ISLAND COUNTY: December 2024 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 ICD Chair, Jennifer Haase Morris
We extend our congratulations and appreciation to those who agreed to serve as Officers for Island County Democrats in 2025-26.
Vice Chair: John Amell
State Committee Representative: Joshua Nadel (Whidbey)
State Committee Representative: Sam Smith (Camano)
Treasurer: Margaret Andersen
Secretary: Ella Fly
PCO Representative – District 1: Vacant
PCO Representative – District 2: Christina Elliott
PCO Representative – District 3: Vacant
I was re-elected for another term as Chair and will continue to work to diversify our reach and engagement.
If you are interested in learning more about the vacant PCO Representative roles, please send me a message. This year will be a great opportunity to focus on training and building a plan for the 2026 election cycle.
Many thanks to outgoing Officers Albert Ondo, Sarah Richards, Marti Anamosa, Adriane Fain, and Art Huffine.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy holiday season!
Jennifer Haase Morris
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
Dear Friends,
I was recently reading a virtual copy of a book of essays by Helen Keller. She writes of optimism, even in the face of what seems insurmountable. I think of this as 2024 comes to a close, and we look to what 2025 may bring.
“Optimism isn’t just a feeling—it’s the fuel for your ambitions. In a world that often doubts, your hope and confidence are your greatest allies. Embrace them, and watch as they transform obstacles into stepping stones.” (Helen Keller, 1903)
As we look to the future, often discouraged by current events, it is easy to look away from our goals. I recently met with a group of high school students. They wanted to talk about civic engagement when you often feel hopeless. They honestly shared how they felt our generation had failed them in many ways. They’re right. But we pick up the shards of hope and put together a vessel that can hold more than we ever imagined. We keep going. As she writes, we continue in “deep, solemn optimism.”
So join me as we work on policies for people, the world and our communities. Let’s keep working together as one year closes and another begins. May you be blessed with hope and optimism in the coming year.
Warm regards,
Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner
Message from State Representative, Clyde Shavers
Dear Friends and Family,
Over the past year, my team and I have been hard at working drafting and filing bills that reflect our values and priorities. These legislative efforts are not just about solving problems today; they reflect the voices of our community and the promise of a better tomorrow. These bills aim to protect our environment, support our veterans, ensure affordable housing, expand educational opportunities, improve access to quality healthcare, and ensure technology is used to help us.
Below are some of the pre-filed bills that draws on the voices of our 10th legislative district:
- Protecting Our Environment.
- Advancing Clean Energy with Fusion (HB 1018). This bill adds fusion energy to facilities that may obtain site certification, positioning Washington as a leader in clean energy innovation.
- Tax Incentives for Farmers (HB 1019). This legislation provides tax incentives for farmers in conversation programs, promoting economic stability and environmentally friendly practices in our agricultural communities.
- Supporting Our Veterans.
- Expanding Veterans Service Officer Program (HB 1102). This legislation aims to increase veteran support statewide by expanding the Veterans Service Officer Program, ensuring that veterans have access to the benefits and services they deserve.
- Veteran Employment Tax Credits (HB 1060). As the #2 cosponsor, this bipartisan legislation provides employers with tax credits for hiring veterans, promoting veteran employment and economic stability.
- Honoring Service Members (HB 1050). This legislation creates special license plates for the United States Naval Academy, honoring the service and commitment of its graduates.
- Ensuring Affordable Housing.
- 3D-Printed Buildings (HB 1029). This bill addresses the use of 3D-printed building construction, promoting innovation and affordability in the construction industry.
- Expanding Educational Opportunities / Supporting Our Students.
- Increasing Accessibility of Academic Reengagement (HB 1020). This bill seeks to provide eligible students with greater access to academic reengagement opportunities, offering pathways to success in various industries.
- Promoting Educational Stability for Military Families (HB 1021). This legislation focuses on ensuring educational stability for children of military families.
- Work In Progress. This bill will introduce a maritime industry (and ferry workforce) component into our high school career learning programs by requiring the WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to collaborate on curriculum.
- Work In Progress. This legislation aims to create postsecondary educational pathways for incarcerated students, promoting rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
- Better Health Care Access and Quality.
- Sexual Assault Nurses (HB 1049). This bill supports Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), who provide crucial care for victims and assisting in prosecution efforts.
- Work In Progress. This legislation addresses the mental & behavioral support needs of our students by finding ways to allow associate-level students to serve in our schools.
- Ensuring Ethical Use of Technology.
- Combatting Against Scammers (HB 1103). This measure serves to combat scammers who target vulnerable communities by expanding protections against unwanted telephone calls and text messages.
- Work In Progress. These two bills focus on (1) ensuring transparency by requiring how websites use artificial intelligence, and (2) disclose if content, i.e. image or video, is created using artificial intelligence.
- Lowering the Cost of Living
- Work In Progress. Using our past work in lowering property taxes for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, this bill will further expand the eligibility threshold so that more people can benefit from the property tax exemption program.
It is an honor to serve as your state representative, and I remain deeply committed to fighting for you. When you speak to me about issues that matter most, whether it’s the rising cost of living, education for your children, care for veterans, or access to healthcare, I take those concerns to heart. They guide every decision I make and every piece of legislation I pursue.
Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve you.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
The Republican Chaos Caucus is living up to its name this week and making the possibility of the government shutting down all too real. My staff and I are working around the clock to avoid that outcome, which would shut off the services that Northwest Washington veterans, seniors, and working families need to live their lives — among other devastating impacts across the country. Here is my statement on a potential government shutdown:
“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”
Democrats have continually negotiated bipartisan, good faith agreements during this Congress. Take a look at the aviation safety bill, the defense bill, defending our values by supporting Ukraine and many other issues where Democrats have been part of these agreements.
The Democrats were part of the bipartisan, bicameral agreement to pass a bill to keep the government funded and provide disaster relief to families that are victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Republicans, under direction from cosplaying President Elon Musk and a confused Donald Trump, have pulled out of the bipartisan agreement.
The GOP helped write this agreement and the GOP Speaker was the only person with the authority to schedule a vote on it. The GOP folded like an old television tray once Musk ordered a government shutdown.
Democrats stand ready to negotiate in good faith but don’t know who, if anyone, is in charge with whom to negotiate. In the meantime, middle-class Americans are being held hostage by the billionaires who are pulling Trump’s puppet strings.
It is time for Republicans to stop the theatrics and get back to work.
Thanks so much and I’ll keep in touch as we know more!
Donate
Your generous contributions will directly help ICD:
- Host local community education and information events
- Coordinate local Democratic Party volunteers activities
- Train and inspire PCOs to action
- Provide tools, materials and space for local Democratic Party planning and organizing
For the biggest bang for your buck, mail your checks to:
[Ed. Note: donation information omitted]
[Editorial Policy: The Voter Interests Project is a non-partisan organization. Part of our mission is to keep voters informed about the activities of elected officials and candidates for public office. We do not endorse or support any particular candidates; therefore, we omit all email links and donation links from candidate communications to supporters. If you are interested in supporting a candidate, we recommend you contact the candidate or their campaign directly.]
