MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!
On Easter morning, I awoke to the heartbreaking news that State Senator Bill Ramos had passed away unexpectedly. Bill was a champion of working Washingtonians and a sterling example of public service. He had an infectious laugh and made sure to always center his work in the legislature around the community he loved so much. My heart breaks for Bill’s wife, Sarah and their family. Their incredible chemistry gave all of us an example of what a strong and committed couple could accomplish. Bill was hard at work passing legislation that made building infrastructure safer, drawing upon his career of experience in the U.S. Forest Service in this year’s legislative session. I will miss Bill’s ability to tell a story, his enthusiasm for the democratic process, and his tireless efforts to improve our state. His passing is a great loss for Washington State and the 5th Legislative District. You can read more about his long life of service and remembrances from others here.
Democrats Fighting Back
My former White House colleague, Jen Psaki recently posted a roundup of Democratic leaders who aren’t backing down in the face of Donald Trump’s cruelty, including Washington’s own Superintendent Chris Reykdal. Jen wrote, “even though his schools rely on Title 1 funding for low-income students, Reykdal made it clear: The rights of kids come first.”
Another Washington leader getting national press attention is Attorney General Nick Brown, who joined the AGs of Nevada, Colorado, and Hawaii to discuss their views on the unique judicial crises caused by the Trump administration, and to point out where the justice system is making progress. AG Brown told the audience, “For the most part, our system, our justice system, our courts have been working the way that they’re supposed to work.” That being said, AG Brown is extremely concerned by the administration’s refusal to comply with court orders also saying, “This is the first time, [last] week, in the past few days, where I really think we’re getting to the precipice of a constitutional crisis. I don’t say that lightly.”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier convened a roundtable with healthcare professionals and doctors in Wenatchee last week to discuss the brutal impacts of cuts to Apple Health and Medicaid. These cuts would impact delivery centers like Lake Chelan Community Hospital, which is one of the last small hospitals in the region that still delivers babies. In 2020, Apple Health covered approximately 46% of all births in the state. I applaud our leaders for shining a spotlight on how Trump’s budget will destroy healthcare for many smaller communities around the country.
Updates from Olympia
House Bill 1321–Rep. Sharlett Mena’s bill to block unauthorized militias from entering Washington has been signed into law by Governor Ferguson. This new law prohibits military forces from other states, territories, or districts from entering Washington for duty without approval from the Governor or the President.
House Bill 1105–Rep. Mary Fosse’s bill to streamline collective bargaining for Department of Corrections employees was signed by Governor Ferguson. This bill recognizes the unique needs of DOC employees while preventing holdups for other state workers.
House Bill 1287–Rep. Alicia Rule’s bill to allow mental-health workers to share confidential information with one another when attempting to avert crisis situations passed in both chambers and has been sent to Governor Ferguson’s desk for his signature. This legislation is designed to allow mental-health professionals to provide faster and more complete care when coordinating to help someone in crisis.
Call to Action
- Ballot Cure in North Carolina
- North Carolina’s Democratic Party may need to start curing ballots this weekend to stop the GOP from stealing a State Supreme Court seat months after the election that Allison Riggs won fair and square. Please sign up and volunteer for phone banking here
- Rally, Protest, and Gather
- TODAY–WA Dems People’s Town Hall at Spokane Community College. 5:30-7:30 PM. Register here. See below for more details.
- Thursday May 1 – International Workers’ Day Rally and March starting at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle. Starts at Noon. More details here.
- Saturday May 3 – Fuse Opposition Summit from 1PM-3PM in downtown Seattle. RSVP here.
- Send us details on rallies and protests in your communities
- Email details to press@wa-democrats.org
- Email details to press@wa-democrats.org
- Donate
If you would like to see less Washington D.C. and more Washington state in your community, please DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results. We can’t do the work of holding Republicans accountable without your support. - Follow us on social media
- Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates and actions that can benefit your communities:
- BlueSky
- Threads
- TikTok
Storybanking–Send Us Your Stories
Last week, our Communications Team traveled through Central Washington to gather stories from people who have been impacted by the Trump administration. Today we’re sharing the viewpoint of Demaris Garceau of Goldendale, Washington. Listen to her interview with Director of Communications Stephen Reed by clicking the image above or here.
The best way to persuade people about the horrible impacts of Trump’s chaos is to share real stories from real people in their communities. If you are interested in sharing your story of the direct impacts of Trump 2.0 on your life, please send an email to press@wa-democrats.org that includes your name, contact information, which Washington community you reside in, the story you would like to share, and permission to share your story with the public.
Our Communications team will be in touch within a few business days after you have reached out to help collect your story.
Spokane Town Hall Today
We are excited to invite residents in Congressional District 5 to our Spokane Town Hall! The event is Today from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Spokane Community College. We will be convening a panel of amazing speakers, including Congresswoman Emily Randall and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, as well as other members of the community who have been affected by the Trump Administration.
If you would like to attend, please fill out this RSVP Form and invite any community members or friends you think would be interested! This event is open to anyone, and everyone is welcome!
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Washington Democrats are celebrating! Please join us on May 10 at Seattle Harbor Restaurant (formerly China Harbor) to celebrate the power, leadership, and excellence of our state’s AANHPI Democratic family. Special guests are being lined up – I think you’ll be really excited when we announce them next week! RSVP here!
Republicans Behaving Badly
WA food banks bracing for potential impacts from federal cuts and tariffs
Washington State Standard
Local farmers, food banks, and everyone who relies upon them to feed their families are bracing for Trump’s proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With the economic instability unleashed by Trump’s tariffs, more people are using food banks than before. Cutting the programs that fund these necessary services will be double whammy that hurts families that are already struggling. Senator Murray says it best in the article, “right now, some of the richest and most powerful men in the world are stealing food from our kids.”
As controversies pile up, Trump allies increasingly turn on one another
The Seattle Times
The chaos unleashed by Trump’s first term is already echoing in his second as his top lieutenants stab each other in the back to secure more power for themselves. From Sec. Hegseth’s second Signal chat where he shared classified information to Elon Musk fighting Trade Advisory Peter Navarro over tariff policy, we must leverage these screwups from Trump’s team to show Americans how they are endangering our national security and the thriving economy they are washing down the drain.
Democrats in the News
‘A devastating loss’: WA state Sen. Bill Ramos mourned after dying unexpectedly
Gorge Country Media
WA can now restrict outside National Guard from entering state
The Seattle Times
WA Commerce chief warns tariff fallout could hit state hard
TVW
Republicans fret they’ll be left out of critical stage of budget talks
Washington State Standard
What I’m Watching and Reading
Anti-Trump protests build momentum in WA: ‘We’re just getting louder’
The Seattle Times
Last Saturday’s protests across the country were inspiring, especially seeing red and purple communities hosting events that drew hundreds and even thousands of people. A 2-mile line of protesters in Everett demonstrates how the frustration with Trump’s chaos is mobilizing people to take back their government and hold his administration accountable.
Thanks for all you do,
Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party
We sincerely thank you for your help and support.
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States