LEGISLATURE 2023-24: Seizing opportunities and working for the future (CLYDE SHAVERS)
State Representative Clyde Shavers (D-Oak Harbor) posted this on his legislative website on Tue., Mar. 19, 2024, and mailed it to constituents on Thu., Mar. 21, 2024.
Dear friends and family,
The 2024 legislative session has ended – and I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. For two years as your state representative, I worked as hard as possible each and every day to fight for you.
In a time of political hostility and divisiveness, I’ve tried my absolute hardest to move forward with kindness and caring. And after reflecting on our combined stories and struggles, I’m hopeful about our future. Our country is great because of you – your resilience to endure and grow together, your compassion towards helping people whom you may never meet, and your unwavering belief in our democracy.
My goal has been and will always be simple – to give my absolute everything to public service. Serving in the legislature has been one of the most challenging endeavors, but also one of the most meaningful – and I’m honored to have gone on this adventure with you.
During the two legislative sessions, we have passed seven bills and brought in millions of dollars to our community. Here is a recap of just some of the many things we’ve accomplished together during the 2023 – 2024 legislative session:
Lowering Your Cost of Living & Fighting for Your Benefits
As the cost of living continues to rise, our families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why lowering costs – including groceries, gas, and housing – and protecting your benefits have been always my top priority.
I’m proud to have worked with Rep. Sharon Wylie on House Bill 1355 to provide greater property tax relief to seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities. By increasing the income tax thresholds and accounting for inflation and cost of living, this bill helps prevent people from losing their homes.
On top of this, I cosponsored House Bill 2375, which allows a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to qualify for this property tax exemption. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that as many people struggling to make ends meet can use this property tax exemption.
Finally, I’m proud to have cosponsored House Bill 1985, which increases the retirement benefits for teachers and public employees (TRS Plan 1 and PERS Plan 1). With increased cost of living and medical expenses, it is important for our retirees to receive the benefits they deserve. We need to take care of our seniors – and this is one way I’m taking action.
Environmental Protection & Quality of Life
During both legislative sessions, I’ve led in protecting our environment and preserving our quality of life.
I’m proud to have introduced House Bill 1924 which requires the state to pursue fusion technology. Fusion is among the most environmentally friendly sources of energy – and creates good-paying jobs, lowers energy bills, and supports a path toward energy independence.
To reduce food waste, encourage food donations, and help with reducing plastic use, I cosponsored House Bill 2301. By creating grant programs that prioritize food donations, animal feed, and compost or anaerobic digestion, we’re taking a giant leap forward toward a healthier environment.
Finally, I’ve advocated for millions of dollars dedicated to environmental projects in our district. For example, Stanwood received $1.9 million for a dike and fish levee passage. With more frequent disastrous floods, I’m dedicated to protecting our communities and farmland. Also, as a Capital Budget Committee member, we’ve provided funding to protect Greenback’s Lagoon Point Community Forest which is critically important for the continued health of our island communities.
Military and Veteran Assistance
As one of a handful of veterans serving in the legislature, our active-duty, reservists, National Guard members, and veterans have always been my priority.
I introduced House Bill 1346, which recognizes schools that support our military-connected students. As they face frequent moves and parental deployments, this program is critical to ensuring social-emotional and academic resources. With the Purple Star Award, military families can feel relieved knowing that their child is supported at school.
I fought for the continued funding of a veteran service officer (VSO) in Island County. VSOs are critical in helping veterans receive benefits including housing, utility, and food assistance. Veterans sacrificed to keep us safe, and I’m making sure they receive the benefits they deserve.
I also cosponsored House Bill 1862, which provides tax exemptions for on-base nonprofits serving disabled veterans and members of the armed forces, and House Bill 1943, which expands the eligibility to spouses and dependents for the Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant Program. I will always fight for every veteran across every corner of our state because they have fought and sacrificed for all of us.
The Future
And this isn’t the end. We’re forging ahead with priorities for the next legislative session. This means fighting for bills that haven’t crossed the finish – just yet.
I’ll keep fighting for better resources and tools for our law enforcement so they can rebuild the bonds of trust with their community and do their job right (House Bill 2390). Our farming community is feeding us and the world, and we need to support them more with tax incentives (House Bill 1936). Finally, our democracy is stronger with all of us participating. House Bill 2023 will require voting materials to be translated in more counties.
Honored to Serve You
Thank you for the opportunity to continue my life-long dedication to public service. As a veteran having attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, trained at a naval nuclear reactor plant, and served in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as a public affairs officer, I am honored to serve you here in the Washington State Legislature.
Always at your service,
Rep. Clyde Shavers
