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
Friends have recently remarked to me on different occasions that “it is getting noticed that the Democrats are showing up.” In both cases, I thought “Oh, that’s good to hear.” And then I immediately thought: “GOOD!” I hope that people on every point on the political spectrum are noticing that Democrats (ICD, WIDC, and Indivisible) are showing up for conversations about civil discourse, to celebrate the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, to educate the public about critical issues impacting our Island health care resources.
Here are some opportunities coming up for all Democrats to get involved and engaged:
- Small groups are still trying to get organized for July 4th parades in Oak Harbor and Maxwelton. Anyone able to help get groups together?
- Whidbey Island Democratic Club is hosting this year’s Summerfest on Saturday, July 22, 3:00-5:00 pm. (See the flyer in this newsletter.)
- Island County Democrats will have a booth at the Whidbey Island Fair on July 27-29. Please “answer the call” when you get an invite to sign up for a shift at the Fair.
- The Primary election for key local races is August 1st. Watch for your ballot in mid-July. And make sure that your vote shows up in the ballot box.
One definition of to show up in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is used in the following sentence: “But what we have to remind ourselves, and each other, is that our democracy only works for us if we show up.”
Never underestimate the power of simply showing up.
Summerfest
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
Dear Friends,
It has been a busy month. One action that makes me proud is the passage of an equity resolution to guide our work within Island County government and our service to our communities. The Board was unanimous in its commitment to building an organization that values diversity and a commitment to serving the public and strengthening our communities so all can thrive.
Last week, after months of public testimony and input from multiple points of view, the Board moved forward a code revision to address fireworks. After much discussion and public input, there is a compromise code change heading to the Prosecutor/Code Revisor for review. It will then be set for public hearing in July. The new code includes a partial ban that prohibits mortars and shortens the number of days it is legal to use fireworks. Following the public hearing, the Board will take final action. If passed, it will go into effect a year later per state code requirements.
Another significant code update will focus on animal welfare. Following a horrific event that led to charges of animal cruelty and is now going through trial, animal advocates brought forward the need to strengthen our animal welfare code and enforcement efforts. While updating our code, the Board has also increased funding for two full-time animal control officers. Those additional hires are in process.
Stay tuned for other important upcoming public hearings on our transportation priorities and on capital improvements in the County. Island County has updated our website and increased opportunities to stay informed and engaged on these and other important issues. While we still have a few bugs, we hope it improves the customer experience. You can sign up and customize how you wish to receive information at https://www.islandcountywa.gov/.
Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner
Message from Island County Commissioner, Melanie Bacon
June is PTSD Awareness month. As we all know, PTSD is a mental or behavioral disorder that can develop because of exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD can be a lifelong debilitating condition, but for most people it’s something they can mostly manage until a “triggering” (what a word!) event occurs that can sweep them back into that place in their mind with all its associated sadness and fears.
I’ve been experiencing some PTSD this month over things that happened decades ago, immersed in a variety of physiological and emotional responses that I will try to patiently live with until they fade away from my focus again. Perhaps this happens to you too.
This summer the Board of Island County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to discuss a couple of revisions to its fireworks code: the elimination of July 5th as a lawful fireworks day, and making mortar-style fireworks illegal in Island County. There are many reasons I have been pushing restrictions on fireworks in our County. One of those reasons is PTSD.
Fireworks are a well-known trigger for PTSD for veterans. The PTSD for veterans of war can be quite severe, much worse than what I’m going through. Island County has the most veterans per capita of any county in Washington State.
If you are interested in the topic of fireworks and PTSD I hope you will share your thoughts with your County Commissioners, and consider attending the public hearing on the code change as well.
Message from State Representative, Clyde Shavers
Dear Friends and Family,
I am proud to have grown up in Washington state.
According to the U.S. News’ 2023 ranking, we live in the second-best state in the country. Our geological diversity, economic vitality, and agricultural industry makes Washington incredible. Our “Evergreen State” features mountains, forests, and the Pacific coastline. The birthplace of corporate giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, our state is full of opportunities for so many people. With our laid-back and welcoming attitude, Washington offers a high quality of life not found anywhere else.
Yet, according to some rankings, our state is 28th in the nation in terms of health care. The high-cost of health care, lack of hospital beds, and lagging workforce creates significant challenges for people with disabilities and a growing senior population.
Last Saturday, I attended a wonderful event in Burlington with SEIU 775 which represents 45,000 long-term care workers. This organization gives voice to caregivers and those who are cared for. Unfortunately, the number of people who need long-term care is rapidly outpacing the caregiver workforce. That means family members may not be able to access the care they need in the location they want.
A few weeks ago, I was honored to attend an event in Arlington for Village Community Services which supports people with disabilities. They serve people experiencing significant challenges by providing employment and residential services so that they can achieve life success. I am proud to have led the effort in a $71 million rate increase for those serving people with disabilities so that they can earn a livable wage.
As I continue to meet and collaborate with selfless health care workers across our district, I am especially excited to work towards expanding the Core Plus framework to include curriculum in health care.
Today’s Core Plus provides high school students with hands-on learning that lead to career pathways only in aerospace, construction, and maritime. By offering courses in caregiving, physical therapy, and more, we can help foster a new generation of young health care workers.
As we continue to research and draft this bill, if you have any ideas or thoughts, please reach out. As Vice Chair of the Education Committee, I believe that inspiring our students towards a career path in health care is critical in creating a stronger, more equitable health care system.
One more thing: I am committed to reconnecting with as many people one-on-one starting in August. As I reach out to you, if there’s a good date/time for coffee, please let my legislative assistant, Logan Duling, know (logan.duling@leg.wa.gov).
I am honored to serve you here in the Washington State Legislature.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
We have an opportunity to help tackle childhood poverty in the United States.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, upwards of 10 million children were living in poverty, with about half of those families living in extreme poverty. What does that look like? It looks like a family of four living on just $13,086, or less, for a year. It is not just poverty, it is unimaginable poverty.
But as part of our COVID-19 response, in the American Rescue Plan, Congress increased the Child Tax Credit (CTC) from $2,000 to as much as $3,600 depending on the age of the child. The plan also adjusted the credit payment to ensure this resource was available to the families most in need — families earning so little that they did not owe any taxes in 2021.
Now, Congress is hearing legislation that would make this expanded tax credit permanent to help families in need. I am supporting this bill because no child should have to grow up in poverty.
The expanded Child Tax Credit of 2021 reached more than 61 million kids — 76,000 of whom live in Washington’s Second Congressional District alone.
The CTC made an enormous difference in the lives of families. It helped families pay for essentials like child care, groceries, transportation, household utilities, and so much else.
The impact the CTC made was significant. The American Medical Association found that the CTC increased rates of child wellness, improved the ability of households to cover expenses, and decreased food insecurity for children. But those improvements vanished when Congress failed to reauthorize the expanded Child Tax Credit.
It is clear: we need to restore the expanded Child Tax Credit. Not just for a year, or two, but permanently.
The 2021 Child Tax Credit was the largest tax cut for the middle class in a generation, and its outcome for families was striking. We cannot let this opportunity slip away.
Rick
News from the Washington State Democratic Party
Good news! The Washington Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan (DSAAP) for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election cycle was reviewed by the national Rules and Bylaws Committee, and was the only plan on the West Coast to be approved, while both California and Oregon have substantive additional steps to get their plans finally approved. A big win for the Washington Central Committees rules and affirmative action prowess! The development of this plan was part of the great work done by our very own Satin Deseree Arnett. Many thanks for her dedication to the Growth of our Party, Justice, and Affirmative Action.
Fe Mischo and Albert Ondo, your Washington State Central Committee Members
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.]
