Issues Worth Fighting For
"What were saying is, yes, we can still have this system but it needs to be inclusive. Either you’re going to have the system where it excludes people and we will continue to fight it, or you’re going to be inclusive, and have justice and fair treatment across the board for every American.”
- Rep. Melanie Morgan
Housing
Ms. Morgan is no stranger to housing issues. As a single mother of four, she raised her children with subsidized housing, section 8 voucher. Many times over she experienced discrimination by landlords not accepting the voucher in her own community. (Include tv interview from capitol in 2018)
The cost of living has increased dramatically in our state, which has created barriers to housing. Rents have quadrupled, while wages cannot keep up. It has always been Ms. Morgan’s priority to pass legislation that helps people get in and stay in their homes. The housing bills that she primarily sponsored in her first term reflect those priorities, such as House Bill 1694, which allows tenants to make installment payments on rental deposits, first months rent and fees. (Include floor speech)
Her leadership in housing was apparent as the Vice Chair of Housing, Community Development and Veterans. Ms. Morgan’s advocacy for equity was instrumental (insert a video link from TVW)
In Ms. Morgan’s next term she plans to continue leading the way in housing by introducing legislation that protects tenant’s rights while providing real solutions to the housing crisis.
Community Resources
Ms. Morgan has been advocating for a community center in the Parkland/Spanaway area for many years. In 2018, she was able to secure funds to begin the preliminary designs. She has been working with her constituents on implementation.
Creating a homeless shelter in the South of the 29th has been a priority for Ms. Morgan. She has been working with the Department of Commerce, local leaders and community activists to bring this much needed resource to the most vulnerable in her district.
In the 2019 State supplemental budget Ms. Morgan ___________ to conduct a feasibility study on the incorporation of Parkland, Spanaway, Midland, Summit-Waller, and Collins into one city. This study will provide voters with the necessary information on making an informed decision when this issue is placed on the ballot. Due to the COVID-19 virus this provision so was vetoed and rightly so. Ms. Morgan will reintroduce this item in her next term.
Civil Rights, Civil Engagement, and Equity
Ms. Morgan understands that there is a lot of work to be done to protect the rights of all people. She knows first hand how someone’s civil rights can be trampled on and denied. This is why the voices of the marginalized and communities of color can depend on her to be their voice in Olympia. Ms. Morgan is a proven fighter that brings compassion, fierceness, tenacity and empathy to these issues. This was demonstrated in the last session when she primed sponsored House Bill 2602, which prevents discrimination for hair textures or styles in places of employment and education. (Include Committee testimony)
The 29th is one of the lowest voting districts in the State. Ms. Morgan worked tirelessly to raise participation by introducing House Bill 1520, which mandates that the election dates be posted on the outside of the ballot return envelopes. This will help to keep voters informed and increase voter turnout.
Last summer, Ms. Morgan was appointed by the Governor to the State Equity Office task force. Her knowledge and leadership was vital and significant. She co-sponsored House Bill 1783, which created the nation’s first equity office! (include some remarks of task force)
In 2021, Ms. Morgan plans to introduce legislation that will make Juneteenth a paid state holiday.
Juneteenth is the oldest known nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. (include a history link)
Leading the way on civil rights, civic engagement and equity.
Transportation-Public Safety Hazard (Emergency Response)
Transportation in the 29th has always been a challenge. Whether you are in the North part of the district or the South, our commutes in cars have gotten longer and public transportation has not increased since the downsizing in 2008.
Our transportation needs to be improved to help handle the growth in our state. Transportation costs and traffic have increased, which means it costs more than ever to get to where we need to be yet at a dramatically slower rate. This is why we need to invest in new transportation options that bring access to more people around the state. Melanie brings innovative ideas to the table that will lower transportation costs and congestion to our region. Why it’s a public safety hazard in the 29th LD specifically!
COVID-19 has highlighted disparities all over amongst marginalized communities
Accountable/Accessibility/ Transparency
Our constituents deserve to know what’s happening in our government. We pass laws to govern our people but us legislators should be held to even higher standards than what we ask of our constituents. Melanie was instrumental in passing HB 2018 that added harassment articles to the ethics code for the state legislature. Having an accountable and transparent government is essential to establishing trust between the people and our government. Primary focus: Internal issues at the Capitol