Benton County Democrats

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WSDCC – February 14, 2025

Posted on February 14, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Valentine’s Day, Washington Democrats!

Celebrating Black History Month

Every February we not only celebrate the history of Black people and their enormous contributions to our state and nation, but also those Black icons who are making history right now! 

Today’s spotlight is focused on one of my favorite people in politics, Washington’s very own U.S. Representative from the 10th Congressional District, Marilyn Strickland. Not only is Marilyn the first Black person elected to represent Washington state in Congress, she is also the first  Black-Korean American to be elected to Congress and one of the first three Korean-American women elected to Congress in the entire country. This year, Rep. Strickland was chosen by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to be the House Democrat’s representative to the Democratic National Committee.

In Congress, Rep. Strickland has fought hard for working Washington families, helping pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, returning millions of dollars in owed benefits to South Sound residents, and securing more than $45 million in investments directly for the South Sound – including investments in clean drinking water, road safety, and supporting Tribes. 

Today is really special because it also marks the culmination of Rep. Strickland’s Annual Valentines for Veterans and First Responders Drive. Throughout the 10th Congressional District, veterans and first responders, and for the first time – JBLM soldiers deployed to South Korea, are receiving Valentines from local residents. 

A HUGE thank you to ALL of our Black lawmakers who are making history in Washington state!

Working for Washington

This week, I was invited to speak with Shorecrest High School students about careers in public service, how to be change agents in their communities, and took questions about what mattered most to them. I was impressed by their commitment to their school and friends and their recognition that these chaotic times require more engagement – not tuning out. Thank you, Shorecrest High School for having me!

Here at WA Dems, we are compiling resources to help those communities bearing the brunt of the Trump administration’s cruelty and providing actions you can take right now to help build our resistance. Our elected officials are also doing everything they can to check Trump’s unconstitutional power grab.

Senator Patty Murray has been working to identify the real world impacts of Trump’s chaos and demand answers about how Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” may be breaking U.S. law. She also pulled back the curtain on RFK’s dangerous beliefs.

Senator Maria Cantwell voted against Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary in committee and has been defending vital funding programs from the floor of the Senate. 

Democratic Senators created a Whistleblower website to help federal employees and officials describe and document illegal activity from Trump and Elon’s cronies.

Attorney General Nick Brown secured a nationwide halt of Trump’s illegal attempt to end birthright citizenship, launched a lawsuit to stop Trump’s Executive Order attacking gender-affirming healthcare for children, and on Monday sued the Trump administration over its funding cuts to medical research. 

Governor Bob Ferguson has been supporting those lawsuits and having his staff make preparations to square off with the Trump administration and announced that the Department of Health will now process all requests to change gender designation on birth certificates within three business days. This ends what had been up to a 10 month wait.


OSPI Superintendent Reykdal blasted Trump’s order on transgender athletes and vowed to uphold state law.

Take Action Today  

  1. Republicans in the Washington State Legislature are up to their old voter suppression tricks. Last week, they introduced legislation that would attempt to end vote by mail in our state. Unsurprisingly, ZERO Democratic lawmakers have signed on. Still, I urge everyone to take a moment to protect the democratic norms that have increased civic engagement by registering your opposition to this legislation here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1584
  2. Print and distribute “Know Your Rights” cards available HERE as a pdf in 15 different languages.
  3. Share the resources we’ve collected below to provide support for those bearing the brunt of Trump’s inhumane policies.
  4. Follow our social media accounts for rapid responses to the Trump 2.0 unconstitutional power grab.
    • Facebook
    • BlueSky
    • Threads
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
  5. Do you live in Central Washington? SEIU 775 is asking Rep. Dan Newhouse’s constituents to pressure him to protect Medicaid and Apple Health from illegal spending cuts. You can find more info here: https://centralwafamilies.org/ 
  6. DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results.

Storybanking

WA Dems and our elected Democrats need your help. We are collecting stories of people in Washington impacted by Trump administration policies.

Are you a federal employee who received an email saying you could be offered a buyout or that you were terminated without notice? Do you work at a research institution or non-governmental organization and have had your federal funding yanked away?  Was someone in your family denied gender-affirming healthcare? We need your stories. 

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. 

Senator Cantwell and Murray have also asked for help finding stories like these. Please be sure to note that you want your story told and be as detailed as possible. You can share your stories with our U.S. Senators here:

Senator Patty Murray

Senator Maria Cantwell

Resources for Resistance

We must be prepared to protect our friends and neighbors from illegal searches and incarceration. As Trump policy directives come into focus, it is more important than ever that we stick together and fight back. Please share the resources below, and if you have ideas on other organizations or services we should be spotlighting – please don’t hesitate to send them to chair@wa-democrats.org. 

Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people. Their hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people to respond to whatever needs members of the trans community may have. The hotline number is 1-877-565-8860

Gender Justice League: Gender Justice League provides direct support and advocacy for the trans community and assists transgender people in obtaining government documentation that matches their gender identity. You can contact them through the website or call 206-538-0423.

If you see ICE activity taking place or any marked vehicles, please report it immediately to Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network at 1-844-724-3737. 

Know your rights. Do not open the door. “ICE warrants” authorities may claim to have are not legal to enter your home. ICE warrants must be signed by a local judge to enter your home.

If you need legal assistance, call the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at 1-800-445-5771

Services for immigrants:

El Centro de la Raza

Refugee Women’s Alliance

Chinese Information & Service Center

East African Community Services

The International Rescue Committee in Seattle

Jewish Family Services – 253-850-4065

Archdiocese of Seattle – 206-274-3194

One America

Congolese Integration Network

Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

Happy Valentines Day

Please enjoy (and share!) these Washington Democrats Valentines Cards our social media team created:

WA Republicans Behaving Badly

Rep. John Ley filed to run in a district he was drawn out of, so he set up a scheme to circumvent residency laws. Rather than risk his legislative seat, he pled guilty to lesser charges. As his fellow Republicans in the State House seek to end vote by mail and institute ID laws, maybe they should look to the voter frauds in their own caucus. 

Rep. John Ley pleads guilty to two voter violation charges, The Columbian

Democrats in the News

‘The purge has begun,’ Environmental justice workers locked out of EPA Seattle office, KUOW

Democratic state lawmakers push back against Trump’s deportation policies with new clemency bill, MyNorthwest

Democrats unveil state legislative map for the next election cycle, with eyes on opposing Trump’s agenda and redistricting, NBC News

House Democrats begin push to repeal Washington’s cap on property tax hikes, Washington State Standard

WA Democrats back bill to raise revenue. But critics say folks ‘not in the mood’ for more taxes, The News Tribune

Point Roberts in uniquely vulnerable to a cross-border trade war, Vancouver Sun

What I’m Reading

Voters were right about the economy. The data was wrong., Politico Eugene Ludwig, Chair of the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity teases apart how government economic indicators paint a far rosier economic picture than what most Americans experience. As someone who generally “trusts the data” this was a great wakeup call about how even objective measures of our economy can fail to reflect what most voters experience in their daily lives. As Trump fails again and again to bring down prices, we must tailor our economic agenda to meet reality, broadening our focus beyond the unemployment rate and inflation indexes that are weighted to capture the experience of wealthier Americans. 

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad

Washington State Democratic Party


DONATE

We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Vaccination is described as safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). ... See MoreSee Less

Washington state releases new vaccine recommendations ahead of flu season

keprtv.com

The state of Washington announced its vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.
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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
If we're reading this correctly, Trump has just broken the law by advising the public to buy Lilly stock, which is a violation of the STOCK Act - short for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, the STOCK Act is a 2012 law that aims to prevent insider trading among members of Congress, government officials, and their staff.🚨INVESTMENT ALERT🚨Eli Lilly is set to build a $5,000,000,000 manufacturing plant in Virginia! ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
What’s different now is the looming threat of entire research programs being eliminated, not just reduced.www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/our-view-sept-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3oFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo... ... See MoreSee Less

We can’t afford to lose this much talent. PNNL layoffs put scientific progress at risk

www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com

The real risk of PNNL layoffs is brain drain on a national scale.
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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

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For the first time since 2021, there are more unemployed job-seekers than available openings. ... See MoreSee Less

Trump’s Economy Is Finally Here—and It’s Even Worse Than You Imagined

slate.trib.al

Layoffs are spreading and unemployment is rising—and one kind of worker is being hit the hardest.
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2 weeks ago

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Some good news to report this morning, but we wish Rep. Dan Newhouse would step up and work with his WA state Dem colleagues to challenge the potential shut down of Hanford's VIT plant. ... See MoreSee Less

Representatives Newhouse and Schrier push for Washington conservation bill to aid farmers

www.nbcrightnow.com

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance conservation efforts in Washington state.
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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    October 3, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W. Victoria Ave Kennewick, WA

    We are going to start a social every first Friday of the month and BIG thanks to Moonshot Brewing who has agreed to let us meet there. Join us on Friday, Sept 5th, 4-6pm. Let’s come together and have some fun! Hope to see you there!

    See more details

•
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    For current location please visit https://www.facebook.com/TriCityDems/

    See more details

•
11
12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
31
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