Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we look forward to the holiday season, I am reminded that I have so much to be thankful for. Over the past few months, I have been busy meeting with community members and spending time with local organizations. This allows me to stay up to date on all the amazing work happening in our district and stay aware of all the work that’s left to do. In this newsletter I want to update you on some of what I’ve been up to over the summer.
This summer, and especially over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with folks all over our community. From meeting with local auto dealers to visiting schools like Fairview Middle School, Catalyst High School, and Olympic College. I saw where patients at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center ring the bell that signifies they’ve completed their treatment, I visited the Humane Society, and I learned more about the unique solutions folks have come up with to create more affordable housing in our district. All of these connections form the basis for my legislative work in Olympia. I will continue to support legislation that strengthens Medicaid access and improves oncology reimbursement rates. I will continue to support policies that can help our neighbors have a fighting chance at staying housed. And I will always show up for the students and educators in our community who are working tirelessly to better themselves and our community. It is an honor to serve this district, to watch it grow, and to represent you in Olympia.
I am regularly updating my Facebook page with information about my work in Olympia and my work back in district. You can see more of what I’m up to there.
Finally, I am grateful to the many partners in this work who hold me accountable and are also dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our district and across our state. It’s no secret that we are facing incredible challenges, from chaotic federal actions to the increasing cost of living, all while trying to maintain the important progress we’ve made in recent years.
I believe in amplifying the voices of my district and of those who are often left out of critical conversations. These folks include the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, people experiencing substance use disorder, or anyone who feels like they are neither seen nor heard. This is especially important as we have to wrestle with tough budgetary and policy decisions.
During these trying times, transparency and responsiveness are critical. That is why I want to reiterate that I have pledged to never invoke legislative privilege to block a transparent review of my official communications on behalf of the public that I serve. Ensuring the public has access to me and my records is something I take very seriously.
As always, my office remains available during the interim, please reach out with your questions and concerns, anytime.
Keep an eye out for my next newsletter where I will share more about my priorities for the upcoming session.
Sincerely,
Rep. Tarra Simmons