Author Archives: jgold

13 Feb
0

Shewmake Bill To Expand Nutrition Access, Establish Mobile Farmers Market Program Passes Senate

OLYMPIA – The expansion of mobile markets could see seniors and other food benefit recipients with new ways to access fresh fruits and vegetables. A bill to expand nutrition access by establishing a mobile farmers market program in Washington passed ...

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31 Jan
0

Welcome to the 2025 Session: Bill Update!

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The 2025 legislative session is underway, and I am back in Olympia for the 105-day session. I have a new role, chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee or “ENET” in Legislature-speak. My number ...

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23 Jan
0

WA Republicans, Democrats agree: Don’t touch firefighting spending in budget crisis

WASHINGTON STATE — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson suggested cutting 6% of the state’s budget to offset multi-billion-dollar shortfalls, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said fire suppression funding should not be touched…

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21 Jan
0

Meet the ‘technological optimist’ helping set Washington state’s tech, energy, and climate policy

State Sen. Sharon Shewmake is taking over as chair of the Senate’s Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, a wide-ranging clearinghouse for legislation on issues including artificial intelligence oversight, climate change impacts and clean energy deployment. The Bellingham Democrat is following ...

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12 Dec
0

Join our Student Page Program! Plus, Updates on the 2025 Sesssion.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Do you know any 14-16 year olds interested in politics who are looking for a paid, hands-on experience in state government? The Legislature’s Page Program is accepting applications for 2025. Sponsorship slots fill up quickly, so ...

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15 Jul
0

Strict Travel Restrictions on Dogs Risk Harming Point Roberts’ Economy

My first obligation as a State Senator is to fight for the communities I represent. When the Point Roberts community came to me, concerned that new CDC rules would seriously harm its economy, I wrote the following letter of concern ...

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10 Apr
0

Community Chats THIS SATURDAY! Join us at a chat near you!

Dear friends and neighbors, I wanted to send one more reminder about the upcoming community chats I’m hosting with Rep. Timmons on April 13th! This is your opportunity to hear our post-session updates, ask us questions, and share your thoughts ...

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01 Apr
0

MEDIA ADVISORY: Shewmake and Timmons to Host Community Chats Across the 42nd District on April 13th

Please join 42nd Legislative District lawmakers Sen. Sharon Shewmake and Rep. Joe Timmons at one of their upcoming community chats. This is your opportunity to hear a post-session update, ask questions, and share your thoughts on what they should focus ...

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29 Feb
0

Shewmake and Timmons send bills to the governor’s desk that will add support for Whatcom County Superior Court 

OLYMPIA—Whatcom County is preparing for an adjudication case in the Nooksack watershed and will need additional resources. That’s why Sen. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, and Rep. Joe Timmons, D-Bellingham, introduced bills to support Whatcom County Superior during the 2024 legislative session.   ...

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28 Feb
0

I hope you’ve budgeted some time to read about this year’s budgets!

Dear friends and neighbors It’s budget time! The Legislature must pass three budgets each year – the operating budget, the capital budget, and the transportation budget. In odd numbered years we write a two-year budget, and in the short session, ...

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