https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/866680021932460 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on April 24, 2024 8:04 am. I’ve heard from so many of you about the need to improve mental health and substance use disorder treatment services in our community. I’m proud to report that this year’s capital...
State Rep. Dave Paul posted about the capital budget on his legislative Facebook page on Apr. 24, 2024.
https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/866679615265834 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on April 23, 2024 9:29 am. Inhalers and epinephrine injectors (epi-pens) are lifesaving devices. They’re also ridiculously expensive today. I wrote House Bill 1979 to cap the cost of inhalers and epi-pens at $35 for a 30-day...
https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/860189155914880 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on April 18, 2024 10:01 am. Ferries are an essential part of island life—and integral to our region. They also provide family-wage jobs for community members. I worked to secure funding to add two additional crew to...
https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/860188895914906 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on April 16, 2024 10:00 am. I know how the high cost of housing is hard on families and on our economy. The legislature made progress this year on improving housing affordability, with new investments to the...
Dear neighbors,
I’m pleased to report that lawmakers made significant progress on the issues that matter the most to families and residents in our community during this short 60-day session. While the national climate is very polarized, Democrats and Republicans in Washington state continue to find many opportunities to work together.
This e-news is a quick update on some of the work we did in the last session.
I also want to invite you to my next community meeting in Oak Harbor on Tuesday, April 16. Hope to see you there!
Supporting our youth
Even before the pandemic, it was clear that we must do more to improve mental health outcomes for young people. In 2022, I worked with local officials and healthcare providers on the issue and requested funding for a Youth Mental Health pilot program. I’ve secured funding every year since—to continue and expand the program to reach more kids in our community. I recently had the opportunity to meet with those involved in the program and hear about the great work they have been doing.
Island County has partnered with several community organizations to use the funding to serve young people. The Pediatric Associates of Whidbey Island has expanded youth mental health services and parent education. Big Brother and Big Sisters have been able to serve 175 youth, with over 480 service hours working with kids in elementary, middle, and high school. BBBS is partnering with the Coupeville School District for the Dabbling in New Opportunities (DINO) after-school program—which allows kids to try a variety of different activities.
The Island County Health Department has hired a community health worker who collaborates with school districts to help find scholarships for kids who want to continue in something they tried through DINO. The Community Resource Center serves Camano Island and Stanwood and gives kids an opportunity to find things they are interested in and develop new skills. They have a full music and recording studio and are even sending students to Seattle for the Folklife Festival in May.
It was wonderful to hear about all the work being done to support our youth. You can find more info about these programs here: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/377/Social-Outreach-Adventure-Resilience-SOA
I will continue to look for ways to expand the Youth Mental Health initiative to support more kids, parents, and families across our community.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your state representative.
Sincerely,
https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/860188682581594 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on April 13, 2024 10:00 am. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and the new state budget supports our justice system and improves public safety. Our local law enforcement agencies are facing significant challenges with...
https://www.facebook.com/904039064863222/posts/860188469248282 State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on April 11, 2024 3:26 pm. Ferries are vital to residents and our state’s economy. I asked to serve as the Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee to ensure that ferries are fully funded. I’m proud...
