Dear friends and neighbors,
This week, our policy work truly got underway. In the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, we held a hearing on the WA College Promise grant, which would guarantee financial aid for more than 93,000 students in our state. In the Health & Long Term Care Committee, we heard testimony on a proposed Long-Term Care Trust to help families prepare for the long-term care they need as they age.
Spotlight: Reproductive Health
I’m proud to be honoring the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade by sponsoring the Reproductive Health Access for All Act (Senate Bill 5602). Our state has made a commitment to provide the maximum access to reproductive health care for all people in Washington. But there are still barriers to care for immigrants, transgender and gender non-conforming communities, and students. With these vulnerable communities under attack, it’s important to take a bold stance to protect those who are hardest hit. This bill does just that. It allows our transgender and undocumented communities to access the essential reproductive health care they deserve. Thanks to the HERRO Coalition for your advocacy!
Introducing our staff
We have a great team who dove in these first two weeks of session to set up meetings with constituents, get prepared for committee hearings, track important legislation, and do everything we can to work on your behalf in Olympia. I’m going to introduce them one at a time over the next few weeks.
Sarah Myers, my legislative assistant, grew up in Shelton, and the shores of the Puget Sound are close to her heart. After graduating from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, she spent two sessions working in the Senate before this year. She says that what drew her in was “a fantastic internship program and wonderful coordinators” who showed her what it means to be a part of a representative government.
Her favorite part of working at the legislature? “I love seeing a bill that legislators and advocates have been working on for years evolve over time, and seeing how so many voices shape it and improve it. When that bill makes it to the floor and passes, it’s a great moment for so many people.”
She says that her personal record is when a Senator she worked for was supposed to be testifying in four different committee hearings that were happening at the same time. They posted staff at the door of each hearing room and shuttled the member to each one just in time for the testimony—success! “It was a lot of fun!” she said.
Her experience at the legislature has made her excited to work with me this session. “It’s inspiring how you know your priorities and are laser-focused on them. I know you can get it done.”
My week in Olympia
I believe in transparency, and I want to keep you all informed about what I’m doing on behalf of the 26th District in Olympia. That’s why I’m making a practice of posting my calendar each week on Facebook. You can see last week’s calendar here.
Keep in touch
Thank you for taking the time to read my update. We are all eager to hear from you about your priorities. I hope you’ll follow me on Facebook so you can see what we’re up to. And please feel free to reach out anytime at 360-786-7560 or Emily.Randall@leg.wa.gov. The more we hear from you, the better our work in Olympia can reflect our shared values and goals.
All my best,
