Dear Friends and Family,
As we welcome the new year, may we cherish the lessons of yesterday and step into tomorrow with kindness, open hearts and minds, and togetherness. A kind word, a small act of generosity, or a moment of understanding – that’s what can make a difference in someone’s life.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge that, for some, this time of year can be challenging with unique family / friend dynamics and a mix of emotions. If you need a listening ear, a heart willing to understand, or find yourself facing personal struggles during this season, know that you are not alone – there is hope.
If you or your loved one experiences any mental or behavioral health crisis, please call or text Washington’s new 988 hotline. 988 is a newly established, free, 24-hour hotline with interpretive services that will get you connected to people who can help.
Here’s to embracing hope, to lending a helping hand, and to cultivating a culture of kindness that leaves a lasting impact on our community. Wishing you a year filled with compassion and warmth – one small act of kindness at a time.
If you are experiencing food insecurity or need toiletries and other non-food items, please visit your nearest local food bank. Due to passage of my bill, HB 1499, last year, food banks can now more easily use funds to provide essential non-food items like diapers, feminine products, and hygiene products.
Until we meet again, take care, and may your new year be an extraordinary one.
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On Monday, the 2024 legislative session will begin. Here is a quick summary of the legislative priorities that we will be pushing to pass:
- HB 1924: Promoting the integration of fusion technology within state clean energy policies.
By requiring the state to pursue technology like fusion energy, we can create a clean environmental future that creates good-paying jobs, lowers energy bills, and supports a path toward energy independence. - HB 1925: Expanding the veterans service officer program to increase veteran support statewide.
This bill builds upon our Island County efforts by expanding the veteran service officer (VSO) program to every county. VSOs are critical towards helping veterans receive benefits (housing, food assistance, and medical), and we’re fighting to ensure that every veteran receive the benefits they deserve. - HB 1936: Concerning tax incentives for farmers.
A win-win for our farmers and nature, this program helps farmers keep natural resources and farmland healthy for all. By participating in conservation / stewardship programs, this tax credit can go towards new equipment, seed, feed, and other expenditures. - HB 1937: Requiring certain health care providers to report suspected victims of human trafficking to law enforcement.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. This bill requires health care providers to report suspected human trafficking so that victims can get the support and help they need. - HB 1938: Increasing the accessibility of academic reengagement opportunities for eligible students.
The Open Doors Youth Reengagement Program provides education and services to youth who have dropped out of school or are not expected to graduate high school. This bill reengages disconnected youth at an earlier age so that they can find success sooner than later. - HB 1951: Promoting ethical artificial intelligence by protecting against algorithmic discrimination.
AI is the most powerful technology humans have ever had access to, and it will fundamentally change our world. It’s time to build a regulatory framework that adheres to ethical principles. This is an important step as we build a technological future that’s safe and secure for everyone. - HB 2023: Improving meaningful access to elections by increasing language assistance
Our democracy is stronger with all of us participating, and this bill ensures that every citizen can fully take part in our elections with language translated voting material. - HB 2024: Concerning flexible work policies for law enforcement officers and participation in the law enforcement officers’ and firefighters’ retirement system plan 2.
By permitting departments to adopt flexible work policies, police officers can better balance personal needs while continuing to serve their community. With staffing shortages, we must do more to create a healthier work-life balance and mitigate stress for our law enforcement heroes. - HB 1768: Exempting certain sales of electricity to qualifying green businesses from the public utilities tax.
With this bill, light and power businesses using green hydrogen could be exempt from the public utilities tax – which fosters private/public partnership, innovation that spurs local economic development, and creates less demand for other inefficient energy options. - HB 1858: Creating United States Naval Academy plates.
Proceeds from the purchase of the license plate goes to help homeless veterans. It is unacceptable that we have homeless veterans, and its past time to do more.
I am also working on a bill that will expand and strengthen career and technical education by creating the Core Plus Allied Health Care high school program to develop a new generation of professionals in healthcare fields, including long-term care. The Core Plus program uses hands-on curriculum for professional development and career learning.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue my life-long dedication to public service. As a veteran having attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, trained at a naval nuclear reactor plant, and served in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as a public affairs officer, I am honored to serve you here in the Washington State Legislature. If you have any thoughts questions, or concerns, please reach out by phone at 360-786-7884. You can also email my office.
Always at Your Service,
State Representative Clyde Shavers
10th Legislative District