Message from the Chair
Dear King County Young Democrats,
I know a great many of us were looking to 2021 as a year of new
beginnings. After all the hard work and suffering of last year, we now
have vaccines on the horizon, a new president, and control of the
Senate. However, with the attempted coup at the Capitol and the deep
damage that has been done to our faith in our democracy and each
other, it seems like 2021 may not be the new beginning we were hoping
for. Nonetheless, there are helpers everywhere I look. I’m grateful for
each and every one of you that continues to fight. Political work is
unglamorous, tedious, and often unrewarding, but that won’t stop us
from continuing on and fighting for what is just for our community.
With all of the energy and passion of young people, it’s my belief
that we set ourselves apart from other Democratic organizations
because of our energy and openness. We have the opportunity not to
simply be the “young” branch of the Democrats, but also be the
trailblazer on issues that are important to us. It is my hope that, in
2021, we support the ones who are creative and courageous in their
approach. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be this year’s King County Young
Democrats Chair. I look forward to working with you all.
Yuan Tao
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Meet Your New Board:
Yuan Tao - Chair
Nicole Palczewski - Vice Chair
Viral Shah - Treasurer
Geoff Long - Communications Director
Matthew Lang - Legislative Director
Dan Tran - Political Director
Patrick Burke - Events Director
S.A Director- Madeline Brown
Regional Membership Directors
Mary Kylie Cranford - West
Mike Devine - East
Mahamed MJ' Jama - South
KCDCC Representatives
Rebeca Muniz
Niko Battle
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Legislative Announcements
Important Actions week of 2/1 (Please reach out to Matthew to coordinate and for greater scope of information if you plan to testify - 206.468.8559 or [email protected] ):
Working Families Tax Credit or WFTC (HB 1297) and Wealth Tax (HB 1406) - House Finance Committee 2/2 @ 1:30 PM
- The WFTC will provide a cash rebate to low income families of $500 up to $950 depending on family size. BIPOC folks make up 36% of these households.
- The Wealth Tax draws revenue by taxing 1% of wealth over $1 billion (it will only affect 14 people in this state, and 4 of those will foot 97% of the bill).
- Sign in here to either mark your stance for the record (PRO), submit written testimony, or give virtual public comment. Signups for virtual public comment end 1 hour prior to the meeting.
Grade Separated Transport (HB 1304) - House Local Government Committee - 2/3 @ 10 AM
- This bill opens up authority for Seattle to use Monorail Tax (MVET) revenues to be utilized for light rail expansion -
- Here is the link to sign in to either mark your stance for the record (PRO), submit written testimony, or give virtual public comment.
Select Committee: “Local Government”
Select Meeting: Select “2/3/2021 10AM”
Select Agenda Item: “HB 1304 Grade Separated Transport”
HEAL Act (SB 5141) - Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee - 2/4 @ 10:30 AM
- This bill will prioritize climate justice and direct investment into those communities who have been hit hardest by our climate crisis, implementing the recommendations of the Environmental Justice Task Force.
- Here is the link to sign in - to either mark your stance for the record (PRO), submit written testimony, or give virtual public comment. Meeting should be available to choose by 1/31 or 2/1
Select Committee: “Environment, Energy, and Technology”
Select Meeting: Select “2/4/2021 10:30AM”
Select Agenda Item: “SB 5141 Implementing the Recommendations of the Environmental Justice Task Force”
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Survey Announcement
KCYD wants to hear from you! Tell us the issues that are important to you and that you want KCYD to help advance and advocate for this year! We have created a survey to hear your thoughts and the results will be used to help us fight for the issues our membership hold as priorities for this year. Fill out the survey here! |
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