Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

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WSDCC – March 28, 2025

Posted on March 28, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!

This week, we are mourning the passing of former Washington State Speaker of the House Frank Chopp. Speaker Chopp was an inspiration and powerhouse from his first campaign to his tenure as one of the most effective and impactful Speakers of the House in Washington state histor,y spanning three decades of public service. Today, the Low Income Housing Institute exists, and 800,000 Washington children have healthcare thanks to his efforts. Speaker Chopp was a true definition of a Statesman and dedicated leader for Washington state. We mourn his passin,g and our hearts go out to everyone who loved him as we did. Thank you for everything, Speaker Chopp. We will do our best to uphold your legacy and will forever be grateful for your lifetime of service. We will share more details about ways to honor his life as we learn more. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Low Income Housing Institute, El Centro de la Raza, and Open Doors for Multicultural Families. You can read the obituary prepared by Speaker Chopp’s family here.

Some Good News to Highlight

We can add more Democratic overperformance to our list! In Pennsylvania, Democrats Dan Goughnour and James Malone won their special elections. Goughner’s win retains the Democratic majority in PA’s State House and Malone upset a Republican in a district that Trump won by +15%! Quick reminder that April 1 features crucial special elections in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court and Florida’s congressional delegation – find out how to help below!

Call to Action

  • FINAL WEEKEND: Elect more Democrats to the U.S. House
    • There’s a Special Election for two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida. We have the opportunity to use a low turnout election to cut into MAGA Mike Johnson’s majority, but we need everyone’s help. Write postcards, make phone calls, and more to help push the Democrats over the top in this April 1 election (no fooling!). Learn more on how to help Josh Weil and Gay Valimont here.
    • Phonebank from home on Sundays to recruit volunteers and turn out voters in FL-01, FL-06, and NY-21. Democrats are only three seats away from a House majority. It’s a longshot, but in special elections the electorate looks a LOT different – help us win these seats here!
  • FINAL WEEKEND: Stop Elon Musk from Buying Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Seat
    • Donate to Susan Crawford!
    • Watch Video [Indivisible]
    • Find ways you can help: write letters, make calls, make your own event.
  • Call the Attorney General to Demand the Release of Alfredo Juarez from ICE Detention
    • Call 360-753-6200 and tell the Washington Attorney General’s office that you are calling to demand the release of labor organizer and farmworker activist Alfredo Juarez. Please be polite, but firm. More details here.
  • Request Personal Data Obtained by DOGE
    • U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin is encouraging every U.S. citizen to file formal demands for access to the personal information obtained by the Department of Government Efficiency. You can find a fillable form here. Once you have filled out the form, please print it off and mail it in to DOGE at the address on the form.
  • Rally, Protest, and Gather
    • Every Wednesday – Time to Act volunteer trainings organized by Swing Left are hosted virtually every Wednesday from 6:30PM-7:30PM. Sign up here
    • Every Wednesday – Musk or Us Protests in Redmond every Wednesday from 4PM-5PM. Sign up here
    • Every Thursday – Seattle Indivisible hosts their Issue Advocacy Meetings every Thursday from 5PM-6PM. Sign up here
    • Send us details on rallies and protests in your communities 
      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:
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  • TikTok

Storybanking

This week, we’re sharing the story of Julia Barcott, a registered nurse in Yakima. Julia wants everyone to understand that when we say that Republicans are gutting Medicaid, that means they are actually gutting state-run healthcare for low-income families and children – in our state, that means Apple Health. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Julia! You can click the image above or watch it 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. 

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

Working for Washington

This week, I have been in the other Washington meeting with my colleagues at the Democratic National Committee to strategize and provide insight into how our Washington bucked the Republican shift last year. Once we have finalized our plans, I look forward to sharing next steps and some exciting new initiatives to help us take back Congress in 2026 with all of you.

It’s been a wild week! Starting with the jaw-dropping ineptitude of our Secretary of Defense and other cabinet members sharing classified information in a Signal group chat – the fact they had inadvertently allowed a journalist into their chat was just the tip of the iceberg of appalling security failures. You’ll also see Washington’s own conspiracy theorist, Joe Kent, who has run two unsuccessful campaigns against U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, pop up in the group chat.  Quite simply, this shocking mess has directly harmed our national security and further proven this administration’s inability to keep our country safe.

While I was in meetings, Trump also released his executive order that would weaken our elections systems and undermine our democratic institutions. Given that our Washington has the best elections systems in the country, where everyone receives a paper ballot in the mail and can submit their ballot in a secure ballot drop box or through the mail, where we have same-day voter registration, and where you can mail your ballot in for free with no stamp, we know that this executive order is nothing more than a smokescreen to inject Trump’s deranged conspiracy theories about his 2020 election loss into our democracy.

I am so proud to live in a state that elected Nick Brown as our Attorney General, who has already indicated he will be filing a lawsuit against this latest executive overreach that threatens every American’s right to vote. Because of that late-breaking executive order, you won’t find that lawsuit on our list below, but you will find EVERY other lawsuit our state has launched against this lawless administration and where it currently stands in our judicial system:

Republicans Behaving Badly

ICE arrests WA farmworker activist in Sedro-Woolley, The Seattle Times 
This appalling abuse of civil rights further proves the lengths the autocratic Trump administration will take to punish its political enemies. I applaud our Congressional delegation, especially Senators Murray and Cantwell and U.S. Representative Larsen who are diligently working to secure Mr. Juarez’s release.
The Trump Administration accidentally texted me its war plans, The Atlantic 
The gross incompetence of the Trump administration continues to expose itself with alarming regularity. This week, Americans were shocked to discover that (potentially classified) military plans to launch strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed by senior Trump administration officials over the Signal messaging app – a breach of security protocol that was only discovered because the Trump team accidentally included a reporter in the Signal chat. Defense Secretary Hegseth is the most unqualified leader in history of our Defense Department and should resign immediately.

Apples, pears, cherries look for Trump’s help with trade, Capital Press Our Northwest farmers of apples, pears, and cherries have lost approximately $700 million to $1.1 billion in exports to China alone since Trump’s first term because of retaliatory tariffs. For the China market: Apple exports are down 77%. Cherry exports are down 73%. Pear exports are down 99%! Trump’s trade war is hurting our family farms and Washington’s economy.

Democrats in the News

WA Democrats in Congress demand Trump’s defense secretary resign amid Signal scandal, The Olympian

Washington’s senators raise alarm over Trump administration’s changes to Social Security Administration, The News Tribune

Cantwell joins colleagues to fight for social security recipients, Gorge Country News

Which taxes are on the table for Washington state lawmakers, Axios

WA Democrats’ budget proposals intensify debate on new taxes, spending, The Seattle Times

Liberals fight back, as new Tesla registrations plunge in WA, The Seattle Times

What I’m Watching and Reading

Alaskans to pay heavy price as Social Security moves to in-pers+on checks, The Seattle Times Our American neighbors to the North are facing incredible hurdles erected by the Trump administration to access their Social Security benefits. This is going to hurt seniors, especially our Native elders – all to line the pockets of Trump’s wealthy donors.

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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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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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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