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DAVE PAUL: Update on vaccines and working together for better ferries (legislative update)

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Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor)

Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) sent the following legislative update from his official email account on Tue., Feb. 2, 2021.

Dear neighbors,

I know COVID and vaccinations are on top of everyone’s mind right now, and here’s a quick update on our work to better support our community and public health.

  • Last night, I voted for a $2.2 billion COVID relief package that includes $618 million to boost testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations.
  • I’ve also shared my frustrations–and yours–with the governor’s office for the shifting vaccination requirements and problems caused at the local level here in the 10th District. Local hospitals and clinics are relying on the state to distribute vaccines efficiently and offer logistical guidance. Our vaccination rollout needs to operate more smoothly and more predictably.
  • I’ll continue to work with state and local officials to advocate for a better and more equitable vaccination distribution system. We’re working diligently to collaborate with state and local governments toward improving the vaccine rollout.

First meeting of the Ferry Caucus

I’m pleased to have partnered with Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) to form the Ferry Caucus, a place for lawmakers from both chambers and both parties to discuss this vital service.

It’s important to make this a bipartisan and joint House-Senate effort. Real and lasting change comes from agreements reached by the broadest number of people.

We held our first meeting on Feb. 1 and will keep working in good faith toward solutions.

Ferries of the future

Our state has the largest ferry network in the United States, and one of the biggest in the world.

Yet those boats haven’t changed much in the last century.

I support modernizing the fleet and building new ferries that are hybrid-electric. Click here to read about this effort.

Our community deserves a modern ferry system. Aging ferries often suffer from breakdowns, which cause delays.

New, hybrid-electric ferries are also better for the environment, save taxpayer money for fuel, and are more reliable.

Standing up and speaking out

It takes strong public support and engagement to make big changes and investments in our ferry system.

Please stand up and speak out.

There are two virtual community meetings, hosted by Washington State Ferries, where you can make your voice heard.

The day after each meeting, Washington State Ferries will put up the video record of the meeting on its community participation website. 

How to be an effective advocate

The most powerful tool you have is your story.

What’s your experience with the ferry system? Tell your story in a minute or two. Ideas from people who use a service every day are incredibly helpful. Please share your story with my office, too. I can talk about it during committee meetings or during debates on the floor of the House.

It’s my hope that you can find time for these community forums, and share your story with me.

Dave Paul

  • February 2, 2021

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