud to report that we accomplished a lot in the Legislature. Read this overview for some of the things we are… READ MORE

Legislative session ends and the work continues | April 25, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Today, the legislative session comes to an end, but our work to recover from the pandemic together continues. I’m so honored to have served you and our… READ MORE

Rule bill supporting children signed into law | April 16, 2021

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee signed HB 1221 into law today, a signature bill sponsored by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) that helps families with young children that experience homelessness. HB… READ MORE

Legislature approves Rule bill to support small businesses | April 14, 2021

OLYMPIA – The Legislature has approved a bill to expand the Main Street Program, a state effort to revitalize rural downtowns, support small businesses, and bolster economic recovery. The bill,… READ MORE

Making progress on vaccines, foster care, and getting the word out to you! | April 12, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Last week, Whatcom County reached a critical milestone in our vaccination efforts. Over 30% of Whatcom County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine,… READ MORE

Virtual town hall TONIGHT and investments in our community | March 29, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Last week was a big week in the Legislature for budgets. The House announced our construction budget, which funds projects around the state, and the Washington Recovery… READ MORE

MEDIA ADVISORY: 42nd Legislative District to Host Virtual Town Hall | March 23, 2021

WHO: Reps. Alicia Rule and Sharon Shewmake WHAT: Virtual town hall with 42nd Legislative District residents WHEN: Monday, March 29 at 6 p.m. WHERE: Streamed live on Facebook, Twitter and… READ MORE

Investing in our children and working families | March 12, 2021

Friends and neighbors, It’s Social Work Month! It was an honor to be recognized alongside my colleague Rep. Tina Orwall in the governor’s Social Work Month proclamation. I’m proud to… READ MORE

Quick update on vaccines and supporting our children in need | February 26, 2021

Friends and neighbors,   This week marked the beginning of full time floor action, which means that from morning until evening, all 98 members of the House of Representatives are carefully… READ MORE

Rule bill supporting children in need passes state House | February 23, 2021

OLYMPIA – The state House voted today to pass a bill from Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) that helps families with young children struggling with homelessness. The legislation, HB 1221, passed… READ MORE

Supporting our children and bringing relief to businesses and workers | February 13, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Thank you to everyone who joined our telephone town hall on Tuesday. I appreciate your thoughtful questions, and I’m glad public health officials from the Whatcom County… READ MORE

Rep. Rule Bill to Support Small Businesses Passes State House | February 12, 2021

OLYMPIA – In a unanimous vote today, the state House passed legislation from Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) to support small businesses by expanding the Main Street Program. Rule is a… READ MORE

MEDIA ADVISORY: Rule and Shewmake to Host Telephone Town Hall | February 5, 2021

WHO: Reps. Alicia Rule and Sharon Shewmake. They will also be joined by public health officials from the Whatcom County Health Department, Director Erika Lautenbach and Communicable Disease and Epidemiology… READ MORE

Upcoming town hall, my first bills and recovery step one | January 30, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Mark your calendars! I’ll be holding my first telephone town hall alongside Rep. Sharon Shewmake on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. We’ll be giving an update… READ MORE

Working for you in Olympia | January 15, 2021

Friends and neighbors, Welcome to my first newsletter! I’ll be sending regular email updates on my work as a first-year lawmaker, COVID-19 resources and news developments. You can also follow… READ MORE

Rule urges state DOH to provide vaccine distribution information | January 15, 2021

OLYMPIA – Today, state Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) urged the state Department of Health to provide more information about when, how and where Whatcom County residents can access the COVID-19… READ MORE