Dear friends and neighbors,
Lawmakers have been working hard to pass bills off the floor this week, and we’re definitely not done. The next legislative milestone is this coming Wednesday with a 5 p.m. bill cutoff in the house of origin, meaning for the next five days we will be drinking lots of coffee, sleeping far less than we should, and passing as many bills as possible out of the House.
You can follow the action at www.tvw.org, or head to www.leg.wa.gov if you want to learn more about the legislation we’re sending to the Senate.
Covenant Homeownership Program
Since the Covenant Homeownership Program was implemented in 2023, more than 247 loans have been granted to help families and individuals impacted by racially motivated housing discrimination become homeowners.
Bringing more folks of color into the pool of homeowners strengthens the diversity of our communities and gives more Washingtonians the chance to put down roots and grow intergenerational wealth. I’m proud of this program, and proud that the work is continuing with HB 1696 that the House passed on Thursday.
This bill expands eligibility so that more people can apply for homebuying assistance and take advantage of this great program. I’ll be working hard to get this bill through the Senate and on the governor’s desk.
30th LD Town Hall
It’s town hall time! I’m looking forward to hearing from you at our mid-session town hall on Saturday, March 22. Senator Wilson and I will be at the Federal Way Library on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and invite you to join us. Our job in Olympia is to represent you, and the best way to do that is to hear directly from you.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month and I love that it falls during our legislative session – because what better place to see women in action! Did you know that Washington’s first female legislators were elected in 1912?
While it’s important to recognize the progress we’ve in the history of women’s rights, we also must recognize the centuries of unseen struggle that women endured to give each generation a greater opportunity to succeed. But we’re not done – as daughters, sisters, mentors, friends, mothers, and as women, we will continue fighting for equality, for reproductive rights, for education, and for a seat at every table and space in every room. Not just for us, but for the women who will follow so that they can lead.
WA 211 – Integrated Services for a Safe Washington
Washington offers a lot of services, and trying to find help can be tricky if you’re not sure exactly what to look for or where to find it. That’s why the legislature passed HB 1787 in 2003, creating the 211 system as a directory for human services and consumer access to community information and referral services. Thanks to partnerships with 988 and 911, Washington’s crisis response system is fully integrated, making care coordination and disaster relief efficient and effective. Looking for a service? Dial 211 or visit their website at https://wa211.org/.
Week 8 Flashback Friday
I hope you’ll take the time to reach out with any questions, concerns, complaints or suggestions. You can always reach me at Jamila.Taylor@leg.wa.gov..
-Jamila