Friends, neighbors –
Week one of the 2021 session was one for the books. We convened on Monday, working closely with security and staff to keep everyone safe – in light of the violence that had been threatened against our state’s capitol and the virus that continues to spread through our communities. Despite the circumstances, the situation did nothing to weaken my resolve to serve you and our neighbors – to champion your priorities, to amplify your voices – no matter what challenges we face.
One thing top of mind this year? Staying connected and accessible, while staying apart and staying safe.
Thanks to an expansion of remote options, the legislature is more accessible to more people than ever before. We have universal remote testimony – by Zoom or by phone – and a new, easy way to submit written testimony. But these systems are new for all of us and we’re all learning together!
Here are some easy tips about these new ways to dive into the legislative process.
Option #1: Virtual Town Halls
TOMORROW at 11am-12pm PST I’m hosting a Virtual Town Hall, and you – and your friends, neighbors, classmates, favorite barista, grandma – are invited!
This is not just a video to watch (but you can do that Live on my Facebook page if you want!). This is a town hall to participate in remotely. Just register at this link to hop in, or reply to this email to receive call-in information if you’d like to join by phone.
(P.S. Can’t make it tomorrow but want to chat at my next town hall? Join me at 11am on February 20! Registration info to come.)
Option #2: Sign up to provide remote public testimony!
“Public testimony” is when parents, teachers, doctors, union workers, landlords, farmers, mayors, data scientists – any of our community members – get to share their story about how a bill would impact them. Before this session, Washingtonians who wanted to raise their voice during public testimony had to get to Olympia – often after taking time off work and taking on travel costs to do so.
But this year, to provide testimony, simply click this link – and it will take you to a page of easy instructions, and a user-friendly way to choose the committee you’d like to speak in and the bill you’d like to speak on.
I look forward to the day when in-person public testimony is safe and possible again, but I will work to make sure that a remote option is always available to those who need it (something we pioneered in the Higher Ed committee long before the pandemic!) to increase access to the legislative process.
Option #3: Submit written testimony!
You can submit your story in writing, too! Using the same link you’d use to sign up for remote public testimony, choose the committee and bill you’d like to share your thoughts about. Then select “I would like to Submit Written Testimony,” and fill out your story in the online form provided.
This option works well for folks who can’t tune in at the time of a committee hearing, or who may live in a rural community like ours and have broadband connectivity issues. Whether remote public testimony in real time or written testimony works best for you, remember: your voice and your story matter – thank you in advance for sharing it!
Option #4: Connect with me!
As always, please feel free to reach out anytime at (360) 742-2539 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.
