LEGISLATURE 2023-24: A quick update on a busy interim (DAVE PAUL)
State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) sent out the following email from his campaign account on Sun., Dec. 3, 2023.
Friends,
We are just a few weeks away from the 2024 Legislative Session–and I’ve had a busy interim. Here’s an update on my work to serve our community.
In June, I visited the Volunteers of America Western Washington food distribution center in Arlington. In 2022, the VOAWW distributed 6.1 million pounds of food to over 163,000 individuals. While it is sobering to see how many members of our community face food insecurity, I truly appreciate the work that is being done across our district to reduce hunger.
In July, I met with Compass Health and Pioneer Health Services—and toured Andy’s Place in Everett and the Ithua Stabilization Facility in Oak Harbor—to learn more about regional approaches to supportive housing, mental health services, and substance use recovery.
Senator Maria Cantwell stopped by Freeland to discuss broadband in August. I’m excited to see county, state, and federal efforts to help connect or improve internet service for 70,000 Whidbey Island residents.
In September, I had the honor of joining mental health experts and community leaders for a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Panel. More veterans die by suicide than in combat, and we have much work to do to reduce these tragedies. I’m proud to have supported state efforts to help improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicides, including implementing the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
I met with Arrow Marine, the Port of Anacortes, and my colleague Senator Liz Lovelett in October to get an update on the electrification of vessels and ports. Reducing pollution and noise in Puget Sound is critical for preserving our waters, and electrifying local fleets is an important first step.
In November, I had the opportunity to tour the Northwest Career and Technical Academy’s Maritime Technology Center in Anacortes. I joined my colleagues Rep. Reed and Rep Ramel to see the training facility used by both K-12 and Skagit Valley College students.
Last week, I toured the Sierra Pacific Mill in Burlington. I learned how the mill generates energy for the facility using wood chips and bark. The mill is contributing excess green energy back to the electrical grid while providing living-wage jobs in our community.
Thanks to everyone who has met with me this interim to help prepare for the next session. I’m excited to get back to work this January, and I hope you’ll come see me in Olympia.
As always, it’s an honor to serve.
Sincerely,
Dave
[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.]
