Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

Senate passes Salomon bill to protect marine shoreline habitats

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon
OLYMPIA – Legislation to help protect shoreline habitats in Washington passed the Senate with bipartisan support Tuesday.

Senate Bill 5104, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32), (and co-sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-1) directs the state Department of Ecology (DOE) to conduct a survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines using new technology to better determine where to prioritize habitat restoration and protection actions.

By June 30, 2024, the bill requires DOE to conduct and maintain a baseline survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines using new technology to capture 360-degree on-the-water imagery. The on-the-water view would be similar to Google street view, with private information blurred. 

This data will be used to address limitations, help identify restoration sites and structures in bad condition, assist with orca recovery and assess shoreline changes over time.

“Washington is one of the most beautiful states in our nation, and we need to do everything we can to protect our ecosystems. An accurate and up-to-date shoreline survey will help us determine how to prioritize protection and restoration of our shorelines,” Salomon said. 
“We need to address the current information gaps in order to understand where critical habitat exists, where development exists and where restoration needs to happen.”

The survey to document and map existing shoreline conditions, structures and structure conditions must be completed by June 2025. The information from the surveys will be available to the public and incorporated into state geographic information system mapping and updated on a regular two-year cycle. 

The survey includes Puget Sound shorelines and related inland marine waters, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hood Canal and the San Juan Islands.

“We are quickly running out of time in the race to save Puget Sound,” said Amy Carey from Sound Action. 
“Without baseline surveys, recovery and nearshore protection efforts have been missing a critical tool in the fight. This bill will change that, giving shoreline planners, nonprofits and other stakeholders the up-to-date information they need to recover the marine food web — including forage fish, marine birds, salmon and the endangered Southern Resident orcas.”

This bill is now headed to the House for consideration.



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Senate OKs bill to create battery recycling program

Sen. Derek Stanford D-1
OLYMPIA — Battery producers would be required to fund and participate in a statewide stewardship program to boost recycling rates, under legislation passed today by the Washington State Senate.

Senate Bill 5144, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-1), requires battery producers to take responsibility for increasing recycling rates, promoting safe disposal, and reducing waste.

“We know that the use of batteries will continue to increase and it’s urgent we take action to ensure these products containing hazardous materials don’t continue to pile up in our landfills or other places they can cause health and safety concerns,” Stanford said.

Under the bill, cities and counties would get relief from some of the costs of battery collection. The legislation is also intended to reduce the danger of fires caused by rechargeable batteries in garbage trucks and waste transfer stations.

The stewardship program would be similar to other statewide programs launched in recent years to collect and recycle paint, electronic products, photovoltaic solar panels and light bulbs containing mercury.

“Used batteries often contain rare metals and chemicals that can be reused in new products while reducing extractive mining,” Stanford said. “And by requiring producers to be responsible, we will encourage them to design longer lasting batteries and move us one step closer to a circular economy."

Another element of the legislation would require battery producers to conduct educational outreach, so Washington consumers are informed about battery recycling options and drop-off sites to be distributed regionally throughout the state, improving access for rural communities.

Currently, the state administers a voluntary rechargeable battery recycling program to help prevent people from putting batteries in the trash, but the drop-off sites are limited to select transfer stations and a handful of retailers like Staples and Home Depot.

The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Bothell, Brier, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Woodinville, and part of Kirkland.


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Salomon bill providing framework for access to psilocybin passes Senate

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA— Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32 Shoreline) will put Washington on the road to allow access to regulated psilocybin services for wellness purposes.

Senate Bill 5263, which passed on a 41-7 vote with broad bipartisan support, aims to provide advice and recommendations on developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for access to regulated psilocybin services for people over 21.

The bill, as originally filed by Salomon, would have legalized the supervised use of psilocybin and would have made it available for wellness purposes at a registered facility with appropriate supervision.

Changes made to the bill in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee have turned this legislation into an analysis bill which looks to create a task force and a state board to research the creation of a regulated psilocybin program. Although the changes made in committee may seem like roadblocks, Salomon considers this legislation to be important progress made.

“This bill is a big step in the right direction,” said Salomon. “This topic is new to many legislators, but this bill will facilitate well-informed conversations to create a safe and regulated process for psilocybin access in a near future.”

Psilocybin has been shown in FDA-approved studies to provide users a safe and effective method to alleviate symptoms of depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders. It has also shown to be effective at easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illness and has also proven to increase emotional empathy, creative thinking, mindfulness, and insightfulness in patients.

Veterans have become leading advocates in the push to allow legal access to psilocybin, sharing personal stories during committee hearings about how their own experiences with psychedelics have helped them cope with trauma and helped treat their anxiety and depression. 

In a state where many residents live with mental illness and a large number have seen their mental health decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, psychedelic usage — monitored by trained professionals — is a key to healing for some people.

This bill gained broad support across the political spectrum since the beginning of legislative session. Almost half of the Senate signed on as co-sponsors, including two Republicans, the Senate majority leader, and the chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee.

Before the vote on the Senate floor, Republican Senator Ann Rivers said,
“About a year ago, this was the craziest thing we’d ever heard and I couldn’t imagine ever voting for this but as we heard the testimony from notable scholars from Harvard, Stanford and other places in the world talking about the progress patients had been making in terms of PTSD and severe clinical depression, our arms began to unfold and we leaned in on the conversation. I am certainly supporting and I encourage others to support this legislation.”

This bill is now headed to the house for consideration.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.


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Arielle Waham of Bothell serves as page for Sen. Derek Stanford D-1

Monday, March 6, 2023

Page Arielle Waham and Sen. Derek Stanford

OLYMPIA—Arielle Waham, a sophomore at Bothell High School, served as a page with the Washington State Senate the week of Feb 20. Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell) sponsored her week at the Legislature.

The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. During a week-long interactive learning experience, students get a firsthand look at the legislative process and get to explore the Capitol campus by delivering papers for Senate staff.

For more information about the Senate Page Program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov



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Legislature: House Passes Ryu’s State Broadband Map

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Rep. Cindy Ryu D-32
OLYMPIA—Washington State Representative Cindy Ryu’s House Bill 1746 creates the Washington State broadband map, enabling a Washington State five-year action plan and a digital equity plan passed off the House Floor today.

Building out infrastructure and creating a WA broadband map is timely because the federal government’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program will bring the state an expected 900 million dollars over the next five years. 

In conjunction with a digital equity plan and broadband map provided in HB 1746, these funds allow for a much-needed boost in Washington’s broadband expansion.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to build out the infrastructure needed to ensure access to families who have come to rely on broadband for school and work,” says Rep. Ryu of the 32nd Legislative District.

HB 1746 addresses digital equity concerns for Washingtonians who lack access to adequate devices or affordable broadband service and will work to solve other limitations such as digital literacy, language, or other barriers.

“There’s a lot of work to be done. Many public and private entities and businesses will be investing in what is a relatively new utility. Everyone wants broadband to be an affordable utility with dependable and equal access for all.”

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline (32nd Legislative District), represents part of King and Snohomish Counties, including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and part of Edmonds.


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2023 Democracy in Action Award recipient

Monday, February 27, 2023

L-R: Alec Howe, Brandi Forseth, and
Technology Director Dave Moon.
Not pictured: Skylar Penner
The Snohomish County League of Women Voters Board selected the Sultan High School Broadcast Club, under supervision of David Moon, Technology Director, for the 2023 Democracy in Action Award at their November 17, 2022 meeting. 

Mr. Moon and selected students from the club (Alec Howe, Brandi Forseth, and Skylar Penner) were honored at the League’s birthday luncheon on Saturday, February 25, 2023 in Mill Creek. 

This award is presented annually to an individual or group in Snohomish County that promotes voters’ rights and/or enhances democracy in some way. Awards in other years have acknowledged recipients’ services as elected officials, promoting citizenship development, or promoting issues consistent with the League’s positions.

The Snohomish County Candidate Forum Team faced challenges for the 2022 midterm elections resulting from partisanship, redistricting issues, and a fundamental questioning of our election process. The Team wanted to offer forums via Zoom, along with a never-before offered live-streaming component. Voters could watch and learn about candidates in real time and/or choose to link to forum videos and podcasts at viewer-selected times.

The Sultan High Broadcast Club provided the League with professional quality introductory graphics and music for each live-stream forum and was responsible for integrating Zoom, live stream, and local TV and radio broadcasting. 

Because the technical issues were handled expertly by the Sultan High students, the Candidate Forum Team was able to concentrate on the forum content, moderation, and overall flow.

These young adults are helping to forge what our democracy will look like when we incorporate powerful technologies, youthful energy, beliefs, and ideas into our ever-evolving democracy. Together we can make a huge difference in our politics, our communities, and our country.

It is a great honor for The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County to give this award.

About the League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920, the same year women won the vote. For 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy. 

In 1976, the League sponsored the first televised presidential debates, winning an Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement in Broadcast Journalism. We sponsored televised Presidential debates throughout the 80’s, focusing on nonpartisan issues with a main goal of informing voters. 

The LWVSC has been upholding that tradition right here in Snohomish County by sponsoring debates and forums for local and state offices. Since our organization neither supports nor opposes candidates or political parties, we can provide a thoughtful environment that allows voters to make their own informed choices.

Correction made to photo caption.


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Dembowski and staff visit The Oaks Enhanced Shelter in Shoreline on Wednesday

Thursday, February 23, 2023

L-R Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Executive Director William Towey, Rod's Chief of Staff
Kristina Logsdon, and Elizabeth Evans Webb

Text and photo from County Councilmember Rod Dembowski

Lake City Partners continues their amazing work at The Oaks enhanced shelter in Shoreline. 

Up to 60 people are housed and supported with services in their own rooms in this former nursing home. 

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023 my staff and I visited again, meeting with Executive Director William Towey to discuss how our north county response system is working, and what it needs to respond effectively to those experiencing homelessness. 

There is progress and reason for hope.



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Seattle Labor Chorus Concert: Workers on the Rise! Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Chorus supporting the Starbucks workers on a rainy day in January

The Seattle Labor Chorus will present “Workers on the Rise!” a concert of songs that celebrate workers’ lives and the fight for justice, at 5pm, on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Keystone Congregational Church in Seattle.

The Seattle Labor Chorus was founded at the request of Pete Seeger to join him in his 1997 Folklife Festival performance.

It has been the musical voice of labor in the Seattle area for more than 25 years, inspiring those who struggle for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.

The April 1 concert will include guest performers, some longtime favorites like “Rise As One,” by Joe Jencks and newer songs like “Hold the Line,” by singer-songwriter-historian Linda Allen. 

Raffle tickets for our beautiful handmade quilt will also be available for $5, and items from the online auction will be available for pickup at the concert.

To register, go to: https://buytickets.at/seattlelaborchorus

Seating is limited to 100, and all performers and in-person attendees will mask. Doors will open at 4:30 and the concert will begin at 5.

There is no admission charge, but a minimum donation of $25 is suggested. Everyone is welcome no matter the amount donated. The Seattle Labor Chorus is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Keystone Congregational Church is at 5019 Keystone Place N in Seattle.



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Salomon bills to provide more protection and support to victims of domestic violence pass in the Senate

Saturday, February 18, 2023

State capitol in Olympia
Olympia — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), which will provide more protection and support to victims of domestic violence, has been passed in the Senate with bipartisan support. 

Seven Republican and 29 Democratic senators voted for passage.

Salomon’s SB 5231 would add clarity and accountability to the legal process at a critical moment – when the court is making decisions about someone charged or arrested for domestic violence. Although courts are required to order the surrender of firearms and dangerous weapons when entering certain protection orders at arraignment hearings for crimes of domestic violence, this comes too late in the process to ensure accountability and true safety for the victims.

“As a public defender, I saw how it is possible for a defendant in a domestic violence case, when ordered by a court to surrender guns, to lie and say they don’t own any,” said Salomon. 
“There is no standardized system to follow up and check on this. This bill addresses this issue by having officers remove guns at the scene of the crime with the consent of the victim and judge.”

Firearms are by far the most common weapons used in domestic violence homicides. Recent research studies reinforce the importance of effective implementation. States that, in addition to laws prohibiting firearms, also have laws specifying how disqualified abusers were required to surrender those firearms saw a reduction in domestic violence homicides. States that prohibited firearms but did not have laws specifying how those guns would be relinquished did not see the same protective effects.

“Although we’ve made important progress in recent years by enacting laws and policies that attempt to keep guns out of the hands of abusive partners, we have learned that focus on implementation and enforcement is critical,” said Casey Morris of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Laws that prohibit firearm possession do not work on the honor system. Fatality reviews have repeatedly shown that laws prohibiting firearms for abusers are not effective without clear, specific procedures and mechanisms for accountability.

The Senate also passed SB 5006 on Wednesday to strengthen Washington’s first-in-the-nation law that provides people at risk of a psychological crisis or suicide the option to voluntarily give up their right to keep a firearm.

“This bill will make improvements to an important suicide prevention tool so people in crisis can take proactive steps and hopefully prevent a tragedy,” said Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle), the bill’s sponsor. Seven Republican and 29 Democratic senators voted for passage.

Both bills are now moving to the House for consideration.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Bothell student serves as Page for Sen. Derek Stanford in Olympia

Friday, February 17, 2023

River Rohter of Bothell serves as Senate page
Photo courtesy LSS

OLYMPIA—River Rohter, a senior at Washington Preparatory School in Bothell, served as a page for the Washington State Senate the week of Feb. 6. Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell) sponsored his week in the Legislature.

The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. During a week-long interactive learning experience, students get a firsthand look at the legislative process and get to explore the Capitol campus by delivering papers for Senate staff.

Rohter had been interested in the program for a long time but was only now able to apply because of COVID.



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Pramila Jayapal in Shoreline Thursday to tour sites she helped with federal funding

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal visited Shoreline on Thursday, February 16, 2023 and toured the future site of the 148th Non-Motorized Bridge. 

Rep. Jayapal was instrumental in securing $4 million in federal spending for the project. 

She also stopped at Ballinger Creek to learn more about a U.S. Corps of Engineers study of salmon habitat restoration that she also helped secure funding for. (See previous article about Ballinger Creek)


Thank you Rep. Jayapal for helping bring our federal tax dollars back to Shoreline!

--City of Shoreline


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Executive Constantine to co-chair National Association of Counties Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Monday, February 13, 2023

County Executive Dow Constantine
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced a new Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, bringing together 14 county leaders from across the country and co-chaired by King County Executive Dow Constantine. 

The group, unveiled at NACo’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. this week, is tasked with leading the development of policy and programmatic recommendations at the federal, state, and local levels to address systemic issues contributing to the ever-growing mental health crisis.

"From small rural counties to large metro regions, mental health is a critical issue in every community across our nation. It’s also an intersectional issue – if you care about homelessness, if you care about public safety, if you care about the well-being of families and the future of our children – you must invest in mental health," said Commission Co-Chair Executive Constantine. 
"From the unique perspective of counties, providing core services to every family and community in this nation, the commission will share what’s working and collaborate with those who are striving to develop a robust and nation-wide response to this crisis."

More information here



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Tuesday is the last day to vote in the KCD board of supervisors election

By Diane Hettrick

Tuesday is the end of voting for the King Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Their voting process is greatly improved this year and it only took me a few minutes to review the candidate statements, set up and submit my ballot.

Previous balloting was confusing and messy, so this is the first year I have voted. Eventually I hope that the King County Elections office will take over the voting.

Here's the information sent out by KCD:

Vote Now!

KCD is holding their annual board of supervisors election now through February 14, 2023. Eligible voters can access their ballots and election information at https://kingcd.org/election. King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish).

Voting

Like the last three years, the King Conservation District election will primarily rely on electronic ballot access in partnership with Democracy Live with alternative options for requesting physical ballots. King County Elections will tabulate all ballots and report all results

Ballots will be available to eligible voters online from January 24, 2023, at 8:00 AM through February 14, 2023, at 8:00 PM. Voters may return ballots electronically through the online ballot access system. The online ballot portal works with most smartphones and browsers. If you have issues, please try using a different phone or browser before contacting KCD.

Physical ballots must be postmarked by February 14, 2023, and received by February 23, 2023, to be counted. Physical ballots may also be dropped off at King County Elections at 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 200, Renton, WA 98057.

King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish which do not participate in the District).

If you have questions or need assistance voting, please contact elections@kingcd.org or call 425-282-1900.

Once you voted you can track your ballot’s progress. Please allow for up to 3 business days after submission to process your ballot. If you have questions about whether your ballot has been received and processed, call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County held a candidate January 26. You can listen to the video at https://kingcd.org/election.

King Conservation District Board of Supervisors

King Conservation District is a special purpose district committed to helping people engage in stewardship and conservation of natural resources, serving over two million people in 34 cities and unincorporated King County. KCD assists people with forestry management, streamside and shoreline restoration, farm conservation planning, and other environmental efforts. KCD is funded primarily by a per-parcel assessment fee.

An all-volunteer, five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing KCD operations, budget, and setting policy. Voters elect three supervisors and the Washington State Conservation Commission appoints two supervisors. Supervisors serve three-year terms.

Please take a moment, review the candidates and cast your vote.

Vote Now!


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Gov. Inslee in Washington, D.C. for National Governors Association meeting

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Dan Newhouse, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Derek Kilmer, and Rep. Kim Schrier met Friday morning in Washington, D.C. to talk as a state delegation.. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Patty Murray)

Gov. Jay Inslee visited the nation’s capitol with fellow governors for a meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA). The group was received by President Joe Biden in the White House Friday morning

“Great meeting talking about the fact he’s helped create 12 million jobs already, another 9 million jobs coming in clean energy,” said Inslee on Instagram. “Good things are happening, both federally and in our state, creating jobs.”

During its weekend meetings, NGA membership discussed state responses to contemporary issues like youth mental health, labor market challenges, grid resiliency, clean energy, and disaster preparedness, and more.

On Friday, the governor met with President Joe Biden's senior advisor on clean energy John Podesta. Podesta is responsible to administer $370 billion in clean energy investments under the Inflation Reduction Act. The law will help Americans drive cleaner cars and efficiently warm and cool their homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions nationwide.

On Saturday, Inslee met with other governors to discuss energy transmission and workforce shortages. Executives from Microsoft, Cognizant, and AECOM shared their thoughts on the future of work and addressing workforce shortages.



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Shoreline Council to meet with legislative representatives in Olympia

Saturday, February 11, 2023

The legislature is meeting in person for the
first time since the pandemic hit.
While the Shoreline City Council is in Olympia attending the conference of the Association of Washington Cities, they will meet with the 32nd District Delegation over dinner.

On February 15, 2023, the council will discuss the city's legislative priorities with Senator Salomon, and Representatives Ryu and Davis.



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Legislative pages in Olympia

Legislative pages. Photo courtesy LSS.

If you’ve ever watched TVW or visited our state capitol, you’ll see high school students wearing gray jackets as they deliver notes and documents. 

The legislative page program has existed in Washington since before we became a state in 1889. Pages spend one week learning how our democracy works and providing assistance, including helping with documents and notes on the House and Senate floors during debates.  

Click here to learn more about the House of Representatives page program.

--From the office of Rep. Davina Duerr, 1st Legislative District
toll-free Hotline 800-562-6000



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U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) named Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement

Thursday, February 2, 2023

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) today was named Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. Jayapal is the first immigrant in recorded committee history to serve as either Ranking Member or Chair of this Subcommittee.

“As the first South Asian woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and one of only two dozen naturalized citizens in Congress, I am honored and humbled to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement,” said Jayapal. 
“I came to this country when I was 16, alone, and with nothing in my pockets. After 17 years on an alphabet soup of visas to become a U.S. citizen, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to live the American Dream, a dream that is out of reach for too many immigrants today. 
"It is extremely meaningful to me that I will now be in this position to better move the needle and recenter our broken immigration system around dignity, humanity, and justice. As I step into this role, I would also like to thank Representative Lofgren for her years of dedicated leadership on the Subcommittee, and look forward to continuing to work with her.

“As the House Judiciary Committee gets to work, it is unfortunately becoming clear that the Republican leadership of the committee has no intention of engaging in good faith solutions to reform our immigration laws. 
"In the minority, Democrats will have to be an opposition party that stands up to the most extreme ideas of the GOP and protects our values. However, in this role, I also see promise for bipartisan work with a number of more moderate Republicans who themselves understand the need to restore our country as a beacon of hope.”

The Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement will be chaired by Tom McClintock (CA-05) and has jurisdiction over immigration law and policy, naturalization, border security, refugee admissions, non-border immigration enforcement, and other various issues.

The fight to reform our immigration laws has been a core tenet of Jayapal’s work in Congress. She has introduced multiple landmark bills and resolutions including her Roadmap to Freedom Resolution, Access to Counsel Act, Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, WISE Act, Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention Act, and HEAL Act among others to outline a framework for what a fair, humane immigration system could look like.

Before coming to Congress, Jayapal was a longtime organizer and activist for immigrants’ rights. 

Following the September 11th attacks, she started OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone), the largest immigrant rights organization in Washington State that successfully sued the Bush Administration to prevent the deportation of more than 4,000 Somalis and worked with the Governor to establish a New Americans Council on immigrant integration at the state level. 

For her work at OneAmerica, she was recognized as a Champion of Change by the Obama White House. She was the founding co-chair of the We Belong Together campaign to mobilize women in support of common-sense immigration reform to keep families together and empower women. She was also arrested during a civil obedience demonstration protesting the Trump Administration’s zero humanity family separation policy.

The 7th congressional district encompasses most of Seattle and surrounding areas including Shoreline, Vashon Island, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds and parts of Burien and Normandy Park

District Office contact information: here. If you have any questions, feel free to email.


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Shoreline resident serves as Page in Olympia

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Rep. Lauren Davis D-32 and page Sarah Haycox

OLYMPIA—Sarah Haycox, 15, a student at Lakeside School and a Shoreline resident, served as a page in the state House of Representatives. 

Sponsored by Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline), Sarah is the child of Jane Wiebe and Cheryl Haycox of Shoreline. Sarah enjoys playing volleyball, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. 

Legislative pages assume a wide variety of responsibilities, from presenting the flags to distributing amendments on the house floor. Pages also support the efficient operation of the Legislature while also receiving daily civics instruction, drafting their own bills, and participating in mock committee hearings.

For information about the page program and scholarships:


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How to follow the state legislature

Take a virtual tour of the WA State Senate Chamber (scroll down the page)

Rep. Darya Farivar D-46 (NE Seattle) provided the following information about how citizens can stay informed and involved during the 2023 legislative session.

Learn — Are you curious about how the legislative process works? You can watch a start-to-finish overview by clicking here. If you prefer to read text instead, follow this link.

WatchTVW.org broadcasts all legislative debates, votes, public committee hearings, and other events in both the House and Senate. TVW also links to an extensive archive of past events if you are unable to watch them live. Check out TVW’s “Legislative Review” for a quick recap of everything that happens each day of session.

Research — Find detailed information about legislation by lawmaker or topic by clicking here.

Testify — Share your thoughts on legislation! This session, you’ll be able to testify in person, remotely or in writing based on what’s easiest for you.

Click here for more information on how to testify in Olympia or at home.

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Senator Patty Murray opens the Senate for the first time as President Pro Tempore

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

 
Washington State Senator Patty Murray officially opened Senate sessions for the first time in her role as President Pro Tempore.

She will preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. 

In addition to presiding over the Senate, the president pro tempore fulfills a number of other responsibilities. In consultation with Senate leaders, for example, the president pro tempore appoints the director of the Congressional Budget Office (jointly with the Speaker of the House), as well as Senate legislative and legal counsel. 

The president pro tempore also makes appointments to various national commissions and advisory boards and receives reports from certain government agencies.

In the absence of the vice president, the president pro tempore may administer all oaths required by the Constitution, may sign legislation, may jointly preside with the Speaker of the House when the two houses sit together in joint sessions or joint meetings, and may fulfill all other obligations of the presiding officer.

Unlike the vice president, however, the president pro tempore cannot vote to break a tie in the Senate.




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