Friends-

Currently we are in the middle of the legislative session, but I wanted to send you a quick update. 

Last month, we saw the horrific consequences of gun violence and anti-Asian hate in our country. My heart goes out to the families of the eight people, six of whom were of Asian descent, whose lives were taken on March 16th in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The tragic shooting last month was a horrific example of the racism and bigotry our AAPI community lives in fear of every day. 

I am committed to using my role as State Representative to stand up to racism and fight for responsible gun laws and reform.

Since January, I’ve focused on creating positive changes for the most marginalized in our region. Here’s what I’ve been working on: 

• Automatically restoring the right to vote to formerly incarcerated individuals. 
• Creating the state office of behavioral health consumer advocacy. 
• Expanding healthcare workforce eligibility for thousands of qualified Washingtonians by prohibiting the Department of Social and Health Services from automatically disqualifying persons with criminal convictions from certain caregiver jobs

Last week we made history in Washington State. One of the first bills I sponsored was approved by the Senate and it’s now heading to the Governor's desk-- automatically restoring the right to vote to formerly incarcerated individuals.
 
As the first formerly incarcerated person elected to public office in the country, this is a personal victory for me. 

I’m beyond proud to have sponsored this historical legislation and am full of gratitude for my colleagues, my team, and my supporters who have made this possible. This effort took many years with the hard work of so many advocates, activists, legislators, lobbyists, survivors, prosecutors, impacted people and more. 

You can read more about this historical legislation HERE.

It is an honor to represent the 23rd District. Thank you for all of your support and please reach out if you have any questions or feedback so I can be better at my job!

Tarra

www.ElectTarraSimmons.com