News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on January 29th, 2023
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for January 30, 2023
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Skagit County Democrats Legislative Committee Report
The State Legislature is back in session and that means our Legislative Committee is hard at work going through as many bills as possible to make sure we keep you well informed. Each week we will feature bills that we need your help getting passed. Please write your legislative members in support of the bills you like.
We are currently seeking more members for the Legislative Committee, if you are interested please email Lynn, Chair@SkagitDemocrats.org.
-Here are this week's featured bills-
SB5335 – Universal healthcare for Washington State
Developing non-profit health insurance coverage for every Washingtonian. Providing medical, dental, vision, and prescription health coverage. This is a huge deal and there will be a LOT of insurance companies trying to kill this bill. We have to push the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee to get this bill to a floor vote.
*Please email all of the following Senators*
- Chair Annette Cleveland (D-49th LD)
- Vice Chair June Robinson (D-38th LD)
- Sen. Steve Conway (D-29th LD)
- Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-45th LD)
- Sen. Emily Randall (D-26th LD)
- Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-24th LD)
Subject- Support SB5335
Message- "Please Support SB5335 and get it through committee. This is a fantastic bill that must move forward. You have the chance to save countless lives and help create a far better healthcare system."
HB1042 Creation of additional housing units in existing buildings
This bill would enable conversion of existing non-housing buildings for construction of multiple housing units. Municipalities would be restricted from blocking such housing construction within zones where multi-housing units are permitted.
*For HB1042 please contact the representatives from your district.*
-Recommended text-
"Washington state is in the throes of a housing crisis. Unless changes are made to restrictions preventing multi-unit housing construction, Washington will not be able to catch up to our dramatic needs for additional housing at all income levels, but especially for affordable housing. Density housing will accelerate availability of homes for Washingtonians. I urge you to support passage of HB 1042."
-Find your representative and their contact information – https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/. Thank you for taking the time to help affect positive change!
2. NEW – Garage Sale at the Fairgrounds
Skagit County Democrats has an indoor vendor booth at the upcoming Spring Garage Sale at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Friday and Saturday, Apr 7 and 8. Time to go through your closets, garage, kitchen cabinets, etc., for donations to help this fundraiser. Remember, one person's donation is another person's treasure! We are accepting donated items effective now. Please drop them at our office from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Monday – Thursday, 2021 East College Way, Mount Vernon – or call the office at 360-336-1555 to arrange delivery/pickup.
We are also seeking volunteers to help before, during, and after the event:
- Truck drivers to deliver donations to the fairgrounds and take the un-sold away when finished
- People to set up and tear down
- People to staff the booth
There is something for everyone. If interested, please call the office at 360-336-1555.
3. The Skagit County Auditor's Office has advised us there are no elections scheduled for February of this year
4. Ready to initiate/renew your Skagit County Democrats membership? It is that time of year!
A reminder: subscription to the newsletter does not convey membership. Paying dues conveys membership AND voting privileges. The cost is minimal – only $20.00 for an individual membership or $35.00 for a family. Click Here to join on-line through ActBlue. Click Here to download, print, and complete a form for membership to be mailed. Or Click Here to simply make a donation.
5. NEW – 2nd Congressional District Representative Rick Larsen to Serve as Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in 118th Congress
Click Here for more information.
6. Skagit County Democrats is again requesting anyone visiting our Headquarters to "mask up"
7. Lynn Campbell got "spoofed" recently
Lynn was recently advised that someone forwarded an email under her identity soliciting contributions. The email heading was "we’re through". The solicitation was originally from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Please be advised that if you received this email, it was NOT from Lynn.
8. 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 does the government’s classification system work?
- Science has finally cracked the mystery of why so many people believe in conspiracy theories
- Responding to the Firearm Violence Crisis: Are Some Newly Enacted Laws Making Things Worse?
- How Barr’s Quest to Find Flaws in the Russia Inquiry Unraveled
- Inventing the Lie Detector (Video)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – February is Black History Month
Here are some local offerings:
2. Nuclear Weapons: from Opposition to Abolition sponsored by No More Bombs, Thursday, Feb 2, 7:00pm via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. Presented by Tom Rogers, "a retired US Navy submarine captain who has worked with nuclear weapons throughout his career. He commanded a nuclear armed attack submarine during the Cold War and knows what he is talking about. He now shares his expertise and leadership in the nuclear disarmament community at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, next to the Trident Nuclear Submarine base where he’s been arrested at least 10 times during protests. Write to nomorebombs.skagit@gmail.com with question or comments."
3. The next monthly Planned Parenthood rally is Saturday, Feb 4, 11:00am – 12:00pm, on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Health Center, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
Bring your signs, your friends, your family, and your masks.
4. The Skagit County AARP TaxAide Program provides FREE tax preparation
"The Skagit AARP TaxAide program offers free tax return preparation, and tax consultation for most low- and middle-income tax situations. [Including for seniors] It is an all-volunteer community operation, sponsored by the AARP Foundation with Spanish language support from Goodwill. Your tax return is prepared by IRS certified tax preparers (called counselors), who must recertify annually. If you are interested in accessing our free tax preparation service, familiarize yourself with our process and call one of the sites for an appointment. Due to the pandemic, access to Skagit AARP TaxAide services will be limited so be sure to make your appointment early! Once we run out of appointments, you will have to find another way to get your tax return done." Click Here for more information.
5. Skagit County Seeks Applicants for Agricultural Advisory Board
"Skagit County is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat in District 2 for a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to serve in an advisory role in making recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding land use, planning, programs, and policy decisions relating to agriculture. The Skagit County Agricultural Advisory Board makes recommendations on policy and planning issues related to agriculture and represents the diversity of the agricultural economy, various agricultural operations, and districts of Skagit County." Letters of interest along with a statement of qualifications are due by Feb 9. Click Here for more information.
6. UPDATED – COVID-19 Information
Skagit County Public Health Seeks Feedback About COVID-19 Response – The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and responses are anonymous. It will remain open for public comment until February 28, 2023.
Click Here for the most current report and resources.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Anacortes Sunday Demonstrations
Democrats are again demonstrating in Anacortes each Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the corner of 12th Street and Commercial Avenue. "We carry signs for Dem candidates, get out and vote signs, women's right-to-chose in healthcare and so on and so on. We need more people to show up."
2. Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
Coffee and Cards meets on Wednesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This is the group that was previously led by Carol Sullivan and is now lead quite capably by Judy Farrar. The group is a way for us to express ourselves about issues of importance to us all.
We will write messages of encouragement and support to people who are making positive contributions as well as messages of concern and opposition to people who are negatively impacting our world. This includes legislators on the local, state, and federal level as well as CEOs of corporations and other people having a significant impact in our world. We will share ideas for people to write to and issues to address.
Postcards and stamps will be provided, but we ask that people bring money to cover the cost of the postcard stamps which are currently $.44. Coffee will be provided or bring your own. As Carol always reminded us, “We are stronger together.” Our office is located at 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon, 360-336-1555."