Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather and have had a chance to soak up the sun this summer. I am writing to share an update about the projects I’m working on in preparation for the next legislative session.
First, thank you to all who were able to join me at my first Constituent Coffee last month. This was our first Constituent Coffee and it was such a success! We had a huge turn out and received valuable feedback that we will incorporate in future constituent events, including having constituent events at different days and times of the week and holding these events in different locations throughout the district. If you missed the event or weren’t able to attend, look out for an email this fall with information about our next constituent event.
I am currently working on policies to support regional composting facilities and encourage condominium conversion. Increasing the supply of condominiums can provide a path to affordable homeownership and increases the housing options for all families. Additionally, improving behavioral health services, including services for substance use disorder, is crucial for our region. I am committed to working with local leaders, experts, providers, and community members to build on the improvements to our behavioral health systems that the legislature enacted this year. I am also pursuing criminal justice reform, specifically, implementing a post-conviction review board and review process for early release of qualifying offenders. My goal is to allow people the opportunity to get their lives back on track after serving their time and proving their ability to reintegrate into society. I strongly believe in second chances and I believe that people can change. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on these issues next session.
I am proud to be appointed to the Legislative Committee on Economic Development & International Relations where I will review economic development issues with special emphasis on international trade and tourism. This committee is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Habib and will meet this fall to discuss the future of work related to health care.
As you may be aware, the 2020 session is a short 60-day session, meaning that I will need to prioritize the issues that I will work on so I can successfully represent our district’s needs and values. In Washington, the legislative session alternates between 105 days during odd-numbered years when we write our two-year state budgets, and 60 days during even-numbered years.
In addition to my legislative duties, I am also a small business owner. I have been back at work full-time since the legislative session ended, and of course I am also enjoying spending time with my family this summer.
As always, please let me know of any questions or concerns you’d like to share with me. I can be reached at 425.822.1114 or amy.walen@leg.wa.gov. I hope you have wonderful rest of your summer and take a well-deserved break before the busyness of fall begins.
Sincerely,
Amy
