Reconvening My Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force

Today, I held the third meeting of my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force.

While there, we discussed the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force 2023 Annual Report. This report will demonstrate our efforts to address the fentanyl, substance use, and mental health epidemics. It also outlines the goals we have been discussing at the federal, state and county levels.

We were also briefed by Safe Yakima Valley on their successful application for a SIMs Washington State Department of Commerce grant. This is a major step in the right direction in identifying the resource gaps in our communities and how to overcome the evolving challenges.

Both the report and the grant are critical tools we now have while we pursue new legislation to fight the fentanyl epidemic.

While this deadly drug ravages communities and continues to claim lives, we have chosen to act. This crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, and I thank all the dedicated groups and individuals who have joined together in that pursuit.

Discussing Innovation and Issues Within the Yakima Community

This week, I was given the opportunity to visit the Corumat facility, a materials science organization who is building a carbon-negative packaging factory in Yakima.

Efforts like these ensure the development of new industry practices that keep the United States on the forefront of innovation in manufacturing.

Their team of scientists, engineers, manufacturing specialists, and ecologists are working to build sustainable, compostable products for a waste-free future, and I was honored to get a first-hand look at their work.

I was also honored to speak with Yakima Footprints—a non-profit that promotes fellowship, respect, and cooperation between all arms of law enforcement and the community.

While there, I discussed pressing issues, such as skyrocketing crime, the fentanyl crisis, the surge on our Southern border, and the public policy challenges our law enforcement officers are facing.

I remain committed to our law enforcement and public safety officers, and firmly believe Yakima—and Yakima Footprints—are doing the same. I thank them for their unwavering commitment, not just to public safety, but to the many charities, clubs, and young people that may be blessed by the work done there.

Finally, I was privileged to meet with Yakima County judges, as well as representatives from law enforcement, the commissioner's office, prosecution, defense, and other concerned members of our community.

We discussed the ongoing work of my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force, how to to draw qualified prosecution and defense counsel to our community, and suggestions for how we can partner with federal resources to take on new challenges for our region.

This was an important opportunity to gather, learn, and get feedback on issues which are greatly affecting Yakima County, and I am grateful for it.

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