Dear Friends,
One thing that I will always continue advocating for is affordable, accessible, quality education for all Washingtonians. There are ample resources available for students looking to further their education, and I’d like to share one with you today.
The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. Recent high school graduates and working-age adults from many low- and middle-income families can qualify to receive money for college or career training.
Washington College Grants can cover up to full tuition for approved and eligible in-state public colleges or universities, which includes community and technical colleges. At an approved private college or career training program, WCG provides a comparable amount toward tuition and other education-related costs.
Here is what the Grant’s webpage has to say about eligibility:
“WCG is available to eligible Washington residents, including undocumented students. There are no age limits. Recipients must meet program requirements and attend an approved college or program, part-time or full-time.
Amounts vary based on income, family size, and school or program cost. An eligible student from a family of four with income of $56,000 or less per year would get a full award. What does that mean? For example, public college tuition would likely be free for a family with three children and a single parent making $25 per hour. For middle-income families, grant amounts are lower. But even someone from a family of four making up to $102,000 per year can get some money to help pay for college or training.”
This is an incredible resource for Washingtonians looking to further their education, and I would encourage all those eligible to apply! Higher education is something that should be accessible to all, and I’m proud to support programs like the Washington College Grant.
Keep reading for more on this Fantastic Friday.
“Stay Safe, Stay Healthy”
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Make Sure You’re Ready for the Primary Election!
Friends, as you all know this is a crucial election year. The votes that we cast this fall will have impacts for generations, and there are so many incredible candidates running for all levels of government in Washington State, and across the country.
I want to take a moment to lay out some key dates for you to make sure that you have all the important information necessary to cast your vote in the primary election!
Ballots were mailed out beginning on July 15, and you should receive yours soon if you have not already!
July 25 is the last day that you’ll be able to register or change your address for the primary election.
If you’re unsure about your voter status – click here! Make sure that you are all set up and ready to go so that your ballot is mailed right to your door.
Our primary election this year will be held on August 2. You can drop your ballot at an official drop box or return it by mail without any stamp needed! Accessible voting will be available until 8pm on election day at your local elections office or voting center.
It’s so important that all our voices are heard, and there’s no better way for you to impact our community than by voting in our elections.
From reproductive rights to environmental protections to supporting our workers and so much more, every action we take today impacts the next seven generations to come. I want to take a moment to highlight a few candidates that I hope can count on your support.
Fighting for Reproductive Rights
Recently, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, holding that there is no longer a constitutional right for a child bearer to make decisions for their own body.
For nearly fifty years Roe v. Wade has protected a woman’s right to choose at a federal level, and what this decision does is delegate that authority to the states instead – where we have already seen a concerted attack on reproductive rights and many states are poised to act now that Roe is overturned.
As a mother I understand how critical it is that our daughters and sisters have access to reproductive care and are trusted to make their own decisions. Here in Washington, we will stand firm protecting Washingtonian’s right to choose.
Unfortunately, last weekend I tested positive for COVID-19 and am unable to stand on the streets with all of you who are out their demonstrating their disgust. My heart is with all of you, and son enough I’ll be right alongside each of you as we roll up our sleeves and continue fighting for reproductive rights.
Make no mistake – Washington recognizes that all people have an inherent right to choose, that bodily autonomy is paramount when it comes to having children. If you or someone you love needs assistance, you can find more resources here.
I will always work to protect those rights as your voice in Olympia, and I am ready to link arms with my fellow representatives in the peoples’ house to fight against this new attack on the rights of our daughters, sisters, friends, family, and all those who bear children.
Now, as we come up on an incredibly important election, it’s more important than ever that we support candidates that are ready to fight for reproductive rights. I want to take a moment and highlight a few of the key races coming up in our elections this November – races that need your support to maintain our majority in Olympia.
If you are able, please consider donating to these campaigns and lending them your support – I’m proud to stand by them, and I will always defend the reproductive rights of all Washingtonians.
Emily Randall for State Senate in the 26th LD
Sharon Shewmake for State Senate in the 42nd LD
Bill Ramos for the State Legislature in the 5th LD
Lisa Callan for the State Legislature in the 5th LD
Dave Paul for the State Legislature in the 10th LD
Alicia Rule for the State Legislature in the 42nd LD
Brandy Donaghy for the State Legislature in the 44th LD
Supporting Representative Callan in the 5th LD!
One of the candidates I’d like to highlight for you is the incredible State Representative Lisa Callan in the 5th LD!
Lisa has been in office alongside me in Olympia since I was first elected, and she’s always been a strong voice for our public schools, uplifting children across Washington State, promoting affordable housing, and she has long been a champion for Washington’s small businesses.
She serves as Vice-Chair of the Capital Budget Committee, as a member of the Children, Youth And Families Committee, and the Education committee in the State House. She is co-chair of Washington State’s Children & Youth Behavioral Work Group in partnership with the health care authority
The more leaders like Lisa that we can have in Olympia, the better. I’m proud to support her campaign, and I hope she can count on you as well. For more information about Lisa, and do donate to her campaign, click here.
Supporting Native Candidates
As the only Native American serving in Washington’s State Legislature, I am proud to help support Native Americans seeking elected offices. When I ran my first campaign in 2018, I was surrounded by love and tough love with uplifting encouragement.
I always remember my humble teachings from my home and from our Tribes, and no matter what, we always reach back to give others strength and encouragement to succeed, as we know we are always stronger when we stand as One.
Today I surround my fellow Native American Candidates with the same support you all shared with me.
I am so honored stand next to Claudia Kauffman running to serve as a State Senator for the 47th LD. Claudia is known for her historical leadership in the State legislature. She serves with grace and integrity and I am thankful she took the time to share her teachings of the legislature with me. Learn more and support her campaign here.
This election, we are blessed to have Daryl Williams, a Tulalip tribal member, running to represent the 38th LD alongside me in the People’s House! Daryl Williams was born and raised on the Tulalip Reservation and has spent his 45-year career working on natural resources policy for the Tulalip Tribes and over two-decades working on state policy on behalf of Tulalip. Learn more and support his campaign here.
Finally, we have an incredible leader in Chris Sterns running to represent the 47th LD! He has been a long time Native American political partner at all levels of government and is a leading example of the kind experience we must bring to the legislature so we may work together for our communities. Learn more and support his campaign here.
I know there are a few more candidates running for office, but I wanted to highlight my personal experience with Claudia, Daryl, and Chris.
Please consider joining and donating to their campaigns. Investing in voter outreach and electing Native candidates will make an important difference in Washington State. We all know that electing smart, diverse, good people to office can be a game changer and this is a team who I know and believe in.
I’ll be donating and I hope you’ll consider joining me in that.
Native Vote Washington
In addition to the incredible Native candidates that I’ve highlighted above, I’d also like to let you know about a new Political Action Committee that is dedicated to supporting Native candidates in Washington State.
The Native Vote Washington PAC is helping Native candidates running for office in Washington state in this important midterm election year, and emphasizing these elections have a significant impact on our environment and environmental justice.
Investing in voter outreach and electing Native candidates will make an important difference in Washington State. We all know that electing smart, diverse, good people to office can be a game changer and this is a team who I know and believe in.
If you’re interested, you can support the Native Vote Washington PAC here.
Doorbelling for Representative Ramel!
Another great candidate that I’d like to highlight for you today is my fellow Representative in the People’s House for the 40th LD, Alex Ramel!
Alex has been a strong ally and advocate for the 40th LD during his time alongside me in Olympia, and I’m happy to stand united as he runs for re-election to remain your Representative moving forward.
Tomorrow, July 23rd, I’ll be doorbelling with you all on behalf of Alex’s campaign – I hope you can join! Find all of the relevant information below, but ahead of time I look forward to speaking individually to those who come out, and to hearing your specific concerns and needs for the 40th LD.
You can RSVP ahead of time on Facebook here. I hope to see you there!
Endorsement Shoutouts!
Working on your behalf in Olympia has been the pleasure of a lifetime these past four years, and it’s been an honor to work alongside so many great individuals and organizations as I’ve worked to represent you and the interests of the 40th LD.
Now I’m pleased to thank all those who have endorsed my second re-election campaign! It is an honor to have your support as I work on behalf of all Washingtonians.
Excited to run to continue as your voice in Olympia!
Representing you in Olympia these past four years has been such an incredible honor. I have loved getting to know each and every one of you, and it is always my goal to listen to each of you as we continue working to create a place our grandchildren’s grandchildren will be proud to call home.
It’s with that in mind that I ask you to stand with my campaign – I would love to include your name on my list of endorsements as I run for re-election this year. If you’d like to endorse my campaign, click here – it will only take a minute!
The 40th LD is an incredible place, and I am proud to have you behind me as I run for re-election to continue as your voice in Olympia.
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