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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Day 26 of the 105-day session: The legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to end April 27.
Today’s newsletter is 765 words, a four-minute read time.
My first month in the state Legislature
The first month of service as your new 14th District representative has been a whirlwind of meeting with constituents, attending and voting in committee meetings and floor sessions, learning how to get around the Capitol campus, and building relationships with not only Republican lawmakers but majority Democratic legislators as well.
My first bill: I’ve experienced many “firsts” the past few weeks in Olympia, but one of the most significant is the first bill I dropped in the hopper. That’s where all new bills go to be reviewed by the Code Reviser’s office before being introduced in the state House of Representatives. House Bill 1783 would allow off-duty law enforcement officers to receive an honorarium when speaking or presenting to college and technical school students.
Why it matters: The bill would encourage off-duty officers to share their real-life expertise in college courses and inspire young people into a life of public service to help others. This is also a way to bring our local colleges and communities together with law enforcement and help strengthen and build those relationships. Plus, the honorarium is a small way to help our off-duty law enforcement officers when they share their experiences with college students.
What’s next: The bill was referred to the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee. A public hearing is now scheduled for Feb. 11 at 1:30 p.m. Learn how to participate.
Read more about my first bill.
Addressing the fentanyl crisis
Shocking statistics: KIT Radio says the Yakima County Coroner’s office reported an appalling rise in drug-related fatalities — 146 overdose deaths in 2024, up from 26 in 2023. Already, 11 people in Yakima County died in January from drug overdoses. The coroner’s office says fentanyl is a significant factor in these fatalities.
Heartbreaking news: Yet another innocent child accidentally ingesting fentanyl being used by an addicted parent died in Spokane this past weekend. (Read the story.) Sadly, these heartbreaking stories are becoming all too common. According to the latest Office of Family and Children’s Ombuds report, Washington state has experienced a significant increase in the number of young children dying or nearly dying because of accidental fentanyl exposure in the home last year. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among kids under Child Protective Services supervision in Washington.
What to do? One proposal, House Bill 1092, would remove kids from dangerous homes with fentanyl or other hard drugs and provide a path for parents to seek treatment for their addiction. Children would be reunited with their families once the parent or guardian has six months of sobriety, passing random drug screenings. This is not about punishing parents but saving kids’ lives. Unfortunately, the majority party’s committee chair says this bill will not receive a hearing. While it may not be the perfect solution, ignoring the fentanyl crisis will not make it go away. Sadly, more children are put at risk if nothing is done.
What would you suggest? I met this week with Grandview Police Chief Kal Fuller and Sunnyside Police Chief Rob Layman. The fentanyl issue was one of several we discussed. We are all frustrated and saddened by how this is impacting our communities. I’m open to suggestions. Some of the best solutions come from our constituents. I welcome your comments and input as we try to save our children — and their parents — from this horrible epidemic in our communities. My contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
In the news. . .
My work in the Legislature recently made local and national news.
- Listen to my interview on Yakima’s KIT Radio.
- “How is this helping to save lives?” Rep. Mendoza questions speed limit device – Fox News
Thank you for reading my newsletter. Please share it with your friends and neighbors. Contact my office with your questions or comments. Thank you for the great honor of allowing me to serve and represent you!
Sincerely,
Gloria Mendoza
