New U.S. citizens, abortion rights, Grays Harbor groundbreaking among governor’s activities this week

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE |||

Seattle naturalization ceremony welcomes new citizens on Independence Day

Nearly 300 immigrants from 74 countries became citizens of the United States of America on Independence Day during a ceremony in Seattle. Now a 30-year tradition, the Seattle Center hosts a public naturalization ceremony under the Space Needle on July 4 to celebrate new citizens and their journey to become Americans.

Gov. Jay Inslee takes a picture with a family of new citizens, naturalized in an Independence Day ceremony in Seattle. Margita from the Czech Republic, 78, was the oldest new citizen of the class. Several citizens admirably served in the U.S. Armed Forces as a path to citizenship.

Immigrants from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the Netherlands, and elsewhere swore allegiance to the United States and completed their requirements for citizenship. Gov. Jay Inslee was joined by local, state, and federal leaders in addressing and congratulating the new citizens. Each spoke a message of hope, optimism, and the importance of voting to the future of America.

“Despite the challenges they faced, my parents brought with them their hopes, their dreams, and their belief in the promises of the United States,” said District Court Judge David Estudillo.

“Our national anthem ends in a question: ‘O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave / O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave,’” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “You will help us answer that question. You, new citizens, will help us keep the American flag waving.”

Enjoy this video story about the event

Inslee joins Democratic governors to prompt federal action to protect rights to choice and patient privacy

Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington state legislators have protected the right of choice in Washington, and continue to advance protections and funding.

Gov. Jay Inslee and eight other Democratic governors met with President Joe Biden on Friday, July 1 to discuss state actions to protect the rights to choice and patient privacy, and to inform federal actions to protect access to abortion and contraception. The recent Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization destroyed federal constitutional protections for abortion.

“What we are experiencing here is a Republican effort to impose minority decisions in a democracy,” said Gov. Jay Inslee during an appearance on Meet the Press last Friday.

On Friday, July 8, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that reinforces legal protections and pharmaceutical access related to reproductive care. The order helps protect access to FDA-approved medication abortion and emergency contraception. The order also helps protect patient privacy by reminding providers that they are not generally required to disclose patients’ private information. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will soon begin an education campaign to ensure patients have reliable and accurate information about their rights and access to care.

Washington state is a pro-choice state with protections for the rights to choice and patient privacy. Inslee and state legislators are taking additional action to seek a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion. Inslee recently issued an executive order to prohibit state police cooperation with out-of-state prosecution related to abortion, and he allocated $1 million in emergency funding to support providers expecting increased demand.

Inslee visits Grays Harbor County to review clean energy and habitat restoration projects

Gov. Jay Inslee helps break ground at the Fry Creek Pump Station in Aberdeen, and visits clean energy and habitat restoration projects in Grays Harbor County on July 7, 2022.

Gov. Jay Inslee began a Thursday visit to Grays Harbor County at the Coastal Community Action Program in Aberdeen. The organization helps low-income residents with housing, health, employment, nutrition, and emergency services. The program benefitted from a Commerce Solar Deployment Grant to build a solar installation that now powers their buildings.

Inslee then broke ground at the Fry Creek Pump Station in Aberdeen, which will reduce flood risk for local homes and businesses. The pump station is just one part of a larger Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project that will protect more than 5,100 properties and 1,354 businesses. The project was funded by $8.75 million from the 2021-2023 state capital budget.

At the Montesano Wastewater Treatment Plant, an installation of engineered log jacks, tree trunks, and boulders helps to slow water from the Chehalis River and and mimics an aquatic habitat. The structure simultaneously reduces erosion that might threaten the plant and helps fish and aquatic life to thrive. The project was enacted by the Office of Chehalis Basin to protect the wastewater plant – the river was eroding 17 feet of material per year, slowly encroaching on the plant.

Inslee concluded his Grays Harbor County visit with a conversation with the Wynoochee River Early Action Project in Montesano. The Recreation and Conservation Office and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife are investing $17.4 million to slow erosion, rebuild habitats, reduce flood risk, and assist reforestation in the area.

WSDOT seeks public input to help plan electric vehicle charging infrastructure

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) invites input on their proposed plan for electric vehicles (EVs) in the state, including the location of future charging stations.

Participants may suggest desired charging locations on an interactive map, and can complete an online survey to offer input.

WSDOT will develop an infrastructure plan by Aug. 1 to unlock federal funds in support of EV infrastructure. WSDOT may receive as much as $71 million to implement the plan. The funds will help Washington build more charging stations and support an increasing number of EVs on the road.

Transportation is the state’s top source of greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to electric vehicles – powered by Washington’s clean electricity – is a crucial piece of the state’s efforts to slash emissions and combat climate change. The state recently hit a new milestone of 100,000 EVs.

“Congratulations, WA! You’ve hit the threshold of 100,000+ electric cars on the road, giving us the 2nd largest EV market share in the country,” said Gov. Jay Inslee in a tweet Thursday.

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Help Washington improve access to internet services

The Washington State Department of Commerce invites you to participate in a short digital equity survey to discover barriers to internet access. The survey is available in multiple languages and formats.

Department of Health encourages safe swimming

The Washington State Department of Health encourages safe swimming this summer. Respect currents, avoid cold water, wear a life jacket, and swim near lifeguards, if present.

Ecology hosts statewide beach cleanup

Washington Parks hosted a beach cleanup day on Tuesday, July 5 to collect trash and debris from Washington beaches. Thanks to all the volunteers and employees keeping our beaches clean. Sign up for future clean-up events.