E-Newsletters

Friends – This week marked the halfway point of the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers are getting quite a lot done for the people of Washington in a session many weren’t sure could even happen during a pandemic. We are doing the people’s work thanks to the great efforts of legislative staff, state and local public health officials, and legislators. Last Tuesday was a key deadline for bills making their way through the Legislature. We call it the “House of Origin Cutoff,” meaning ...

Friends: We’re about one-third of the way through the 2021 legislative session. We have now passed the deadline for bills to be voted out of committees in order for them to be still considered “alive” for the rest of the session. As I shared in my last update, the Legislature has already approved nearly $4 billion in economic relief for small businesses and families.

Friends:

The Legislature just wrapped up Week 4 of the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers sent one major piece of COVID legislation to the governor’s desk for his signature with another one not far behind. We’re also working on bills focused on other major priorities like small business support and environmental health. Below is a quick recap of what we’re working on for the residents of Washington.

Friends: If you’re getting this e-newsletter for the first time, welcome! I’m Jesse Salomon, your state senator from the 32^nd Legislative District. I am one of your voices in the state Legislature in Olympia. I send these e-newsletters a few times a month during the legislative session and periodically when we’re out of session because it’s important you know what your public officials are doing on your behalf. I am a more effective voice for you when you share your ideas ...

Friends: The last time the Legislature was in session, the coronavirus was spreading rapidly across Washington state and the country. We adjourned just as several public health and safety proclamations were issued by the governor to slow the spread of the virus. It’s been an up-and-down battle ever since as our state and our country fight the virus. Unfortunately, we’re now in the so-called “third wave” with cases increasing rapidly and grim warnings about the holiday season coming from public health ...

Friends – It’s been a while since my last update, so I want to share with you what’s in store for next session as well as some legislation I am working on this year. 2021 Session Update Legislative leaders and administrators are preparing for a 2021 legislative session that will be mostly virtual. While no final decisions have been made, this means that the next session will likely operate in a way that is new to us all. The good news is ...

Friends: These last several weeks of protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by former police officers have underscored the fact that we are long overdue for major reforms within our criminal justice systems. I am deeply troubled by the sight of peaceful protestors being tear gassed by police, pepper spray being used against children, and a state trooper encouraging his team to “hit them hard.” These are all examples of inappropriate tactics used by law enforcement officers in Washington state. Countless examples of other inappropriate conduct by those sworn to protect their communities have ...

Friends: On May 1, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Department of Health announced an extension of the Stay Home order through May 31. The governor also revealed his four-phase plan for reopening involving group gatherings, travel, shopping and recreation. The focus is on reopening safely and protecting the health of workers and the general public. This is a phased, data-driven approach. All reopening activities depend on continued success in slowing the spread of COVID-19. The governor will be looking ...