DAVE PAUL: Community updates
State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) sent the following email from his campaign account on Sun., Apr. 10, 2022.
Friends,
Thanks to all of you who reached out to my office during the 2022 session—It’s so important to hear from you about what issues affect your daily lives.
Despite being limited to 60 days, we wrapped up the session with many legislative victories that will strengthen our community.
Public Safety
Throughout my time in the legislature, I’ve worked with law enforcement leaders, constituents, and local leaders to improve public safety in our community. This session, I co-sponsored HB 1703, which modernizes the 911 emergency system. This legislation also will help coordinate 911 calls with the new 988 behavioral health emergency system that will be launched later this year.
Addressing College Affordability.
I’m proud to have led the effort to create a statewide summer Running Start program, and in just a few months students will be able to start benefiting from this policy. I also led efforts to expand the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. This program will now include apprenticeship programs, expand to more rural students, and help nurses earn advanced nursing degrees. That’s critical for training the next generation of health care providers.
Protecting the environment.
We know the environmental consequences of derelict and abandoned boats in our waters. I’m proud to have sponsored and passed HB 1700 which allocates more funds for the removal of such vessels—before they pollute our waterways.
Improved services for veterans and our community.
I’m proud to represent one of our state’s largest populations of veterans, and I have prioritized improving the lives of veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families. It’s a tragic fact that more veterans die by suicide than in combat, and I’m committed to do more to support the mental health and well-being of our veterans. HB 1181 will help provide better access to resources and prevention programs to reduce suicide among Washington’s veteran and military members.
As always, it’s an honor to serve.
Sincerely,
Dave
[Ed. Note: donation link omitted here.]
