January 9, 2018
Dear Neighbor,
The Washington State Senate has convened the 2018 legislative session. My top priorities include completing the unfinished business in K-12 education and passing the capital budget, which funds critical affordable housing projects, mental health services and economic development.
This week, I have committee hearings on two bills that I sponsored, which advance our district values of representative democracy, civil rights and economic equity.
The Washington Voting Rights Act
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections will hold a hearing on the Voting Rights Act. This bill will enable local governments that want to change to district-based elections to do so without costly litigation. District-based elections empower communities and neighborhoods to run and elect candidates of their choice. This is the next step forward in a truly representative government. You can watch the hearing on Wednesday beginning at 8 a.m. at https://www.tvw.org/.
The Washington Fair Chance Act
Also this Wednesday, the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on The Fair Chance Act, which would prevent potential employers from discriminating against qualified applicants on the basis of past criminal records. Seamless reintegration after someone has paid their debt should be the ultimate goal of the criminal justice system. This bill is a first step toward ensuring that citizens who have served their time get a fair chance at rebuilding their lives. The hearing will be streamed beginning at 1:30 p.m. at https://www.tvw.org/.
Stay in touch
I will keep you updated regularly on the work I am doing in Olympia through these newsletters, but you don’t have to wait for an email to communicate with me. I hope you will call, email, or visit us in Olympia and share your ideas on how we can work together to meet our community’s needs. This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I will continue the tradition of past 37th Legislative District senators and offer a resolution and remarks to honor Dr. King’s important legacy. Please tune in on Monday, Jan. 15 at http://watv.org/.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your representative in the Washington State Senate. Together, we will continue to promote the 37th Legislative District’s values of justice and inclusion in our state Capitol.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Contact Me
Phone: (360) 786-7688
Email: Rebecca.Saldana@leg.wa.gov
Olympia Office:
230 John A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA 98501
Website: www.sdc.wastateleg.org/Saldana
