Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the days grow shorter and a cool breeze fills the air, we must bid farewell to summer. With this transition of seasons, our focus shifts to preparing for the upcoming legislative session. In the weeks and months ahead, we will be working on legislation and policies aimed at positively impacting our community.
Today, I want to address a deeply concerning issue that has been plaguing our nation and our Seattle area. Hate crimes, fueled by prejudice and ignorance, have been on the rise across the United States, and we are not immune to this troubling trend right here in our own community.
Recently, the Wing Luke Museum, a symbol of unity and cultural diversity in our city, fell victim to a horrifying hate crime. The actions of an individual who deliberately vandalized the museum’s windows with a sledgehammer have shaken us all. This attack was not merely an act of vandalism; it was an assault on the fabric of our diverse community, an attack on the values we hold dear.
As your state Senator, I want to express my deep concern and outrage over this incident. I am unwaveringly committed to taking actions to combat hate crimes and provide support to those affected by them. During the last legislative session, I introduced Senate Bill 5427, a comprehensive bill designed to create a support system for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents.
SB 5427 aims to establish a hotline administered by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) for reporting hate crimes and bias incidents. This hotline would offer crisis intervention and victim-centered, culturally competent, and trauma-informed support to those who need it most. Our goal is to ensure that every Washington state resident, regardless of the language they speak, can access these vital services.
Additionally, this legislation would require the AGO to develop a standardized process for collecting, analyzing, and reporting information related to hate crimes and bias incidents. Transparency is paramount in addressing this issue effectively, and we are committed to providing accurate information to the public while safeguarding the privacy and safety of the victims involved.
While we continue to grapple with the recent attack on the Wing Luke Museum and the troubling rise of hate crimes, I want you to know that I am committed to leading the charge against bigotry, racism, and hatred in our community. This fight requires all of us to stand together, united against hatred and intolerance.
I am determined to bring back SB 5427 in the next legislative session and continue our collective efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. We must not allow hate to divide us; instead, let it serve as a rallying cry for unity, understanding, and compassion.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding this issue or any other matter of importance to you. I encourage you to stay engaged and stay involved. As we prepare for next year’s session, your thoughts and ideas are invaluable. Feel free to contact me via email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at (360) 786-7690.
Sincerely,
State Senator Javier Valdez (D-Seattle)
