Next week we will be hosting a telephone town hall. You are invited to join your 48th District legislators for a telephone town hall on Thursday, February 3rd at 6:00 pm. We will answer your questions and provide an update on how the legislative session is going. Sign up to receive a call when it’s time to join the event at this link. You can also join directly by dialing 877-229-8493 and use the PIN 116362.

You can submit questions ahead of time by clicking this link or call in during the live event to submit a question.

In my previous e-newsletter, I shared the bills that I am prime sponsoring. In addition to those bills, I have been working with my colleagues on legislation focused on the following issues. I want to acknowledge that the issues below are what many people would consider to be controversial. With that being said, I believe that our role as a legislature is to engage in these difficult conversations and make progress together. I don’t want to shy away from sharing where I stand on these issues because I work hard every day to represent the values and interests of those that live in our district.

Ending Gun Violence

Preventable gun violence is without question, on the rise. We are all under pressure and the proliferation of firearms in community settings is having predictable consequences. I’m supporting measures in the upcoming session to restrict ghost guns, to regulate “assault” weapons, and to allow local governments and school boards to prevent open carry of guns at community meetings. I’m also supporting funding the Office of Firearm Safety – many of our young people are in distress, and we need to make sure that they can get the support they need before reaching for a weapon to harm themselves. I believe that we can regulate dangerous objects in our lives without violating the Constitution.

Affirming Abortion Access in Washington

Around the country we are seeing moves to limit medical choices that are protected under the laws of our state and country. The consolidation of health care clinics leaves people with less options for reproductive health care, transgender health care, and end of life care. I am committed to doubling down on protecting the rights of women, transgender people, and those nearing end of life. We need to stand strong at this time when these values are being challenged and be proactive as our hospital systems are consolidating, to ensure that every right protected under our state law, is available to every resident of Washington.

Increasing Access to Death with Dignity

Last week, the Health Care & Wellness Committee heard a bill to affirm access to abortion in Washington. The Affirm Washington Abortion Access Act (HB 1851) updates our existing law with gender-neutral language and codifies the right of all qualified providers to provide abortion services, in response to the increase in abortion care from nearby states. Right now, qualified health care providers (such as nurse practitioners, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and other licensed health care providers) all currently have the training and experience to provide abortions, but they aren’t explicitly listed in state law as providers who are allowed to offer that care. HB 1851 clarifies state law to make it clear that medical practitioners who are qualified and working within their scope of practice can offer abortion care. The law also says that the state cannot penalize a woman, or a provider, for an authorized abortion. Every patient deserves access to the services they need—including abortion—from well-trained professionals, and it’s our responsibility to uphold this right for everyone in Washington. I fully support the Affirm Washington Abortion Access Act and look forward to voting ‘yes’ on the House floor.

Earlier this month the House passed HB 1141, which increases access to the Death with Dignity act. There are Washingtonians that have fewer options when it comes to accessing end-of-life care and people with a terminal illness do not have the luxury to wait: they want this option now. The main changes to the act include:

• shortening the waiting period from 15 days to 72 hours with additional authority of qualified medical provider to waive the waiting period if needed (if death is expected before 72 hours)
• expanding prescribing and consulting roles from physicians to Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners
• increasing accessibility for prescription: electronic requests would be available in addition to faxed requests and medications can be received by mail, courier or an authorized pick-up.

The bill keeps intact the same basic eligibility requirements and core safeguards that have always protected vulnerable patients while ensuring the law achieves its original intention.

Community Councils

Our district has the only two remaining community councils in our state, the East Bellevue Community Council and the Houghton Community Council. These governments have veto authority over land use decisions made in their jurisdiction, and only residents within that jurisdiction are able to vote for their continuance. I think it’s important that we thank our neighbors for their service, and sunset these institutions. HB 1769 addresses this issue and sunsets the two remaining community councils in our state. I’m proud of our district and the cities within it. We do our part to provide affordable housing, public transportation, and protect our environment. The 48th district has been committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community, and that means we take on tough conversations together. It also means that one neighbor should not have more rights than another.

Fur Fighters Caucus

Over the interim I started an animal welfare caucus, affectionately called the Fur Fighters Caucus. This is a group of legislators that are interested in working on and supporting legislation related to animal issues. We had our first meeting this fall where we discussed bills that we plan to sponsor this session. I am proud to have founded this bipartisan group of legislators because I am passionate about animal welfare and partisan politics shouldn’t stand in the way of advocating for animals.

Our Office in Service – Michelle Hansmann

Many of you know the voice and face of your first contact with your office, Michelle Hansmann. Michelle has read thousands of emails, spent hours on the phone with our constituents, attended hundreds of meetings, and in general has assisted our constituents with every issue under the sun – from healthcare and housing referrals, to unemployment security advocacy, to immigration issues. Michelle listens carefully with a compassionate heart and a spirit of service. Thank you for your courtesy to Michelle, who does the real work in our office by connecting people with resources. And thank you Michelle, for your hard work for the people of the 48th!

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. Your opinion matters to me and I want to know what is important to you.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas please email me at amy.walen@leg.wa.gov or call my office at 425-883-3366.

Sincerely,