Advocating for a safe reopening without unnecessary delays
I’d like to see every business in the 23rd district thriving, every employee putting in solid hours and taking home a fair wage, and every student sitting in classrooms with their friends and experiencing the joys of face-to-face learning. And I’d like to see all this happening safely. I believe we’ll see all these things here in Kitsap, in time.
But timing is a sticking point. Overall, I’ve been a supporter of Gov. Inslee’s handling of the most difficult crisis that any governor has faced in the last 100 years. The governor, in consultation with epidemiology experts and often with legislative leaders, has had to make countless crucial decisions affecting millions of Washingtonians every day since the word “coronavirus” first entered our consciousness. One result of those decisions is that our state, after an initial spike in those first days of the pandemic, has seen lower infection rates than most others.
We’re nowhere near out of the woods, but some parts of the state, including Kitsap County, are doing better than others at maintaining lower infection numbers. We wear masks, we maintain social distance, and we save lives in the process. And that’s why I would like to see us benefiting along with other areas of the state that are seeing an easing of restrictions on businesses and gatherings. I understand the metrics that are regulating the reopening process. I understand why the state was divided into regions for the purpose of applying those metrics. But I also see what I believe are flaws in the rules, and I’m advocating in virtual Olympia for a more rapid reopening in places like Kitsap.
Unemployment insurance relief for businesses and workers
Since before I even took my oath of office I’ve been hearing from Kitsap business owners facing large hikes in their unemployment insurance premium tax bills, brought on by 2020’s unprecedented volume of claims. And I heard from worried constituents – workers who were laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic – unable to make ends meet on their unemployment benefits. The importance of these emails and phone calls cannot be overstated. The Legislature had to do something, and it had to act fast. That’s why the first week of session, the chairs of the labor committees in both chambers introduced bipartisan bills (SB 5061 / HB 1098) to bring relief for both businesses and workers.
The Senate passed its bill last week on a 42-7 vote and we passed it off the House Floor two days later with 89 yes votes and 7 opposed. Gov. Inslee signed it into law Monday and because of the urgency of the issue, the new law takes effect immediately.
I hope employers will experience a bit of relief when they see the reductions in their UI tax bills due in April. And I’m happy to report that the state’s hardest-hit, lowest-wage workers will see a five percent raise in their unemployment benefits. This means people who made between $21,000 and $27,800 a year until the pandemic swept their jobs away will receive a larger share of their former weekly wages in benefits. For the details and information on how the bill will better prepare our state for the next health emergency, as well as rebuild Washington’s Unemployment Insurance trust fund, please go here.
February is Black History Month
I’m glad that Black History Month occurs every year while the Legislature is in session, because added awareness brings added urgency to our work. This year, more than ever, your state 
lawmakers are working to create a Washington that is inclusive, fair, and representative for Black Americans. Equity – a powerful word – is being factored into every bill that comes before us. We are currently dealing with legislation to ensure safer police tactics that will rebuild public trust and at the same time make our law enforcement professionals safer. We’re moving forward on my bill to restore voting rights to people who have completed their incarceration and deserve that basic civil right. We are providing law enforcement with stronger tools to address hate crimes. And we are finally considering a bill to give Juneteenth the recognition it deserves as a state holiday.
As a new lawmaker, I’m am grateful to be involved in the creation of laws that are racially just. As we learn about Black history throughout the month, I want to keep in mind that what we do today is tomorrow’s history. I hope when our children and grandchildren observe Black History Month decades from now, they will learn that our time is when Dr. King’s arc of the moral universe bent decidedly toward justice.
Keeping Washington green
We’re fortunate here in the 23rd district to be surrounded by nature. Some people have to travel a long way to experience what we get to enjoy every day. But I think most of us understand that climate change is real and that no part of the state, or the world for that matter, will be immune to its devastating effects if we don’t act quickly and decisively. That’s one reason I’m supporting the Healthy Homes and Clean Buildings Act, a necessary piece of legislation that was approved by the House Energy & Environment Committee this morning.
Even though we might associate carbon with belching smokestacks or auto tailpipes, about a quarter of all the carbon that Washington state spills into our air each year comes from our buildings. It’s mostly the result of the widespread use of natural gas, a fossil fuel, to produce heat. The HHCB Act is a reasonable bill that offers a comprehensive approach to decarbonizing our building sector to meet science-based climate goals. You can check out the details at the link above, but essentially this bill will have Washington buildings transitioning to the use of our ample supplies of low-carbon electricity by mid-century, rather than fracked natural gas. And to answer one question that I know will occur to some readers: No one would be coming for your gas cookstoves if this bill becomes law. The primary culprits are large commercial and government buildings, including schools, that use gas for heat. But if an individual did decide to replace their worn-out gas range, their electric utility would offer incentives that could make a new electric stove seem like a better option. That’s a win-win.
Things are moving fast in virtual Olympia.
It feels like we just got started and we’re almost 1/3 of the way through the session already. Next Monday, February 15, is what’s known as policy cutoff — the final day for non-budget bills to be approved by a policy committee and forwarded to the Rules Committee. A week later we’ll begin a marathon, two-week stretch of floor debates and votes on bills that are fortunate enough to make it that far. Thank you for allowing me to take part in this vital component of our representative democracy, and please continue sharing your comments and questions with me.