Hey Team:
In the last few weeks, residents of the 43rd Legislative District have seen an unfortunate combination of federal authoritarianism and local exclusion. At the same time that thousands have protested unjust ICE raids and anti-trans rallies, we still have serious questions about the extent to which local law enforcement is helping the Trump Administration advance its anti-immigrant agenda.
These are fighting times that require real leadership from all levels of government.
Inclusivity means welcoming refugees and migrants, and also supporting people who are already here and might be struggling. That’s why I’m hosting a Crisis Cares Center town hall on Monday, July 7 at 7PM at Vermillion on Capitol Hill – to show that the 43rd LD knows what community care is all about.
In 2023, thanks in large part to the leadership of King County Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Girmay Zahilay, King County voters approved the Crisis Cares Levy. The measure provided funding for additional behavioral and mental health centers throughout our region. That means that if somebody is struggling with addiction, a mental health episode, or needs to be connected to other services, they could get help.
King County is considering placing one of these centers in the heart of Capitol Hill – the potential center already has grassroots support. That’s why I was disappointed to see it recently reported that some in our community didn’t do everything they could to welcome this new facility with open arms. Are they aware that there are many reports in west coast states of ICE agents targeting people experiencing houselessness to meet deportation quotas? Is Seattle a progressive city or not?
People who currently have nowhere else to go but the streets need all the support they can get. That’s why I worked to create $30 million annually for low income housing in Washington State with HB 1858 during the 2025 legislative session, and that’s why I’m asking you to come to my town hall on 7/7.
If you want to show that the 43rd Legislative District is a welcoming place for all, come to my town hall on July 7 at 7PM at Vermillion on Capitol Hill for a night of drinks, comedy, and civics. We’ll be joined by Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, local comedian Brett Hamil, and King County Department of Community and Health Services. We’re going to make sure the voices of 43rd LD residents are elevated in support of a potential new crisis care center.
In the 43rd LD, we don’t just say that hate has no place here – we will also show that justice is what love looks like in public.
Solidarity,
Rep. Shaun Scott