Dear friends and neighbors,
In my last newsletter I mentioned that I introduced House Bill 1302 at the end of my first week as your state representative. I am pleased to report that today this bill passed off the House floor! HB 1302 allows a car dealership to file a report of sale to the Department of Licensing on behalf of an owner who trades in or sells a vehicle to the dealer. The bill passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The idea behind HB 1302 first came to me from the Washington State Auto Dealers Association. Many people assume that when they sell their car to a dealer or trade it in the process is over. So, when they receive parking tickets, toll charges, or towing fees weeks or months later, the first person they call is the dealership. By allowing the dealership to file this paperwork on behalf of the seller, we can reduce confusion and prevent people from receiving surprising bills for vehicles they no longer own. This might not be the most blockbuster legislation, but it’s a problem-solver bill that will make life easier for people in Whatcom County and across the state.
Other Bills I Have Introduced Are Making Progress
Since my last newsletter I have also introduced House Bill 1452, which will establish a state emergency medical reserve corps, as well as House Bill 1478, which will establish a statement of student rights for public school students. The state emergency medical reserve corps act was read for the first time on Jan. 19 and had its first public hearing on Jan. 24 in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness. On Jan. 25, it passed out of committee with unanimous support and was referred to the Appropriations Committee. This bill will benefit residents across the state by establishing a state emergency medical reserve corps within the Department of Health that can be deployed to local communities by the Secretary of Health under special circumstances and orders.
This bill is important to me because many counties don’t have a local medical reserve corps and having a statewide one would ensure volunteers in the corps can be mobilized if there is a public health emergency that needs attention. This bill will ensure Washington is better prepared and equipped going forward and comes out of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe flooding in November 2021 in Whatcom County. Both of these crises highlighted the importance of effectively utilizing volunteers in times of emergency. Click here to watch a video to learn more.
The statement of student rights bill (HB 1478) will require public schools to develop student-focused educational and promotional materials that incorporate the statement and include the materials into civics instruction. Required in civics instruction would include:
- The rights and responsibilities of citizens living in Washington state and the United States,
- Electoral issues, including elections, ballot measures, initiatives, and referenda; and
- The study and completion of the civics component of the federally administered naturalization test required of persons seeking to become naturalized U.S. citizens.
Prior to joining the Legislature, I worked with the Ralph Munro Institute of Civic Education at Western Washington University. This experience helped crystalize my passion for civic education which is why I introduced this bill to give students more awareness of their rights in a digestible and easy-to-access way. It is empowering for students to learn about their rights, and according to the state constitution, education is the state’s paramount duty.This bill will promote improve civic education and help create an informed citizenry. Click here or on the image above to watch my testimony from earlier this week from the House Education Committee. I will keep you up to date as this bill advances, so stay tuned!
A New Tax Credit for Washington Workers
Effective yesterday, Feb. 1, a new tax credit is available to support Washington workers. The Working Families Tax Credit provides payments up to $1,200 to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements. Click here to check eligibility requirements and learn more.
Meet my Legislative Assistant!
I’d like you to meet Hayden Jenkins, my legislative assistant. He helps me with everything from scheduling to responding to constituents, lobbyists, other members, and staff. He is my right-hand man, and I couldn’t be effective as a legislator without him.
Due to House rules, I can’t share a photo of Hayden, but you can find him on LinkedIn. You will see that he is a 2021 graduate from the University of Washington, with bachelor’s degrees in history and European studies. Before he started working with me, he was my seatmate Rep. Alicia Rule’s campaign manager for the 2022 election. He has also served as a field organizer for Friends of Dow Constantine (King County Executive), a campaign fellow for Gov. Jay Inslee, and an intern for Sen. Maria Cantwell.
Whenever you reach out to my office, you will most likely engage with Hayden. He’s great and will do everything in his power to assist you, guaranteed.
Best wishes,
