“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Would you like to get more involved with the Democratic Party? PCOs, or precinct committee officers, are the building block of the Democratic Party. They are the grassroots organizing base for all of our activities. Island County recently expanded the number of precincts by splitting precincts that were too large. This opens up new opportunities to join the ranks of precinct committee officers. It also reduces the workload for each PCO since the number of registered voters per precinct has been split in half. Camano is increasing from 11 to 20 precincts so WE NEED YOU!.
What does a PCO do? PCOs play an important role in electing Democrats. It’s their job to get to know their neighbors, educate undecided or swing voters, and make sure Democrats are registered to vote. Before Election Day, they work to turn out voters. All this hard work adds up to precinct-by-precinct victories and the election of Democratic candidates. This is what grassroots politics is all about! Contact for information.
From the Governor's office:
"The Legislature has just wrapped up an historic and truly extraordinary session. It has been the most innovative, having produced unprecedented and legacy making advances as all-encompassing as any session in the last 25 years," Inslee said. "Washingtonians received progress on climate, progress on equity, progress on our tax system, and progress protecting our workers and families, and more. And all of this was accomplished safely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues."
WATCH: Inslee on 2021 legislative session.
Sine Die. Legislation Session for 2021 is completed We can be proud of the progress made and the high public participation. Many good bills have been passed. See TVW (archives) to hear House and Senate Democratic leaders hold a media availability following adjournment.
The White House released state-by-state fact sheets that highlight the urgent need in every state across the country for the investments proposed by President Biden in the American Jobs Plan. The fact sheets highlight the number of bridges and miles of road in each state in poor condition, the percentage of households without access to broadband, the billions of dollars required fo water infrastructure, among other infrastructure needs. Racial Equity Fact Sheet Rural Fact Sheet WA Fact Sheet
Camano Island Democrats met April 15th, 7PM. Program included a presentation on the Healthy Environment for All (Heal) Act created by the Front and Centered Coalition. Other environmental legislation being considered in Olympia was also discussed. Kathryn Wells from Snohomish Conservation District informed us on the work they are doing and resources available to us on Camano. We also met with several people, who are working to make the Camano Fire Covid Vaccination Center such a success. Our Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair, provided updates from the County.
Redistricting Is Here!
See League of Women Voters Snohomish for information on redistricting:
"People Powered Fair Maps is a nationwide redistricting campaign of the national League of Women Voters, focused on creating fair voting districts in all 50 states. Learn more about how LWVSC is supporting this national effort and how Speak Up Schools are part of the effort in Washington State. Register for any of the League's free online training on how you can make your voice and your vote count."
Camano Island Democrats Met March 18th, 7PM
Jeff Wheeler, Salish Foothills Area Manager for the State Parks met with Camano Island Democrats March 18th.
Jeff shared his knowledge of the Park system, new Parks to explore, Navy SEAL training and other areas of interest. We also heard from Not In Our Parks, the citizen group opposing the Navy’s use of our state parks for training purposes.
Good questions and discussion by members followed the presentations.
Note from Representative Dave Paul
Ferries are our vital connections to work and school, and they’re essential to the economy and lifestyle of our district. I formed the Ferry Caucus with
Sen. Liz Lovelett . We’re working with lawmakers from both parties to modernize our ferry system, make meaningful improvements that are better for the environment, and save taxpayers money. We need your input to make this possible.
Join our community meetings with WSDOT to share your ideas for improving ferry service.
If you missed the meeting you can view the recordings:
Winter 2021 virtual community meetings
To watch the meeting recordings, you’ll need to provide a name and email to sign into the GotoWebinar page.
Camano Island Democrats met February 18th. The Zoom meeting was on the Rise of Hate Groups in our area and how our neighbors have organized to counteract them. Guest speakers were Charles Tanner research director, Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights. He is a longtime civil and human rights activist who has worked to counter the organized white supremacist and anti-Indian movements.
Craig Cyr, Council Member City of Langley spoke on the
3 percenters taking over the South Whidbey Grange and the organization that formed to counter them. https://www.reclaimthegrange.org
Brian Grad, Chair of Anti-Vigilantism Action, Training and Research (AVATAR) and Lowell Rathbun who will spoke on the psychology of QAnon and hate groups.
We were also updated on the Covid 19 vaccine by Island County Commissioner Janet St Clair.
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
This bill provides additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
Specifically, the bill provides funding for
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agriculture and nutrition programs, (SNAP,)
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schools and institutions of higher education;
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child care and programs for older Americans and their families;
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COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, treatment, and prevention;
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mental health and substance-use disorder services;
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emergency rental assistance, homeowner assistance, and other housing programs;
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payments to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments for economic relief;
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multiemployer pension plans;
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small business assistance, including specific programs for restaurants and live venues;
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programs for health care workers, transportation workers, federal employees, veterans, and other targeted populations;
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international and humanitarian responses;
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tribal government services;
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scientific research and development;
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state, territorial, and tribal capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to COVID-19; and see congress.gov.bill
"Let’s look at the list of first day actions from our new administration:
☑️ Ended the Muslim Ban
☑️ Rejoined the Paris Climate Accord
☑️ Extended the Eviction Moratorium
☑️ Protected DREAMers
☑️ Protected LGBTQ rights
☑️ Increased Food Benefits to children and families
☑️ Set a REAL national strategy for combating COVID-19
☑️ Authorized use of the Defense Production Act to increase vaccine distribution
☑️ Increased Worker Protections
☑️ Mandated Masks
☑️ Dumped Trump appointees of the executive branch
In all, 15 Executive actions were signed by the President on day one. Track all of President Biden's Executive Actions at White House .gov
Island County Auditor Election Results
Number of Island County registered voters in election: 63133
Last day/time counted: November 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Total number of ballots counted: 54,289
Estimated number of ballots left to count: 0
Next count: Results have been certified and are final. No further counts.
Election Results Washington State