Dear friends and neighbors,
Every year we recognize the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his civil rights advocacy and every four years we inaugurate a U.S. president. This year the two events fall on the same day – today: Monday, January 20, 2025.
I’m feeling particularly aware of the significance of honoring a leader who fought for recognition of dignity that all humans deserve, and, on the same day, watching a leader take office who has a record of denying or dissolving hard-won civil rights and freedoms for underrepresented individuals and groups that don’t align with his values.
For some, this day will feel more like a tragedy, and for others a celebration. For many, it will be another Monday of commuting, working, grocery shopping, getting a family fed, putting kids to bed, and focusing on the day-to-day that is in front of us.
Dr. King was focused on ensuring that Black people had the same guaranteed rights as white people in their day-to-day life, from those grocery store trips or taking public transportation to parents being able to safely send their kids to school. Economic justice was a core principle for Dr. King.
As a State Representative, I’m focused on improving the day-to-day experience of all those who live in our great state, from making sure parental caregivers of children with disabilities get paid, to funding our education system so every learner can thrive. That’s exactly what this legislature is going to do during the 105-day session: focus on making Washington a better place for you, regardless of the national political climate.
A Look at What’s Ahead for the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee
I’m honored and grateful to chair the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee for another year, especially at a time when many underrepresented groups are worried about having hard-won civil rights taken away over the next four years. This year, more than ever, it is important that this committee considers bills that effectively and proactively protect the fundamental civil rights of all Washingtonians.
On Tuesday, we will be hearing testimony on a slate of gun bills, including:
Learn more about each bill by going to: www.leg.wa.gov and searching for the bill number, or visit the CRJ Committee page. You can also tune in at www.tvw.org
Become a Page in Olympia
Calling all Washington State high school students! Join lawmakers in Olympia for a week as a legislative page and get the inside scoop on how laws get passed, what happens on the House floor during debates, and the ins and outs of the legislative session. This great program is open to students ages 14-16, but spots fill up fast so apply soon!
How You Can Get Involved
You have the power! Our democracy is designed to put the power in the hands of the people it represents, but that only works if folks actively participate.
There’s lots of ways you can make your voice heard and let your lawmakers know what is important to you. Join one of my townhalls around Kitsap, or call, email, or visit me at the capitol in Olympia to discuss bills you care about. Not sure how to learn about bills? Visit www.leg.wa.gov to search for a bill by topic, bill number, or sponsor
Jamila’s Jam: Grumpy Friends
While I heartily believe in the power of positivity, I have a soft spot in my heart for grumpy baby animals, especially when they assist with my legislative duties. Here, Grumpy Baby Octopus and Grumpy Baby Sloth ran over to the Legislative building to drop a bill in the hopper for me.
These two grumpy babies are just a few of the ones that have settled in and call my office “home”, and they’ll all be going on adventures this session in various districts. Stay tuned to see which grumpy baby animal decides to head out next!
I am here in Olympia to represent you, and the best way for me to do that is to hear from you. I hope you’ll take a moment to email me a story, an idea, a complaint, or suggestion for how we can make the 40th district an even better place to live.
