Dear Friends,
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Inslee announced that he would extend the eviction moratorium across the state through the end of the year. The moratorium was previously set to expire on October 15, and this will provide a few more months relief to countless Washingtonians impacted by COVID-19.
Governor Inslee is set to release additional details about the extension but said yesterday that he did not expect any major changes from the current version.
This is an incredible step towards providing help to those who need it most, and I’m thrilled with the Governor’s decision to extend the moratorium through the end of the year. This does not mean we have found a solution, and there is still much work to be done on this front.
We must make take additional steps to ensure there is not a new wave of homelessness once the moratorium eventually does expire. There has to be a plan in place for those who have lost their jobs to pay off the growing rent payments, and we must look seriously at providing a relief package to those impacted.
We should all be grateful that Governor Inslee made this important extension, and we must remain optimistic and committed as we continue fighting for those hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Stay Safe, Stay Healthy”
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Trivia!
Which Washington State sports team has won a championship most recently?
Protecting The Salish Sea
We are so blessed in the 40th LD to have the Salish Sea so close by. It has always been a priority of mine to do whatever I can to preserve and protect this beautiful place. I’ve brought that with me to Olympia, and it’s something we should all prioritize as we move into the future.
Next week, I’m thrilled to join a wonderful panel of fellow legislators, scientists, activists, and more to virtually discuss how we can best help the Salish Sea, and what steps we can, and must, take in order to ensure its natural beauty and ecosystems are around for seven generations to come.
The Community Rights San Juan Islands and Lopez Island Library are hosting the event, Protecting the Salish Sea in the Time of COVID-19, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on October 13, and if you’d like to join us you can register here!
Casting Our Votes!
Thank you to everyone who has supported both of my campaigns! Photo taken in 2018.
Ballots for the 2020 General Election are going to be sent out in less than a week! It’s so important that you exercise your right to vote, and make sure your voice is heard. Check out the important dates for the election below – and once you receive your ballot, fill it out and return it in the mail as soon as you can!
WECU Education First Grants
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded by teachers, WECU has shown unparalleled commitment to supporting Whatcom County education by setting up their Education First Grant Program, which commits $110,000 annual in the support of promising programs.
The recently announced 2020 Education First recipients are:
Thank you to WECU for doing so much to support our students, and our education programs! This is an incredible grant that does so much for our Whatcom communities, and we will continue to see the benefits for generations to come.
Fill Out The Census!
There has been a lot of confusion about when the Census is going to stop counting – there are a few ongoing court cases and a lot of different dates are being reported and discussed online. I want to make it perfectly clear to everyone:
You can still fill out the Census today.
If you haven’t already, click here to fill it out.
We only have this opportunity once every ten years, and it truly is one of the most important things you can do for your community, and for your family. If you haven’t already, please take ten minutes today to fill out the Census.
Celebrating The 19th Amendment
While 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, it also marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. It was just a generation or two ago when so many could not cast votes to shape their communities and country, yet a century later there are women serving in all levels of government. And this year there are more women on ballots nationwide than ever before.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Heritage University is bringing a panel of women leaders from across the state for a virtual event that will educate and inspire women in our community. Regina Malveaux Director of the Washington State Women’s Commission, will lead the discussion at this exciting event.
I’m so excited to join a number of incredible women for this incredible event next Wednesday, October 14 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm! I hope you’ll join – you can RSVP here!
Endorsement Shoutouts!
Attorney General Bob Ferguson
Attorney General Bob Ferguson has done a tremendous job since he was first elected in 2012, and I am proud to endorse him for reelection! He has long been an advocate for the most vulnerable in our state, protected our environment and wildlife, and so much more!
I’m so appreciative of all the support he has given me, and thankful that I am able to lift him up as well. To get involved, donate, or learn more about Bob, check out his website here.
Gael Tarleton for Secretary of State
It has been an honor to serve beside Gael Tarleton in the Washington State House of Representatives these past two years. She has brought such incredible depth and experience to every conversation, and always has a keen eye towards maximizing the impact we can have on the people who most need our help.
Now, I’m proud to endorse her as she runs to be our Secretary of State! Her time across the public and private sectors have provided her with the necessary tools to thrive in the office, and I hope she can count on your support!
For more information about Gael’s campaign click here.
Zack Hudgins
Zack Hudgins has served the 11th LD incredibly well during his time in Olympia, and he has been an invaluable resource these past two years. I am always confident having him beside me as we work on housing and homelessness, climate change, and more.
I am proud to endorse Zack Hudgin’s re-election campaign. He is an incredible advocate for Washingtonians, and you can find more information about his campaign here.
Yakama Nation Endorses Rep. Lekanoff
Thank you to the Yakama Nation for formally endorsing my re-election campaign! I will always seek to represent tribal issues in my work as an elected official, and understand the importanvr of treaty rights and tribal sovereignty.
I am so grateful for your support and will always welcome you to the table. I am so thankful every time I am able to sit down and hear from you on what the Yakama Nation needs and will continue advocating on your behalf.
Individual endorsements are an incredibly important part of my campaign. You can put your name next to mine and support my re-election by heading over to my website and filling out this form.
These endorsements mean so much to me – they show that this is a campaign focused on people, and I would be honored to have your name added along with mine.
Trivia Answer!
The Seattle Storm won the WNBA Championship just this week!