OLYMPIA — A bill to provide meaningful help to victims of hate crimes and bias incidents in Washington state was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 5427, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), establishes a support system for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents by creating a hotline administered by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) for reporting these incidents. The hotline will accept reports and provide appropriate crisis intervention, as well as victim-centered, culturally competent, and trauma-informed information. These services will be accessible to as many Washington state residents as possible, regardless of the language they speak. “This new law addresses the concerning surge in hate crimes within our state.” Valdez stated. “It affirms that hate ...
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About Javier
Javier Valdez is the proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers. A product of public education, Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, the City University of New York, as a participant in the National Urban Fellows program. Javier has worked for the City of Seattle for over 20 years, where he led Seattle City Light’s women and minority business (WMBE) program, served as a special assistant on WMBE programs in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, and currently as a senior equity and inclusion advisor with the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services Department.
Javier is vice chair of the State Government & Elections Committee and also serves on the Law & Justice and Transportation committees.
Read Javier’s full biography here.
Javier in the News
OLYMPIA — Did you vote? If not, you’re in substantial company. According to preliminary data, roughly 64% of eligible Washington voters didn’t cast a ballot in the Nov. 7 general election, when 3,095 races for city, school board ...
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Washington lawmakers are considering a new proposal to prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces in the state. Under the legislation, public libraries, zoos, aquariums, parks, transit stations and state or local public buildings would be added to the ...
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