About Elizabeth | News & Media | Email Updates | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I just wanted to send you a quick update on some of the things that are going on right now while the Legislature is not in session. I hope you find this information useful and, as always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Christian Heritage Week
Governor Inslee has approved my request that Oct. 13-19 be declared “Christian Heritage Week” in Washington state. For the past 15 years in our state, one week in late October has been recognized as Christian Heritage Week as a way to honor the Christian principles, values and virtues upon which our state was founded. The preamble to the Washington State Constitution says:
“We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.”
I'm very grateful to former State Senator Val Stevens for allowing me to continue this long-standing tradition upon her retirement from office. It is an honor to carry this torch forward and remind this current generation – and the next – that our state was indeed founded upon Christian ideals.
Talk of a gas tax increase continues…
While we were successful in defeating a 10.5 cents-per-gallon gas tax increase during session (and special sessions), the issue is certainly not dead. The governor and House Democrats desperately want to raise the gas tax and are talking about a possible special session in November to do so. However, we have seen too many problems within the Washington State Department of Transportation's construction management system to just throw more money at it. Many of my colleagues and I believe we need to “Fix it before you fund it.”
Now, you have the opportunity to weigh in on any potential gas tax increase. The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus is hosting a series of statewide meetings focusing on transportation issues. I encourage you to attend one of these meeting to express your opinion. Or, if you can't attend the meeting, you can click here to leave your comments online.
Oct. 14 – Seattle 6-9 p.m. King County Courthouse, Room 1001, 516 3rd Avenue, 10th Floor, Seattle
Oct. 15 – Bellingham 6-9 p.m. Port of Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham
I've been told many of the previous meetings were stacked with people (agency officials, public sector unions, big business) speaking IN FAVOR of more taxes. I'm hopeful that we can get more citizen voices heard in these upcoming events.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County
I recently had the honor of participating in Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County's 8th Annual Hope Within Luncheon. I was the keynote speaker for an event titled “Keep Calm and Grow Strong – Planting Seeds for the Future.” During this time I was able to share my experiences with domestic violence. This is a deeply personal issue for me and despite some nerves, I was able to (I trust) offer encouragement, strength and hope to many in our community who are victims of domestic violence.
Here's an excerpt from the Everett Herald's story on the event:
As keynote speaker at the annual Hope Within luncheon, a fundraiser for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, Scott shared a personal story she had never before told in public. It was the story of her descent into the hell of an abusive relationship, and of her escape with the help of family and community.
“Some things I had to learn the hard way,” Scott said.
To read the entire article, click here.
Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup
Senate Bill 5802, which passed earlier this year, established the Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup. This workgroup is examining policies that have been enacted in an attempt to affect the cyclical nature of our climate, including policies enacted in other states and countries.”
Why is this work important? Because the Legislature is taking the rare step of quantifying the impact these decisions would have on the economy and families.
To learn more about the workgroup, including past and upcoming meetings, click here. Below is the date and location of the next meeting in our region. These meetings are designed specifically to hear from the public. I absolutely encourage you to participate!
- Wednesday, October 23 | 6:00 – 9:20 p.m. in the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle.
Please help us get the word out. We need a good showing for common sense and individual liberty! For those who aren't called on to testify, comment sheets will be provided at the meeting as well.
In closing
It's been great seeing so many of you as I've traveled around the district these past few months. You don't know how much your words of encouragement mean to me. I am so honored to serve you in the state House of Representatives.
In service,
Elizabeth Scott
