Dear friends and neighbors,
After the policy and fiscal cutoffs, it’s been Floor action ’round the clock and, even though we’re working remotely and everything does take longer, you’d be surprised how good we’re getting at debating amendments and voting on bills in a pretty efficient manner.
So let’s get to it.
BREAKING NEWS: K-12 teachers & childcare workers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine!
The Biden Administration issued a directive today for all states to prioritize K-12 teachers and childcare workers. And just a few minutes ago, Governor Inslee announced that these groups are now in 1B Tier 1, which is the phase currently receiving vaccines.
For all the details, please read the governor’s release here.
Taking action to help close the digital divide
We live in a world of technology, but not all Washingtonians have proper access to Internet devices and the digital literacy necessary to use them. Some communities don’t even have the ability to connect to the Internet.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored this divide, and it will stay around long after the virus if we do nothing. This is why I sponsored HB 1457 and am supporting HB 1460 and HB 1336.
HB1457 passed the Transportation Committee and is now in Rules. I hope we can get it to the floor before we run out of time. My bill will include cost-effective collocation of broadband conduit when transportation projects are constructed. Other states are making sure that new technology is included when roads are built or improved. Adding capacity in difficult areas should be our policy and this bill will remove barriers to action.
HB 1460 would create a digital equity forum and grant program to address the systemic issues faced by our digitally underserved neighbors, and HB 1336, which passed the House on February 23 on a 60-37 vote, removes restrictions on public utilities from offering broadband service.
ORV Enforcement
HB 1322 passed the House unanimously just a little while ago, watch my Floor remarks below. It is the same legislation from last year that was passed and then vetoed by the governor due to COVID-19.
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So we’re trying again because this problem is really hurting our dealers. My bill closes a loophole created by the reciprocity provision in state law, which basically states that a resident of another state is allowed to use an off-road vehicle (ORV) in Washington without registering it.
So what’s happened is that people buy their ORVs in Oregon, they get a sticker that looks like the vehicle is registered in Oregon, and then use them in Washington, escaping the taxes and registration fees. The amount of lost sales to Washington dealers is staggering. The data we received from the Department of Licensing indicates that approximately $30 million in sales is lost to Oregon—this is enough to support four additional dealerships, employing about 100 people, which would boost our local economy.
Utilities moratorium extended to July 31
The state Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) announced it is extending protections for electric and natural gas customers who are unable to pay their bills due to the pandemic.
An emergency order by Governor Inslee to keep utilities connected was set to expire on April 30, but with the pandemic still going, many working families are struggling to make ends meet. With this extension, they will not have to worry about being left without power and heat. More welcome news is that UTC will also continue to waive late fees and deposits through January 27, 2022. However, customers may begin receiving disconnection reminders in June, along with information about payment options and customer assistance programs. For more information please read the notice at the UTC website. |
Banning private prisons in Washington
We passed a bill out of the House a week ago to ban private detention facilities in our state. It will always be wrong to profit off prisoners, and there is no justice in making money from the misfortune of others.
The Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma is the only private prison in Washington, and it has had numerous accounts of abuse and poor conditions. We must stand up for the rights of people detained here. Families belong together, and every person in our state—no matter their immigration status—deserves safety, adequate nutrition, and access to health care. To learn more, click here for the press release (also available in Spanish). HB 1090, has been referred to the Human Services, Reentry and Rehabilitation Committee in the Senate. |
We passed two big bills on Saturday:
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Doing away with police tactics that don’t work
I am convinced that most of our law enforcement officers are doing a good job and serving with honor and integrity. But we cannot turn a blind eye to those who are not, so I was glad to vote for HB 1054, which sets down a baseline of acceptable police tactics and bans those that do not honor the value of protecting and preserving human life. Read the press release here.
I believe this legislation will help us restore trust and will lead to a better relationship between law enforcement and the communities they’ve taken an oath to serve and protect.
The bill’s prime sponsor, my colleague, Rep. Jesse Johnson, delivered a great Floor speech that I think everyone should watch:
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Clean Fuel Standard voted out of the House (again)
As in previous years, when a version of this bill has been brought to the Floor, we’ve voted it out of the House only to see it die in the other chamber. I hope this year the Senate finally sends it to the governor.
Transportation is Washington’s primary cause of pollution. To improve our state’s overall air quality, we have to set environmental quality standards, converting to clean fuel in our local markets. HB 1091 directs the Washington State Department of Ecology to adopt a rule establishing a Clean Fuels Program that would phase-in limits in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of transportation fuel energy to 10 percent below 2017 levels by 2028 and 20 percent below 2017 levels by 2035.
It’s time to join our neighbors in Oregon, California and British Columbia and finally adopt a low carbon fuel standard. This bill is not only about a healthy environment, it’s also about transitioning to a clean economy and the many jobs that will come with it.
Read the press release here.
Health Equity Zones
A few days ago, the Senate passed SB 5052, which establishes a Health Equity Zones program in Washington to address health disparities in our BIPOC communities—from pre-term births and diabetes to high blood pressure and COVID-19. Our neighbors will have a strong voice in creating these health equity zones and work closely with our Department of Health. Together, they will establish zones and long-term plans and goals that address the communities’ priorities to tackle the disparities. For more information, read the press release here. |
Thanks for your interest in what we’re working on in virtual Olympia. As always, if you need more information on any of the issues discussed here, or on any other legislative matter, please contact my office.
And please visit my official Facebook page for frequent updates.
Sincerely,
