||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF |||
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A huge thank you to all of our frontline workers, fire fighters, police officers, community organizations, community members, and the Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit county and city officials who came together to help our region weather the recent flooding! Through their dedication and hard work, our community is on the road to recovery. I also want to thank Sen. Patty Murray for visiting our area, showing her support of a flood wall in Mount Vernon, and allowing me to join her on a tour flood-impacted areas throughout the Skagit. It is more critical now than ever that we all work together to build climate resilient infrastructure and protect our homes and land. How You Can Help With the Flood Response Whatcom County
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Skagit County The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management is collecting information from Skagit County residents and businesses on damage, including losses, suffered during the flooding event of November 2021. Submit via email to DEM@co.skagit.wa.us. San Juan County Follow the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management on Facebook to learn more about road re-openings and other updates on emergency repairs. |
Happy Thanksgiving!
This holiday season, there are a few bills that I’m grateful have become new laws in Washington state:
Native American Heritage Day
Today, on Native American Heritage Day, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the good work done this past legislative session that honors and respects the perspectives of Native Americans across Washington state. It was my honor to champion legislation to both end the derogatory use of Native Americans as school mascots and honor the life and legacy of Billy Frank Jr. with a statue in our nation’s Capitol.
As a state, we must continue to confront the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and children, and work on the issue of culverts and salmon restoration. I will continue to advocate for the Legislature to work government to government with our state’s tribes to ensure that the rights and perspectives of Native Americans are respected and honored.
Thank you to my caucus for acknowledging and celebrating the work we did for Native Americans in the 2021 Session!
Showing our Commitment to Climate Action
Earlier this month, the Puget Sound Partnership released its biennial State of the Sound report, which assesses the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem and progress towards its recovery. While Puget Sound is not doing well, there are signs we are making progress. Learn more in their recent press release.
Global leaders met in Glasgow for COP26 to discuss how to make real commitments to address climate change. As the 2021 State of the Sound shows, changing climate and ocean conditions are already influencing the Puget Sound ecosystem and the economy, health, and wellbeing of communities here and around the world. The message is clear—we need to take action now.
It was an honor to join over 500 state legislators across the nation in signing a letter requesting that President Biden strengthen the U.S.’s climate commitments at COP26 to achieve full decarbonization by 2050. Over the last few years, Washington State has led the way in passing progressive climate policy that will help us reach our goals to decarbonize, while centering in equity and environmental justice and supporting a thriving economy. Read the full text of the letter.
Visiting Sharpe Park with Washington Trails Association
It was an honor to join Barbara Budd and Richard Mellon of Washington Trails Association (WTA) for a trail walk at Sharpe Park. Sharpe Park is a treasured piece of public land on the southwest corner of Fidalgo Island that provides access to forested trails and expansive views of the Salish Sea for locals and visitors alike.
It was exciting to learn more about WTA’s commitment to supporting the growing use of trails on our public lands throughout the state in an equitable and sustainable manner. The walk was an excellent opportunity to share observations and thoughts about the need for additional funding of our public land agencies as increasing numbers of people seek opportunities for outdoor recreation close to their homes. It was especially inspiring to learn about WTA’s efforts to encourage and support greater diversity in the use of our public trails, with particular emphasis on youth, underserved communities, and people of color.
Thank you all for taking to the time to read this week’s Fantastic Friday, and for taking an interest in our progress at the House of Representatives.
This will be the final Fantastic Friday between now and the beginning of session, but please feel free to reach out to me using the information below, with any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Rep. Lekanoff, I am thankful for all that you do for us as our representative!
Your work to address historic and current misunderstandings and disrespect towards indigenous peoples is so important to me.
It is heartwarming to have such a clear minded and humane person representing all of us in these times of severe political and climate upheaval. Thank you Representative Lekanoff for all you do. Kudos by the way to the graphics team that put together that graphic showing what we have to be thankful for from our democratic legislatures and congressional representatives. Bravo to all of you!!!!