ISLAND COUNTY: April 2025 ICD Newsletter
The Island County Democrats publish a monthly newsletter, which we are posting here. We believe that the statements made by the leadership of each party is of general public interest.
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
I listened to an interview with Rafael Warnock tonight. He talked about his time with Pope Francis, the prayer they prayed together. First, Rev. Warnock by the Pope was asked to pray for him. Then the Pope prayed for Senator Warnock, and then they prayed for the world. As we complete the Easter season, celebrating the emergence of hope from hopelessness, we remember our call, as Senator Warnock said, to act for justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Now, if you don’t share my faith perspective, or faith in general, I respect that, especially given the evil perpetrated in the name of Christianity. Currently our federal government is pursuing vindication to those “hostile to Christianity” in federal programs, and when asked, Senator Warnock said, the only hostility he saw in his work to feed the hungry and protect the poor, were the hostile actions of pseudo-Christians.
I feel all of this. This week, I am hosting a Town Hall to discuss how we build healthy communities in the face of threats to the social determinants of health-access to healthcare (Medicaid and Medicare), hunger programs (SNAP and WIC), veteran’s services, education readiness (HeadStart), and the very programs that support the well-being of seniors, children and working families. This Town Hall will be informational about our neighbors and families that will be impacted by federal cuts to these programs. How do you help? The Town Hall will feature community partners-our Area Agency on Aging and a senior center, a local food bank, our regional behavioral health partner, a school principal, a local family resource center and others. How can you help? By reaching out to your local partners. Donate, Volunteer, and Advocate. Use your voice to seek justice.
In the podcast of the interview, I read this quote by Warnock: “Reinhold Niebuhr put it this way…humankind’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible and our capacity for injustice makes democracy necessary. Democracy is a check against tyranny. It’s a check against the unrestrained power of people who have more money than most, more power than most. And it is rare in the history of humankind, and we are naive if we think that we don’t have to fight for it every single day.”
So, let’s fight. Thank you to all who show up and lift up the message of resistance to leadership that does not reflect our community values. I see you.
Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner
Message from State Representative, Dave Paul
Dear neighbors,
Every student in Washington deserves the opportunity to succeed. That’s why, even in a challenging budget year, we made education a top priority. Whether it’s helping a kindergartener thrive or supporting a working adult returning to college, we’re investing in students at every stage of their journey.
K–12 Education: Supporting Every Learner
Despite tight budget constraints and rising costs, we’re working to protect and expand funding for K–12 schools. One of our most urgent priorities is to address special education. For too long, state support has been capped—leaving districts with a significant funding gap to provide students with the resources they need. This year, I’m proud to support Senate Bill 5263, which increases funding for special education, helping both families and school districts in our community and across the state.
We also passed Senate Bill 5192, which helps schools cover foundational costs like curriculum and technology. This gives districts more stability and allows them to focus on what really matters—supporting students and teachers in the classroom.
Another key effort is tackling the educator shortage. House Bill 1651 launches new teacher residency and apprenticeship programs, giving future educators real-world experience while reducing barriers to entering the profession. It’s a critical step toward building a stronger, more diverse educator workforce that reflects the students they serve.
College & Workforce Training: Expanding Access & Opportunity
Our commitment to education doesn’t end at high school. As Chair of the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee—and as a longtime community college educator—I’m deeply proud of the progress we made this year in higher education.
We passed House Bill 1554, which expands the College Bound Scholarship to include students who earn a GED. This simple change opens doors for many students who may have taken a non-traditional path to graduation. And with House Bill 1556, we lowered the age requirement for free high school completion programs, helping more young people transition quickly into jobs or college.
These changes are about equity, flexibility, and meeting students where they are. Our postsecondary system should reflect today’s realities—not yesterday’s expectations.
Looking Ahead
Our education system was designed for a different era. To meet the needs of the 21st century, we must reimagine how we invest in learning—from kindergarten through college. That means bold ideas, strategic investments, and listening closely to the people who know our schools best: students, families, and educators.
I’m committed to that vision—and I’d love to hear your thoughts. On May 13th, I’ll be hosting an upcoming virtual town hall. I encourage you to submit your questions ahead of time, sign-up to attend over Zoom, and help us shape the future of our district.
Let’s keep building a future where every Washingtonian has a pathway to success.
Sincerely,
State Representative Dave Paul
10th Legislative District
Message from State Representative, Clyde Shavers
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session is coming to an end, set to adjourn on Sunday, April 27th. This has been a 105-day marathon – a particularly challenging and exhausting session for everyone. With a new governor, many new lawmakers, and a budget shortfall to address, we’ve been working long days (and late nights) tackling tough issues. Early morning and late-night floor debates are common as we push through bills and negotiate solutions for our state. It’s been difficult, but I’m proud of the hard work we’ve been doing together to deliver results for our community.
Honored to Serve as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore
As your representative, I have the privilege of serving in a leadership role as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the House. In plain terms, this means I often preside over the House floor during debates, wielding the gavel to keep proceedings on track. This responsibility requires hours at the rostrum, managing votes and discussions on the floor. It is an honor to take on this duty, and I’m grateful my colleagues trusted me to help run the show.
Budget Negotiations in the Final Days
As we head into the final days before adjournment, the legislature is in the thick of budget negotiations. Writing the state’s two-year budgets – operating, capital, and transportation – is always one of the hardest tasks in a long session, and this year is no exception. Both the House and Senate will soon officially meet to reconcile differences before sending a final budget to the Governor. In other words, we’re working around the clock to find common ground on funding for schools, public safety, transportation, healthcare, and more. The negotiations are intense, but this hard work is crucial to meet our April 27th deadline. I’m committed to fighting for a budget that reflects our community’s needs – one that supports working families, veterans, seniors, and small businesses in the 10th District. These last-minute talks can be stressful, but they’re all about securing the best possible outcomes for you.
Progress on Key Bills I Introduced
Despite the challenges, I’m happy to report that many of the bills I introduced this session have made significant progress.
- Expanding Veterans’ Access to Services (HB 1102). This dramatically expands our state’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) program, ensuring every veteran – no matter where they live – can get help accessing the benefits they’ve earned. I’m proud to share that HB 1102 will be voted on the House floor for the final time before heading to the Governor’s desk.
- Pioneering Clean Energy (HB 1018). To secure a sustainable future, I introduced HB 1018 streamlines permitting for fusion energy facilities, positioning our state as a leader in breakthrough clean energy. I’m thrilled that HB 1018 passed out of the legislature and is heading to the Governor’s desk for signing.
- Strengthening Our Ferry Workforce (HB 1167). Our ferry system has struggled with staffing shortages, so I introduced HB 1167 to create a pipeline for maritime careers into educational programs at high schools. I’m pleased to share that HB 1167 will be voted on the House floor for the final time before heading to the Governor.
Thank you for sticking with me through this especially demanding session. It’s been a marathon, but every late night and early morning was worth it to deliver for you. I’m grateful for the honor of serving as your state representative – and as we wrap up the 2025 session and look ahead, I’ll always be here working hard for you and our wonderful 10th Legislative District.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
Earlier this month, I joined the Hands Off! Rally in Snohomish County. The basic message: Donald Trump, hands off America. His indiscriminate cuts and harmful executive orders are not helping anyone.
The Hands Off! Rally took place all over Northwest Washington – from Mount Vernon, Friday Harbor, Bellingham, Shaw Island, Oak Harbor, and all over the country. So many people took part in this rally, and the message is loud and clear:
Hands off Medicaid
Hands off Social Security
Hands off our friends and neighbors
Hands off our infrastructure
Hands off affordable food
Hands off our national security
Trump, Musk, and their Republican Rip-Off are putting families in Northwest Washington at risk, and it is about time they get their hands off. We have 565 days until November 3rd, 2026, and we can get the House of Representatives back. We have to keep showing up for these next 565 days and continue to stand up against this administration.
Thank you for showing up, voicing your concern, and continuing to fight back.
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