Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week marked the beginning of the 2021 legislative session, and like many aspects of life right now, we must do things a little different to follow public health requirements for social distancing and gathering limits. But, while the legislature may be meeting remotely this session, that does not mean your voice is any less important and impactful. Keep reading for a list of ways you can participate in the legislative process in our virtual environment.
This session, I am serving on the Appropriations and Consumer Protection & Business Committees, and I was elected Chair of the brand-new Community & Economic Development Committees. House Democrats created that committee to help our state plan for the inevitable next disaster or emergency. Together, my committee assignments give me a platform to help make sure Washington remains the best place to live and work, especially for working families struggling to make it through the pandemic.
Thanks for taking the time to read this update. Be sure to follow my legislative Facebook page for more updates!
Washington’s COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline: Find Your Phase!
Recently, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced a clear timeline for vaccine distribution in our state. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are being distributed in Washington state after rigorous testing, authorization for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and additional approval by the Scientific Safety Review Workgroup of our Western States Pact.
This timeline lays out a clear explanation of when people will be eligible for vaccination. In addition to federal guidance and partnership with Governor’s office, it was developed with input from nearly 20,000 people around the state through surveys, focus group, and interviews. You can find out when you might be vaccinated by taking a short survey at FindYourPhaseWA.org. Please be aware the vaccine distribution policies and timeline may change in the coming weeks and we know that the faster we get the vaccine to communities, the faster was can save lives and recover, together.
As we consider vaccination phases, we must take into account those who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and prioritize their health as central to recovering together.
Check out this DOH page for helpful information and videos that describe everything from vaccine fact vs. fiction to how vaccines are made.
The Members of Color Caucus is on Facebook!
The Washington House Democrats Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) is now on Facebook! Click here to follow our brand-new official page.
Founded in 2003, the MOCC began as a small but mighty group of legislators seeking to increase the cultural competence of House Democrats and elevate issues impacting marginalized communities. Today, the MOCC’s 19 members make up one-third of the House Democratic Caucus.
Each year, the MOCC prioritizes policy proposals that break down structural barriers and reimagine opportunity, access, and representation for people of color. Our work in the Legislature is a recognition of systemic racial injustice, and we stand strong in our commitment to create a world free from oppression.
Four ways to participate in your democracy during the 2021 session
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not safe to hold a normal session of the Legislature, so the House of Representatives will be holding most meetings and events remotely.
You can still watch all of those meetings, contact your lawmakers, and participate. For years, the House has added new methods of letting people from around the state get informed and involved.
Here are four ways:
Learn—The whole legislative process, from start to finish, is explained at leg.wa.gov/legislature/Pages/Overview.aspx
Watch—Go to TVW.org for broadcasts of debates, votes, committee meetings, and other events in the House and Senate. There’s also an extensive archive of past events, if you couldn’t watch it live.
Research—To look up legislation by lawmaker or topic, visit app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/
Testify—Holding a remote session does not mean you don’t get to have your say. We have a brand new system for you to submit remote testimony on any bill.