News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on February 27th, 2022
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for February 28, 2022
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – The 40th Legislative District Democrats General Meeting is Sunday, Mar 6, 2:00pm (Check-in at 1:30pm), via Zoom
"We will be holding special elections to fill the positions of Chair, Whatcom Vice-Chair, and Treasurer. Please encourage anyone you think might be interested to run for these positions. Anyone who lives or votes in the 40th LD is able to run." Click Here for the Zoom link. Click Here for the agenda. Click Here for vacancies and application information.
2. NEW – Fidalgo Democrats will meet Tuesday, Mar 8, 7:00pm, online
"Please join us for a special night with our new Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Learn what the Secretary of State is responsible for in Washington State. He oversees our elections and much more. What are the issues and what can we expect? He will take questions following his presentation. Barbara Cooper, Chair, 360-293-4123"
Last month's meeting with 2nd Congressional District Representative Rick Larsen can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgqwLel5jBU.
3. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Central Committee meets Saturday, Mar 12, 10:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom
Further information will be forthcoming.
4. NEW – Legislative Committee Calls to Action
Over the past weeks we’ve asked you to write to your representatives to show support for selected bills identified by your Skagit Democrats’ legislative committee. So many of the bills we support are gaining momentum as they near the finish line! Thank you for taking the time to send those emails. It really does make a difference.
This week, we ask that you email your representatives AGAIN in support of the bills listed below. We need to show ongoing support as these important bills move out of committee and onto the floor. March 4 is the last day for the legislature to pass many of these bills. Let’s see what we can do!
Make sure to include your name and address at the end of each email.
ESHB1169-
Dear senator,
<liz.lovelett@leg.wa.gov, keith.wagoner@leg.wa.gov, ron.muzzall@leg.wa.gov>
It is time to pass ESHB1169 and begin to fix our sentencing structure to be tougher on criminals committing drug related crimes. Please give this bill priority and get it passed. (Sentencing enhancements)
E2SSB5597-
Dear representative,
<dave.paul@leg.wa.gov, greg.gilday@leg.wa.gov, deborah.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov, alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov, carolyn.eslick@leg.wa.gov, robert.sutherland@leg.wa.gov>
Vote yes on E2SSB5597. It's time to add protections to the Washington Voting Rights Act to ensure fair elections and appropriate oversight of our election systems to prevent voter fraud.
SB5042-
Dear representative,
<dave.paul@leg.wa.gov, greg.gilday@leg.wa.gov, deborah.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov, alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov, carolyn.eslick@leg.wa.gov, robert.sutherland@leg.wa.gov>
It’s time we regulate the planning process for Fully Contained Community by closing the FCC loophole in the growth management act. Please help pass SB5042.
ESSB5078-
Dear representative,
<dave.paul@leg.wa.gov, greg.gilday@leg.wa.gov, deborah.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov, alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov, carolyn.eslick@leg.wa.gov, robert.sutherland@leg.wa.gov>
It is time we restrict high capacity magazines for assault rifles and protect public safety. There is no reason anyone needs a 30 round magazine to go hunting. Let's pass ESSB5078!
ESSB5974-
Dear representative,
<dave.paul@leg.wa.gov, greg.gilday@leg.wa.gov, deborah.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov, alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov, carolyn.eslick@leg.wa.gov, robert.sutherland@leg.wa.gov>
We need to pass ESSB5974 to fund transportation in Washington, including electric ferries. Move Ahead Washington delivers historic investments to preserve our roads, reduce carbon emissions, and provide safe, accessible, and affordable options to get around.
SHB1876-
Dear senator,
<liz.lovelett@leg.wa.gov, keith.wagoner@leg.wa.gov, ron.muzzall@leg.wa.gov>
It’s time we require more transparency to budget impact of ballot measure, levys, tax or fee and have a fiscal impact statement for them. Please put your full support behind SHB1876.
5. Call for Volunteers
"We can start to defend democracy this year by working on our local level. Volunteer to work in the office and pitch in to support our elected officials and those who are planning to run. You can work at your comfort level, whether it is writing post cards or thank you cards, or making phone calls, or answering phone calls. We welcome your thoughts and ideas for the future of our county. Current Office Hours are two-hour slots, at 10am, noon, and 2pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and we have openings. As we approach the primary and then election in November, we plan to have the office open on Fridays as well. Can you help? This is a great way to get active in our county!" If you are interested, please email staff@skagitdemocrats.org.
6. NEW – From the Chair's Desk
"It has been a busy week filled with major news. We’ve all been watching the war in Ukraine, with Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion. My heart breaks for all the people in Ukraine and I am also heartened by the bravery shown by the anti-war protests in Russia which have openly opposed this attack.
It has not escaped our notice how the republican party, still enamored with Donald Trump, continues to lavish Vladimir Putin with praise for his invasion.
He is “pretty smart,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday at a Florida fund-raiser, assessing the impending invasion like a real estate deal. “He’s taken over a country for $2 worth of sanctions,” he said, “taking over a country — really a vast, vast location, a great piece of land with a lot of people — and just walking right in.” Historians called the remarks unprecedented. “The idea that a former president would praise the man or leadership who American troops are even now traveling to confront and contain,” said Jeffrey Engel, a presidential historian at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, “is astounding.”
While we hope for a resolution to this horrific invasion, and we wait while Putin is held accountable, there are some very real ways we can help. If you want to get involved, here is a list of meaningful ways you can help support Ukraine and refugees fleeing violence. United Help Ukraine receives and distributes donations, food, and medical supplies to internally displaced Ukrainians, anyone affected by the conflict, and the families of wounded or killed soldiers.
Supreme Court Nominee – On Friday morning, President Biden announced the nomination of Federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Supreme Court! Judge Jackson is the first Black Woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court, thus fulfilling a promise President Biden made in 2020. Judge Jackson is exceptionally well qualified and has the experience, character, integrity, and dedication to the Constitution and rule of law that is necessary to serve on the nation’s highest court. Judge Jackson will be the first public defender to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson has a proven track record of attracting bipartisan support in the Senate. She’s been confirmed three times on a bipartisan vote in the US Senate – and there’s no reason to expect anything different as she is now considered for the Supreme Court.
Legislature News – With just a couple weeks left until the session ends on March 10th, legislative Democrats in the House and Senate released their budget proposals for 2022 this week. While the proposals from each chamber differ slightly, both would make important investments in public schools, housing affordability and homelessness prevention, job creation, and transportation. You can read more about the House and the Senate proposals at those two links. We’re looking forward to action in both chambers and seeing our Democratic leaders come together to negotiate their final budget plan for the year. (Staff from Wa State Democrats)
As our attention seems focused nationally, keep your eye on the impact the national news has on our local elections. Our Very own Senator Patty Murray is being challenged by a Republican by the name of Tiffany Smiley. Tiffany Smiley has been endorsed by GOP Senator Rick Scott from Florida and is a part of the same movement to which Rick Scott ascribes. To learn more, please read this.
As we begin a new week, I would like to take this time to welcome all of our new members and volunteers! We appreciate all of our members, PCO’s and the amount of hard work that is being done on behalf of Skagit County Democrats. You matter, and you truly make a difference!!
In Solidarity, Lynn Campbell, Chair, chair@skagitdemocrats.org"
7. NEW – Links of the Week
The Links of the Week provide in-depth pieces and resources the Editor has found to be relevant, insightful, and thorough on important issues of the day.
- How former SpaceX engineers are reinventing the freight train
- The First Amendment can help stop dark patterns in campaign fundraising
- More Than Half of Unemployed Young Men Have Criminal Records; Findings Suggested New Approach Needed to Aid the Unemployed
- Forget ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – The 8th Annual La Conner 2022 Daffodil Festival runs from Mar 1 – Mar 31
2. NEW – The monthly Planned Parenthood rally is Saturday, Mar 5, 11:00am – 12:00pm, on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Health Center, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
"As an outdoor event, masks are optional – but I'll be wearing mine. Bring your own signs or I'll have some to share."
3. Skagit County, Anacortes accepting comments on Shoreline Master Programs
"Skagit County is accepting comments until 4:30 p.m. March 1 and will hold an online public hearing at 10:30 a.m. that day on Zoom. Anacortes is accepting comments until 5 p.m. March 9." Click Here for more information.
- Click Here for the Skagit County Shoreline Master Program Update.
- Click Here for the Anacortes Shoreline Master Program Update.
Current Skagit County Information – The following is taken from the Skagit County COVID-19 Update of Feb 23
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit County’s 14-day case rate has decreased by 44 percent since last week, and our hospitalization rate has decreased by 21 percent. Our county has seen 5 new COVID-related deaths this week. Vaccination rates continue to climb slowly. Skagit County has officially reached 75 percent partially vaccinated amongst our eligible population (5+). Disease activity, though improving weekly, is still considered “HIGH” according to CDC metrics. Please continue to take precaution, get vaccinated and boosted, and remain home if sick or recently exposed.
Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate
Governor Inslee announced last week that as of March 21st, 2022, masks will no longer be required in indoor locations such as restaurants, grocery stores, malls, public-facing offices, K-12 schools, and childcare locations throughout the state. The outdoor mask mandate was officially lifted last Friday, February 18th.
The lifting of the mask mandate will not include certain indoor settings considered to be at high-risk for disease spread including healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and correctional facilities. Additionally, the federal mask mandate is still in effect and requires masking on all forms of public transportation, including buses, trains, and airplanes, and in transportation hubs.
Following the lifting of the mandate, Washingtonians can continue to wear a mask if they so choose. This goes for businesses, as well, who will retain the right to choose stricter masking requirements if desired.
There may be certain settings where wearing a mask makes sense, like when caring for someone who is high-risk, if you are sick, if you’re in a location where social distancing isn’t possible, or if you are not fully vaccinated. Those who are at greater risk because of factors such as their age or underlying health condition are encouraged to continue to take extra precautions.
Vaccine at the Public Health Office
COVID-19 prime, pediatric, and booster vaccinations are available at the Public Health office in downtown Mount Vernon at 700 S 2nd Street. To make an appointment, go to www.skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine or call (360) 416-1500. Walk-ins are also available, though appointments are preferred.
Available appointments include:
- Monday 2/28 –click here
- Tuesday 3/01 –click here
- Wednesday 3/02 –click here
- Thursday 3/03 –click here
ADDITION: Beginning the week of March 7, Skagit County Public Health will be changing its COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic’s operating schedule to Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Antigen Testing at the Fairgrounds
REMINDER: The Skagit Fairgrounds COVID Testing Site is open today (2/23) from 12pm-4pm.
Antigen testing is available at the Fairgrounds on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm. Testing is free and available to anyone 5 years and older who lives, works, or goes to school in Skagit County. Individuals must be symptomatic or have had recent exposure to COVID-19 to qualify for service at the site.
For information about our site or for a full list of testing providers in Skagit County: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusTESTsites.htm.
At-home COVID-19 Testing
Free at-home test kits can now be ordered online through the following sites:
- SayYesCOVIDHomeTest.org (state program)
- COVIDtests.gov (federal program)
If testing at home and you receive a positive test result, please call the state’s COVID-19 Hotline as soon as possible at 1–800–525–0127 or the Skagit County Public Health office at (360) 416-1500.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, are symptomatic, or have been recently exposed, please refer to the CDC's Isolation and Quarantine Guidance found here: https://bit.ly/3JQLIwF.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The League of Women Voters of Washington has a group – ACT via Zoom (Action Coffee Time) – focused on topics currently being debated in Washington State Legislative session
Mondays, 10:00am – 11:00am (with optional 11-11:15 social time). Attend as your interest in a topic and schedule allows. Each session will be recorded for viewing anytime. The continuing Zoom connection link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82841749719?pwd=K3cweWNUbkg0bkM0ZzRML2U1TXVBdz09 – Meeting ID: 828 4174 9719. Passcode: 619917.
This week's session – Gun Violence Prevention: Tremayne Edwards, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Next week's session – Last minute actions: LWV Issue Chairs