Dear friends and neighbors,
I’ve got my suitcase packed and I’m eager to head back to Olympia to get to work during the 2024 Legislative Session. This next session is scheduled to last 60 days beginning on January 8, and among the topics that are certain to come up are the rising costs of delivering transportation projects, ensuring housing is affordable and accessible, and deciding where spending should go from the state’s supplemental budgets.
I’ve enjoyed being home, meeting with many of you in district, and working on issues that are important to our community. Read on for a few of my highlights.
Interim Activities in Whatcom County and Across the State
In my last newsletter I mentioned how interim (the time in between legislative sessions) is a critical time of year to meet with constituents, visit local businesses and organizations, and see projects firsthand throughout Whatcom County and around the state. Some highlights from my activities in recent weeks include —but aren’t limited to—participating in Vicinity Motor Corporation’s grand opening event in Ferndale, riding along with the Bellingham Fire Department, touring BP’s Cherry Point Refinery, speaking at an EV-charger installation ceremony at Lummi Bay Market, touring Whatcom County PUD, joining the Joint Transportation Committee on an infrastructure tour in Southwest Washington, joining colleagues on the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee for site visits in Spokane, and taking part in the Washington State K-12 to Postsecondary Pathways Legislator Learning Session at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In November, I joined my seatmate Rep. Alicia Rule, along with leaders from the Lummi Commercial Company and Phillips 66 for an EV-charger installation ribbon cutting ceremony at Lummi Bay Market. This ultra-fast charger will support our local transportation infrastructure and bring convenience to electric vehicle drivers now and in the future.
Committee Assembly Days + How to Get Involved
On December 4th and 5th I was in Olympia for Committee Assembly Days. This annual activity provides lawmakers the chance to gather and discuss policy issues that are likely to arise in the next legislative session. I enjoyed meeting with colleagues I serve with on my committees —Transportation, Education, Postsecondary Education and Workforce—and the committee work sessions were informative as we gear up for session next month.
I encourage you to get involved in the upcoming session and consider testifying on bills that are important to you. The graphic below depicts just how you can be a part of the lawmaking process.
Meet My Legislative Assistant
A couple months ago, Helen Dahl joined my office as my legislative assistant! It is her friendly voice you hear when you call my office, and usually your first point of contact when you reach me by email. She keeps our office running and ensures that if you need a response to anything, it’ll get done. Here’s Helen’s brief bio:
Prior to joining the House as Legislative Assistant to Rep. Timmons in 2023, Helen served as Legislative Aide to King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. She also has both legislative and campaign experience at the state level, having worked in the Senate and interned on a House campaign. Helen was born and raised in Seattle and received undergraduate degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Washington. During college, she played clarinet in the Husky Marching Band, through which she was able to perform at the Rose Bowl and travel to Ireland, where she marched in a 4th of July parade. Outside of work, you can likely find her reading a good book, eating delicious food, at the beach, attempting to cook, thinking about adopting a cat, or drinking a large cup of coffee.
Happy New Year!
I wish you all a wonderful start to 2024! I look forward to heading back to Olympia for the legislative session and I’d love to hear from you on issues that are important to you. Please reach out to my office anytime, and you can stay up-to-date with my activities during session through my e-newsletter updates and my legislative Facebook page.
Best wishes,
