Our Town Hall, Equal Pay & the Fentanyl Crisis
Dear friends and neighbors,
As we approach the House of Origin Cutoff tomorrow, I’m delighted to connect with you and share some of the great work we’ve accomplished in the past few weeks. In addition to passing my zero-emission school bus bill (HB 1368!) and my gun destruction bill (HB 2021!), we passed dozens of others, a few of which are listed here:
- Adding financial literacy as a high school graduation requirement (HB 1915)
- Banning license plate covers, so police radars and toll cameras can read the numbers (HB 1963)
- Ensuring “truth in advertising” of halal food to respect our Muslim neighbors (HB 2059)
- Banning “stealthing,” which is the removal of a sexually protective devise without your partners knowledge or consent (HB 1958)
- Creating a graffiti abatement and reduction program through the Department of Transportation (HB 1989)
As we finish up floor action this week on House bills, we will start to hear Senate bills in our committees. With just a few weeks left, there is still a lot of work to do!
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You’re Invited: 41st LD Telephone Town Hall!
Please join me and Rep. Thai for an engaging telephone town hall on February 15! Connect with us to share ideas and ask questions. Your voice matters — dial in and be part of the conversation.
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Who: 41st District Representatives Senn and Thai.
What: Telephone Town Hall
When: 6:30 – 7:30 PM, Thursday, February 15, 2024
How: Call In via 877-229-8493. When prompted, enter the pin 116290.
Submit questions in advance: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5WHXDC8
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Facing the Fentanyl Crisis Together
Too many families in our district and across our state are in grief, having lost a loved one from the lethality of fentanyl. As a legislature, we are working to ensure that we increase education for our youth, for our courts and for our child welfare system about the lethality of fentanyl and other high-potency synthetic opioids.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
A recent state report reveals a troubling surge in accidental drug poisonings among children. Fentanyl is driving this rise, posing a significant risk, particularly to young children who may accidentally ingest it.
In my role as Chair of the Human Services, Youth, and Early Learning Committee, I’m helping lead our legislative effort for a safer future for our youth. I introduced House Bill 2447 to protect vulnerable children, placing their safety at the forefront of child welfare proceedings amidst the rising risks associated with high-potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
This bill delicately intertwines prevention and supports, recognizing the urgent need to shield our children from harm while offering a lifeline to families grappling with substance use disorders. In addition, it focuses on more training for our courts and other parties in our child welfare system. This bill is a continuation of our work to pave the way for a safer, more supportive future for our families, one where every child is valued, protected, and nurtured with care.
Opioid Education and Intervention
As opioid-related deaths continue to rise across all age groups, it’s imperative that we prioritize education about the risks of opioids and empower young people to make informed and healthy choices. House Bill 1956 is a proactive step providing opioid education in high schools, HB 2112 provides similar education in higher ed, and SB 5804 will equip every public high school with overdose reversal medication, Naloxone. This last bill was proposed by students from Lake Washington School District!
By increasing awareness, providing essential resources and services, and implementing preventive measures, we can collectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Furthermore, by prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children and families, we pave the way for a future where every individual is empowered to make informed choices and where communities are resilient in the face of adversity.
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Breaking Barriers for Equal Pay!
I am thrilled to share some wonderful news! Building upon the foundation laid by the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA) that I championed in 2018, I am delighted to announce the passage of a new bill (HB 1905), sponsored by Rep. Mena, that takes our commitment to equality in the workplace a huge step forward. This expansion is important in recognizing intersectionality (between race and gender, for instance) and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equitably in the workplace.
I’ve always been a dedicated advocate for equal pay, and it’s been immensely rewarding to collaborate with Rep. Mena as she continues this important endeavor. Together, we’re grateful for the chance to unite in advancing equality for all individuals.
Watch our video together, live in the wings!
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Lunar New Year
I extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous Lunar New Year. It was uplifting to celebrate with so many at the vibrant Newcastle celebration last weekend. This year, I signed on as a co-sponsor of Rep. Thai’s bill to recognize the Lunar New Year—and it has passed in the House! Wishing you and your family prosperity, good health, and a wonderful Year of the Dragon.
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Thank you so much for reading—hope to hear from you at our telephone town hall on Thursday!
Warmly,
Rep. Tana Senn