Dear neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who came out to Woods Coffee on June 24th. I was excited to see SO MANY people come share their thoughts with us! It makes it even more fun and interesting to see folks with different views connect with one another. It is an honor to be the convener of these conversations. As our community buzzes with summertime energy, it is a better time than ever to become civically engaged, share your priorities and to talk about recently passed legislation and investments. In this e-newsletter, I will go into some of the important legislative work we reviewed at this last event and share some of the thoughtful and helpful perspectives you shared with me!
If you were unable to attend this coffee chat, please rest assured that there is another “Tea-Time with Amy” planned on Thursday, August 3rd, from 5:30-7:30 PM, at Thruline Coffee Co. located at 136 Park Ln, Kirkland, WA 98033. If you can’t make it, please know that I am always happy to meet with you one-on-one whenever and wherever is most convenient for you!
The Housing Crisis
The conversation we had on addressing the housing crisis demonstrated the complexity of the problem, and the intersections with other policy areas such as effective economic development, transportation, and city planning. Here are some highlights:
Scott, you shared innovative ideas on how to create diverse, vibrant, walkable cities. We had a great discussion about the need for mixed zoning, reducing ‘stroads’, and make our streets safer. Hans, you also shared an important view on the mismatch in needs for housing between building density and lot size and availability. I heard Scott emphasize the need for more housing for more people that are not reliant on cars, and Hans is focused on making sure we create real community in neighborhoods. Pamela, I’m grateful for our discussion on missing middle housing, and the challenges you expressed as a planning organization to meet the requirements of House Bill 1110. Jeanne, as always, your support for fully funding public housing, and building better transportation systems to serve the needs of transit-oriented developments were well received.
Housing unaffordability in our district and across Washington state is a clear sign that things are not working. That’s why, during the 2023 session – also known as “the year of housing”, we invested $1.2 billion to move unsheltered people into real housing with supportive behavioral health services. Additionally, housing supply (HB 1110) was increased, barriers to accessory dwelling units were removed (HB 1337), and we streamlined conversions of unused or underused buildings into new housing (HB 1042). We created paths to homeownership, especially for low-income families, removed racially restrictive real estate policies (HB 1474), and helped keep disabled veterans and seniors in their homes with a targeted property tax exemption (HB 1355). Addressing the housing shortage is messy, and the work we’ve accomplished last session recognizes the urgency and complexity of the issue. I look forward to building on this work and refining existing efforts during the 2024 session.
Reducing Gun Violence
Our discussion on gun violence was difficult, so I appreciate those of you who were vulnerable in sharing your experiences and fears with me. I heard about the measures you’ve taken to protect your children from the preventable increase in gun violence such as sending kids to private school with increased safety precautions and designing bulletproof backpack inserts for your child. The reality we are experiencing is frightening and completely unacceptable. School must be a safe place.
This year, we passed three important bills this session that will go some of the way toward curbing our gun violence crisis.
- House Bill 1240 bans the manufacture, sale, and distribution of assault rifles in Washington. Weapons like AR-15s and AK-47s are some of the most common firearms used in mass shootings. Reducing the number of assault rifles on our streets means safer communities.
- House Bill 1143 requires a 10-day waiting period and proof of completed safety training for all firearm purchases, mirroring requirements overwhelmingly approved for semi-automatic rifles by Washington voters in 2018 through I-1639.
- Senate Bill 5078 requires firearm manufacturers and retailers to take reasonable steps to enforce existing laws, track their inventories, and prevent sales to straw purchasers or those at risk of harming themselves or others.
We can and must do more.
Environment Resiliency
Turning the tide on climate change requires us to implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Karen, I appreciate your advocacy to move from gas to electric lawn powered equipment. Linda, I think there is some important work being done to improve resiliency and disaster response during an earthquake, and I agree that there is much more to be done to improve the resiliency of communication, water, and energy infrastructure – as well as education at the state level about emergency preparedness. Thank you to all of our neighbors who provided comments to FEMA on our region’s special vulnerability to earthquake.
When it comes to statewide resiliency, here are some recent policies advancing our long-term goals of being prepared for when, not if, disaster strikes:
- House Bill 1728 will be instrumental in developing methods of tracking statewide resilience efforts, coordinating funds from federal and state entities, and enhancing interagency collaboration and filling in resiliency program gaps where they exist. This means that communities across the state will be better prepared for all types of hazards and disasters.
- House Bill 1170 utilizes the Integrated Climate Response Strategy agencies developed in 2011 by requiring the Department of Ecology to update the Integrated Climate Response Strategy by 2024, and every 4 years thereafter. Statewide climate resiliency must be done in collaboration with a variety of state agencies, tribes, businesses, and overburdened communities to ensure a sustainable and equitable response.
- House Bill 1329 will prohibit the shutoff of electricity during scorching summer heat waves. Access to electricity is not just a luxury but a necessity, enabling us to stay cool, safe, and connected. By ensuring that our neighbors have uninterrupted access to power, we are working towards a more equitable and resilient future.
- House Bill 1552 creates a study to explore urban agriculture to create more resilient local food sources. By tackling some of the data questions necessary to make sure working families can put food on the table, whether through community gardens, or various urban agricultural opportunities, we can begin to think differently about how the state can make this happen.
- Senate Bill 5165 helps us plan for consistent and reliable electricity for years to come. This bill extends the planning horizon that electric utilities must contemplate in their Integrated Resource Plans from 10 years to 20 years and requires them to specifically consider resources like wind and solar.
Changes To Pandemic-Era Medicaid Coverage
During the pandemic, the Health Care Authority (HCA) extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients but due to federal action, that extension is ending. If you use Apple Health for health care, you should log on to Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org to ensure your contact and income information is up to date.
If you are still eligible, you will be re-enrolled in Apple Health. If you no longer qualify, you can select a new health plan on the Healthplanfinder within 60 days to prevent a gap in your coverage. Most people who will lose Apple Health coverage can get a Cascade Care plan for less than $10 a month. Find out if you qualify or switch to a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan at wahealthplanfinder.org.
For enrollment assistance, there are experts in many areas across the state. Find one near you at wahealthplanfinder.org or the WAPlanfinder app. You can also call customer support at 1-855-923-4633.
Stay In Touch
My favorite part of representing you in Olympia is talking to you and hearing from you. Our conversations drive the priorities of my time in office. You give me my “to-do” list and help inform my work plan for the upcoming legislative session. We are a vibrant, diverse, compassionate, and thoughtful community. Over the last year, you have been working with my legislative aide, Sam Tinsley. At the end of this month, Sam will be taking the next step in his career, and I know you join me in wishing him the very best! Going forward, I encourage you email me directly until Sam’s replacement is in our office. I look forward to hearing from you!
In Service,
State Representative Amy Walen
48th Legislative District