MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Hello Democrats and Happy Friday!
Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to get outside and work hard for Democrats everywhere in Washington State!
There is so much at stake this year and we need to do all we can to remind voters that Democrats are the Party that will work around the clock to ensure a better future for everyone. And in case you need a reminder of why this is true, please join me in celebrating the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act!
The ACA ensured access to healthcare for millions of Americans, including the 25% of non-Elderly Washingtonians with preexisting conditions. This historic legislation currently ensures access to safe, reliable and more affordable healthcare for 270,000 Washingtonians! Yet another reminder that Democrats deliver and that we must do everything in our power to prevent the MAGA GOP from tearing down all that we have built together!
The big news in Washington State politics this week is that new legislative district maps have been approved. A report from the Washington Community Alliance shows that the revised boundaries are projected to make LD 14 significantly more diverse and Democratic and notably improve Democratic performance in LDs 12 and 17. All of these districts now present major pickup opportunities and we will fight tirelessly to ensure they go bright blue!
None of our progress would be possible without you. Thank you all for joining us in the critical work of electing Democrats across Washington State and across the nation. We are glad to have each and every one of you on board!
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
It’s been a terrific week traveling across the state and helping my fellow Democrats get fired up and ready to go for election season!
Last weekend I had the privilege to speak to the Spokane County Democrats at their annual Tom Foley Legacy Dinner. It was my honor to share the stage alongside U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, as well as my great friend Ken Martin who also happens to be President of the Association of State Democratic Committees and Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party!
Congratulations to the Spokane Dems on such a successful event – I look forward to lots of quality time spent working in CD 5 this year!
I also had the great privilege of joining Rep. Jesse Johnson and students from Federal Way High School to discuss why voting is so crucial to our democracy and how their voices are even more powerful when they engage in our democratic process. If you have young people in your life, I encourage you to help them get involved!
The Washington State High School Democrats are hosting a virtual forum on Tuesday, March 26th at 7PM. I hope you can join us!
Civically engaged young people are a huge part of our winning Democratic coalition and we intend to work hard to make sure they turn out in record numbers in 2024 and for years to come!
What I’m Listening to This Week
This week I had the chance to join the Research Collaborative’s Freedom Over Fascism Movement Briefing!
I also highly recommend checking out their toolkit – linked here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0JbXhND7-1iqABNcUNL031NQLxkLfr-USkCKGZTidI/edit?usp=sharing
It’s critical that we share and amplify their message – the stakes have never been higher!
Democrats in the News
Biden to forgive $5.8 billion in student loan debt for nearly 78,000 public-sector workers
President Joe Biden announced another round of student loan debt forgiveness Thursday, totaling $5.8 billion for nearly 78,000 public-sector workers, and will be sending congratulatory emails to those borrowers next week.
Murray, Cantwell, & Schrier Announce Federal Assistance Now Available to WA Cherry Growers
U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08), announced that sweet cherry growers in Washington state are now eligible for up to $500,000 in federal Emergency Farm Loans.
U.S. Travel Names Sam Graves, Rick Larsen as 2024 Legislators of the Year
The U.S. Travel Association today announced recipients of its 2024 Legislator of the Year Award: Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), both serving on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Strickland Secures Over $13 Million For South Sound Community Projects
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) recently secured funding for fourteen South Sound community projects that will increase affordable housing, boost public safety, enhance regional infrastructure and transit, and support our local food banks.
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Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Shasti Conrad Washington State Democratic Party
The work we do today wins elections tomorrow. If you’re ready to elect Democrats in every race and every place in Washington state, invest in our efforts and make a contribution now.
Want to support our work year round? Join Blue Washington, our monthly giving program! It is the most effective way to help candidates, volunteers, organizers, activists, and staff because it gives us the certainty we need to scale up our program with confidence. Your monthly investment ensures we can defend our strong legislative majorities, flip key congressional seats from red to blue, and fight for progressive values. Help us lead the way to victories at all levels of government today!
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States
