Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

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WSDCC – March 7, 2025

Posted on March 7, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Friday, Washington Democrats and Happy Women’s History Month!

Call to Action

  • Hold Reps. Newhouse and Baumgartner accountable
  • Elect more Democrats to the U.S. House

There’s a Special Election for 2 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.

  • Rally and Protest
    • Musk or Us: Fight Back! (Liberty Lake outside Spokane)
      https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/759876/
    • Celebrate International Women’s Day (Vancouver, WA)
      https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/759889/
    • Women’s March (Spokane)
      https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/759132/
    • Strengthen Medicare for All (Tacoma)
      https://www.psara.org/meetings-events
  • 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:

  • Facebook
  • BlueSky
  • Threads
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

Storybanking

Jaelle Downs is a Forest Service employee laid off by DOGE and Donald Trump. Jaelle took a pay cut in order to be a permanent employee and received stellar job performance reviews. None of that was enough to save her job from Trump’s lawlessness. Click above or watch her story here. Thank you for sharing your story, Jaelle! We appreciate everything you have done for our country and our state.

Last week, we shared Laura’s story on social media. Laura is the Captain of her High School Hip Hop Team that qualified for Nationals – unfortunately, Trump policies combined with the location of Nationals in Florida made Laura afraid to get on the plane. You can listen to Laura share her story here or click the image above.

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

Working for Washington

This week, Trump addressed both chambers of Congress. You can watch my reactions to his speech on Fox 13 and King 5.

We knew Trump would lie about his promises, so here’s a reminder of some of the many ways he is failing America:

PROMISE: “Making America affordable again” 
BROKEN: Prices are climbing under Trump while economists predict  “a serious Trump recession,” and consumer confidence plummets
PROMISE: “Rapidly defeat” inflation on Day One
BROKEN: Barely a month into his presidency, Trump admitted “inflation is back”
PROMISE: No cuts to Medicaid or Social Security (even after he tried to gut them every year of his first term)
BROKEN: Republicans are pushing a budget (with Trump’s blessing) that would put Medicaid on the chopping block while DOGE threatens to slash the Social Security Administration
PROMISE: No Project 2025 in his administration 
BROKEN: Trump’s administration is stacked with Project 2025 contributors and allies – including its “key architect” Russ Vought – and are now following through on their Day One agenda of mass firings and devastating cuts to programs for working families.
PROMISE: Reduce energy prices by 50% and bring down the price of gas to under $2 a gallon 
BROKEN: Gas prices are set to rise across the country under Trump
PROMISE: Promised to “protect our workers [and] … protect our jobs” 
BROKEN: Trump and Musk’s reckless mass firings forced small businesses to lay off employees, losing thousands of private sector jobs 
PROMISE: Promised to make IVF free
BROKEN: Trump’s executive order on IVF doesn’t actually make it free at all – and his role in overturning Roe v. Wade is the only reason it’s at risk
PROMISE: Promised to take care of veterans “properly” 
BROKEN: Fired thousands of veterans while simultaneously gutting VA health care 
PROMISE: Promised no individual assistance would be affected by his federal funding freeze 
BROKEN: Critical programs like Head Start, Meals on Wheels, and community health centers were unable to access funding 
PROMISE: Promised to “put money into the pockets of American consumers” 
BROKEN: Shuttered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has put $21 billion back in the pockets of hardworking Americans 
PROMISE: Promised to “make America safe again” 
BROKEN: Put our national security at risk with his unqualified and unfit Cabinet nominations for Director of National Intelligence and FBI Director 
PROMISE: Promised to bring safety back to America 
BROKEN: Fired critical FAA air traffic controllers after a major plane crash, froze the hiring of much-needed firefighters on the eve of fire season, and stalled several counternarcotics efforts in Mexico to stop fentanyl

While Trump does everything possible in Washington, D.C. to smash our government into smaller pieces to make it easier for his cabinet of billionaires and sycophants to hoover them up, Democrats in the REAL Washington are hard at work to safeguard a better future for our state from Trump’s overreach. Here’s a reminder of how Governor Ferguson, AG Brown, and our other state leaders are fighting back. You can click the image above or go here to see the whole press conference.

Additionally, while the Trump administration wants to cut down our forests, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove is setting our forests on a better management path. The Washington state Senate passed a bill expanding childcare access for military families. It now moves to the House for consideration. The Senate also passed legislation which would put us (possibly for the first time in state history) in a position where every one of our public pension systems is fully funded. If you’d like a refresher of all the Trump lawsuits launched by Attorney General Nick Brown and their status, check out this great primer by David Gutman at The Seattle Times.

Washington Democrats have been hard at work researching and sharing out the best organizing and messaging advice we can find as well as providing updates on legislation in our own state. Over the coming weeks, we will share these resources with you all.

DNC Update

And national Democrats are getting the message! This week, DNC Chair Ken Martin appointed me alongside U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty and Labor Caucus Chair Stuart Applebaum as DNC Associate Chairs. I am honored by Chair Martin’s faith in me and his recognition of the amazing work our state parties do to elect Democrats.


House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DNC Chair Ken Martin hosted a virtual town hall this week. Michelle from Washington state asked “What plans do Democrats have to be bold, loud, and creatively disruptive?” You can listen to House Democrats answer her question here.

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

Republicans Behaving Badly

WA lawmaker wants federal review of state’s voter registration practices, The Seattle Times Washington state has the best and most convenient voter registration and voting systems in the country. So of course WAGOP Chair and State Rep. Jim Walsh wants to end that by having Trump’s cronies tear apart our voting system like they are doing with the federal government. Thankfully, Democrats in the legislature won’t even give his cheap ploy a hearing, but we’ll still need to be on guard from interference from Trump’s Department of Justice.

New initiative aims to shield Parents’ Bill of Rights from revision, The Seattle Times

Jim Walsh’s hedge-fund owning bestie, Brian Heywood, wants to promote child abuse and teen suicide under the guise of parental rights in a new initiative. Heywood needs 386,000 signatures by July 3 to qualify for the ballot – please decline to sign and make sure your communities are aware that “parental bill of rights” masks dangerous changes to law that will threaten our children’s wellbeing and create chaos for schools, educators, and health care professionals.

Democrats in the News

Washington Rep. Marilyn Strickland weighs in on cuts to federal programs, workforce, KOMO

US Representative Rick Larsen: Federal workers and funding cuts, My Bellingham Now

Democrats launch effort to get 100 doctors into elected office, Washington Post

Rep. Schrier worried about federal cuts amid measles death, whooping cough cases, KIMA

Sen. Murray introduces bill to improve Medicaid access for kids in Washington, NonStopLocal

How I’m setting WA forests on a better management path (by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove), The Seattle Times 

Roger Lau named DNC executive director, Politico

WA State Democratic Chair Shasti Conrad appointed as new Associate Chair for DNC, Lynnwood Times

Shasti Conrad appointed DNC Associate Chair, Northwest Asian Weekly

WA Party leaders react to Trump speech, Fox 13 Seattle

Washington State Democrats Chair Shasti Conrad reacts to President Trump’s speech to Congress, King 5 Seattle

Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor, The Seattle Times


Judge in Seattle questions Trump’s response to his refugee ruling, The Seattle Times

What I’m Reading

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central Jon Stewart gave his longest monologue ever commenting on Trump’s betrayal of Ukraine and our allies in favor of Putin. It’s worth watching the whole thing.

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

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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

•
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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

•
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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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