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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the 2021 legislative session. This is my first email update as your 25th District state representative. Before I discuss this first week of session, I want to sincerely thank you for placing your trust in me and giving me the opportunity to serve you in the Legislature! I take this role very seriously. I will do everything I can to truly represent you and be your voice in Olympia.
Virtual Session Begins
Speaking of being in Olympia, as you may already know, the Legislature will not be allowed to conduct business in the state Capitol this session. On day one, the majority party voted for rule changes that will make the building inaccessible to the public and most legislators with few or no exceptions. I joined with my fellow Republicans and voted no on these rules. Despite my concerns for a transparent process, I am determined to actively work on behalf of everyone in the 25th District and the entire state of Washington.
This session will not be easy, there will be major obstacles to overcome. However, I will work tirelessly to be your voice and bring your ideas and concerns to our state government. You can contact me via email or phone and meet with me via Zoom. I will do my best to keep you informed on everything happening in the Legislature, including providing regular email updates.
Make Your Voice Heard
You can still be part of the legislative process this session, despite not being able to visit the Capitol. You can testify regarding any bill or other important public policy or issue that will be addressed. Just use these links to sign up:
I believe it’s so important to speak up, especially against bad public policy. That’s why I appeared on the Lars Larson radio program this week to share my opposition to the new Senate bill I told you about in my last update, which would create a 9 percent capital gains tax on income as low as $25,000. Click here to hear my interview.
My Legislative Priorities
As a freshman legislator, I’m already working hard, and I have the greatest desire to move our state forward. I will be active in sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills this session. I also look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce and pass quality legislation.
During the first week, I sponsored House Bill 1119. This bill would encourage the use of open source course materials at our four-year colleges as well as informing students the prices of textbooks before they register for courses. As a community college teacher, I taught using open source materials and this curriculum choice can save significant amounts of money for students.
This legislation was introduced during the previous session and received bipartisan support. It passed unanimously in the College and Workforce Development Committee and enjoyed the support of four-year colleges as well. I know this would go a long way in helping students and their families. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation.
Additionally, our biggest task during this 105-day session is to pass a new two-year budget. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will have a hands-on role in scrutinizing and trying to improve the budget. Currently, when so many individuals, families, and businesses are struggling to survive, it’s vital that we find the right solutions without burdening Washingtonians with new or increased taxes. My fellow Republican lawmakers and I will do everything in our power to prevent the majority from increasing your taxes. We will fight to protect your wallet so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
Committee Assignments and Leadership
I’m also excited to let you know that in addition to serving on the Appropriations Committee, I will serve as the Assistant Ranking Member of the College and Workforce Development Committee, and on the Community and Economic Development and Rules committees. My colleagues have also chosen me to serve as an Assistant Whip in the House Republican Caucus.
Stay in Touch With Me
There are several other ways you can keep up with the work of the Legislature. Here are some links that will help:
My legislative website | Here you will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
The Capitol Buzz | A weekday roundup of online news stories. Click on the link to subscribe.
The Current | An online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans. Click on the link to subscribe.
TVW | The state’s own version of C-SPAN, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live online.
The Ledger | A legislative news aggregator.
Legislature’s website | Here you can see bill reports, committee agendas, and information about upcoming activities in the Legislature.
State agencies | You can find a list of all state agencies, boards, and commissions here.
Tracking a bill? | Click the link to find information on specific bills. In addition, when you visit my website you can easily view the legislation I’m sponsoring or co-sponsoring by clicking “Sponsored Bills.”
Thank You for Your Support!
I’m honored to represent you in the 25th District! I know we have much work to do to move our great state forward. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility and allowing me to serve you. Please know that I value your input. Your comments, questions, ideas, and concerns are so important for me to be able to represent you properly. So please reach out to me.
In service,
Sincerely,
Cyndy Jacobsen
