Friends and neighbors,
Now that the legislative session is in full swing, I’ll be sending out updates like this to help keep you informed and involved. You can also follow me on Facebook for the latest. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. My phone number is 360-786-7898 and my email address is Jamila.Taylor@leg.wa.gov. I’m humbled to represent you in the Legislature.
Inclusive, community-focused solutions
It’s an honor to chair the Black Members Caucus, the largest group of Black legislators in Washington state history. I’m also vice chair of the Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committee, and I serve on the Community & Economic Development and Transportation Committees.
This will be a year of recovery, which means every action the Legislature takes must meaningfully support all communities in our state — with a particular focus on racial equity. I will advocate for inclusive, community-focused solutions that help Washingtonians emerge from this crisis not just whole, but better off than they were a year ago.
One bill I’m co-sponsoring is a big deal for those of us with smartphones. You may have heard about the “right to repair” for small businesses to fix devices like smartphones and laptops. I co-sponsored Rep. Mia Gregerson’s bill, HB 1212, because it requires tech companies to make information available so smaller, independent repair shops can fix devices. Not everyone can afford the outrageous prices some big tech companies charge for something as simple as replacing a glass screen. This bill will boost the local economy while opening opportunities to those smaller repair shops.
Another bill I’m co-sponsoring addresses some of the egregious reasons people are evicted in our state. All too often, people are evicted for benign reasons, given no reason at all or forced into leases with unlawful provisions. I co-sponsored HB 1236 to end the practice of unfair lease provisions and require landlords to provide a reason for why someone is being evicted. Federal Way voted for a “good cause” ordinance that has similar goals. At the end of the day, evicting someone just because you can just isn’t good enough.
Working remotely for the 30th Legislative District
This session is being held remotely to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your voice heard. It’s easier than ever to be involved.
You can always watch committee hearings and floor sessions on TVW.org, and you can testify remotely on any bill. Visit this link to learn more about how to testify remotely.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy
This week was also a time to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. I’m reminded of this quote from Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech:
“We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.”
It’s been a difficult year. From the COVID-19 crisis and the senseless deaths of Black and Brown people, to the fierce urgency of the Black Lives Matter protests, the world’s eyes have been opened to what many have known or experienced for generations.
It’s on all of us this session to “make real the promises of democracy” by listening to our constituents, standing up for the rights of the oppressed and persecuted, and changing laws in this state to bring about the racial healing we desperately need.
You can read my full statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day here.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the session.
Jamila Taylor